the fa-18f
TRANSCRIPT
1
Special thanks to my family and friends who supported me on this long journey.
Page 2
INTRODUCTION
What's in the package............ 5
Sound volume......................... 8
Installation............................... 9
Quick start............................... 10
SETUP
Rendering Setup..................... 11
Get more fps........................... 12
Set AI aircraft.......................... 13
Joystick setup......................... 14
AIRCRAFT FAMILIARIZATION
Know your Hornet................... 16
Fly by wire & trim.................... 18
3D FRONT Cockpit.................. 19
3D REAR Cockpit.................... 20
INDEX
Page 3
SWITCHES AND GAUGES
Fuel gauge / engine gauge..... 53
Right console.......................... 55
Night lighting........................... 56
Left console – front................. 57
Left console – rear.................. 58
PROCEDURES:
Engine / aircraft startup......... 59
Engine /aircraft shutdown...... 60
FLY THE FA-18F....................... 61
AIR TO AIR refueling............... 64
CARRIER operations.............. 65
Copyright................................. 71
DISPLAYS AND INDICATORS
Head Up Display...................... 21
Digital Displ. Indicator DDI..... 23
Attitude Direction Indicator.... 25
Engine indicator...................... 26
DDI – Fuel indicator................ 28
Horizontal Situation Indicator 30
GPS.......................................... 33
Flight Data indicator............... 35
RADAR..................................... 37
Weapons indicator.................. 39
UFCD Up Front Control Displ. 41
UFCD – COM Menu................. 43
UFCD – Autopilot menu.......... 45
UFCD – Settings menu........... 47
UFCD – NAV Menu.................. 49
UFCD – GPS............................ 51
Thank you very much for purchasing the “FA-18F add-on by COLIMATA” and therefore supporting my development work.I invested more than 2.000 working hours in this aircraft and all the experiences from the MiG-29 project. The goal was to create a great fighter jet for X-Plane, with very good graphics, plugin driven custom systems, good aerodynamics and a system depth that matches the requirements for semi professional and beginner, flight simulation fighter pilots.With v1.5 many new features are introduced like air to air refueling, rear cockpit view, even more HUD features but foremost the brand new custom made 3D sound. It really brings the FA-18F to a whole new level.
I'm really satisfied with the result and I'm confident you will be too.
The FA-18F:The FA-18F is more than just the 2-seat version of the FA-18E. It's two seat layout enables the crew to use the equipment, aerodynamics and power to the full potential. The FA-18F (together with E, G, C and D) are the back bone of today's American Naval flying forces. The impressive capabilities of the “Super Hornet – Rhino” where developed in decades. In fact today's FA-18's have there roots in the legendary F-5 Tiger. This reliable machine was the basis for the YF-17 Cobra that in further evolution became the FA-18A. Passing further years of evolution, improvement and optimization (C,D models) the FA-18 platform reached it's actual stage. The FA-18E “Super Hornet”, the FA-18F “Rhino” and the FA-18G “Growler” for electronic warfare.The FA-18F is now a real multirole aircraft, performing excellently in air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions. Having it's home base on aircraft carriers, flying the “Super Hornet” in day and night missions can be considered one of the biggest challenges for an aviator.
Manuals / Support:There is no need to know all systems described in this manual. This add-on can be used with different knowledge levels.In addition to this FULL manual, there is the quickstart manual that ships with the aircraft.
Video tutorials on www.youtube.com/colimatavideos
Technical questions can be discussed on: forums.x-plane.orgx-plane.org forum → Payware Support → Designers → COLIMATA → FA-18F
My email is: [email protected].
I'm sure that some of you are FA-18 experts. Feel free to correct me and send some creative critique. But foremost send me an encouragement if you like the FA-18F add-on.
Page 4
INTRODUCTION
Highly accurate interactive 3D cockpit, with projected, collimated, focused to infinity 3D HUD.
Precisely modeled, animated external aircraft with beautiful textures in 4k (2k option).
Refined flight model with correct landing speeds and AoA, max. turn rate, fuselage/wing root extensions lift simulation, etc
Reasonable system depth, ideal for semi professional and beginner, flight simulation fighter pilots.
Many high quality 4k liveries (2k option to save VRAM)
Page 5
What's in the package?
What's in the package?
17+ high quality 4k liveries (2k option to save VRAM)
Default
USA NAVY VFA-103 Jolly Rogers
USA NAVY VFA-147 Argonauts
USA NAVY Flighttest USA NAVY VFA-32 Swordsmen
USA NAVY VFA-102 Diamondbacks
Switzerland Malaysia Royal Australian Airforce Royal Canadian Airforce Kuwait
Finland USA NAVY VFA-41 Black Aces
USA NAVY VFA-213 Black Lions
USA Factory rolloutSpain
Page 6
To reduce the download size of the package, many liveries, plus additional ones, can be downloaded for free from the x-plane.org server.X-plane.org → Downloads → Aircraft Skins – Liveries → FA-18F by COLIMATA
This is the direct link:http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/category/166-fa-18f-by-colimata/
One of the most exciting new features is the brand new dynamic custom made 3D sound. It really brings the FA-18F to a whole new level. More than 50 custom made sounds have been implemented, many of them recorded on the real aircraft. To mention a few:
+The atmosphere in the cockpit is now fully alive. The fans are spinning on various rpm depending on AC setting, dynamic engine sound is present, there are different cockpit sounds on various flight levels and g-loads. Turns, especially at high AoA, got dynamic vortex sound, that let’s you feel the strong aerodynamic forces acting on the fuselage. The breathing sound of the oxygen mask can be adjusted. The g-suit pressurization and release is implemented. Even the effects of the hydraulic actuated brakes can be heard. The volume of all major sounds in the cockpit can be adjusted manually.
+ The computer voice of “BETTY” warns in potentially dangerous situations.Especially below 1.000ft above the ground she warns you early enough whenthe aircraft enters potentially critical flight envelopes.
+ A lot of work has been invested in complex engine sounds, in and outside the cockpit. Engines now feel extremely more realistic in all rpm ranges. Engine sound not only reacts to different rpm but includes also special effectsthat have been recorded on the real aircraft. A set of real-world startup and shutdown engine sounds is also included.
+ Dozens of more dynamic effects are present like different sound levels for different canopy open/close levels, many different switches, weapon launching, rain on the windshield, flyby sounds, supersonic bang, ejection sound, etc….
Page 7
What's in the package?
SOUND VOLUME
Page 8
Volume - Cockpit fans
In cockpit engine sound
Betty's warning voice
“Headshaker” on/off
G-Suite sound on/off
Oxygen/breathing sound
In addition to the sound volume setting possibilities of X-Plane, all major sounds For the FA-18F can be adjusted and set to your own preference on the left console.
