correct as-is Realistic or Bug: NWS locked after steered while taxiing on deck

[Jenson]

Hey guys, just wonder if this is normal (realistic) or a bug in the game. 

 

On deck, NWS HI is engaged, throttle up to gain a small speed for taxi and then pedal right/left to steer the F18, release the pedal then I realized even NWS HI is still on, the steering will be deactivated unless I halt taxiing, and redo the throttle up then I could regain the steering control. Does anyone encounter the same thing and is this normal (realistic setting)? If it is, is there any reasons behind this setting (safety or ?)?

 

Thanks!

[Tholozor]

It's not that the steering is disabled, it's that you're putting too much power behind the turn. When the nose gear is turned too far in NWS HI, it doesn't have enough traction to overcome the engine thrust. NWS HI permits the nose gear to turn something like 70°, and it has to bear the brunt of the aircraft's weight behind it on a tiny pair of wheels. NWS HI turns should generally be made by applying power first while the wheel is still straight or marginally turned just to get the roll going, then cut the power and execute the turn. Usually you don't want to exceed somewhere around 75% RPM while on the deck unless instructed.

Edited July 7, 2021 by Tholozor

[Hulkbust44]

I'm having a hard time following...

This is the correct behavior:

Wings locked: If off, NWS low is activated by a single NWS button press and remains engaged until the paddle switch is depressed. Holding NWS button will temporarily engage high gain NWS as long as the button is held.

Wings unlocked: If off, NWS high is activated by a single NWS button press and remains engaged until the paddle switch is depressed.

Lowering the launch bar will disable any NWS. Only NWS low is available with the launch bar lowered. To use NWS low you must hold the NWS button. NWS low will be disengaged uppon release of the NWS button.



Mobius708

[Jenson]

27 minutes ago, Tholozor said:

It's not that the steering is disabled, it's that you're putting too much power behind the turn. When the nose gear is turned too far in NWS HI, it doesn't have enough traction to overcome the engine thrust. NWS HI permits the nose gear to turn something like 70°, and it has to bear the brunt of the aircraft's weight behind it on a tiny pair of wheels. NWS HI turns should generally be made by applying power first while the wheel is still straight or marginally turned just to get the roll going, then cut the power and execute the turn. Usually you don't want to exceed somewhere around 75% RPM while on the deck unless instructed.

 

Thanks for the reply. To be clear, after the plane gained a small speed, I did put the throttle to idle position. While it was still moving forward slowly (I think about 5 knots), the steering doesn't work until it's fully stopped and throttle up again. 

[Tholozor]

I'd need to see a track or video then to see what's happening. You don't want to jam the steering immediately one way or the other at maximum deflection either, it should be a smooth, gradual turn (e.g. not creeping slow, but not lightning fast). If the wheel turns too quickly, the near-sideways traction of the wheel will basically become a brake.

Edited July 7, 2021 by Tholozor

[Stearmandriver]

I've seen this. I'm not sure what's happening, if it's a bug, correct behavior, attempting to simulate a scrubbing nosewheel or what, but I can tell you why it happens in DCS: you're applying too much steering input, too rapidly.  Slow down the rate at which you deflect the rudder.

[Jenson]

On 7/7/2021 at 12:34 PM, Tholozor said:

I'd need to see a track or video then to see what's happening. You don't want to jam the steering immediately one way or the other at maximum deflection either, it should be a smooth, gradual turn (e.g. not creeping slow, but not lightning fast). If the wheel turns too quickly, the near-sideways traction of the wheel will basically become a brake.

 

 

No tracks at this moment, but I understand your points. It's good to know it's not a bug, I guess it's due to my "human error" as you said it should be a smooth turn. I'll try to check it after work. Thank you so much.  

23 hours ago, Stearmandriver said:

I've seen this. I'm not sure what's happening, if it's a bug, correct behavior, attempting to simulate a scrubbing nosewheel or what, but I can tell you why it happens in DCS: you're applying too much steering input, too rapidly.  Slow down the rate at which you deflect the rudder.

I guess this is the reason, steering too rapidly while the plane was moving forward. Thanks. 

[=DROOPY=]

I have to agree with the nosewheel skid theory as well...

IRL, even though carrier decks have a non-skid surface applied, they almost always have residual grease, fuel, oil, sealants, or numerous other chemicals dripped, dropped, and smeared all over them, and as such, do not offer the same traction that's available on a dry airfield tarmac. And FYI jet fuel residue, is extremely slick...even on dry pavement!

Add water from sea spray, or inclement weather, along with a pitching and rolling boat, then taxiing around the deck becomes downright dangerous for everyone.