Introducing “Smaug” - an experimental bush aircraft born from the legacy of Draco. Crafted for adventure enthusiasts and those with an insatiable passion for bush flying, Smaug provides a unique flying experience for MSFS with a powerful and robust STOL aircraft granting a wide operating range.
Although Smaug is a fictional aircraft, the flight model has been designed to match derived specs from similar aircraft of its category.
Available as freeware here: https://flightsim.to/file/65272/smaug
Key Features
Flight Dynamics
o STOL: Smaug has exceptional STOL capabilities, allowing it to take off and land in very short distances, even on rough or unprepared airstrips. Oversized wings, extendable front slats, and specialized wing-tips allow for low-speed handling and control.
o Cruising: A large powerplant and robust construction allow for fast take-offs, extremely high cruise speeds.
Propulsion
o Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140 turboprop engine, Smaug provides impressive performance and the ability to operate in various conditions, including high-altitude and remote locations.
o Smaug can enter beta for extremely short landings and to improve maneuverability on the ground.
o Engine thrust line is offset to reduce torque affect and P-factor.
Construction
o Smaug is primarily carbon fiber constructed ensuring a perfect balance of strength and lightweight performance.
Instrumentation
o Smaug utilizes a modified C152 panel, and features steam gauges for most functions.
o Includes a PMS50 GTN750/650 ready-display for COM/NAV, AP, transponder, etc. To make functional, you must install the freeware GTN750/650 package found here: GPS for MSFS2020
Liveries
o Smaug features two variants and ten colors to choose from.
o Liveries were created by the livery master himself, Chunkyflyer!
Smaug Specifications
Initial aircraft: Wilga Concept
Carbon Fiber Construction
Engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140
Horsepower: 867 shp
Maximum speed: 215 mph
Cruise speed: 185+ mph
Fuel: Jet fuel (can also run on diesel or fuel mixes if jet fuel isn’t available)
Fuel capacity: 160 gallons
Range: 740+ mi
Stall speed: 32 mph
Take-off distance: <70 feet
Landing distance: <90 feet
Rate of climb: 5000+ fpm
Additional Information
Smaug is the first aircraft I’ve developed for MSFS and should be considered a work in progress. There are a number of features planned to be addressed in future updates.
Smaug could not have been created without the help of a number of testers, including: Rudder58, Clockstopper, Gromit, Scopez, Chunkyflyer, Papameesh, Dannymalloy, RandyWashSt, Sleeveless, Biggles, Birk, and Sean_768.
Smaug is considered Freeware, but donations are appreciated to support continued development.
Recent Changelog for 3.0
Enhancements:
• Reduced width of door and A-pillars for better visibility.
• Added/updated interior components and textures for: Molding, flooring, dash, doors, walls, and ceiling.
• Increased detail of Tires, Gear, Propeller, and Exhaust components.
• Updated windshield for better interior/exterior viewing.
• Animated visors and updated visor glass.
• Added “Parking Brake Engaged” light to NP Gauge.
• Added Zero Line to top of Attitude Indicator.
• Darkened background of gauges for better night-time visibility.
• Added light fixture component for landing light.
• Updated landing / taxi lights emissive.
• Added FX for exhaust heat blur/flame.
• Added Smoke FX (on/off SW on Pedestal).
• Updated liveries affected by changes to exterior door panel.
• Added new livery to base package.
Defects Addressed:
• Corrected vertices, edges, and faces throughout the CAD model.
• Corrected rear taxi light position.
• Corrected altitude needles.
• Lowered starter disengagement N1 value to below the N1 low idle value to prevent battery drain.
Future Enhancements:
• Continue to refine modelling and textures.
• Implement switchable glass panels (i.e. G1000).
• Glass panel engine monitoring.
• Update lighting.
• Improve LOD handling.