This includes:
+ The volume of the cockpit fans
+ The volume of the in cockpit engine sound
+ The volume of “Betty's” warning voice
+ The intensity of the breathing sound
+ The G-suite pumping up and release sound can be toggled on or off
+ The “head shaker” effect can be toggled on or off
In general fighter jet cockpits are pretty quite duringnormal flight. The default setting should be a goodcompromise but with this setting possibilities everybody should find it's optimal set.
INSTALLATION
Page 9
1. Unzip the downloaded zip file (Please use the unzip-software of the operating system)
2. Move the resulting folder “FA-18F v1.5” inside “...\X-Plane 11\Aircraft\”
CORRECT: WRONG:
Do NOT move the CONTENTS of the “FA-18F v1.5” folder ALONE.
QUICK START
Page 10
Takeoff:- When standing on the runway move throttle to full military thrust- Check engine values are OK- Release wheels brakes- Ignite afterburners by moving the throttle fully forward- ~130KIAS (depending on weight) pull the nose up gently
Climb:- After takeoff raise gear and flaps immediately- Lower thrust to full military (no afterburners)- Maintain reasonable pitch, speed- Turn slightly to leave space for the following aircraft
Flight / Maneuver:- Start turns at 250-400KIAS (Knots indicated airspeed)- Watch Angles of attack AoA, g's, and decreasing speed- Ignite afterburners for short accelerations- Keep an eye on the Fuel gauge frequently- Gently with the stick on the beginnings
Weapon usage (armed version):- Switch one DDI display to Radar- Switch second DDI display to Weapons console (WPN)- Set master ARM switch to ARM (left to the top left Display)- Select a weapon on the WPN console by cycling through the
available weapons ← WPN → - Select a target on the Radar with the TGT arrows (check no
friendly fire – see chapter RADAR or weapons console)- FIRE (spacebar)
Landing:- Lower the airspeed to 230KIAS a continue slowing down- At ~160-180KIAS (weight dependent) lower FLAPS step by step- Lower tailhook in case of carrier landing- Correct landing speed is weight dependent and shown in the
FDATA menu or on the chart in the folder “MANUALS” - Correct AoA between 7.4° and 8.8° see AoA indexer instrument
RENDERING SETUP
Page 11
Keep the rendering settings on a reasonable level, that matches the computer hardware. Be aware that the aircraft needs real time computing power in addition to X-Plane itself. Lower the settings in case to maintain good fps.
Rendering settings
An asymmetric field of view, 80/50° might look better
GET MORE FPS
Page 12
In addition to the rendering settings, more procedures can be applied, in order to get more frames per second.
1. Reduce the number of AI aircraft:This can be done in the main menu in AI settings (next page).
2. Use the higher FPS aircraft variant:Inside the main FA-18F folder, there is the folder: “CUSTOMIZE->Higher FPS ACF”. It includes a zip file with 4 files inside. Unzip and copy the files to the main aircraft folder “FA-18F v1.5”. Overwrite the existing ones. They become the default aircraft. A restart of X-Plane is necessary.In these special files a few details have been removed or reduced in order to achieve more fps. Most prominent are the missing mirrors that need some GPU power for the scenery behind the aircraft. The rear cockpit view is available but the displays are not interactive, in order to reduce the necessary calculations.
3. Use the 2k cockpit textures and aircraft liveries:Reducing the “texture quality” in the render settings should already help a lot. In case a lighter, 2k version of the cockpit textures can be used. The 2k cockpit texture files are included in the folder “CUSTOMIZE->2k cockpit textures”. Copy the 13 *.png files into: “/FA-18F v1.5/objects”. A restart of X-Plane is necessary.
4. Delete not absolutely needed textures. They are in the folder “...\FA-18F v1.5\objects”. All textures that end with “_normal.png” can be deleted. Textures quality inside X-Plane will be much lower but more fps can be achieved.
Furthermore most external aircraft liveries are available in 4k and 2k. Some come in the package, many more can be downloaded online, for free :http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/category/166-fa-18f-by-colimata/orX-plane.org → Downloads → Aircraft Skins – Liveries → FA-18F by COLIMATA
SET AI AIRCARFT
Page 13
The default FA-18F versions are NOT meant to be used as AI aircraft. They would show unnecessary artifacts and consume to much computing power. Therefore a set of AI Hornets (plain and armed) is available.
The folder “CUSTOMIZE->FA-18F AI versions” contains a zip file that includes the two versions. Unzip and copy the two acf files to the main aircraft folder “.../FA-18F v1.5/”. A restart of X-Plane is necessary.
AI aircraft settings are available on the main menu in the user interface. AI aircraft can be a precious part of the X-Plane world.
Add an aircraft:Most available aircraft can be added as AI aircraft via the “Add aircraft” button in the AI aircraft menu. Be aware that additional aircraft need additional comping power.
Combat:Since the FA-18F is a fighter it's important to know that in this menu the combat properity can be set for every AI aircraft individually. Enable combat on the top right edge. Then, at the right side of the aircraft name, choose it's status (friend, enemy etc.).It is also possible to choose a general combat skill level of the AI enemies. The dropdown is on the levt side of the “enable AI” checkbox.
JOYSTICK SETUP
If you have a multibutton – multiaxes joystick/throttle, or even rudder pedals, those can be set under:“Settings → Joystick”. It's possible to assign axes and commands to buttons, for example:In the section: “Buttons”, First hit the joystick button, then assign a command
Page 14
JOYSTICK SETUP
Page 9
Here a list of commands that might be useful:
Page 15
KNOW YOUR HORNET
Page 16
Leading edge flaps
Folding wings
Flaps(Flaperons)
Vertical fin
Engines2x GE F414-GE-400
Up to 11 weapon stations plus gun
Gun
AESA RADARActive Electronically ScannedArrayRADAR
Tailhook
Stabilator(Stabilzer elevator)
Leading edge (wing root)extensions
High performance Landing gear
rudder
Twin seat layout
Air to air refueling probe
L Pitot tubeAirbrake doors(LEX spoilers in addition to combined surfaces)
Aileronalso operates as flap and as airbrake
Boeing Fighter Attacker - 18 F “Super Hornet – Rhino”Multirole combat aircraft, capable of all tasks in today's military air operations, like: air to air intercept, air to ground attack, reconnaissance etc. Capable to carry nearly all different types of weapons in the arsenal on 11 weapon stations plus gun.Optimized for naval carrier operations, radar cross section, range, endurance, reduced maintenance effort.Extremely sophisticated electronic equipment for communications, autodefence and attack. Among others: Passive sensors for RADAR and laser detection. Low emission, jamming resistant AESA RADAR, with nearly no mechanical parts, for long range multi-target intercept while ground scanning at the same time.
