Spasatel - Lun Class Ekranoplan Handling Notes:
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General:
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Ground-effect Flight levels lie between 3 and 30 ft.
Outside view: 500 ft. (Zoom factor 1).
Virtual cockpit: minimum zoom factor.
Auto-rudder: off.
The Spasatel´s 8 engines are grouped into 4:
Engines 1 and 2 represent the four left engines, and engines 3 and 4 represent the four right ones. They are fitted with exhaust deflectors, that function in combination with the flaps, greatly increasing lift at low speeds, thus considerably reducing take-off time.
Take-off with flaps (standard operation):
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1.- Apply some upward elevator-trim.
2.- Fully extend flaps (includes downward exhaust-deflection on forward engines for extra take-off lift).
3.- Apply full throttle (N1=90%).
4.- At about 80 Kts, gently pull back on the joystick to rotate for take-off.
5.- Once airborne, adjust attitude with elevator trim.
6.- In good weather, after 150 or 160 Kts, flaps can be pulled in slowly. Throttle back for cruising speeds. In bad weather, keep flaps extended, (together with downward exhaust deflection), to provide extra lift, compensating losses in the dynamic air-cushion caused by the waves.
7.- Small adjustments with the elevator trim (Num Pad 7 and 1 Keys) will be necessary at different speeds.
Take-off without flaps (only in good weather):
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1.- Neutral elevator trim.
2.- Retract flaps.
3.- Full throttle (N1=90%).
4.- At about 100 Kts, gently pull back the yoke to rotate.
5.- Once airborne, trim to a slightly nose-up attitude.
6.- After 150 Kts, throttle back to for cruising speed. The Spasatel will slowly continue gaining height and speed.
8.- After 200 Kts, correct elevator trim for level flight.
Ground effect flight cruising speeds:
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High-speed cruising: 270 Kts, engines at 68% power.
Normal Cruising: 243 Kts, engines at 58% power.
Economy Cruising: 170 Kts, engines at 40% power.
IMPORTANT: Trim elevators for totally horizontal attitude to achieve correct cruising heights/speeds.
Flying in ground effect, bad weather:
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Fully extended flaps, Spasatel levelled with some upward elevator trim.
About 150 Kts, 90% power.
Touchdown:
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1.- Set all engines to idle.
2.- Apply as much spoiler (immitates reverse thrust) as you wish.
3.- Fully extend flaps.
4.- Apply some upward elevator trim.
5.- You will touch down slightly nose-up, at around 70 Kts.
6.- Apply reverse thrust to continue reducing speed.
7.- Apply brakes when mooring - this immitates the ground crew in the tug boat to avoid hitting the pier!
Normal Flight:
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Spasatel levelled with elevator trim, flaps retracted.
Maximum Speed: 297 Kts, engines at 90% power.
Ceiling: 24,600 ft.
