Testing Firepower Aircraft

For those wishing to do their own FirePower flight tests, please keep in mind the following points:

• All aircraft were developed on the "Hard" skill level setting with "normal" weapons effectiveness.
• Test the aircraft at the proper "test weight" which is listed in that aircraft's help file.  Aircraft are tested at a normal takeoff or combat weight, which is often less than a full fuel load.
• Do not carry any external stores; these create drag and will affect the top speed and overall performance.
• Do not use the autopilot for any test purpose.  The autopilot also controls the throttle and depletes fuel rapidly, thus invalidating any test results.
• When performing a climb test, the proper climb power as listed in the help file must be set at an altitude of 1,000 feet AGL.  The climb speed should be set as soon as possible after takeoff and the aircraft should be cleaned up by 500 feet AGL (1,000 feet AGL for bombers or as stated in the checklist).  The climb speed must be maintained within a range of +/- 3 mph.
• The aircraft can take up to 15 minutes or more to stabilize for top speed tests.  The VSI must be kept exactly on the zero mark or the speed will vary.
• Roll rates were tested in a level flight attitude or slight dive to gain the proper airspeed.  Use of the rudder or a nose-up attitude will affect roll rates.
• G forces were measured in an "elevator" turn at an 80-90 degree bank, entered at an airspeed slightly above the test speed.  The stick was pulled smoothly but firmly back until obtaining the maximum g force just before the stall, which is indicated by the yellow warning text.
• 1 g stalls were tested by flying the aircraft in slow flight, maintaining the VSI needle on zero, and slowly reducing power and trimming the aircraft until onset of the stall.
• Fighter aircraft were extensively tested by dogfighting various stock aircraft and each other to confirm handling characteristics.  The AI aircraft were set to the "Ace" skill level for these tests.