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PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader: Difference between revisions
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* More realistic startup procedure | * More realistic startup procedure | ||
* Realistic cropdusting and [[Wildfire simulation|firefighting]] systems, nasal-based | * Realistic cropdusting and [[Wildfire simulation|firefighting]] systems, nasal-based | ||
== Airplane of the Week/Month == | |||
The Dromader was reviewed as 'Airplane of the Week/Month' on August 15, 2011 as follows: | |||
<b>Model</b> | |||
The Dromader is one of the models whose visuals simply look stunning. It seems incredible to see a plane rendered in detail down to single screws in real time - and yet there it is (although one needs a fairly powerful system). | |||
The Dromader isn't a very complex plane, and so the cockpit is comparatively simple, and yet created with a lot of detail. It also illustrates nicely the principle that empty surfaces textured to look like some material give a far better overall impression than surfaces textured with a pure color. Not all of the switches in the cockpit are functional, but those that are are linked to animations of exterior lights for instance. | |||
[[File: Dromader-cockpit.jpg]] | |||
If anything, the exterior model is even nicer than the cockpit. Especially the wings and the engine look quite spectacular. | |||
[[File: Dromader-model.jpg]] | |||
The plane also comes with a nice animation for the release of pesticide, as well as opening of various doors. | |||
<b>Flight characteristics</b> | |||
The Dromader is a crop-duster, and the JSBSim FDM reflects that quite well. When empty, the engine is fairly powerful, so the plane can operate from a very short field and climb quite rapidly, making it ideal for outback flying. With full payload, the flight characteristics is significantly changed, the plane accelerates and climbs noticeably slower. Neither configuration is suitable for aerobatics or rapid turns, the structural limits of the airframe are reached quite soon (they are implemented as on-screen printed warnings rather than as actual failures of the plane). | |||
The plane is not difficult to fly - it has fairly mild stall characteristics and handles well. It is a taildragger, but compared with WW II warbirds the problems associated with the sudden lift of the tail during takeoff are mild, so it is a good plane to get familiar with the concept. | |||
<b>My personal wishlist</b> | |||
Procedures are currently very simple - a more realistic startup for instance would be nice. I also found that the animation of pesticide release even works if the tank is empty - a couple of small things like this would improve the plane a bit. | |||
<b>Things to experience</b> | |||
Do the obvious - take a full tank of pesticide, find a nice field somewhere close and drop it - watch the plane suddenly shoot up into the air as the load is released. It's fun. | |||