Page 17
KNOW YOUR HORNET
Length: …...................60ft 2in ( 18,33m )Wingspan:................. 42ft 10in ( 13,05m )Height: …...................16ft ( 4,88m )Empty weight:............ 32,800 lb ( 14.875kg )Max. takeoff weight:... 66,000 lb ( 29.931kg )
Engines: 2x General Electric F414-GE-400Dry thrust:.................. 14,290 lb ( 63 kN ) eachThrust w. afterburner:. 22,000 lb ( 98 kN ) each
Internal fuel:............... 14,700 lb ( 6.660 kg)Equipped with extendable air refueling probe
Top speed:................. Mach 1.8 at 40.000 ftCombat radius:.......... 500 nm + in air refueling
Design load factor:..... +7.5g / -3.0g
11 hardpoints for weapon attachment A/A, A/G, pods, etc.
Unit cost ~60million US $
Fly by wire system:The FA-18F is an incredibly powerful fighter that can fly in speed, acceleration, AoA or g envelopes most conventional aircraft would not survive. It must be able to fly at maximum possible performance in order to beat every potential enemy. All of this must occur in a manner that does not harm the crew, the aircraft and the mission.In order to achieve maximum performance and maximum safety there was is the need for a system between pilot and machine. A system that takes into consideration potentially harmful outcomes of a maneuver and prevents it from the beginning or by correcting via the control surfaces. This system is the fly-by-wire computer. It enables the crew much more to focus on the mission and much less on the limits of the aircraft.Quite some work has been invested in recreating some characteristics of the FA-18F's fly by wire. The aircraft comes with AoA limiter, roll limiter, g-protection and auto trim. Contrary to the real aircraft though, my fly-by-wire inside X-Plane has it's limit.
Page 18
FLY BY WIRE & TRIM
IN FLIGHT AUTO TRIM / MANUAL TRIM+ Pitch trimming of the aircraft is automatic. This can take a few moments and requires a joystick input. Example: After a significant speed change, nose pitches up. Pull the Joystick slightly forward for a few seconds. Done.
+ During hard maneuvers auto-trim helps with ideal trim values. After the hard maneuver trim values are reset to the state before the maneuver began. This is done automatically as soon as the joystick has less then 50% pitch.
+ Manual trim is still possible, when the joystick is below 50% pitch.
+ A full IN FLIGHT RESET of the elevator trim can be done by: 1. Moving the joystick fully forward for a moment 2. Click the flight controls reset button
Example A: The aircraft accelerates from 200 to 400 knots. Nose pitches up. You push the stick forward slightly, the auto trim kicks in and after a few seconds, the aircraft is trimmed. Manual trim can be used in conjunction but it's not necessary.
Example B: The aircraft flies leveled and then begins a hard turn. During the turn the auto-trim adapts the surfaces (trim) for that situation. When the hard turn is done, overshooting is prevented by the fly-by-wire by resetting the trim to the value it had before the turn was initiated. After a session of long time, complex, combined, hard maneuvers the trim value could be in an unwanted state. Here a trim reset can be done by one short fully forward push of the stick.
UFCDUpfront control
displayRight DDIDigital Display
Indicator
Page 19
Left DDILeft DDIDigital Display Digital Display
IndicatorIndicator
MPCDMulti Purpose Color Display
Standbyinstruments
Tailhookleaver
Gearhandle
MasterMasterARMARM
Fuel gauge
Emergency ejection handle
Right Console
Left Console
HUD settings
Standbycompass
Clock
Cabinpress.
The 3D FRONT COCKPIT (shift-9)
JettisonJettisonexternal external
tankstanks
The 3D REAR COCKPIT
UFCDUpfront control
display
Switch to front cockpit
Page 20
Left DDILeft DDIDigital Display Digital Display
IndicatorIndicator
MPCDMulti Purpose Color Display
StandbyinstrumentsFuel gauge
Both cockpits are accessible in the FA-18F. The rear cockpit has interactive displays.To switch between front and rear click in the area of the front pilots head rest.
Switch to front cockpit
Right DDIRight DDIDigital Display Digital Display
IndicatorIndicator
Show/hide
mirrors
Show/hide
mirrors
Page 21
HEAD UP DISPLAYTo see projection / collimation effect, move forward or back in the cockpit
( Switch to 3D view with Shift+9, use arrow keys and . and , key )Heading bar
Vertical speed indicator(ft/min * 100)
Altitude in ft
Barometric setting in/hg
Pitch ladder
Nose/wing symbol
ILS localizer line
ILS glideslope line
Horizon line
Velocity vectorActual flight direction of the aircraft
Toggle Baro/RADAR Altitude
HUD colorReject/Hide HUD info
1. Bank scale2. Pitch ladder
Bank scale with indicatorAngle of attack bracket
Angle of attack indexer
Flap symbolGear/hook symbol
Speedbrakes symbol
G-meter
Mach indicator
Angle of attack indicator
Airspeed indicator in kts
Squawk ident
HUD brightness
HUD line thickness
The Head up Display is one of the most important instruments in the cockpit. During flight most of the time the pilot get's vital data through this system. That's why so much time and resources have been invested to recreate the reallife HUD effects.
The FA-18F has a ultra realistic projected, collimated, fucused to infinity 3D HUD.
Projected: The HUD is only visible from realistic angles, and moves realistically with the pilots head positions (Use arrow keys for example).Focused to infinity: The symbols stay on the same focused point, even if the pilot head moves.Collimated: The size of the HUD stays the same relative to the pilots eye, no mater if he's near or far the HUD. This effect becomes evident when you move nearer to the HUD (. and , key). The effect is not visible when you only zoom with the mousewheel.
The HUD symbology is partially rejectable/hideable (pitch ladder, bank scale).Line thickness, brightness and color can be adjusted dynamically.Info about gear, flaps, tailhook, ILS, AoA (plus AoA bracket) and more is displayed directly in the HUD.
The indicated airspeed is in knots. Information about true airspeed and groundspeed is shown in the Flight Data indicator menu.
For correct altitude values it is necessary to insert the barometic setting on the UFCD. For safety reasons the current barometric setting is always displayed in the HUD below the altitude.Caution: Be aware that the standby altimeter has it's own, independent barometric setting directly on the instrument. If it's not set properly it could show wrong values!To switch the altitude indicator to radar altitude use the appropriate switch (see previous page).
Keep also an eye on the AoA ( α ), Mach number ( M ) and g's ( G ).Gear down, flaps down, hook down symbols are displayed below these values. Check them after takeoff and before landing.
If you insert a ILS frequency on the active NAV via the UFCD panel, on landing gear down, the HUD will show ILS glideslope, localizer bars and the AoA bracket. Keep them centered on the velocity vector symbol, not on the nose/wing symbol. Correct landing speed is shown in the FDATA menu or on the chart in the “MANUALS” folder.
