MI-8 Autopilot

[flo57100]

Hi Hip pilots !

 

First, thanks to Belsimtek for their Mi-8, it's a pleasure to fly in such helicopter, and it's a very interesting machine I discover day after day :thumbup: .

 

My question concerns the autopilot: I understand that the A/P channels have to be set to ON before flight (like the KA-50), but could someone please explain me how to use the A/P to maintain altitude or even for maintaining hover position :helpsmilie: ?

[AlphaOneSix]

Hi Hip pilots !

 

First, thanks to Belsimtek for their Mi-8, it's a pleasure to fly in such helicopter, and it's a very interesting machine I discover day after day :thumbup: .

 

My question concerns the autopilot: I understand that the A/P channels have to be set to ON before flight (like the KA-50), but could someone please explain me how to use the A/P to maintain altitude or even for maintaining hover position :helpsmilie: ?

 

It doesn't hold hover.

 

To maintain altitude (pressure altitude only, not radar altitude) just engage the altitude channel.

[lorenzoj]

There is no auto hover as found in the KA-50 but the Stabilization Assists and the upper right instrument on the Pilots Panel are pretty slick when you start getting used to them. Activating the Roll/Pitch and the Yaw channels help a lot with hovering

[Weta43]

the Roll/Pitch and the Yaw channels help a lot with hovering

& the channels can be 'adjusted' on the fly - in effect a trim function

[lorenzoj]

All three helicopters in DCS utilize really different Trim and Auto Pilot/Assist systems. Figuring out what works best for you in each is part of the fun and it seems that there is more then one "right" way for the individual pilot to get the best results in each.

[fjacobsen]

The MI-17 manual I got suggest tp have bth the Pitch/Roll and Yaw (HDG) channel On also during taxi, takeoff and landing.

 

As long as no pedal input is done by that pilot, the AP will try to maintain current heading. Inorder to change heading simply roll and turn with the help of the pedals. When the pedals are at neutral again, the helicopter will try to keep the new heading.

Just note that it has little effect at slow speed or hovering, so it does not help with adding anti torque pedal inputs.

 

I guess it´s up to ones personal preferences wheter the Yaw chanell should be on or not. without the Yaw and altitude channels on it seems to work like the KA-50's FD mode.

[AlphaOneSix]

As long as no pedal input is done by that pilot, the AP will try to maintain current heading.

 

Correct!

 

In order to change heading simply roll and turn with the help of the pedals. When the pedals are at neutral again, the helicopter will try to keep the new heading.

 

Mostly correct. Just replace "when pedals are at neutral" with "when pilot's feet are removed from pedals". The pedals won't necessarily be at neutral.

[lorenzoj]

Like AlphaOneSix said seems pretty close to me

[fjacobsen]

Correct!

 

 

 

Mostly correct. Just replace "when pedals are at neutral" with "when pilot's feet are removed from pedals". The pedals won't necessarily be at neutral.

 

I agree...

But those microswitches does only exist in the real Mi-8, not on my CH-pedals ;) - thus the way Belsim has done it is to look for any hardware ruder deflection and if not - then they are neutral and Yaw channel becomes active if turned on.