Rudder - necessary for Warthog?

[dr_After]

First of all: Hi! It's my first post, hope to stay here for some time :)

 

I am actually building my sim setup. I wait for my Track IR and HOTAS Warthog and expect them this week. But I wonder If I really need rudder pedals. I think that I will not be able to buy them this month.

 

And I am wondering if I actually need them. I read manual of Warthog, page 148: "SAS provides you automatic turn coordination (adding the proper amount of rudder input when banking the aircraft)."

 

So - do I really need pedals in flight? Or are they only usable while taxing?

[Rotorhead]

Welcome to the forum!

 

Yes, you don't need rudder in A-10 that much as in P-51 or Ka-50. But, rudder input is stil needed not only during taxiing, but also crosswind takeoffs and landing, aligning to target, etc.

 

And because TM Warthog doesn't have twisting grip AFAIK, your only means to control rudder is the keyboard, which is not too much use.

 

Therefore, I can fully recommend getting rudder pedals if you have some money to spend. Also, you may later decide to buy Ka-50 or P-51 modules (not even talking about the upcoming UH-1), and these are a no-go without pedals.

[dr_After]

Thank You for Your answer! :)

 

Now I wonder which pedals to choose. Saitek has three models. I will pass Cessna, so there are two - Pro Flight and Pro Flight Combat Rudder Pedals. There is a difference in price. Will it be a mistake if I buy cheaper pedals? (Saitek Pro Flight)

[Rotorhead]

You're welcome! ;)

 

I'd really like to help you choosing the right model, but unfortunately, I haven't any experience with either of them (currently using Logitech G940, which comes with pedals).

 

I think there's not much difference between these two, except the more expensive ones are made from more durable material.

 

However, I'm sure that other more experienced members will gladly give you some advice. You may also try to search this forum for "Pro Flight Rudder Pedals" and you'll surely find some info. :thumbup:

[Manuel]

Just take the regular Pro Flight one. Had no issue with it and ralfidude (youtube him) is using it for over 3 Years without any issue.

[FreeFall]

Pro Flight and Pro Flight Combat Rudder Pedals. There is a difference in price. Will it be a mistake if I buy cheaper pedals? (Saitek Pro Flight)

 

Some member of this forum told that both models have identical electronical parts inside, only the actual pedals are/look/feel different.

 

I have the Combat ones myself. I think they look more cool. Cannot say if they are totally worth the price tag compared with the cheaper ones. At least many forum members are happy with their Saitek pedals, no matter which version they have.

[sahib]

In short - mechanics (everything inside) of both rudder pedals from Saitek are exactly the same. Difference is the looks and the way they work. In Combat set your heel is placed on the floor and you operate the pedals with the upper part of your feet. In Pro Flight your heel is placed on the pedal itself - like in many civilian airplanes. I bought the standard model and can recommend them.

[FreeFall]

In Combat set your heel is placed on the floor

 

Or on that thing made of plastic, which you can remove. Don't know what it is called.

[dr_After]

Thanks for all answers :) Really helpful! I am sure I will got more when I actually start flying Warthog.

 

Now I am deep in documentation reading and Youtube watching, most of things seem difficult / frustrating to achieve without TM HOTAS. I was looking towards DCS series for a long time but didn't want to start flying without decent gear. But now it's the time to rock! :D

[FreeFall]

As Rotorhead already mentioned, you don't need pedals very often. But when you need them, you need to have them. You know what I mean. :)

[taps]

I flew the A-10 for a long time without rudder pedals. I used the "throttle friction" slider on the TM Warthog throttle unit for the rudder while taxiing on the ground. I never use the rudder in the air with the A-10. I only recently bought rudder pedals for use with the P-51.

[charlesml3]

I never use the rudder in the air with the A-10.

 

OK, but you're putting the airplane into a weird crab every time you turn. Yea, it'll turn without rudder but the airplane will slip forcing you into a much wider arc. You can see this on the turn/slip indicator. The little ball will slide every time you turn without rudder input.

 

In addition the rudder can be used to aim the gun. If you're off to the side a degree or two, you can just push the nose with the rudder instead of having to bank the entire aircraft.

 

This sim is meant to be as close to real as we can get. No "real" A-10 pilot would fly without using the rudder.

 

-Charles

[agrasyuk]

Charles , while in flight SAS will actuate the rudder so you are actually in a coordinated turn as is. It is if you want to "crab" you will touch the pedals. With that i do not disagree it is very good idea to have them . OP if you have the funds get some pedals. I went with the combat flavor

Regards!

Edited March 4, 2013 by agrasyuk

[charlesml3]

Charles , while in flight SAS will actuate the rudder so you are actually in a coordinated turn as is

 

Are you sure about that? If SAS is keeping the turn coordinated then why does the turn/slip ball slide if I don't add rudder? Maybe SAS is adding some rudder in but all indications I'm getting from turn/slip and the HUD indicate that the turn is not coordinated. Or at least not fully coordinated.

 

-Charles

[danilop]

....

 

So - do I really need pedals in flight? Or are they only usable while taxing?

 

If you have money invested in TM Warthog or any other expensive HOTAS, get the pedals. I have Saitek Combat variant and they do come handy in A10C:

 

1. Taxing & Braking (obvious, however toe brakes on Saitek pedals are having problems in DCS(DCS is to blame). Nothing major, but you need to setup them correctly)

2. Crosswind landing - anything more than 4-5m/s of the crosswind and you can't land comfortably and safely without rudder pedals.

3. Strafing with gun - great for taking out horizontally stretched formation of vehicles in one pass.

4. Coordinated turns - you don't want to look like rookie when posting tracks, do you? :D

Edited March 4, 2013 by danilop

[dr_After]

:) You have convinced me. I will invest in some rudder pedals. I guess it will be Saitek Pro Flight (non-combat version). They are cheaper and I like to fly civilian aircraft from time to time.

 

Thanks again! :)