Fictitious half-scale single-seat research aircraft based
upon the Convair Model 49 VTOL concept aircraft.
Powered by two jet engines feeding a common gearbox to drive
two contra-rotating variable-pitch propellers shrouded
within an 8 feet diameter duct. This entire duct swivels to
the vertical for takeoff and landing, the cockpit section
remaining level.
The name Stalker is meaningless, I just couldn't think of a
name. My 'friend' calls if The Flying Wheelie-Bin and my
Sister calls if The Iron Chicken. :-)
Installing:
Just drop the Stalker folder into your main Aircraft folder.
Aircraft will show up as Unreal Aviation Stalker VTOL.
The panel is a modified B737 one for reference only in the
2D view. VC has the basic B737 gauges just to make the view
a little less boring. It's a bit rough, as I wasn't going to release this aircraft but I've been nagged about it so...
I don't have FS9 and cannot guarantee that the panel will
work at all with that sim.
Speaking of FS9, there are alternative AIR and CFG files in
the FS9 folder. These are actually from Ronnie
Pendergraft's amazing Jupiter2 spaceship and are the Air
and Config files by Claudio Mussner, Used by Permission of
Ronnie Pendergraft. FS9 users will probably prefer these.
Sounds are aliased to the default Cessna Caravan to keep the download size to a respectable level and are a bit weedy for this aircraft. I do have better sounds available if enough people ask for 'em.
Flying:
These instructions are for the FS2002 AIR and CFG files.
Start engines (CTRL E) and press F2 four times to feed in a
smidgeon of reverse thrust unless there is a bit of a
headwind. This will 'spill' any excess thrust and prevent
the aircraft from creeping forward.
As the engines spool up, apply full flap. When you have
both engines running, firewall the throttle and keep the
aircraft level as it lifts off. Sadly, it will trundle
forward a little until it has at least 12-20 knots before
lifting off rather that taking off vertically. If there is
a headwind then you might get lucky and go straight up!
As soon as you are climbing, dump the flaps (FS2002 only)
and as you gain speed above say, 40-50 knots press G to
raise the gear. This will raise the duct to the horizontal
and you will quickly gain speed. Ease back a little on the
stick to prevent the aircraft from sinking as you
transition.
In straight and level flight she behaves like a light jet
fighter with sensitive but stable flight characteristics.
She is neutral in roll, having no dihedral. Top speed is a
slightly unrealistic 465 knots or so but normal cruise
should be around 390 knots.
Landing:
Close the throttle and allow the speed to bleed off to
around 150 knots. This will take a while as she carries
quite a lot of inertia. Airbrakes are fitted if you're
impatient but you really should try flying without using
them.
As you slow below 200 knots (it isn't critical) press G to
lower the duct to the vertical and as the duct starts to
move press F7 to add one notch of flap. This will slow the
aircraft further and cause it to climb slightly. As you go
below 100 knots, add another notch of flaps, then another as
you go below 60-50 knots. None of this is critical but you
will need to practice to get it just right.
With three notches of flap she will descend in a stable
manner on a closed throttle. Keep it level with ailerons
and elevator and steer using lots of rudder to line up for
your touchdown. When you're happy, add the final notch of
flap and a little power. You may get a stall warning at
this point but you can safely ignore it if you're straight
and level.
As you touch down stab F2 quickly, four times to spill any
residual thrust if there is no headwind. Again, you may
need to practice this bit and wind will make a difference.
As I said, these instructions are for the FS2002 flight
dynamics. The FS9 set differ slightly but most importantly,
you must not dump the flaps in one go on takeoff. Raise
them in steps and you'll be fine. You can also feed in the first three notches from a higher speed and in relatively quick succession. There are more than just four notches of flap too....
That's it. She's different and a fun alternative to yet
another silver tube.
Thanks to Ronnie Pendergraft for his kind permission to use
his Jupiter 2 flight dynamics for the FS9 version. If you
haven't seen his work yet then I urge you to take a look at
both his Jupiter 2 and his Flying Sub from Voyage to the
Bottom of the Sea. He's someone who REALLY knows how to do
aircraft interiors!
