I’m enjoying getting to know the CJ Simulations Rafale. Cool transonic vapor cone, and tip vortices. It’s a beautiful plane, inside and out, and overall has been pretty easy to bind in SPAD (a big deal to me…)
One really nice feature is that the AB is not a detent. My Bravo standard throttle axis goes smoothly up to 99% power about 4/5th of the way to max, then kicks in the AB for the rest of the lever travel.
The manual could be a LOT better, but I feel like they were forced to release it in an unfinished state. I trust it will be improved.
How often during normal operations do Herc pilots get to roll their aircraft to 80-90 degrees?
Once on a return hop from a FOB back to Bagram AB, the KC-135R pilot I was with somehow got permission from the aircraft commander to allow me to fly in the cockpit observer seat of the C-130J we were in for the hop. Upon approach to Bagram and following another C-130, the pilot executed an overhead break. It seemed like we rolled to at least 80 degrees on the break, and it was the highlight of my tour.
When the Blackbird Simulations 130J releases one day, I will likely indulge in lower altitude “tactical” maneuvering while touring MSFS in that addon.
80-90 degrees? Not common. Unlike prior versions, the J model didn’t have a maximum bank angle limit with flaps up, (prior versions were 60 degrees I think), but other regulates dictated to not plan over 60 degrees. There of course were G limits on the aircraft and getting beyond 60 degrees could start getting you uncomfortably close to the G limits. Also pulling 3Gs with a bunch of pax in the back isn’t a best practice.
There was that one time in the schoolhouse…!!! I had last flown formation when I was flying T-38s, so during one formation maneuver on that first ride, muscle memory kicked in and I yanked it up to that 80-90 degrees and pulled. Thankfully, I didn’t over-G, but I did receive a few words from the instructor pilot who had a WTF moment.
My perception of the break must have been distorted in my excitement at the time.
I wish I could remember which FOB it was I went to. I only remember that it was West of Bagram. On that hop, there were only a few pallets as I recall. I remember being able to walk around the cargo area freely.
Myself and the Capt. I was assigned to were the only PAX.
SIDE NOTE: While at that FOB, I saw two OV-22’s make STOL landings. My memory of that made me purchase the Miltech OV-22. The runway was a compacted dirt and aggregate surface with no matting, and when the first aircraft was touching down, it looked like a localized mini sand storm with zero visibility. I have no idea how the second guy could have landed in that, but they did. C-130’s sheared small sheets of runway surface material up and back on their runup for takeoff. Luckily, MSFS downwash effects don’t blow up as much dirt as in real life.
What year was it and do you remember how long the flight was? A dirt strip west of Bagram narrows things down a bit. I may have flown in there. Although most of the dirt strips were west of Bagram… Later on, they paved them.
Especially from the inside, when the walls start to become the ceiling, the effect almost always feels exaggerated!
The effect is less in smaller planes, I think. But, if you watch videos of jet pilots, you’ll still see that they often tilt their head towards the horizon, though their G forces are straight into their seat.
Because visual perception is veeery strong in humans.
Also looking into start flying fighter jets - but is wondering why now one is mentioning the products from IndiaFoxtEcho, is there a reason for this - because their products looks cool…
I have their M-346, F-35, F14 and Tornado, I think all are excellent. Even though the F-35 is an older addon, it has received extensive updates and holds up really well. The F14 and Tornado are both extremely good, amongst the best in the sim to date.
I would rate IFE as one of the best devs in the sim in terms of support for older mods, constantly revisiting and updating them.
I haven’t tried the DC/SC/CJ aircraft as the graphical quality doesn’t do it for me. Supposed to fly quite nicely though.
The dc designs harrier and f4 phantom are both really fun to learn because they were not modern and i feel like if its too modern its too easy sometimes
F86 is indeed a really good place to start flying jets. Simple start up, no complicated AP systems, a real hands on pilots bird.
I just wish they would sort out the pitch up nose aurhority. After speaking with an ex f86 pilot i know it needs to have trim constantly adjusted but 35degrees downward trim to hold level flight is WAAAAAY off. As a pure bred gunfighter it will loose half its turn rate with that much rear stick movement cancelled out. But still a fun plane for just transitioning etc.
One option as the OP has T38 experience is of course the F5E Tiger II.
Great hands on fighter, simple set up but a challenge to fly at the edge of the envelope.
How much power are you carrying in the F-86? Asking because I remember Dudley Henriques - who flew the F-86 - saying that with full fuel but no bomb load it’d climb at 4,000 fpm at 80 percent rpm. He spoke highly of the flight model - but also gave them some feedback about de-tuning the power slightly. Even after revisions, with higher power you’ll never get it level.
I’ll try to track down his comments so I can link them - might’ve been on Facebook, not sure.
Agree the F -5E would also be a good starting place though with that short wing, it’s harder to handle.
Oh im aware its a sky happy bird, its part of the design of the wing. But the inherent climb is present through out the entire throttle range and even at higher altitudes where the lack of aur density causing lift should be greatly reduced. Dont get me wrong its a great rendition of a legendary frame and i thoroughly enjoy it, it just needs a little less of the pitch up issue.
Also yes F5 isnt easy to master, but as the OP has T38 experience they will be familiar with its characteristics.
