Mig-3 Crashes on Takeoff

[LINCOLN_BOND]

I've got 5500 hours of flying time and over 9000 in the various USAF simulators and I currently teach USAF pilots in the T-6, but I cannot make a successful takeoff in the Mig-3!  Initially, rudder inputs are effective, then the aircraft instantly ground loops between 32 and 43 km/hr.  At one point, I thought I'd mastered the Mig-3 takeoff after a few successful takeoffs in a row.  However, it's now back to impossible.

 

I've tried all sorts of sensitivity and dead zone settings with the Thrustmaster X HOTAS system.  I tried all sorts of throttle techniques.  Tried to lock the tailwheel, but apparently it can't be locked on a Mig-3.

 

This little problem has sucked the joy out of the game, especially since the Mig-3 Scramble is my favorite mission in "Battle of Moscow."  And I can't even get airborne! 

 

Does anyone have any ideas? 

 

By the way, does IL-2 publish an instruction manual? 

[ITAF_Airone1989]

 

@WEEDPICKER

Edited January 29, 2023 by ITAF_Airone1989

[LINCOLN_BOND]

Wow!  Thank you!  I'm going to check it out immediately.  

[ITAF_Airone1989]

7 minutes ago, WEEDPICKER said:

Wow!  Thank you!  I'm going to check it out immediately.  

If you press more than 1/2 the rudder pedals the tail wheel will unlock... I guess this is the problem

Edited January 29, 2023 by ITAF_Airone1989

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

I keep the cockpit open (from seeing a MiG actually takeoff) and don't let the nose drop, almost a 3 point takeoff.

[LINCOLN_BOND]

ITAF, that was a great presentation!  Nicely done!  The inspiration alone helped me get airborne on 5 of the following 8 takeoffs.  With the Thrustmaster X and no rudder pedals, it's an exquisitely delicate art to twist the joystick just right in a series of minute corrections to keep the Mig-3 from ground looping.  The joystick twist is working better than the rocker switch on the throttle (it used to be the other way around).  However, even on a "successful" takeoff, heading control isn't so good; I'm lucky my wingman doesn't hit me more often. 

 

Now, I'm convinced takeoff is possible in a Mig-3.  It simply takes the skilled hands of a diamond cutter.  

 

Regards, 

 

Picker

[LINCOLN_BOND]

Thanks, Stick.  Typically, I back away and lower the view slightly to include the upper portion of the instrument panel (at least the attitude indicator if there is one).  

 

Yes, ITAF, I think that very well was the problem.  When I'm successful, my stick twist corrections are quick flicks.  Any input for nearly half a second probably locks the tail wheel.  Now that I'm having so much fun with this, it's inevitable I'll get a set of rudder pedals one day and a Trackir (this requires some negotiation with my wife).

[ITAF_Airone1989]

4 hours ago, WEEDPICKER said:

Thanks, Stick.  Typically, I back away and lower the view slightly to include the upper portion of the instrument panel (at least the attitude indicator if there is one).  

 

Yes, ITAF, I think that very well was the problem.  When I'm successful, my stick twist corrections are quick flicks.  Any input for nearly half a second probably locks the tail wheel.  Now that I'm having so much fun with this, it's inevitable I'll get a set of rudder pedals one day and a Trackir (this requires some negotiation with my wife).

Delan clip is a good Track-Ir substitute and it's cheaper and any cheap pedals will be good enough to start... And both are game changes ?

[czech693]

Also recommend the Delanclip.  About $67 for the wired version with a PS3 camera.  I had TrackIR (about $150) and didn't like the cheap plastic camera and clip.  I'm now using the wireless Delanclip Fusion with the Gopro headband that they also sell (also use it with my wireless Corsair headset).  $101 for the wireless Delanclip with the PS3 camera.  I use the free Opentrack software which I find very easy to setup.  TrackIR software was a PITA.

 

Rudders will make all the difference.  As a real time pilot you will find you fly by instinct and can make minor adjustments that are impossible with a twist stick rudder.  I recommed the MFG Crosswinds.

 

Wait until you try and land the Spitfire.

Edited January 30, 2023 by czech693

[KevPBur]

12 hours ago, WEEDPICKER said:

Thanks, Stick.  Typically, I back away and lower the view slightly to include the upper portion of the instrument panel (at least the attitude indicator if there is one).  

 

Yes, ITAF, I think that very well was the problem.  When I'm successful, my stick twist corrections are quick flicks.  Any input for nearly half a second probably locks the tail wheel.  Now that I'm having so much fun with this, it's inevitable I'll get a set of rudder pedals one day and a Trackir (this requires some negotiation with my wife).

 

There are also very cheap options for head tracking that require no more than a basic web cam. Works perfectly well unless you like full night flying then you may need a light source on your face. I find a red read cycle light does the job and doesn't ruin my vision on the screen. I already owed both the cheap camera and bike light so an entirly free option and appears to work as well as any other tracker.

 

[LINCOLN_BOND]

Guys,

 

I'm a bit embarrassed for whining about my difficulties with the Mig-3.  Since then, I've acquired a set of Thrustmaster TFRP rudder pedals and, indeed, they are a game changer.  I can now maintain heading during the takeoff roll and lift off successfully with the Mig-3. 

 

At work, one day, I was at my computer looking at the TFRP pedals.  My supervisor was walking by, suddenly stopped, and asked, "Do you need rudder pedals?"  It so happened we had three boxes of TFRP pedals given to us by Thrustmaster.  They had been included in an order for several Warthog HOTAS units.  So, he let me sign out the pedals on a hand receipt. 

 

I'll keep in mind the MFG Crosswinds pedals and the Delanclip, Czech693.  I'll check out the AITrack free 6DOF, KevPBur.  Thanks again, ITAF and Stick 95 for your sound advice!