HEAD UP DISPLAY
Page 22
DIGITAL DISPLAY INDICATORDDI (main menu)
Brightness (Hold left mouse button and drag left or right)
Weapons indicator
Horizontal situation indicator - circle format
GPS indicator(click inside the map to open the GPS window)
Flight data indicator
RADAR indicator
Engines indicator
Fuel indicator
Attitude direction indicator (artificial horizon)
Page 23
The main menu:Is displayed on request on the left or right DDI or on the MPCD. Via this menu it is possible to access many different indicators. By clicking the “menu” button (at the bottom of a display), while one of those indicators is on, the active Indicator is turned off and the main menu becomes available again. This way different indicator layouts can be chosen and changed easily, depending on the situation.
Brightness:Furthermore it is possible to change the brightness of the displays, the UFCD and the fuel gauge with the appropriate brightness knobs. When you hover with the mouse over this knob you need to hold the left mouse button and drag the mouse left or right to change the brightness.
Touch and non-touch displays:Neither DDI nor MPCD are touch displays. Interaction with these displays must occur via the buttons around the screens. The UFCD is touch sensitive however. A completely touch sensitive displays cockpit has been implemented on a proposed future version of the FA-18, the so called “silent Hornet”.
DIGITAL DISPLAY INDICATOR
Page 24
DDI- Attitude direction indicator(artificial horizon)
Altitude in ft
Vertical speed indicator( ft/min)
Current heading
Airspeed indicator in kts
Barometric setting in/hg
Pitch ladder
Nose/wing
Return to main menu
Pitch in degrees
Horizon line
Bank scale
Turn indicator
Page 25
Brightness (Hold left mouse button and drag left or right)
DDI- Engine indicator
RIGHT engineLEFT engine
Left air intake temperature
Low pressure compressor rpm
High pressure compressor rpm
Exhaust gas temperature
Nozzle position (turkey fedders)
Fuel pump on/off
Flue flow in pounds/h
Fuel pressure in psi
Oil pressure in psi
Oil temperature in °C
Interstage turbine temp. °C
Engine pressure ratio
Full autonomy digital engine control systemThrust in kN
Afterburner ratio 0-100%
Return to main menu
Page 26
The FA-18F's powerful engines:The two General Electric F414-GE-400 are extremely powerful and efficient engines. Fighter jets must cover a large spread of low and high speeds, rapidly changing or extremely high AoA and altitudes, sustained turns and extreme +/- g values. The F414-GE-400 has proven to be a reliable powerplant for the Super Hornet and for other fighter jets, like the Swedish single engine “Gripen”. It was the predecessor of the F414 engine, who unleashed the full potential of the legendary F-14 “Tomcat” after many years of problems and accidents with other engines.The Full Authority Digital Engine Control System “FADEC” assures that the pilot, contrary to many decades before, has to care much less on the restrictions of the engine. This high evolved FADEC allows the pilot to just demand as much as he wants, when he wants, with changes as fast as he wants, without worrying about compressor stalls ( IGV failures ), flameouts, open nozzles problems, etc.
FUEL consumption:However delivering 22.000 lb of thrust (each!) comes to a cost. Fuel consumption, high thermal signature and noise. So keep an eye on fuel flow and the fuel gauge and make sure to not form a nice big target on enemy's infrared sensors with the burner bloom.
RANGE:Even with low use of afterburners, the range values of fighter jets can not be compared to those of civil airliners or private jets, witch most of the time try to fly in there ideal flight envelope. Real life, in combat ranges of fighterjets like the FA-18F are much lower. However there are 11 hardpoints to attach not only weapons and pods but also up to 5 droptanks. Furthermore long range capability is provided by mid air refueling. Every “Super Hornet” has a extendable refueling probe at the starboard side behind the nose random.
DDI- Engine indicator
Page 27
DDI – Fuel indicator
Tank 1 in pounds
Available internal fuel(without external tanks)
Level brackets high is full, low is empty
Bingo fuel warning setting
Left feed tank
Right wing tank
Tank 4 in pounds
External drop tanks2x Left, Centerline, 2x Right
Return to main menu
Left wing tank in pounds
Right feed tank in pounds
Page 28
Brightness (Hold left mouse button and drag left or right)
DDI fuel indicator:In addition to the fixed installed fuel gauge, this fuel indicator provides up to date graphical and numeric info about the fuel on board.
The TOTAL INTERNAL sections is the most important one, since it adds the fuel amount of all tanks. External tanks are not included. Values are in pounds lb.
Handy arrows on the right side of every “tankbox” show the fill state of the tank in a graphical way. If the arrow is on the top right of the box the tank is full, if it is on the bottom right the tank is empty.
Information about external tanks is shown at the bottom of the display. CL is the center line tank, LI EXT is the Left external tank, LM EXT is the left midwing tank. Same for the right external tanks.
DDI – Fuel indicator
Page 29
DDI / MPCD - Horizontal situation indicator
Aircraft heading
AP HDG H selection
Map range
Airport symbol on map
Show/hide VOR's
Show/hide NDB's
Show/hide airports
Return to main menu
HSI display circle map option (not available for all modes)
HSI MODE selector
OBS course selectors(Increase / decrease)
Show/hide waypoints
Page 30
Aircraft position and HDG
See also next page
DDI / MPCD - Horizontal situation indicator
NAV1 bearing
Return to main menu
Page 31
Bearing to NAV2 navaid
Distance to NAV2 navaid
Bearing to NAV1 navaid
Distance to NAV1 navaid
NAV2 bearing
Compass rose:The HSI is dominated by a big compass rose. Depending of CIRLCE mode option on or off, it displays the full 360° rose or only a forward looking segment of it. Circle mode is available for some HSI modes but not for all.For complex navigation requests a full X-Plane Garmin GNS530 GPS is on board. It's accessible via the DDI and the UFCD. See dedicated sections of this manual.
The navaid infoIn the top left corner of the HSI there is information about the currently active navaid of NAV1 and in the right corner about the NAV2 navaid. The active NAV frequencies are shown in the UFCD directly in the NAV1 or the NAV2 button. If the navaid is DME equipped the distance is displayed in nm (nautical miles). BRG indicates the bearing.Changing the active navaid needs to be done in the UFCD. Please see the UFCD NAV section of this manual, or the quick start manual.
Page 32
DDI / MPCD - Horizontal situation indicator
DDI - GPS
Page 33
GPS mapAccess full X-Plane
Garmin GNS530 GPS system by clicking on
the map. Close GPS window by
clicking on the map again.
For detailed explanation about the GARMIN GNS530. See “X-Plane11/Instructions/ X-Plane G530 Manual.pdf”
Back to main menu
GPS MENU:Shows part of the map of the X-Plane Garmin GNS530 GPS system. The full system is accessible by clicking on the GPS map in the UFCD. The GPS opens in a dragable window.The XP Garmin GNS530 window is closed by clicking again on the UFCD map.
