Boeing Vertol CH113/A Labrador
Canadian Forces SAR Helicopter
Ver 2.5, Semptember
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This model incorporates a Flt Shop model by Keith Clifford with his fine Canadian Forces CH113A textures. This "Captain Panel" is my rendition from the original Chinook cockpit BMP by Graham Waterfield.
Version 2.5 eliminates the RMI (which we don't have) by replacing it with an HSI with 2 Bearing Pointers; however, we can only select one nav aid at a time to be displayed on the single bearing pointer, ie, only the ADF, VOR or TACAN (military VOR) can be selected at a time.
As a longtime Labrador pilot, I wanted a FS98 aircraft that closely approximated this venerable machine which caused me to venture into this, my first FS aircraft. We operate 4 Labradors (out of a Canada-wide fleet of 12) and 6 DHC5 Buffalo fixed wing aircraft from 442 Squadron, CFB Comox on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Our unit is responsible for Air & Marine Search and Rescue on Canada's West Coast.
I have found that the other FS 2002 helos are virtually impossible to fly easily and they certainly do not resemble how the Labrador flies. If helo flying was that difficult, I would have quit or been written off a long time ago. Therefore, I have combined the best features from the work of many contributers, especially the guage makers, from whom I 'borrowed' & modified their great ideas.
The result is a nice flying helicopter that is trimmable in pitch, has a passable hover capability, has little adverse yaw (tandem rotor) and does IFR approaches nicely. The instrument panel is very close to our configuration. I have included an autopilot (our Lab has none - makes it fun at night!) to make longer flights less tedious. Best viewed at 1024x768x16 (because of the large scenery window frame rates may suffer on slower machines). If the scenery window does not fill the screen (you should see the ground beneath the panel) drag the bottom of the scenery screen to the bottom of your monitor screen. Save the flight and subsequently it should come up correctly.
FLIGHT TIPS:
HOVERING - Select FLIGHT MODE 'H 1' (F7 once or your flap selector). As there is no flap, this is simply a method to initiate the Hover FLIGHT MODE. The'FLIGHT MODE' Guage (modified flap guage) has 3 settings:
- 'FWD': for forward flight;
- 'H 1': hover mode which gives a hover at 8Kts; and
- 'D' opens the right front dutch door (but slows to hover mode).
The aft ramp can be opened & closed by toggling the 'Spoiler' key.
First: *RELEASE THE PARK BRAKES*.
TAKEOFF (from HOVER) - Select 'H 1' FLIGHT MODE. Smoothly increase power (F3) until liftoff (approx 80% Torque). Pedal turns are done with L & R Stick and/or Pedals (rudders). Altitude is controlled with power (F1, F2, F3). Once hovering, select 'FWD' FLIGHT MODE and set power at approx 70% Torque. Climb away at 80 to 100 KIAS. Trim pitch as required.
TAKEOFF (NO HOVER) - Select 'FWD' FLIGHT MODE. Smoothly increase power (F3) to approx 70% Torque and climb away at 80 to 100 KIAS. Trim as required.
NORMAL FLIGHT - Flys nicely at 100 KIAS (our IFR approach speed) using approx 50% Torque. The Labrador max speed is 148 KIAS but 120 KIAS is the normal cruise. Trim pitch as required or select 'Alt Hold' for even better control.
LANDING (RUNNING) - Fly a normal approach to a runway at 80-100 KIAS at approx 40% Torque. On short final, reduce power (F2 or F1 for min) and run it on below 65 KIAS just like the real thing! Steer with rudder/pedal. Allow it decelerate to a stop before applying brakes.
LANDING (HOVER) - Approach the landing area at min power (F1) in 'FWD' FLIGHT MODE. Reduce speed with nose up pitch. Near the touch-down point apply select 'H 1' and the aircraft will slow to a hover. Add power as required.
INSTALLATION
- Make a New Folder in the FS 2002 'Aircraft' directory, and name it - CH113A310 (or whatever);
- UNZIP & EXTRACT contents into this directory (the required sub-folders - Model, Panel, Sound, and Texture [plus Gages] will be created and filled automatically);
- COPY or MOVE all '.gau' files in the 'Gages' sub-folder to the main FS2002 'Guages' directory. Then DELETE the 'Gages' sub-directory if you want.
This all works well on my system. Use at your own risk as I cannot accept any responsibility in the unlikely event of any damage. Enjoy.
