I have to admit, if there were awards offered for the most accurate Flight Dynamics in FS, this would win HANDS DOWN! There really is nothing that compares to this for several reasons. First, this is essentially a flying wing without a vertical tail, and FS does not allow that type or form. Without a VTail the aircraft are uncontrollable in FS. Secondly, there have been no previous versions of the B-2 that actually flew accurately or stable, although several looked cosmetically nice. This version looks nice and is extremely stable, and the additional trick used was a subliminal Vtail.
The B-2 maintains stability through use of several wing slats, all computer controlled, and if the computer fails, there is no option for the pilots other than bailing-out. There is no way the pilots can instruct the slats to work properly. In FS there is no way we can incorporate several wing slats to control slip, so a subliminal Vtail is used to satisfy FS.
The aerodynamics incorporated are REAL WORLD, including the engine dynamics and MOI (Moments of Inertia). Not surprising to me, I found that research pays off. I studied many research papers and found all of the aerodynamic concepts for this plane are actually available to the public you just have to know where to look, and what you are reading. Through this study I was able to incorporate the REAL WORLD dynamics of the B-2 into this model, adding a Vtail to satisfy the program. In fact, the Vtail aspect would be correct if it had a Real World Vtail. The engine dynamics were another pain, because the intakes are very small, to create a Stealth effect. Again, the results are accurate.
The B-2 is actually designed for high speed, low altitude bombing. This version will fly stable at 380 KIAS low level over a range of about 3,000 nm. She can also cruise at high altitude for long range, at about FL410 @ Mach .80 or so for about 6,500 nm. Her service ceiling (FL500) is a bit deceiving because it requires a low fuel load, and almost no payload, but it can be done if you eliminate the center fuel amount and change the bombs to 10,000 lb in the center payload area, or 5,000 lb fore and aft, or fly ferry with wing tanks only. Another item to note is that the climb rate must be decreased as speed slows, but high descent rates will not cause her to overspeed, due to the small intakes. Autopilot works almost perfectly for ILS approach, but final landing should be manual. This is essentially a broad-winged glider, so stalls are difficult.
The version of aircraft included is used as a test-flight model at Edwards Air Force Base (KEDW), and is the only one used for tests. I found this appropriate for Simmers as well because we are actually testing aircraft when they are so unfamiliar, as is this. However, I know you will love this plane, and I hope you have many hours letting her fly at FL370 or above, even while you sleep (if your speed and distance is enough to reach more than 8 hours).
There are two panels included. The default is the Boeing 747 panel for FSX. The second is a semi-realistic B-2 panel of which requires installation of the gauges in the gauges folder. If you want to use the second, simply enter the aircraft.cfg file and change the following line to:
panel=B2
then copy all of the files in the gauges folder to:
and you dont need to overwrite any files when asked. Not sure why the designer of this gauge included some of these files, but it is better if you just leave the originals (the author was anonymous, and German). You can also add any panel you desire for your pleasure, but a 4 engine heavy without afterburner effects is recommended (dont use a Concorde panel). Add the smoke effects by following the instructions in the Smoke folder.
Now, if for some reason you dont know how to install this plane, here we go
After unzipping the file, copy the B-2A folder (only) to:
then enter that area to read and study all necessary, or change your panel. It is very simple, but you would not believe how many E-mails I get asking for installation instructions, or claiming the plane does not show-up in their aircraft list (previous uploads).
IF, for some odd reason, you find anything in this aircraft is not working properly, please let me know. Do not ask me to fix cosmetic issues, and remember that I deal only with engine and aerodynamics.
I am not offering any kneeboard data at this time for this aircraft, but I might at a later date. Currently I feel she flies so easy that there is no need for a kneeboard checklist, and you can review most of the details before flight when selecting her from your aircraft list. All you really need to do is read as much as you can find about this aircraft, and comply with what you find appears most accurate (not everything is, and majority rules).
These files are freeware. Please amend/distribute as you see fit.
Under no circumstances may these files be sold or uploaded to a payware site or any kind of illegal warez site.
The aircraft included here is designed for educational purposes only, and modifications are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine (http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html).
Douglas E. Trapp
FS Flight Dynamics Engineer
KC6ZOF@Yahoo.com
October, 2012
