Question about Refueling and Formation

[KeithDouglass]

So I know i'm screwing up somewhere, never flown this close or done much air to air refueling. Whenever I do though it feels like i'm always over controlling the aircraft, even when i put in the smallest of control inputs, Anyone have any curves or settings that may help with the T16000m, Also any tips or tricks to keep trimmed and stable? Wanted to learn this aircraft more and more and this is the perfect chance, Anything would be greatly appreciated!

[AdrianL]

In case you have not seen it, Reflected did release a F-14 Refueling tutorial. 

 

 

Edited February 8, 2023 by AdrianL

[Reflected]

I’m not using any curves for the stick (even when I had the t160000) and a curve of 21 for the rudder but that depends on what hardware you use

[Indianajon]

Hi @KeithDouglass, I don't use any curves but one trick I picked up for refuelling from Mooch in one of his vids is to just tap the wings back to 30 degrees. This has the effect of dropping the tips slightly in relation to your aircraft and gets them out of the wake disturbance. It might be part psychological but I find it helps. Otherwise as suggested above just take your time. Get set up and trimmed flying formation, slow and steady, then after you have relaxed a bit ease it in for the plug. 

Good luck with it. I really struggled at the start and even now if I get tense I find it a faff to hit the basket but you will get there. Its just a case of practice.

[Wavehopper]

Conversely I use a significant curve on both joystick axis.  30 on pitch, 25 on roll, and that's with a VKB stick.  It's been that way with all desk mounted sticks I've owned.

 

It's a short throw stick and I'd rather have more fine control than snappy reaction, especially for tasks like AAR.  I also prefer bomb mode to AAR for the same reason I use curves.  I personally get more fine control with swept wings at the tanker.

 

The rest of it is good throttle control, trimming, and being patient (no charging in at the tanker, just creep in).  The vids by Reflected and Maverick are both excellent for learning it.

 

Also, if you're having trouble seeing the tanker pod, lower your seat a bit.

Edited February 10, 2023 by Wavehopper