ORIGINAL: hoveralot
Hi,
I've been trying to do a nice waterfall with my Harrier 3D 90 but seems like something is missing. It has 45ยบ in elevator, CG is at the point where it is recomended by manufacturer and in inverted flight does not need any alevator to keep flying straight but waterfalls are not so tight as I have done using the TOC Giles in AFPD (Aerofly) where it just pass the tail very easy. Off course every airplane is different so I guess is the airplane and not the setup.
What do you think about it?? Is there any video where I could watch a well done Waterfall??
Thanks
STG:
Don't underestimate power (sudden thrust) to get a good waterfall. My FL330 does insane waterfalls and KE spins--sometimes I wll start a waterfall and end up in a KE spin. My Giles UL does very nice waterfalls, but KE spins are a bit more touchy.
What STG said in addition to this, really what I have found more than anything else is throttle management and LOTS of elevator throw. Your normal aft CG should get you started, but if you want really tight waterfalls without adding a flaperon mix you need a ton of throw. 60 degrees is not too much. If you have a good powerful, responsive engine setup it will do wonders as STG said. As the plane flops inverted hammer the throttle and as it falls over the tops get out, then hammer the trottle again at the bottom. This will really get them tight.
Another KEY to waterfalls is rudder control. No matter how well your plane is setup, unless it is the exception, there is nothing you can do in setup to stop the plane from wanting to fall out into a spin. THe rudder is key, you have to watch the plane and correct, especially when the waterfall is slow and just getting started. Once it builds up some speed, centrifual force will take over and help keep it straight.