Loops in the Tomcat...

[Donut]

Alrighty fellow virtual Tomcat pilots (and you real ones out there too)...let's talk about loops in the Tomcat.

 

With turns, there is a lot of discussion about rate vs radius, corner speed, G's, and AoA and I would think the same applies to performing loops.

 

What does an optimal loop in the Tomcat look like or is it just dependent on the situation and what position you want to obtain?

 

Is there an optimal entry speed? Do you light the burners, peg the AoA at 15 and just pull all the way around or is it ever a good idea to cut the throttles near the top, bleed some speed and then pull high AoA to bring the nose around quickly at the cost of energy?

 

I am curious to hear what everyone's thoughts and proven methods are!

[probad]

I can get the B over the top with a 180 KIAS entry at 5-10,000 feet, even with the gear and flaps down. Light buffet to 15-17 units over the top, gently.

 

Try 450 KIAS with a 4 G and transition to 15 units over the top and back to 4 G's down the backside. Should be a very comfortable maneuver at this speeds in Mil power. Report back.

 

some hints in here