[GeneralPsycho]

Just remember the larger the load the deeper the aircraft will sit in the water in real life. This causes greater drag in the water which translates to longer take offs. Ok the max range for the PBY is 2,520 miles. With a fuel capacity of 1475 U.S. gallons internal and 1750 U.S. gallons with wing tanks. So each gallon equals 8.66 pounds, which translates to 10148 lbs. and 12040 lbs. weight. The PBY's empty weight: 20,910 lbs. with a max takoff weight of 35,420 lbs. which means you can take off with a load of 14510 lbs. So if you take a fuel load of 50% you will decrease the load to 5074 lbs. and a range of 1260 miles. With 25% fuel weight will decrese to 2537 lbs. and a range of 625 miles. So the lighter the fuel load the shorter the takeoff will be. Now this will be offset by bomb load but not as much. I would suggest 30% fuel load for short range to medium range missions.

more like 6.2 lb/gallon for gas...

Remember, Cage might be from UK, so they use Imperial Gallons, so there might be a misconception :wink:

[Cage]

[quote=more like 6.2 lb/gallon for gas...

No he's correct and I was mistaken. I flew in helicopters for ten years so I should of know the correct weight. :roll: I did do some testing and the takeoffs are not quite what they should be. Full fuel load with 4x1000 lb. bomb load only took 3,608 feet to takeoff. Full fuel load and 4x500 lb. bomb load took 1,968 feet. With 25% fuel load, and 4x500 lb. bomb load it took 656 feet. I personally think those numbers are more like aircraft that take off from land rather then water. It's possible that I am off a bit on those figures how ever I was correct about the weights vs. takeoffs.

[Thrud]

your take off calculations are based on a PBY FM. That PBN-1 does not have a PBY FM. The FM of the Nomad (in game) is more powerful than a correct PBY-5

[Cage]

your take off calculations are based on a PBY FM. That PBN-1 does not have a PBY FM. The FM of the Nomad (in game) is more powerful than a correct PBY-5

You may be correct Thud on the FM, but those figures were based on the PBN-1. The same tests were conducted on the PBY and the tests results were either the same or within a few percentage points. Tests showed the takeoff FM is not 100% correct. Then again the seas, wind, and temperatures are ideal, so that could be a factor also.

[Spinnetti]

your take off calculations are based on a PBY FM. That PBN-1 does not have a PBY FM. The FM of the Nomad (in game) is more powerful than a correct PBY-5

You may be correct Thud on the FM, but those figures were based on the PBN-1. The same tests were conducted on the PBY and the tests results were either the same or within a few percentage points. Tests showed the takeoff FM is not 100% correct. Then again the seas, wind, and temperatures are ideal, so that could be a factor also.

Well, regardless, the point might be that the AI is a bit off for sea planes take off? Or was is simply the mission author didn't set waypoint elevations conducive to the desired launch trajectory? Interesting discussion anyway..