For detailed explanation about the GARMIN GNS530. See “X-Plane11/Instructions/ X-Plane G530 Manual.pdf”
DDI – GPS Menu
Page 34
DDI - Flight Data indicator
Total INTERNAL fuel without external tanks
Current fuel flow
Remaining flight time (only if in optimum envelope) with 2000pounds remaining
in the tanks afterwards
Remaining range (at current power setting)
with 2000pounds remaining in the tanks afterwards
Current speed in Mach
Current Knots indicated airspeed
Current true airspeed
Current ground speed
Current baro altitude in ft
Current RADAR ALT
Realtime calculated landing speed ( For carrier landing)
Current thrust in kN
Return to main menu
Page 35
Brightness (Hold left mouse button and drag left or right)
The Flight Data Indicator:The flight data indicator, has three sections:
CURRENT FUEL:This section displays the current amount of INTERNAL fuel on board. Below there is the FF fuel flow in lb/hour for both engines together.
CURRENT RANGE:The range and endurance values, indicated in this section are calculated using the recent fuel flow of the engines. An average of the fuel flow of the last 30sec is used so that short changes have no extreme effects on the calculation. The calculation considers internal and external tanks. For safety reasons the computer calculates only with an amount of fuel that corresponds to the full amount of fuel MINUS a 2000lb reserve.
Other flight data:The third section, at the bottom of the indicator shows a variety of important data like: Current Mach number, KIAS knots indicated airspeed, TAS true airspeed, GS groundspeed, ALT altitude, RADAR ALT, heading and thrust in kN. An important value is the LAND speed. This constantly updated value indicates the ideal landing speed for the current weight.
DDI - Flight Data indicator
Page 36
DDI - RADAR
Increase RADAR range
Select next targetMaster arm must be ARM
and a weapon selected
Current RADAR range
Decrease RADAR range
Target speed
Target altitude difference
Select previous targetMaster arm must be ARM
and a weapon selected
Target heading arrow
Return to main menu
Page 37
Brightness (Hold left mouse button and drag left or right)
The Radar:The FA-18F's radar is one of the most sophisticated airborne RADAR system in the world. The AN/APG79 is a so called AESA Radar. This stands for Active Electronically Scanned Array. Contrary to previous RADAR systems the antenna is immovable, no mechanical parts that can have malfunctions. The beam sweeping is achieved electronically and is therefore incredible quick. It is so quick that air to air scan and air to ground scan can happen simultaneously. This is also possible because signal processing is completely digital and computerized.The APG79 has been designed to be as “silent” as possible since RADAR signals are one of the few active signal emissions that can be detected from long distances. The RADAR is jamming resistant up to a very high degree and it’s one of the key elements of the FA-18F weapons platform. Especially the two seat layout of the F version enables the crew to use it to it’s full potential.
The Radar screen:What you see is a “birds eye” view of the area in front of the aircraft. You can increase and decrease the range of this area on the right side of the display with the RNG buttons. The own aircraft is always located a the lower center of the screen.Aircraft are shown green with master ARM in Safe position.
“Engage a target”:To “lock on” an aircraft two conditions must be meet. First the Master ARM switch must be in the ARM position, and second: The aircraft can not be a friendly aircraft (friendly fire). You can check the team/combat settings in: “AI Aircraft”.If these conditions are meet you can lock on the enemy with the two target TGT buttons. The active target will be shown in red. You can also cycle through the targets with these two buttons.Select a weapon on the WPN weapons console and FIRE (spacebar).
DDI - RADAR
Page 38
DDI – weapons indicator
Mk 83 free fall bomb
Cycle through weapons
MASTER ARM switch
MASTER ARM indicator
Gun with rounds remaining indicator
Drop tank
AIM-120 Advanced medium range air to air missle AMRAAM
AIM-9L „Sidewinder“ air to air missle – infrared guided (heat seeker)
Remaining jamming decoys, chaff and flare
Return to main menu
Currently selected weapon
Page 39
Jettison external tanks
Weapons indicator:Gives you a quick overview of the weapons and the countermeasures (chaff and flares) currently on board.
“Engage a target”:To “lock on” a target two conditions must be meet. First the Master ARM switch must be in the ARM position, and second: The aircraft can not be a friendly aircraft (friendly fire). You can check the team/combat settings in: “AI Aircraft”.
If these conditions are meet, you can lock on the enemy with one of the two target TGT buttons on the RADAR screen.The active target will be shown in red. You can also cycle through the targets with these two buttons.Now select a weapon by cycling through them with the WPN buttons on top of the screen.
FIRE with spacebar.
Short:1. Master Arm to ARM2. Check no friendly fire3. Lock with TGT button on RADAR4. Select weapon with ← WPN → on Weapons indicator5. FIRE
DDI – weapons indicator
Page 40
UFCD – Up Front Control Display
Square means ACTIVE
COM1 menu(double click to change COM)
COM2 menu(double click to change COM)
Settings menu
Autopilot menu
NAV1 menu
NAV2 menu
Software info menu
Brightness (Hold left mouse button and drag left or right)
Squawk ident
COM volume
Page 41
GPS map
UFCD Up Front Control Display:Is the main interface for data input. It gives you access to the two redundant COM systems, two NAV systems, Autopilot, a GPS map and settings.
COM 1 & 2:This button give you access to the COM menu that is described in this manual a bit further down. The active COM has a green square on it's top left corner. The numbers on the COM buttons indicate the active frequency. Only one COM can be active at a time.
AP Autopilot:This button gives you access to the AP menu that is described a bit later in this manual. If one autopilot function is active a green square is shown in the top left corner of the button.
SET Settings:This button gives you access to the settings menu (transponder, barometric settings etc.)
NAV 1 & 2:This button give you access to the NAV frequencies menu of both NAV systems. It's is described in this manual a bit later. The numbers on the NAV buttons indicate the active frequency.
UFCD – Up Front Control Display
Page 42
UFCD – COM Menu
Square means active(double click to change COM)
Page 43
COM1 - STANDBY frequency
COM1 active frequency
COM2 active frequencyCOM1 - frequency flip
STBY to ACTIVE
COM1 active frequency
Increase / decrease kHzCOM1 standby frequency
Increase / decrease MHzCOM1 standby frequency
Increase / decrease MHzCOM2 standby frequency
Increase / decrease kHzCOM2 standby frequency
COM2 - STANDBY frequency
COM2 - frequency flip STBY to ACTIVE
COM2 active frequency
COM MENU:The COM menu allows you to quickly change the active frequency and to store a standby frequency for both COM1 and COM2.
Change active frequency:If you want to set a certain COM frequency, first change the standby frequency and then click the FLIP FREQUENCY button. The right +/- buttons change the kHz, the left +/- buttons change the MHz f the frequency.The active frequency is shown in the ACTIVE box, while in the COM menu but is also displayed at all time on the right on the UFCD in the COM boxes.
