Landing the Pe-2 (and surviving!)

[Gort]

Finally had a chance to dink around with the sim today, first time out since the Pe-2 and G2 were released.

 

The Pe-2 was of interest to me after members here reported landing difficulty.

 

I found that the aircraft begins to buffet at 1G at 109 mph clean, using a 1 mph per second decel rate. With partial flaps, about 4 seconds worth of extension, it buffets at 99 mph, and with full flap extension, 85 mph. This was with 30-40% fuel and no orndance aboard.

 

Using partial flaps, an approach speed of 135-140 mph (205 kph, a little above the tick mark on the tiny ASI) worked fine, but required the technique used when landing heavy, swept winged jets at high flap settings. I found that carrying the approach power into a gentle flare, then reducing just a few percent after the descent rate had been arrested let the aircraft settle in wihout bouncing. If you flare aggressively, you may feel a little buffet at partial flaps.

 

Full flaps is an interesting conundrum. The drag in this config is so high that it is like landing an SBD with the dive brakes extended. The aircraft declerates so rapidly during even a gentle flare that I found myself actually adding power to limit the decel rate to something manageable. Easing the power as described above resulted in too much decel rate, the aircraft dropping in and usually bouncing.

 

A bounce ususally resulted in a rapid increase in pitch attitude, a corresponding increase in alpha, and if pronounced enough, a lateral roll off and moderate buffet. I think this is the realm that is causing members problems. I don't recommend full flap landings, although it can be done with careful approach speeds (105mph) and disciplined throttle control during the round out.

 

Also of note was that the landing gear didn't appear to possess any parastic drag when extended. It did cause a mild pitch down, but no perceptible deceleration.

 

Also, the partial flap technique works well when landing with an engine failed, including the same, minute power reduction during the flare. Could be that the reduced drag of a stopped prop is modeled.

 

I find the Pe-2 has nice visibility in the landing pattern and is interesting to fly. I found myself usually placing the end of the runway in the bottom of the gunsight disk. The airplane is a bit of a dog, but very stable, and so different that it is quite fun. Turning on the cockpit lights helps with guage visibility, but forget about actually seeing the compass. Just like a real airplane, the lighting on it sucks!

 

Hope this helps!

 

This would all be easier if these airplanes had proper tail hooks!

[Bando]

Gotto love them naval aviators.

Great write up. Thanks!

[=38=Tatarenko]

Thanks for this!

[=38=Tatarenko]

I've found that sometimes when you're just at the right speed and position, throwing out the dive brakes just slows you down properly for touchdown. Same used to work in IL-2.

[-TBC-AeroAce]

I generally find it easy to land (NEVER FULL FLAPS), I come in at around 190 kmh, cut power during the flare, hold it off the ground until the 3 point attitude then its all gravy, the only problem I have is not doing a piroett at toward the end of the landing roll, maybe cause im not using the tail lock(does this exsist) 

[sallee]

Wow. I did it! And without a pirouette!

Thanks for the tips!

[=38=Tatarenko]

Apparently the devs do it differently - full flaps and a landing speed v close to stall speed. Risky, as the wing could only take 11 deg Alpha w/o stalling. I prefer the faster, more level style for that reason and kick out the airbrakes as req'd. Might not be in the manual but it works for me.

[AndyJWest]

I've found that airbrakes seem to help too. Possibly they increase control effectiveness at a given speed due to slipstream modelling?

[sallee]

I didn't use airbrakes. Approached fairly flat at 185 km/h and settled into three pointer and she settled down nicely.

[sallee]

Just did five non-catastrophic landings in a row (full complement of engines, wings, undercarriage and so forth). My life is complete. My crew love me. I am not being accused of being a saboteur and a wrecker. Thank you, thank you.