Crosswind. Tail rudder authority.

[Atazar SPN]

Did you change anything about the physics of flight or how the wind affects the Hornet? Yesterday I ran an old mission taking off from a crosswind runway and I could see that the tail rudder has lost authority compared to version 2.8. After the update, crosswind affects the Hornet's behavior more. I know that during takeoff the wind can be corrected with differential brakes, but in version 2.8 it was not necessary to apply them. I'll attach the replay track as soon as possible.

Tail rudder authority Test.trk

Edited October 22, 2023 by Atazar SPN

[MarkyMark]

I also noticed some squirrelly behavior rolling down the runway in a crosswind. 

[Coyle]

You turned off your NWS prior to rolling. Don't do that.

[Atazar SPN]

Actually, disconnecting the NWS during takeoff is an old habit acquired in some virtual squadron. I don't have any evidence that turning it off or keeping it on is correct, but if you tell me the NWS should be on, I'll give you credit.

But anyway, the impact of the crosswind is now much greater and the authority of the tail rudder is much less.

[Braunn]

NWS on until 70-80kts. Viper is the same.  I have not noticed lower vertical stab authority myself but that doesnt mean you're wrong. I would also check the inputs and see if there's a curve setting implemented by the update. 

I remember last spring they screwed up the Viper controls pretty bad after an update. 

Edited November 22, 2023 by Braunn

[Tusky]

From F/A-18 NATOPS

7.2.2. Normal Takeoff
"Nosewheel steering is used to maintain directional control throughout the takeoff roll."

7.2.3. Crosswind Takeoff
"The initial portion of the crosswind takeoff technique is the same as the normal takeoff."

No mention of disengagement of the NWS.

As mentioned above, NWS disengagement during takeoff in the F/A-18 is a bad habit imported from other platforms' procedures.

 

 

Edited November 22, 2023 by Tusky