F-18 carrier brake problems

[SUBS17]

I just use AI carriers as you can set the carrier alone or as part of a fleet and you can get it to move which is very cool. Wind can be set through the weather in FSX but I never bother with it. You can also set the weather to real weather data in the settings custom weather menu if you're after the same effect as whats going on outside. Yes I have the Goshawk it has one of the best 3d models and pits that I have seen for free ware. You can get the AICARRIERs from AVsim. As for the Kahu it sounds good they were the most advanced version of the A4 pity they are in storage at the moment always nice seeing them flying around will its 3d model include the pop out emergency generator?

[SpazSinbad]

subs17, thanks - I'll look at the AI carriers then. I think you will have better landings if you make a strong wind down the angled deck on your carrier. The wind will reduce your groundspeed giving you more time in the groove and it will reduce any adverse forces during that landing that may give you a 'crash'. Try it. If your carrier landings work better with a strong wind (directly down the angled deck) then please let us know. Thanks.

I'll ask about the emergency generator for the KAHU Skyhawk. At moment I don't know but likely it could be modelled if it is not modelled already. The HUD is terrific - easy to see and it is see through. The Brazilian Navy plan to upgrade their Skyhawk fleet of twelve to a comparable KAHU standard while the Argentine Air Force already have a good upgraded set of Skyhawks (not sure of the details of these two because I'm not a speaker/reader of their respective languages to get a comprehension of the details).

[SpazSinbad]

subs17: Here is the modeller's answer to your question: "Um, I could model it but probably wouldn't actually do anything.... not sure if any point "

My question to subs17 would be also: apart from having a funny air turbine dropping out of the fuselage what else would it do (except perhaps model the lack of electronics in the real situation etc.) in the Skyhawk that is worthwhile?

[SUBS17]

I think its for when it has a flame out, if the engine was modeled realistically with turbine stalls etc then that would probably be part of the procedure I guess to use it. Not sure if its automatic or if they throw a switch for it t pop out BTW the radar is off the F-16 forgotten which block though and the HUD is Ferranti from what I recall last time I read about it.

[SpazSinbad]

subs17, I'm a former A4G pilot a very long time ago now (some 35 years) so I know how the RAT (Ram Air Turbine) emergency generator is used. I won't have access to the KAHU version of NATOPS (pilot flight manual) for various reasons - one being the aircraft is still so highly classified that it cannot be sold to a third party even to this day. As you say the KAHUs remain 'wrapped in plastic' (think "Twin Peaks") outside in the weather in New Zealand - unsold. However there are several variations (in quality only) of the A4E/F/G/K (the KAHU was an A4K before being modified) NATOPS at FileFront. The best quality PDF (135Mb) of my actual NATOPS manual (with A4G extra pages) is at: http://files.filefront.com/A4Gnatops692ppBestQualitypdf/;11720369;/fileinfo.html
Look on this page for other variations including the PCL (Pocket Check List): http://hosted.filefront.com/SpazSinbad/page2

Anyway after all that you can find the relevant RAT pages explaining that it is manually activated but it knocks out a lot of electrics in operation. Of course it is necessary when there is no engine for an engine restart. However it is tested but deployed just before landing because it is such a hassle to use (for a test). Really just having the RAT deployed serves no purpose for Fsim use. Anyway I'm not the modeller so I can only offer my opinions about how the KAHU will turn out in FSX.

Even in use for test deploying the RAT (with the large yellow black striped handle under & slightly outboard of the HOOK handle on the right side of cockpit) things could go wrong if the pilot mistakenly pulled the 'CANOPY JETTISON HANDLE' (aft both handles mentioned) which was more difficult to reach. This happened to an ex-A4G when in service with the RNZAF. Pilot landed OK without canopy and aircraft repaired. [See Graphic attached.]

The FSX KAHU HUD as seen in the videos at FileFront is excellent and modelled as close as possible (with all the button functions on the keypad underneath) to the real thing. Yes the radar is an F-16 model. You can GOOGLE for info about it online. From Wikipedia here is a synopsis: "Westinghouse AN/APG-66 radar optimized for maritime tracking, HOTAS controls and a 'glass' cockpit (2 large CRT screens), MIL-STD 1553B databus; Litton LN-93 inertial navigation system, Ferranti 4510 wide-angle HUD, the Vinten airborne video recording system, the General Instruments ALR-66 radar warning receiver, and a Tracor ALR-39 chaff/flare dispenser." & here is info about the radar: http://www.scramble.nl/wiki/index.php?title=Northrop_Grumman_(Westinghouse)_AN/APG-66

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[SUBS17]

Thanks for the info SpazSinbad I think that will come in handy for JT when its released I hope their A4s have the RAT modeled as you would definately have to use it in combat.

