Hey guys,if you are a Avgeek I’m sure you have seen this manauver performed on F18s and other aircraft but are we able to do the same in Infinite Flight without stalling!
Photo taken by
Tianqi.Yao
Detailed explanation
The Cobra maneuver (also known as Pugachev’s Cobra) is a spectacular and challenging aerobatic maneuver that involves an aircraft rapidly pitching up to a vertical or beyond-vertical angle of attack, then returning to level flight without a significant change in altitude
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Performing the Cobra maneuver in a real-life aircraft requires several factors:
- Specific Aircraft Design: The aircraft needs to possess inherent aerodynamic characteristics and, ideally, thrust vectoring capabilities for optimal execution. The Swedish Saab 35 Drakenwas one of the first aircraft known to be able to perform this maneuver, even without thrust vectoring, due to its unique design.
- Skilled Pilot: This maneuver demands a highly skilled and experienced pilot who can precisely coordinate control inputs, manage engine thrust, and maintain situational awareness throughout the high angle of attack phase.
- High Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: The aircraft needs powerful engines capable of generating sufficient thrust to counteract the effect of the extreme pitch-up and maintain control during the maneuver.
- **Advanced Flight Control Systems:**Modern fighter jets use systems like fly-by-wire to help maintain stability and control during high-angle-of-attack maneuvers.
Steps for Executing the Cobra (using the Su-27 as an example):
- Disengage Angle of Attack Limiter: The pilot typically needs to override the aircraft’s angle of attack limitations.
- Hard Stick Pull: The pilot pulls back hard on the control stick.
- Achieve High Angle of Attack: The aircraft reaches a pitch angle between 90 and 120 degrees.
- Center Elevator: The pilot centers the elevator, using the drag it creates to help pitch the aircraft back forward.
- Apply Power: The pilot increases engine power to help maintain forward momentum and compensate for reduced lift.
Potential Uses and Limitations:
- Mock Dogfights: The maneuver can be used in simulated combat scenarios to force a pursuing aircraft to overshoot.
- Airshows: It’s a crowd-pleasing maneuver that demonstrates the aircraft’s maneuverability and the pilot’s skills.
- Combat (Limited): The Cobra has never been verified for use in real combat. Some speculate it could be used as a last-ditch effort, but the speed loss makes the aircraft extremely vulnerable.
Important Notes:
- The Cobra maneuver involves a momentary, controlled stall.
- Thrust vectoring can make the maneuver easier to control.
- Attempting this maneuver without proper training and a capable aircraft is extremely dangerous and could lead to loss of control or structural failure.
Helpful links!
