Wing-in-Ground-Effect vehicle for recreational use in sheltered waters. Not a problem in FS as even the oceans are calm. ;-)
Although it is true that WIG craft perform better the larger they get and need to be somewhere in the region of 400 tons plus to be capable of crossing oceans, there is something to be said for this much smaller class. Faster than any speedboat or hovercraft yet needing no more skill to pilot than either. The only limitation being its inability to climb more than a few inches above the water plus the need for the calm waters of slow rivers, lakes and estuaries.
The tandem wing type is the smallest and simplest of the WIG craft and although a much better performance is available from the now well-established reverse-delta, twin-hull layout, the T.A.B is still the easiest to build and was designed with amateur construction in mind.
Installing:
Just drop the TAB folder into your main aircraft folder.
2D panel is a slightly modified Cessna 172 with a water rudder instead of flaps. This panel is for reference only and is there to help you set up trim and barometric settings on the altimeter. You would then normally fly from the VC or from the Spot View.
Flying:
These instructions are for FS2002.
As you cannot take off from land, you will have to Slew to somewhere wet first... ;-)
In the 2D panel, set the trim to the indicator above the T/O position.
If there is a crosswind and you need to taxi then you will need to lower the water rudder. Be sure to raise the water rudder again prior to takeoff otherwise, you will flip!
The actual takeoff is probably best done from the Spot View.
Firewall the throttle and she will eventually lift off at 85 knots or so. As you lift off reduce throttle to keep the keel just out of the water. You should be able to maintain 80-88 knots if you have trimmed correctly.
It is a LOT easier to get it stable if you use the autopilot. If you press Z just as you lift off, followed by CTRL H to hold the heading (if you're not heading for something expensive) it will be easier to get her trimmed quickly. To change heading under AP control press CTRL SHIFT H then + or - to adjust heading. Adjust your height with throttle. Make tiny changes and allow time for the aircraft to settle.
It can be flown manually but this takes a bit of practice and as the real thing is not supposed to have any ailerons, you should fly with Auto Rudder ON.
WARNING.
She is classed as a boat. For safety as well as for licensing purposes (you don't need a Pilot's License) she MUST be operated at 0 feet. There are no elevators so don't be tempted to actually let her climb otherwise you will crash. Gentle turns will probably dip a float in the water. Tight turns will require full power.
From time to time, you will touch the water and will lose speed. If you slow too much you will cease to fly and will need full power to get airborne again. You may have to toggle the AP off until you are back in the air.
Gusty conditions can have you suddenly dumped or worse, suddenly at altitude. If the latter happens, then cut the power initially then apply full power to cushion the splashdown. If you go in even slightly nose-down you will crash.
You will notice that the lower you fly, the faster you will go on the same power. Even inches make a difference here.
She is also a lot more stable in ground effect.
That's it. She is great fun to not-fly and quite challenging at times, especially if you're negotiating a river.
