Post by VSL-Admin on Jul 17, 2023 18:04:42 GMT
Hi all,
As you know, the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': F-19 Project manual is on the works, while a partial (and constantly updated) substance is included in the project.
Updating of the manual is a high-priority item here at the 'labs, and manual - related updates will be pushed in every few days!
Meanwhile...this thread is dedicated for some fast-and-useful tips.
In general, it will keep to exist also after the 'Grand Manual' will be completed, as a service for the ones who seeks for fast, available information...and have questions to ask...
Let's begin with an autopilot flying tip!
The VSKYLABS F-19 is equipped with a simple yet powerful autopilot system...more than enough for an 80's era jet fighter, and also for nowadays advanced 'X-Plane' (the real-world phrase for experimental aircraft...X-1,X-3...X-15...).
Here is a useful Terrain-Following feature, try it!
When flying level at a safe altitude, stable, within the autopilot flight envelope (below the trans sonic regime), set your radio altimeter bug to any selected altitude...say 800 feet AGL. Next, sync the heading-bug by pushing on the heading bug knob, and engage the autopilot HDG and ALT modes (touch screen panel - hit it!).
Now you should be flying straight and level, safe and sound.
Next thing to do is to engage the autopilot TER mode.
What will happen now is that the aircraft will begin a descent to intercept the radar altitude 800 feet AGL that we have selected. Meanwhile you can set the heading bug to any selected heading as the autopilot will try to intercept and maintain a terrain-following flight path of 800 feet AGL (the selected altitude).
You can try and lower the radio-altimeter bug to lower altitude...down to 300 feet, 200 feet or below.
You can fly quite low, with the autopilot being engaged, setting the heading as required. It will try to avoid mountains, hills, canyon walls... cool isn't it?
DISCLAIMERS:
As you know, the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': F-19 Project manual is on the works, while a partial (and constantly updated) substance is included in the project.
Updating of the manual is a high-priority item here at the 'labs, and manual - related updates will be pushed in every few days!
Meanwhile...this thread is dedicated for some fast-and-useful tips.
In general, it will keep to exist also after the 'Grand Manual' will be completed, as a service for the ones who seeks for fast, available information...and have questions to ask...
Let's begin with an autopilot flying tip!
The VSKYLABS F-19 is equipped with a simple yet powerful autopilot system...more than enough for an 80's era jet fighter, and also for nowadays advanced 'X-Plane' (the real-world phrase for experimental aircraft...X-1,X-3...X-15...).
Here is a useful Terrain-Following feature, try it!
When flying level at a safe altitude, stable, within the autopilot flight envelope (below the trans sonic regime), set your radio altimeter bug to any selected altitude...say 800 feet AGL. Next, sync the heading-bug by pushing on the heading bug knob, and engage the autopilot HDG and ALT modes (touch screen panel - hit it!).
Now you should be flying straight and level, safe and sound.
Next thing to do is to engage the autopilot TER mode.
What will happen now is that the aircraft will begin a descent to intercept the radar altitude 800 feet AGL that we have selected. Meanwhile you can set the heading bug to any selected heading as the autopilot will try to intercept and maintain a terrain-following flight path of 800 feet AGL (the selected altitude).
You can try and lower the radio-altimeter bug to lower altitude...down to 300 feet, 200 feet or below.
You can fly quite low, with the autopilot being engaged, setting the heading as required. It will try to avoid mountains, hills, canyon walls... cool isn't it?
DISCLAIMERS:
- The TER mode is not optimized for flying over flat areas (over water, flat land). In such a case, it is better to use the ALT mode.
- The TER mode will not help you from crashing into the ground. It is not meant for high-pace low altitude in-the-narrow-canyon-flying. For this flight segment, "use your pilot sh*t...".
- The TER mode will keep getting better due project continuous development.