Two independent COM systems are available (COM1 and COM2). Make sure that the desired COM is active by checking that there is the green square on it's top left corner. If there is no green square there, the other COM is currently active. Just click the desired COM button and it becomes the active one.
UFCD – COM Menu
Page 44
UFCD – Autopilot menu
Increase / decrease target airspeed (KIAS)for AUTO THROTTLE
AP HEADING HOLDReaches and maintains set heading
(AUTO STEER must be on)
ATTITUDE HOLDReaches and maintaines the set PITCH and ROLL angles(AUTO STEER must be on)
Increase / reset /decrease target ROLL angle
AUTO THROTTLEReaches and maintaines the
set indicated airspeed(AP MAIN must be ON)
Page 45
AP main switch
Autopilot menu switch
Autopilot active
Increase / reset /decrease target PITCH angle
Increase / decrease target HEADINGfor HEADING HOLD
AUTO STEERADDS STEERING GUIDANCE
HDG H or ATTITUDE HOLD
AP Autopilot Menu:In this menu you can not only engage and disengage all AP functions but also set it's target values or hit the emergency AP OFF button.It includes all handy basic functions needed especially on long range flights. Altitude HOLD can be achieved with the ATTIDUDE HOLD function (avoiding the irritating altitude oscillations of a normal ALT HOLD function)
AP MAIN:If one of the autopilot functions is active a green square is displayed on the top left of this button (As it is on every AP function button that is active). In that case if you hit AP MAIN all AP functions are switched off and the aircraft turns back to full manual control.
A THR → Auto Throttle:This AP function sets the thrust of the engines to reach and hold the set speed value. This speed value is displayed on the A THR button and is indicated in knots indicated airspeed. In order to take effect the MAIN AP switch must be ON of course.
AUTO STEER:For the HDG HOLD or the ATTITUDE HOLD function to work, in addition to the MAIN AP switch the AUTO STEER switch must be ON.
HDG H → Heading Hold:This AP function induces a slow turn versus the set heading. Then this HDG is held. The currently set heading is displayed on the HDG H button and in the HSI (dashed line). So if you want to reach a certain waypint/airport/navaid, change the HDG DEG until the dashed line on the HSI points to the target.
HOLD → ATTITUDE HOLD:Reaches and maintains the PITCH and ROLL angles indicated on the right of the button. Pitch / ROLL can be increased, decreased or set to 0 quickly. This function also serves as a ALTITUDE HOLD if needed. Bring the aircraft to the desired ALT and set pitch degrees to maintain the level.
UFCD – Autopilot menu
Page 46
WARNING Autopilot / Trimming:An engaged autopilot (auto steer) and manual trimming contradict each other.When autopilot is in auto steer mode, no manual trim is allowed, otherwise the autopilot will switch itself off immediatelyIf it's not possible to engage the AP, it could be that either the joystick/yoke or one of it's axes or a third party plugin send small continuous manual trimming signals to the aircraft. This makes it impossible to engage the AP since it gets switched off immediately by the manual trimming signal. Switching this signal off should solve the problem.Try to unplug the joystick or disable the third party plugin to find the root cause of the signal.
UFCD – Settings menu
Increase / decrease the single transponder digits
Increase / decrease barometric setting (QNH)
CAUTION!Standby altimeter has it's own setting. It shows wrong values if not set separately
Page 47
Switch altitude transmission (C-mode) by TRANSPONDER
ON / OFF
Current barometric setting for ALT indicator
(standby altimeter has separate one)
Height for RADAR altitude warning flag
Increase / decrease RADAR altitude warning flag
Brightness (Hold left mouse button and drag left or right)
Squawk ident
Active TRANSPONDER code
Switch TRANSPONDER ON / OFF
Settings menu:Here it is possible to set the transponder, the barometric pressure for the main altimeter and the RADAR altitude warning flag.
Set transponder:Each transponder digit is accessible via it's own +/- button below.The transponder can be switched on/off as a whole or sending of altitude information (c-mode) can be switched on / off while the transponder is running.
Set baro:To set the local barometric pressure. For fast change hold mouse button while on the + or – button.The current barometric setting is always displayed in the HUD below the altitude indication.CAUTION: The standby altimeter has it's own independent barometric setting directly on the standby instrument. If not set separately the standby altimeter could show wrong values!
Set RADAR altimeter warning flag:Use +/- buttons. For fast change hold mouse button while on eighter the + or – button.
UFCD – Settings menu
Page 48
UFCD – NAV Menu
Page 49
NAV1 - STANDBY frequency
NAV1 active frequency
NAV2 active frequency
NAV1 - frequency flip STBY to ACTIVE
NAV1 active frequency
Increase / decrease kHzNAV1 standby frequency
Increase / decrease MHzNAV1 standby frequency
Increase / decrease MHzNAV2 standby frequency
Increase / decrease kHzNAV2 standby frequency
NAV2 - STANDBY frequency
NAV2 - frequency flip STBY to ACTIVE
NAV2 active frequency
NAV MENU:The NAV menu allows you to quickly change the active frequency and to store additional frequencies (per NAV) for later use. The active frequencies are used for the HSI map display and for the ILS indications in the HUD. See the appropriate sections of this manual.
Change active frequency:If you want to set a certain NAV frequency, first change the standby frequency and then click the FLIP FREQUENCY button. The right +/- buttons change the kHz, the left +/- buttons change the MHz f the standby frequency.The active frequency is shown in the ACTIVE box and is always displayed on the right on the UFCD in the NAV boxes.The bearing to both NAV1 and NAV2 is displayed on the HSI map.
UFCD – NAV Menu
Page 50
UFCD – GPS Menu
Page 51
GPS menu
GPS mapAccess full X-Plane
Garmin GNS530 GPS system by clicking on
the map. Close GPS window by
clicking on the map again.
GPS MENU:Shows part of the map of the X-Plane Garmin 530 GPS system. The full system is accessible by clicking on the GPS map in the UFCD. The GPS opens in a dragable window.The XP Garmin GNS530 window is closed by clicking again on the UFCD map.
For detailed explanation about the GARMIN GNS530. See “X-Plane11/Instructions/ X-Plane G530 Manual.pdf”
UFCD – GPS Menu
Page 52
Fuel gauge / engine gauge
Total internal tanks – schematic representation
Engines RPM in %
Total internally available fuel
Bingo fuel set lb
External drop tanks – schematic representationExternal drop tanks fuel amount – lb x 1000
Engines temperature in °C
Fuel flow in lb/h/engine
Oil pressure in psi
Brightness (Hold left mouse button and drag left or right)
Nozzle position Converging/diverging(turkey fedders)
Engines RPM in percent
Page 53
Bingo line
Left engine values
Right engine values
The fuel gauge:Is a very important gauge especially in a fighter jet. It's important to keep an eye on it since the use of afterburners, high power maneuvers or other energy hungry activities can diminish the fuel very, very rapidly. The fuel gauge is divided in three sections:
Fuel:On the top left there is the indication for the TOTAL INTERNAL fuel. This value excludes the external fuel tanks witch are displayed below.The big green square shows graphically only internal fuel.EXT stands for external and shows the amount of fuel in the single external tanks both graphically and in values lb x 1000.In addition to this fuel gauge there is the DDI Fuel indicator.
