Fuel Management Revisited

[BBQ]

I'm starting to build my own missions--and need to know roughly how far a certain amount of fuel will get you in the Su-25T. Is there some kind of table or spreadsheet available? I know that things like arms load and weather make a difference--I just don't know where to start.

[ZoomBoy27]

Rule of thumb:

Fuel use - from the tests I've done on the Su-25T the rough way to measure absolute fuel left is 100 kg of fuel = 10 km. If you've got 700 kg left, then 70 km is your return range. Be warned also that this is with very little Margin of error. If you cannot find the airport, you will end up crashing in a field.

To determine the distance you can use the RTB - B3B or LDG - NOC modes when in the Target Area.

RTB - B3B will give you an ILS intercept point of about 15km or 150 kg left to fly.

LDG - NOC mode will give you the absolute minimum without any ILS landing aids. Likely a field landing.

 

Notes about loading -

full max load @ 100% power I've seen give 120kg/10km

full max load @ 85-90% power I've seen give 90kg/10km

 

min load(low fuel) + weapons jettisoned will give you 75-80kg/10km

 

If you jettision weapons after the mission is complete, you can squeeze out about 10% more fuel. And if it's a very long trip, you can save fuel by flying at a greater height where the air is thinner and therefore has less drag.

[BBQ]

Thanks Zoomboy--that oughta give me enough info to properly load out my a/c for my missions.