Request: A-10C Tanker Speed

[AJsarge]

Specifically, this was on the 2.0 NTTR server, but can apply to all missions with tankers dedicated to A-10 refueling.

I was trying to refuel with 6xMk82, 6xMk82AIR, 4xMavs, TGP, and 1 AIM-9 today.  I took off from Nellis with about 50% fuel.  At 96% max takeoff weight, this payload isn't even as heavy or drag-inducing as I can get it.  After making it up to the tanker altitude, and using the available Petro.IP/.1/.2 points for the tanker, it took me at least 30-45 minutes, multiple orbits, and 2klbs of gas to catch up with my throttle at max.  I was seriously going maybe 1 knot faster than the tanker the whole time.  Once I finally managed to connect and take fuel, there was nothing I could do to keep up as I slowly slipped aft with my throttles burning at max.

Having looked at the mission in the editor, I noticed that the tankers are set to fly at 400kts.  Though I don't know if this is IAS, TRUE, or ground speed, it's excessive for the low and slow A-10.  Dropping the speed down to 250 or so should allow folks to catch up with the tanker and refuel, without the same time commitment or requiring them to take a lighter/less-draggy payload.  And being able to AR at something significantly less than max throttle is nice too.

[104th_Maverick]

There are two tankers set to 400kts sir, these are both for Fast Jets.

 

There is a tanker exclusively for the A-10 that orbits at slow speed, the mission briefing tells you which one it is

 

edit:  I just checked, its TEXACO that is for the A-10 sir... if you look again in the editor for the speed set in the ORBIT advanced actions its set to orbit at 300 (ground speed)

Edited January 17, 2016 by 104th_Maverick

[AJsarge]

I know there's multiple tankers, and I was definitely refueling with Texaco.  I only noticed the 400kts because I wasn't aware of the sub-settings for orbits.  For an A-10, 300kts is pretty darn fast even at low altitudes.  At high altitudes with a decently large payload and getting less thrust from the engines, 300kts (even if it's ground speed) is extremely hard to hold.  Dropping the speed down would give folks an easier time catching up with the tanker and staying with the tanker instead of having to rely on lead-lag in the corners and single-digit closing speeds on the straights at max throttle.

[104th_Maverick]

I will set Texaco to 250 later on today

[104th_Maverick]

Done!