posted 08-02- 02:46 AM               

Actually this is a modified Hawker Kestrel, the plane that lead to the Harrier's development. This thing can go vertical from a stand still and as one can imagine is very tricky to fly. Once you get the hang of it it's alot of fun.

I did this over the weekend and spent tonight working on the gear. All the wheels contact the ground and roll as they should. I'm going to work on the nozzles tomorrow. In flight you can go from a slow forward speed hover to forward flight (nozzles at 0 degs), and of course, from full speed back into a hover. Right now it has a 0 deg setting and 90 degs. It's set at 0 deg so the AI can fly it, but when a human takes over they can go into hover mode. I'm going to mess with 40-60 settings as well.

posted 08-02- 03:07 AM               

I'm planning on cranking this in a short time since it's been sitting on my HD for many months. I started it as the F-15C with Razer747 way back when and just recently decided to make it into the full blown airplane. I'll post more pics as it gets close to release.

posted 08-02- 03:29 AM               

I was curious, how do you account for the low speed controls? Is it possible (as in the real bird) to add small nozzles at the tail and wings that are linked to control inputs, as in the real bird? Is it possible to link engine throttles to controls apart from the ussual throttle?

Another solution could be (if possible) to put some constant thrust engines onto the standard control surfaces, and another engine to oppose the total thrust of those engines. When control surfaces are still, the total thrust of all engines would be zero, but when the control surfaces are moved the equilibrium is broken and you have precisely the controls you want. Just a thought.

Grand Prix 3 released and a Harrier in the works! What more could a simmer want ?

-Gecko =FC=

posted 08-02- 03:39 AM               

I'm only slightly biased since my father was chief engineering officer for the sea harrier flight trials unit at RNAS Yeovilton.

posted 08-02- 06:20 AM               

Luftwaffe's second best scoring ace in WW2 with 301 victories, Gerhard Barkhorn, test flew a RAF Kestel in the 60's. Unfortunately he crashed the plane, suffering serious injuries. When he was helped out of the remains of the plane, he reportedly muttered "drei hundert und zwei" - 302.

Camo

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Camouflage
XO, Lentolaivue 34
www.muodos.fi/LLv34

posted 08-03- 08:16 AM            

I remember the Harrier in Janes ATF was fun to fly, and I bet your great new SDOE plane will be awesome. Your (and a few others) effort has really made SDOE a stayer.
Even if I get new sims, I always go back to SDOE for the sheer fun of flying. There are so many new planes to choose from, and they all have their own distinct handling. If I should pick one thing that differentiate SDOE from other sims it must be the damage modelling, and the way planes and objects reacts when touching each other or colliding.
Havent had the time to really fly much lately.(rebuilding the basement this summer)
When I choose to have a quick flight I tend to turn back to the 2(!) year old SDOE or Falcon. My personal favourites of their respective eras

Pete and all you other wizards: Keep up the great work !