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Howto:Aerial refueling: Difference between revisions
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→Simulation vs. reality
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[[File:f16-air-air-refuel.jpg|thumb|270px|Approaching the tanker with a [[F-16]] - and receiving fuel already (FG 1.9.1)!]] | [[File:f16-air-air-refuel.jpg|thumb|270px|Approaching the tanker with a [[F-16]] - and receiving fuel already (FG 1.9.1)!]] | ||
There are a few things which are (presumably) easier in the simulation as compared with the real world, but there are also some that are harder. First, the envelope for refueling is actually quite generous - you start getting fuel in a position where in the real world this could not possibly work (see picture). The real refueling position of the F-16 feels a lot less comfortable! It is also mercifully short - usually holding the plane in the correct spot for about 30 seconds is all you need. There is also no turbulence or other change in the airstream induced by the tanker modelled. | There are a few things which are (presumably) easier in the simulation as compared with the real world, but there are also some that are harder. First, the envelope for refueling is actually quite generous - you start getting fuel in a position where in the real world this could not possibly work (see picture). The real refueling position of the F-16 feels a lot less comfortable! It is also mercifully short - usually holding the plane in the correct spot for about 30 seconds is all you need. There is also no turbulence or other change in the airstream induced by the tanker modelled. | ||
As of Flightgear 2.11, it is now possible to select a realistic refueling envelope, forcing the pilot to get much closer to the tanker (see picture). | |||
[[File:Refueling pos.jpg|thumb|270px|The view from the F-16 cockpit with the plane in a realistic refueling position (FG 2.11)]] | |||
What is on the other hand probably easier in real life is flying by eye - in reality, we usually don't have any problems accurately gauging relative motions of a few feet per second. On the screen, with finite resolution and not-exactly-real textures and shadows, a lot of visual cues are missing and gauging a small relative motion becomes difficult. Also, in real life both the tanker and the refueling plane fly in the same airstream and wind effects not being felt by the tanker AI model are not an issue. | What is on the other hand probably easier in real life is flying by eye - in reality, we usually don't have any problems accurately gauging relative motions of a few feet per second. On the screen, with finite resolution and not-exactly-real textures and shadows, a lot of visual cues are missing and gauging a small relative motion becomes difficult. Also, in real life both the tanker and the refueling plane fly in the same airstream and wind effects not being felt by the tanker AI model are not an issue. | ||