AI Performance

[Defender]

Hi All,

I enjoy the AI touch and go (TNG) option, which is particularly useful if your favourite local airport isn't well supported by Tom's retro traffic.

However having found that the Britannia for example took nearly 10,000 feet of runway to complete its T&G (normal T/O run about 6,000), I found that a successful work around was to reduce the empty weight but I'm just curious to know whether there is another way. For instance in still wind, it will slow on landing to 38 knots before accelerating again. What triggers this speed? Is there a way to change this to say 60 knots and so avoid altering weights?

Another advantage of being able to vary the T/O run is that you can easily create different versions of the same aircraft for short and long haul flights.

Any ideas?

Bill

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi,

All aircraft slow to the "landing/taxi" speed point, which can be set by FS Configurator. But if set faster than about 39 kts ATC will have problems. So there is not much you can do about that.

The three most important determinants of the takeoff length are engine power, empty weight, and wingspan. I set the empty weight to give the correct landing speed (it's the most important factor there), and then the engine power and wingspan to get the correct takeoff length and climb speed. You need to experiment with those.

Hope this helps,

[Defender]

Many thanks Tom. I suspected there might be adverse effects but I'll experiment as I like the idea of an alternative version in a typical training or short haul flight configuration. I'll report back.

Bill

[Defender]

Tom,

Firstly I now realise that the Britannia was a bad example to use. It's touchdown is a bit scary even at the original landing weight! Instead I tried the 7C (your FS2002/4 AI version) which is much more satisfactory.

Conclusions.

Reduce empty weight by no more than about 15% if you want to enable touch and go within 6-7,000 runway length.

Increase weight by no more than 15-20% if you want to see a maximum take off run and slower climb typical of MTOW.

Increasing or reducing the weight has no effect on T/O speed but has proportionate effect on T/O distance, climb rate and landing speed.

FS Configurator makes no difference.

Obviously all this really only matters to those who want to use different models of the bigger heavy props at different weights. The twins will already manage within 6,000 feet.

Thanks again for your earlier advice.

Bill