Regarding paint schemes I've seen Kahu A4s flying with Aggressor blue, Standard Lizard, Desert and aggressor grey colour schemes and also an aniversary Gold paint scheme most of them were painted dark green though. For F-16 radar I'd reccomend the MLU tapes 1 and 2 as that covers the radar modes for APG 66 V2.
http://www.skyhawk.org/5e/g154911/html/154912c.htm
(Gold A4, BTW one of the pilots took a female reporter for a ride in this bird and wound up marrying her)

MLU tape 1
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/ebooks/F-16%20MLU1.pdf

tape 2
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/ebooks/F-16%20MLU2.pdf
(wow new version of Tape 2 )

If you want to see how the APG 66 V2 handles with these modes then get Open Falcon as it models the Radar modes quite realistically and it also features the DTC and Datalink which works in MP.

[SpazSinbad]

subs17, WOW! Thanks for the links to the two F16 radar PDFs. I'll have to ask my KAHU contacts now where the KAHU differs - but I could not tell by myself. On the web there are the usual low quality HUD tapes from the KAHU but that is about it. Interesting snippet about GOLD TA4K pilot marrying his passenger. That GOLD clip is in the RNZAF section of the online PDFs. However for the moment none are on this webpage: http://www.a4ghistory.com/

Latest A4G Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm Skyhawks with the other RAN Jets (before and during) is at: http://www.a4ghistory.com/A4G_RAN_JETS_ONLY_May09.pdf (1.86GB)

MAKE SURE YOU RIGHT CLICK TO 'SAVE AS' rather than allow Adobe Reader to download the PDF by left clicking on the URL. Otherwise of course use a Download Manager. At the same web page there is a long .WMV video clip about A4G ops on HMAS Melbourne: http://www.a4ghistory.com/A4G_GreyWinterMortonSilent24m50s.wmv

Sometime soon the 4.4GB PDF will be available at the first URL (with the other files above). This one will have RNZAF Skyhawk info as well as USN etc. It is essential to use Adobe Reader 9.1 or better (update soon) and best to be using WinXP SP2 or higher. MAC users are going to be disappointed - if they get to read about this PDF somehow.

I'm not sure why you think the RAT is so useful to be modelling in Fsim. Jet Thunder (JT) has been around for a long time - I doubt we will see it released - but it would be nice. Why would they model other A4s? IF the RAT is deployed the A4 is in big trouble (depending on situation). Even for a test the RAT was deployed minutes from the airfield to minimise complications after deployment. Yes because the Skyhawk has no battery the RAT was essential when the engine stopped to get it going again or when electrics failed for specific reasons. But it was not a cure all device.

A 1GB PDF that is about the A4G ONLY is at FileFront: http://files.filefront.com/1GB+A4G+ONLY+15apr09pdf/;13602748;/fileinfo.html

The PDFs mentioned here have info about 'how to deck land' for the Skyhawk which applies to the Hornet also.

[SUBS17]

Yeah the reason why I mentioned the RAT is its good to model the aircraft fully in a jet combat sim like JT that way when you do run into such a problem you can use it. For FSX you would use it for movies or if it were modeled like the VRS Superhornet then you could also set the damage and then use the procedures to recover the aircraft. For civy sims its not so important but if you were in a war like my Squadron is at the moment then getting back to base and saving the airframe is important to winning the war. eg my first war mission all my Slammers missed their target and a 5th Element aircraft drew me into range of an SA6 while I was in the merge. Consequently I was visually acquired by an SA6 in my F22 and got hit so my wingman got the kill and I limped home in my 22 landing at the base in what I can only describe as a very delicate sideways approach(and without rudder or NWS) . My 22 got repaired and is back in the air again but the other guys lost some aircraft which they can no longer use and there is only so many each side has.

Another piece of advice if your friends who are making this Kahu really want to see it in a combat sim that is possible and there are no limits to how detailed its modeled if you used the DCS engine. SDKs are available for DCS and it should support 99% of an A4s avionics and 100% of its weapons in a 6dof clickable cockpit.

Eagle Dynamics DCS 3rd Party Support Packages

In an effort to better support 3rd party development of Digital Combat Simulator (DCS), Eagle Dynamics will create a set of plug-ins that will allow 3rd party developers far greater capability to modify and add to DCS. Current plug-in support includes:
Physical Cockpit Interface Package (PCIP). This package provides support to cockpit builders and allows them to more efficiently, and with great depth of capability, to port systems simulated in software to their physical cockpits. This includes support to various projection systems.
Terrain Builder. This plug-in to 3DSMax 7 allows developers to create new terrain maps (elevation, texturing, and object placement) that can be used within DCS. DCS will feature the ability to load multiple maps into the ME and simulation and allow 3rd party to create multiple map-sets as free or paid-for add-ons. This will be the first SDK and we plan to release it in April-May 2009.
3D Model Builder. This plug-in to 3DSMax 7 allows the creation of animated, 3D objects that can be used to populate DCS.
6 DOF Cockpit Builder. This plug-in allows object builders to create new 6 DOF cockpits that can be assigned to DCS user-created aircraft.
External Flight Model Linking. This software package allows the linking of 3rd party flight dynamic systems into DCS to control aircraft.
GUI Source Package. This package includes sources codes to allow the developer to create their own GUI screens, Mission Editor, Campaign Editor.

