Mixture setting and fuel

[Razah]

Hi there, I've got a question about mixture setting.  I was recently flying Il-2 1942. I was told to take off on 100% mixture setting and than reduce to 50%, but i noticed, that i can actually go to about 900m AMSL without any problems with burning of the fuel mixture on 100% setting. I know it's less fuel efficient, but since fuel consumption isn't an issue why not stick to 100%? In Il-2 i rarely go above 700m alt. It should provide the engine with some more umpf, right? Especially in winter conditions, where the temperature isn't such a big factor. 

 

Another thing i haven't messed with much, that I'd like to ask about is amount of fuel you guys take on board. Is there any reason not to go with a full tank every time? IRL there is a huge difference in weight and handling characteristics between fully tanked and half tanked plane. How is it represented in here?

Thank you

[BlitzPig_EL]

The weight of fuel is indeed modeled.  Take a Mustang at 100% fuel and fly it against an AI 109, then try the same thing with 45% fuel in the Mustang.  

[6./ZG26_Klaus_Mann]

There is a massive Difference in Power and in Handling. 400l of Fuel will get through pretty much every Mission and it handles far better. 

 

In the early Days of the Mustangs on MP many were flying with 100% of Fuel and constantly spun out of control with even the most minor manouvering and the Players were pissed. 
Once we told them that they are carrying 3 times as much fuel as the Bf109s, while having a very comparable Engine in Power and Fuel Consumption, they finally got that a 400l Fuel Load is the most you will ever need. 

Only the P-47 gets a power Bonus with Full Mix and Water Injection. All other ingame Planes are best at Automatic Rich.

 

Edited October 16, 2021 by 6./ZG26_Klaus_Mann

[Jade_Monkey]

2 hours ago, Razah said:

Hi there, I've got a question about mixture setting.  I was recently flying Il-2 1942. I was told to take off on 100% mixture setting and than reduce to 50%, but i noticed, that i can actually go to about 900m AMSL without any problems with burning of the fuel mixture on 100% setting. I know it's less fuel efficient, but since fuel consumption isn't an issue why not stick to 100%? In Il-2 i rarely go above 700m alt. It should provide the engine with some more umpf, right? Especially in winter conditions, where the temperature isn't such a big factor. 

 

Another thing i haven't messed with much, that I'd like to ask about is amount of fuel you guys take on board. Is there any reason not to go with a full tank every time? IRL there is a huge difference in weight and handling characteristics between fully tanked and half tanked plane. How is it represented in here?

Thank you

 

One downside is that 100% mixture can show lots of black smoke coming out of the exhaust, which is visible from far away and draw more enemt attention if you are playing in MP.

 

On the upside, I believe high mixture would help keep engine temps cooler.

[41Sqn_Skipper]

19 minutes ago, 6./ZG26_Klaus_Mann said:

Only the P-47 gets a power Bonus with Full Mix and Water Injection. All other ingame Planes are best at Automatic Rich.

 

IIRC in some russian planes like MiG-3, WEP is enabled by going from 50% mixture to 100% mixture.

[Razah]

Thank you for your replies. I believe, that Il-2 1943 has auto mixture control, that 1942 lacks. The exhaust smoke is a good point, but cannon fire, rockets and bombs will give you away much easier, so i guess in 1942 version, it's not a bad idea to crank the mixture up during strafing runs to climb for follow up attacks this tiny bit faster. I guess, one would have to fly a sortie with a wingman to compare both scenarios, and see what the difference really is. 

[LukeFF]

1 hour ago, Razah said:

Thank you for your replies. I believe, that Il-2 1943 has auto mixture control, that 1942 lacks. The exhaust smoke is a good point, but cannon fire, rockets and bombs will give you away much easier, so i guess in 1942 version, it's not a bad idea to crank the mixture up during strafing runs to climb for follow up attacks this tiny bit faster. I guess, one would have to fly a sortie with a wingman to compare both scenarios, and see what the difference really is. 

 

All of the Il-2s have auto mixture at the 50 percent setting. 

[IL2Battle]

With IL-2 try to take only fuel what you need and nothing more. After couple of missions you will notice how much you have to have, to get needed distances. Ofcourse you may still want little extra, if something unexpected happens, like getting hit the fuel tank.

 

With 100% mixture you get full power, with 50% (auto) mixture you don't. You should takeoff with 100% mixture and lower it to auto, after you would not need to get full power. I use 100% mixture, when came in landing too, as with it, if I need to power up I get all power I could get.

But with 100% mixture you have to remember, that you can burn your engine quickly, as with it you can keep boost on.

[Razah]

I see, thank you.