Engine values:Values for left end right engine are displayed in a compact form. The first line is RPM, second is exhaust gas temperature, third is fuel flow and fourth is the oil pressure in PSI.
Nozzle position:A good quick visual representation of the current state of the engine nozzles is provided. For many years with other, older jet engines, wrong nozzle positions caused problems and accidents. The F414 however is very reliable.
Fuel gauge / engine gauge
Page 54
Right console
Open/Close canopy
Toggle wingfold
Deploy/raise tailhook
Hydraulic pressure
Generator right engine
Main battery on/off(off shows covers)
Bleed air switch
Instrument brightness at night (requires HDR on)
Console brightness at night (requires HDR on)
Automatic air conditioning
Pitot heat
Emergency eject handle
Page 55
Flood light (red) at night(requires HDR on)
Windshield defogEngine de-ice
Generator left engine
Night lighting
Console brightness
Page 56
Instrument brightness
Flood light (red)
Left console - front
Landing gear lever
Brake pressure indicator
Combined landing light / taxi light switch
Landing gear indicators
Flaps indicators
Manual flap switch
Wheel brakes/Parkbrake
Page 57
Left console - rear
Generators cross tie
Rudder trim wheel
Start / stop auxiliary power unit
Throttle - click to hide
Emergency fuel dump
Start/stop engine left / right - see next pages
Page 58
NAV lights switch
Formation lights dim
Beacon lights switch
Flight controls reset
Toggle refueling probe for air to air refueling
G-Suite sound on/off
Oxygen/breathing sound
Volume - Cockpit fans
Vol - cockpit ENG sound
Vol - Betty's warning voice“Headshaker” on/off
Vol - Outside ENG sound
Engine / aircraft startup
1.
3.
4.11.
5 + 8.Hold until 20%RPM
7.
9.
6.
10.
1. Main battery ON2. Set external lights as needed(click on throttle-base to access switches)3. Bleed air to AUTO4. Start APU (wait until green light)5. Hold R starter switch until 20%RPM6. R generator on
7. RESET flight controls (center stick & let it go, reset takes ~10sec)8. Hold L starter switch until 20%RPM9. L generator on10. Check generators cross tie11. Switch off APU12. Set COM/NAV as needed
Page 59
2.
Engine / aircraft - shutdown
9.
1.
5.
6 + 7
3.
4.
2.
1. Switch Bleed air OFF2. Open generator cross tie3. L generator OFF4. R generator OFF5. Assure APU is OFF
6. Click engine crank R7. Click engine crank L8. Switch OFF external lights(click on throttle-base to access switches)9. Main battery OFF
Page 60
8.
FLY THE FA-18F
RUNWAY - TAKEOFF
1. Engage FULL WHEEL BRAKES
2. CHECK all instruments and gauges
3. Lower FLAPS one notch (if needed)
4. Move throttle to FULL MILITARY thrust
5. CHECK engine values
6. Release WHEEL BRAKES
7. Ignite AFTERBURNERS if needed (throttle fully forw.)
8. At ~130KIAS (depending on weight) pull the nose up gently
CLIMB:
1. After takeoff raise the landing GEAR immediately
2. Retract FLAPS if extended
2. Lower thrust to FULL MILITARY (no afterburners)
3. Maintain reasonable PITCH AND SPEED
4. TURN slightly to free space for the following aircraft
Page 61
FLIGHT / MANEUVER:
1. Start turns at 250-400KIAS (Knots indicated airspeed)
2. Watch Angles of attack AoA, g's, and decreasing speed
3. Ignite afterburners for short accelerations if needed
4. Keep an eye on the Fuel gauge frequently
5. Gently with the stick on the beginnings
FLY THE FA-18F
WEAPON USAGE (armed version):
1. Switch one DDI display to RADAR
2. Switch other DDI display to WEAPONS CONSOLE
3. Set MASTER ARM switch to ARM
4. SELECT A WEAPON on the WPN console by cycling through the available weapons ← AA →
5. Check no FRIENDLY FIRE (see manual sections about weapons console or RADAR display)
6. SELECT A TARGET on the RADAR displays with the TGT target arrows
7. FIRE (spacebar)
Page 62
FLY THE FA-18F
LANDING:
1. Check the CORRECT LANDING SPEED for the current weight of the aircraft, in the FDATA menu ( or on the landing speeds chart inside the MANUALS folder )
2. Lower the AIRSPEED TO 230KIAS and continue slowing down slowly
3. Lower the LANDING GEAR and check
4. At 180KIAS lower FLAPS step by step and check, slow down slowly to landing speed
5. Reach GLIDESLOPE, LOCALIZER and maintain AoA between 7.4° and 8.8° (yellow circle in AoA indexer)
6. Maintain LANDING SPEED
7. After touchdown use WHEEL BRAKES
8. Retract FLAPS
Page 63
AIR TO AIR REFUELING
Air refueling system:To increase it's range the “Super Hornet” is capable to get fuel from an airborne tanker. Contrary to to the US Air Force, that relies on an operator driven refueling boom, Navy jets are refueled via a refueling basket. The pilot must fly very precisely to insert the refueling probe of his FA-18 into the basket, establish connection and maintain it. A demanding challenge after many mission hours or in windy environments. The jet can be refueled multiple times.
Page 64
Refueling the FA-18F in X-Plane:It's definitely to difficult, especially for beginners in this procedure, to perfectly place and maintain the refueling probe inside the basket in the sim. Therefore the air refueling process can easily be done with different levels of difficulty:
As soon as the refueling probe is fully extended, the refueling starts when the FA-18F is at a distance of less than 330ft (100m) to another aircraftand vertical distance less than 100ft (30m).
It's therefore your decision in how realistic you want the refueling process to be. Depending on the point in time you toggle the refueling probe. Air refueling happens in sequence. First the internal fuel tanks then the external ones.
Toggle refueling probe for air to air refueling
AIR TO AIR REFUELING
Page 65
Air refueling:Any AI aircraft can be used as a tanker. Of course an aircraft with similar speed limits like the FA-18F works best. A predefined air-refueling mission can also be chosen. Here's how to set up the scenarios:
Air refueling via any AI aircraft:FLIGHT CONFIGURATION → AI AIRCRAFTChoose and set the tanker. Refueling will not work if enable combat is on and the aircraft is set to enemy.
