Flying The F-18 Without Peddles?

[Zulu111]

I'm new to DCS and I was thinking of making the F-18 my first purchase. I do have the Thrustmaster HOTAS combo but I don't have peddles yet. Can I still operate the F-18 without the peddles for now? Thanks.

[razo+r]

Yes, you only need to use rudder on the ground, so that would work out.

[cthulhu68]

OK. I didn't want to admit it, but yeah, I only use rudders for taxiing and take-off in a modern jet.

Edited December 22, 2019 by cthulhu68

[Harker]

If you have rudder pedals and you don't use them in BFM/ACM in the F-18,you're doing yourself a disservice. The high AOA authority of the plane allows for some interesting maneuvers that combine stick and rudder input, at least in my opinion/style of dogfighting.

That being said, you absolutely don't need rudder pedals for 90-95% of the jet's operation. You need to use the rudder during taxi and takeoff/landing, but everything else is optional, including my example above; you can definitely dogfight in the F-18 without using the rudder. The FBW system automatically deflects the rudder as you maneuver, in order to help you stay stable.

I suggest that you bind left and right rudder to one of the available hats on the stick or the throttle, that way you can still access them quickly if you need them.

[Cytarabine]

If you have rudder pedals and you don't use them in BFM/ACM in the F-18,you're doing yourself a disservice. The high AOA authority of the plane allows for some interesting maneuvers that combine stick and rudder input, at least in my opinion/style of dogfighting.

That being said, you absolutely don't need rudder pedals for 90-95% of the jet's operation. You need to use the rudder during taxi and takeoff/landing, but everything else is optional, including my example above; you can definitely dogfight in the F-18 without using the rudder. The FBW system automatically deflects the rudder as you maneuver, in order to help you stay stable.

I suggest that you bind left and right rudder to one of the available hats on the stick or the throttle, that way you can still access them quickly if you need them.

 

Exactly this. You CAN fly without the rudder pedals on all of the FBW aircraft with the exception of taxi (which can be worked around with keybinds or binding buttons), however the Hornet really sings at high AoA and there you need a good rudder input.

 

Having said that I would invest in some form of head tracking before getting rudder pedals. The full fidelity modules really demand that you are able to quickly look around the cockpit (and for me trying to do that with an axis on the joystick does not cut it).

[Zulu111]

Thanks to everyone's input, it is much appreciated.

[JUICE-AWG]

And if you have any realistic Crosswinds on landing and approach, the rudders can help greatly. As wags what he uses for Rudders...I think he mapped it to one of his HOTAS buttons!

 

 

As for rudder use, I use them all the time in low speed aerial maneuvers while dogfighting...you can get by for a while, but long term, I'd get them for sure!

 

 

What are you using for head tracking?

Edited December 22, 2019 by =JUICE=

[donkeyrider]

Agree with the others that Head Tracking should be prioritized over Rudders. I would also recommend Tacview. I believe it's on sale now though there is a free version as well.

[fitness88]

My old Thrustmaster HOTAS has a twist joy-stick for rudder/nose wheel steering...check yours.

[Shuenix]

I'm new to DCS and I was thinking of making the F-18 my first purchase. I do have the Thrustmaster HOTAS combo but I don't have peddles yet. Can I still operate the F-18 without the peddles for now? Thanks.

 

Use your money on TrackIR if you haven't got it. It's a gamechanger.

[deepakvrao]

You can use the Thrustmaster stick to control rudder by the twist right?

[Fri13]

TrackIR over pedals, any day when talking about F/A-18C....

 

For helicopters the pedals are more important...

[Tenkom]

I have a warthog and no rudder pedals and what I’ve done is assign the roll axis +a modifier key to be the rudder. So i just hold that button while I’m on the ground and I get really precise control.

In the air I never use rudder.

[chrisgrind]

Anyone got a guide on using rudder while flying please? Ie, when and how?

[VpR81]

Anyone got a guide on using rudder while flying please? Ie, when and how?

 

besides landing i´d say this pretty much depends on your IAS, AoA and (close) combat situation.

 

edit: In combination with seat time/training, this is a very good guide about the topic in generall. Well, not realy. It´s the bible:

Edited December 28, 2019 by VpR81

[chrisgrind]

Thanks, will see if I can find a copy on Australia.

[VpR81]

Nevermind, just be aware that it is what the title says. It won´t tell you specificly when to use rudder in combat, but helps getting a fine grasp of when it might be useful.

[ex81]

Thanks, will see if I can find a copy on Australia.

 

You`ll find it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Fighter-Combat-Maneuvering-Robert-Shaw/dp/0870210599

[Razor18]

Or you can also find it (as pdf) if you Google it up... :smilewink:

[chrisgrind]

Cheers

[Eldur]

Use your money on TrackIR if you haven't got it. It's a gamechanger.

 

Nah, just skip it altogether and get a Rift instead

[wasizyayo]

When turning, you need a rudder pedals to keep altitude

Edited December 30, 2019 by wasizyayo

[Flamin_Squirrel]

When turning, you need a rudder pedals to keep altitude

 

That's not true for any aircraft including the Hornet - back pressure on the stick is required.

 

Unless you mean keeping the 'ball' centred toe ensure coordinated flight? In which case, still not required in the Hornet.

[donkeyrider]

When turning, you need a rudder pedals to keep altitude

 

Not true at all.