Also, in the coming weeks we will open a new, private forum for 3rd party developers. This forum will allow such developers to share ideas, talk with Eagle staff, and discuss their projects with their peers.

Further details will be made available after the release of DCS: Black Shark. Until then, note that all the above is subject to change.
__________________
Matt Wagner
Producer, TFC/Eagle Dynamics

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=31052

Another thing is this would allow a more detailed FM than FSX could.

[SpazSinbad]

subs17, OK now I think I understand what you are saying about your combat sim requirements. Fair enough. However the A4 with the RAT deployed is in a lot of trouble unless CAVU weather conditions. For the KAHU I don't know what the end result would be but probably similar to standard Skyhawk with very few avionics working. What is JT? I had assumed that was "Jet Thunder" the long never appearing Falklands War simulator. Is it out now? I'll have to look. http://www.thunder-works.com/news.htm No news there but other games websites say something is happening?

The RAT for an FSX movie is all well and good but I'm not making the KAHU. I have asked about modelling the ejection system working and that got a laugh. :-) Way back I saw an Impala (Macchi Jet) canopy ejecting then two seats ejecting as they should, modelled in FS2000 I think. That was my reason for asking; but it is only useful for 'the movies'. However working slats / speedbrakes / spoilers etc. are fundamental to any A4 aircraft in a sim. I'll have to ask about the chute brake system also. Never used it myself (in A4G) so I had forgotten about that until now.

Thanks for the advice for the FSX KAHU modeller. I'll pass your information on (I don't know what it means) AFAIK the KAHU is for FSX only but I don't really know if it is intended for anything else. Good luck with your combat sims.

[SUBS17]

That 8mm skyhawk footage is absolute gold quite rare to see films of carrierOps like that. With regard the RAT I see it like I look at the F-16s tail hook, its a moving external part for the 3d model that is used in emergencys so for a complete 3d model thats what you would expect. If the modeller doesn't model it then no problem it'll still fly but with it the model is more complete. As for ejection sequence then if that were added it would be a bit like the VRS SH and then you would need the pit to feature the seat arming lever etc it all depends on how detailed the aircrafts going to be. IMO I'd pay for a fully detailed A4 regardless of which version if it were at the same level as the VRS SH but my friends probably wouldn't however if it were a payware addon for DCS with full combat capability then it would sell very well. I think at the moment there is only JT(Jet Thunder) and 7G are the only cold war jet combat sims in development. I like JTs Skyhawk pit which is 6DOF and allows the pilot to view the probe for refuelling. One other thing the Kahu must have the drogue chute modelled otherwise its not going to be done correctly as all Kahu A4s used the chute to land or they used field arresting kit.

[SpazSinbad]

subs17, I'll post the modellers answer to your question - or he may reply here?

UPDATE: KAHU Skyhawk modellers reply: QUOTE

"Hmmm I know NOTHING about DCS and am not 'at this time' interested. The
project has already consumed a great deal of time and the initial plan was
to model for FSX and I intend to stick to that. I am not however ruling out
developing it further for other sims, merely completing the task at hand."

[SUBS17]

That sounds cool how detailed will it be? Will we be able to do a full ramp start?

[SpazSinbad]

Quote from FSX KAHU modeller: "Hopefully yes
&
More A4G videos on Utube:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?gl=AU&hl=en-GB&user=bengello&view=videos

[SUBS17]

Tell your modeller I have a PSD for the RNZAF Roundel(left and right) and the Tiki for 75Sqn if you wish to use for the RNZAF skin it was off a RNZAF F-16 Skin I did a couple of years ago for Falcon so you guys are welcome to it.

[SpazSinbad]

subs17, thanks for the offer. Can you post the files somewhere or do you need to e-mail them? I use FileFront for most 'smaller than 1GB' file transfers. As you may imagine the Kiwis are not far away and because the A4G went to New Zealand for conversion to A4K and then KAHU I'm interested in Kiwi Skyhawks. There is an official set of drawings for the original SEA camo scheme at FileFront: http://files.filefront.com/A4K+markings+1970+80+RNZAFpdf/;12286100;/fileinfo.html (3.8Mb).

Soon I'll post a 1GB PDF about the RNZAF Skyhawks ONLY at FileFront. In the meantime there is a small KAHU info PDF (15Mb) at: http://files.filefront.com/KahuUpdateRNZAFonlypdf/;13637626;/fileinfo.html This is not comprehensive because my interest is in the A4G. Speaking of which the refreshed 4.4GB PDF is being uploaded to http://www.a4ghistory.com/ Upload should finish by tomorrow sometime.

At present there is only the 1.86GB PDF mentioned earlier (only with A4G & RAN FAA jets content) on this page. It will stay there with the 4.4GB PDF and then a new .WMV video with music will be uploaded. The old one had to be replaced - not enough room on the website.