I need help with variable pitch propellers

[Loud_Silence]

I've been with flight sims for a long time, but i still don't understand how to use VP propellers efficiently. I know that it works somewhat like the gears in a car; with a high propeller RPM, you get the highest power, but at a speed high enough the propeller pitch causes enough drag to overcome the engine power. The point is, how do i know when it's time to set a lower RPM?

[Schroeder]

Originally Posted by Loud_Silence

I've been with flight sims for a long time, but i still don't understand how to use VP propellers efficiently. I know that it works somewhat like the gears in a car; with a high propeller RPM, you get the highest power, but at a speed high enough the propeller pitch causes enough drag to overcome the engine power. The point is, how do i know when it's time to set a lower RPM?

I'm not an expert but the following should give you a rough overview:
In a dive lower RPMs (I usually set it to 70%) will help you to gain speed. In a climb you can always have it to 100%. I think in level flight 100% or 90% should get you the highest speed.
But maybe someone with a bit more knowledge has more accurate numbers.

[Dowly]

I use it as Schroeder descriped. Except, I only use it on P51, AFAIK, in IL2 not many planes have any advantage of using prop pitch.

[Raptor1]

Originally Posted by Dowly

I use it as Schroeder descriped. Except, I only use it on P51, AFAIK, in IL2 not many planes have any advantage of using prop pitch.

Really? I've seen plenty that can...

[Dowly]

Be quiet Hurrijockey.

[Schroeder]

Actually all planes with a constant speed propeller (I think that is the English name for that) will benefit from the tactics described above.