Is Rudder Necessary on Modern Aircraft?

[brucewhf]

Rudder plays an important role in WWII warbird, e.g., cordinated turn. But in modern aircraft such as F-16C, rudder seems useless. I want to buy a real rudder but I'm concerned about it's a waste of money for F-16C

[razo+r]

It is important, unless you are never planning to taxi the aircraft, though a twist joystick instead of pedals should be enough if you want to spend minimum money. 

Edited February 16, 2022 by razo+r

[Exorcet]

In a modern FBW plane you would use rudder in crosswind takeoff and landing, low speed maneuvers, advanced maneuvers, and perhaps aiming the gun. You don't need to use it as often as in WWII aircraft but there is a reason that the real planes retain the pedals.

[Svsmokey]

I find the rudder helpful when using a targeting pod as well . Unless you are flying exactly directly toward where the pod is pointing , you will see the reticle drift across the landscape before designating a target . Holding a little rudder can cancel this . Also , as previously noted , the rudder is very helpful for fine corrections when using the gun .

Edited February 16, 2022 by Svsmokey

[frenzon]

In addition to what's listed above, I find differential braking is enormously helpful in keeping the plane centered on the runway in hairy landings when you're below rudder speed but above NWS speed