2 replies to this topic

[AppleTank8]

Yes I know, larger number equals go up faster. But is there an optimum angle? Speed? Boost only?

 

It gives vague ideas about power to weight of the aircraft, but not much else. Anyone have any idea of when it applies?

Edited by AppleTank8, 20 February 2018 - 12:54 AM.

[SpiritFoxMY]

I was told it affects vertical turnfighting but not much else. Don't really have any other information, though. MARS says its irrelevant to actual climb performance these days 

[wylleEcoyote]

AppleTank8, on 20 February 2018 - 12:54 AM, said:

Yes I know, larger number equals go up faster. But is there an optimum angle? Speed? Boost only?

 

It gives vague ideas about power to weight of the aircraft, but not much else. Anyone have any idea of when it applies?

 

Your not wrong. Yes there is. Also, Yes. But it is dependent on a lot of other factors. No
...   Whenever you pitch up to climb.


While in the hanger you can click on the link that opens up info about a plane. with a list of categories followed by a rating between 0-100.

One of those is Altitude.

In addition to telling you optimal altitude, and maximum altitude...

it will also tell you what your climb rate is on the bottom.
it is measured in (imperial or metric units of distance) of altitude gained per second. 

things that have large effects upon your Airspeed Rating (like an Advanced Up Tuned Engine) due to thrust or acceleration can also have a measurable change to your climb rate. Add as a result, your overall Altitude rating
 

How it works (specifically)

when in your plane you start off in level flight at a nominal cruising speed. if you move your throttle setting to juuuuust a wee bit under the point at which your engine Boost is used you will notice that your airspeed is increasing. and its doing so kinda fast.

Begin to pitch up by pointing the dot inside your aiming circle above the line of the horizon. about 15 degrees or so.
Now you will notice that your Airspeed number is slowing its growth and your Altitude number is now increasing.

Eventually if you keep trying to pitch up your airspeed will eventually stop increasing altogether while your altitude is climbing at a signifigant rate.
Whatever angle off the horizon that is will depend on your plane.
this can then be enhanced further with better engines mounted.
this can get enhanced further still with the Engine Guru Pilot skills
Remember that Up-Tuned Engine? even more enhancement.
Consumables like enhanced fuel/oil mixtures or high octane petrol? They can add to this as well.
Special paint jobs that enhance cruise speeds by 3%?

I'm not entirely sure. but i believe the effect they have, while still positive; is indirect.

All this adds together into one very convenient metric called rate of climb that can be used to compare against various aircraft.

Using Boost will obviously make you go way faster and therefore capable of climbing vertically at 90 degrees off the horizon. 
But only for (in some cases a very brief) limited amounts of time.

Edited by wylleEcoyote, 13 December 2018 - 10:47 AM.