PFM Su-33 Problems retracting refueling probe

I'm having problems retracting the refueling probe on the Su33 with the latest update.

I'm don't know it this is the real Su33 behavior or if it is a bug.

After completing the refuel and disconnecting from the tanker, pressing Ctrl+R only disconnects the new RF autopilot. Te probe doesn't retract inmediatly.

It will retract however after a bit of flying around, several minutes afterwards, haven't timed it.

Anyone else is having the same problem?

This is a feature. Will retract once the fuel lines are purged. HUD mode staying in ДЗП mode is a bug.

Always learn something in this forum, thx for the info! :)

Is there an option to purge the fuel lines or is the process automated?

Thank you and greetings

Is there an option to purge the fuel lines or is the process automated?

 

Thank you and greetings

The sequence should start once you press CTRL-R. The rest is automated and should last about 2 minutes.

The sequence should start once you press CTRL-R. The rest is automated and should last about 2 minutes.

thank you for your answer. He completed the cycle once, but I didn't understand why.

While on the subject, are there any speed limits on the probe? Max speed extended, max speed for extension and /or retraction?

its also normal that even WITHOUT any refueling (just deploy and retract, so just ctrl+R and inmediately ctrl+R again) the probe doesn't inmediately retract but it stais deployed for a few minutes?

thanks!

Sounds like an incredibly cumbersome design from the pilot's perspective...

But good to know...

Wait, it's SUPPOSED to stay out for a while? That's a bit...strange, I guess.

probably to ensure no fuel flows back into under the pit / nose section, also to ensure no fumes vent into the pit rendering the pilot unconscious

woud love to know the reason too.

so im suppose to go into battle with a refueling probe sticking out???

so im suppose to go into battle with a refueling probe sticking out???

Why not, Mirage pilots do it all the time.

The new up day , make to Heavy refuel on air with Su-33, and the Logiteh Extreme 3D Pro Suc--, I need the Saytex joystick

In the controls ist named that i expect to turn it on and off on this button. With the refuel lights it is working as expected. If you push the lights will be released and turned on. Push again the go off and retract. So I think the same Thing should behave the refuel probe, as it is a Switch in the Cockpit as weel. I think its a bug.

I think its a bug.

It's not.

The sequence should start once you press CTRL-R. The rest is automated and should last about 2 minutes.

Then what if you accidentally extend the probe and want to retract it? Wait for 2 minutes to purge something that doesn't exist? In reality I mean, not in this game!

The probe cant be accidentally extended. Is almost impossible to reach the switch by mistake

or you could Just be sure to not accidentally hit switches as your flying a powerful weapon system lol they don’t really account for pilot stupidity

...they don’t really account for pilot stupidity

Exactly that. The Russian design & control philosophy has always been very different from western aircraft. Russian aircraft, particularly the Su-27 / -33, will allow you to do plenty of things that the flight control system on most western types would prevent. The theory is that it allows for greater pilot freedom to 'push the envelope'... as long as the pilot knows what they're doing.

In this example, the probe stays out so that the system can be purged prior to retraction of the probe so that no fuel gets in to places where vapour could react very badly with things like the pilot or powered system like the radar. The pilot is thus expected to only extend the probe during actual (or practice I guess) refueling operations, and is also expected to know and obey the probe speed limits, though the auto throttle on the -33 helps in this regard.

Can anyone point me to a guide on the correct use of the RF mode (R shift + R) built into the SU-33, combined with the use of the autothrust (J) and the HUD when pressing L Shift + R to initiate the refuelling?

I assume the RF mode puts the aircraft on a stable level flight while giving a HUD circle to chase all the way to the fuel hose basket...but does it just hold whichever heading and altitude it sees when pressed or does it attempt to match the heading and altitude of the tanker?

When using J, sometimes the tanker slows to the set speed or maybe its the plane changing speed to match?

Final question - any other aircraft in the FC3 packs have airborne refuelling capability?

It is just a level/altitude/heading hold.

The American FC3 planes can AAR also.

Use auto thrust then keybinds to change speed

@Sprool:

I know this is a late response to an old post, but the Su-33 fuel probe retract problem is a programming bug that will unfortunately never be addressed. It has nothing to do with residual fuel accumulation in the probe, because it occurs regardless of whether you take on fuel, or simply toggle the probe, and it remains deployed much longer than a couple of minutes, preventing a switch to nav mode until it retracts. It makes a difficult operation downright annoying. Imagine trying to refuel at night in bad weather, and then trying to get back on the boat without ILS navigation. Worse still, you are unable to tank, and now your way past bingo fuel in the middle of a cold, dark ocean.