AV-8B Harrier short takeoff/landing

[PoorOldSpike]

AV-8B HARRIER SHORT TAKEOFF

It's much easier to learn to fly all AA2 planes and choppers from the external view like this (numpad 'Enter'), AND with free pan locked on (numpad asterisk).

1- With the aircraft sitting stationary with engine off, Select Auto hover On-

2-Hit the 'Q' key to start the engine and keep holding it down right through the entire takeoff to guarantee maximum thrust-

3- As the kite begins rolling forward, hold down the 'Down arrow' key (ie up elevators)-

4- As she lifts off, release the 'Down arrow' key and quickly select 'Auto hover Off', it's done its job by bodily throwing the kite into the air-

5- As the airspeed builds up fly her like a normal plane with the 4 arrow keys, and you can start thinking about releasing the 'Q' key at your discretion-

Note- I've tried all sorts of key combinations and stuff to try to take off purely vertically but it's got me beat, 'Auto hover' hasn't the strength to overcome the heavy bomb load.
Short landings are possible too but you need lots of practise.
(PS- I use the 'Summerpack' mod to get rid of the hideous autumn tree colours)

 

[Corsaire31]

Try driving vehicles / choppers / airplanes with a good dual stick gamepad, you'll find it a lot easier and more precise. I couldn't fly a chopper without it ...

 

[Breaklight]

Have you tried yet dropping LGB's whilst another player (FAC'r on the ground) laser's the target?
Could make some interesting mp missions

 

[PoorOldSpike]

AV-8B VERTICAL LANDING
Very difficult to put down on a precise spot, just aim at a rough area and keep your fingers crossed.
Approach the landing site at under 100 kts then engage Auto-hover and some up elevator to slow down.
After that, try to balance on the column of air at around 0 kts while holding 'Z' to descend, while at the same time keeping the fuselage horizontal and the wings level, and giving a touch of rudder now and again to stop a yaw developing.
I tried it with and without weapons or a heavy fuel load but it seemed to make no difference to the handling characteristics.


1- on the approach at a civilised speed under 100 kts with Autohover on-

2- slowing and descending-

3- hovering and going down like a lift (hold Z key)
You move forward/back with the elevators to try to maintain the magic '0' kts but it's hard, so I usually settle for anything around walking speed.

4- picking up some dust Houston, the Harrier has landed.
I was trying to land in that small compound on the left but chickened out when I saw I was coming in too low.
You can slow your descent to almost nothing by holding the 'Q' key, but no way can you gain altitude unless you abort and go round again.
(To abort, nose down to gain flying speed, then disengage autohover and fly it like a normal plane)

PS- I did all the above with the keyboard and you need 3 hands, one for elevators, one for the descend key and one for yaw control.
I've got a joystick, maybe I should use that instead, duh..

 

[Bootie]

(PS- I use the 'Summerpack' mod to get rid of the hideous autumn tree colours)

You installed a mod?

 

[PoorOldSpike]

You installed a mod?

Yeh I had to get rid of them awful red/brown/yellow autumn tree colours by installing 'Summerpack', it makes everything a lush green garden of eden..
That's the only mod i've got; I just had to have it, I can't think of any other mods I need or want at the moment.

(PS- If I ever play online against people who haven't got the mod, and there are compatibility issues, i'll simply temporarily disable it to get on the same song sheet as them)

 

[PoorOldSpike]

Have you tried yet dropping LGB's whilst another player (FAC'r on the ground) laser's the target?
Could make some interesting mp missions

Not yet mate but it's on my "to do" list..