Position the tanker or your aircraft:Hit the 'm' key to open the map. Click on the aircraft you want to drag. Drag it to the desired position.
Air refueling mission:
Flight Configuration →
Location →
Special starts (bottom left) →
Refuel Basket
Special starts
CARRIER OPERATION - LANDING
Page 66
Carrier landings are one of the most demanding challenges an aviator can take. Many dynamic factors must be coordinated in a short period of time. That's particularly hard because often they influence each other. Leaving away all complex matters (example potential or kinetic energy) maybe we can simply reduce them to:+ Airspeed+ "Runway" position and orientation+ Pitch angle+ Angle of attack
1. Set up the aircraft (as described on the following pages)Lower the speed below 230KIAS and keep slowing down. Gear down, flaps down, HOOK DOWN!! and checked.
2. Set up Auto-THUST fot the correct landing speed can help:Since we have an Auto-THRUST function we can immediately simplify the challenge to 3 variables, runway, Pitch and Angle of Attack. The correct landing speed for the current weigh is calculated by the computer and displayed in the FDATA menu.Get your speed there and set Auto-Thurst to this speed. The computer will now manage the engines to hold this speed. One variable less to worry. Just keep in mind to switch off Auto-Thrust after touchdown.
3. Am I drunk or is this runway moving?Yes, the ship moves. And it's not always immediately clear where (direction, speed, orientation). As on nearly every landing, especially on carrier landings, it's very important to do the big corrections to the aircraft's flight path EARLY in the process and the small correction AFTERWARDS. Inverting this procedure can be fatal. The carrier is moving, sometimes hard to predict where it will be, when the craft will be nearer and how runway will be oriented then. At least in the sim the deck is not moving up and down. On real landings they have to face that, plus fuel shortage, at night, after hours in the combat zone...
4. Glideslope:With the correct speed and flight path to the deck we can focus on the glideslope to the carrier. With the previous settings you should see the velocity vector ( this symbol: -O-) at the bottom of the HUD. Depending on the aircraft weight, sometimes you need to move the viewpoint a bit up (arrow key up). The velocity vector shows where the aircraft will fly to. For the first landings is probably better to discard the ILS because there are so many other variables to check. When you are near the carrier, on the left side of the touchdown point you will also see the VASI lights (visual approach and slope indicators). Even with them alone you know if you are high or low.
CARRIER OPERATION - LANDING
Page 67
4.Pitch and angle of attack:Bring the aircraft in a good start position. Personally I like to be a bit higher than needed to have a safety margin.Then use slight pitch movement to bring the Velocity Vector to point on the carrier deck. Now use slight corrections to keep the VV on the touchdown point and maintain an angle of attack around 8°. This should be on a pitch of 3-5°. The Angle of Attack Indexer instrument (left to the HUD) and the "angle of attack brackets" in the HUD help. When you achieved a good setting keep it with slight corrections.
5. FinalIf during final it becomes obvious that the FA-18F left the good landing path and the correction can not be done with slight inputs, ABORT ! Even if low on fuel, it's better to turn around, refuel in the air and then try the next attempt, than finishing in the water or on the ship below the landing deck.During final do not do some kind of long flareing out or throttleing down the engines. Carrier landings are more controlled crashes then normal landings.
6. Do not finish in the waters now, you came to farLastly it is, of course, important that the hook catches a cable. There are 4 cables on the deck. Getting the third one would be perfect.We can only be sure that we are safe when the aircraft came to a complete stop. However the timeframe to decide if it worked out or not is too small. Therefore after the contact to the "ground" move the throttle to FULL AFTERBURNER immediately after touchdown. That way, if a touch and go is needed the engines are already at full power. In our case the Auto-throttle will neutralize our afterburner command though.If the aircraft came to a safe stop, switch Auto-Throttle off and bring the throttle to idle. Then raise the hook and free the landing zone.Assure safety, you are now on a populated deck. Wings can be folded up now, while taxing to the parking position.
Carrier landings require quite some time and exercise. So don't be frustrated if it doesn't work out on the first attempts ;-)
CARRIER OPERATION
Access a carrier mission:
1. Inside the “flight configuration”, access “Customize” location in the top right corner
2. Click “Special Starts” (includes landings) in the bottom left corner of the menu
3. Select a carrier operation like “Carrier cat shot” or “Carrier approach”
Page 68
1.
2.
3.
CARRIER OPERATION - TAKE-OFF
Page 69
CARRIER TAKEOFF:
1. Check Safety for deck personal and aircraft
2. Check all systems up and running
3. Check engine values
4. Check wings fully unfolded
5. Lower FLAPS
6. Move throttle to FULL MILITARY thrust
7. Right hand away from the stick. ( launch is automatic)
8. Release WHEEL BRAKES
---Catapult launch---
8. Ignite AFTERBURNERS (throttle fully forw.)
9. Grab the stick as soon as the aircraft leaves the deck.
10. Pull the nose up and turn to clear launch-path for the next aircraft.
11. Raise FLAPS
CARRIER OPERATION - LANDING
Page 70
CARRIER LANDING CHECKLIST:1. Check the CORRECT LANDING SPEED for the current weight of the aircraft, in the FDATA menu ( or on the landing speeds chart inside the MANUALS folder )
2. Lower the airspeed to 230KIAS and continue slowing down slowly
3. Lower the LANDING GEAR and check
4. Lower TAILHOOK and check
5. At 180KIAS lower FLAPS step by step and check, slow down slowly
6. Reach GLIDESLOPE, LOCALIZER and maintain AoA between 7.4° and 8.8° (yellow circle in AoA indexer)
7. CALL THE BALL (fresnel lenses on the carrier in sight ) and communicate your FUEL STATUS
8. Follow instructions of the DECK OFFICER
9. Maintain LANDING SPEED
10. After touchdown apply FULL AFTERBURNER in case the hook did not catch a cable
11. Reduce THROTTLE TO IDLE when aircraft is save
With great respect for all men and women on the ground and in the air, developing and mastering this machines in real life.
Page 71
COPYRIGHT
This add-on aircraft is payware.
You are free to use this software on one computer at a time for personal hobby use. Do not use this plane to simulate real procedures.
By acquiring this product you agree to NOT distribute it in any way.
The real FA-18F is an aircraft of the Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) Company.This add-on plane is not certified by Boeing.
Laminar Research name, Laminar Logo and X-Plane are registered trademarks of Laminar Research.
All rights, including copyright, of the content of the “FA-18F for X-Plane” package belong to COLIMATA. Neither 3D models nor any other files, in part or whole, may be copied, re-distributed, disassembled, or in any
way reused without the express permission of COLIMATA.
COLIMATA is not responsible for any damage that may occur from using this product.
contact: [email protected]
Copyright COLIMATA © 2017 All rights reserved
Page 72