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Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey: Difference between revisions
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Once you are up to a good height, say 2,000 ft, slowly test the controls. Left stick makes the aircraft roll to the left, but starts a yaw as well probably due to the airflow hitting the tail surfaces, which means that now you are spinning like a top at 2,000 ft and going nowhere. To stop the spinning, use opposite stick, that is, stick to the right. Rudder controls will work as well, I suppose but I did not try them. | Once you are up to a good height, say 2,000 ft, slowly test the controls. Left stick makes the aircraft roll to the left, but starts a yaw as well probably due to the airflow hitting the tail surfaces, which means that now you are spinning like a top at 2,000 ft and going nowhere. To stop the spinning, use opposite stick, that is, stick to the right. Rudder controls will work as well, I suppose but I did not try them. | ||
On my second flight, once again I had to correct a rotation to the left using right aileron, very gently, to get the V-22 pointing in one direction. A little forward speed was gained by tilting the rotor forwards, progressively. At this point a strong pitch up was encountered, and after a struggle , level flight was restored. The rotors were tilted progressively forwards, and the aircraft gained speed without losing height. Pitch changes were easily controlled this time. | |||
With the rotors at full forward tilt, the V-22 behaved like a fixed wing aircraft, although ailerons were a bit slow to respond, but stable turns could be made. | |||
On the first flight, landing was easier than I thought, from a vertical hover, spinning stopped, I lowered power until a comfortable 2,000 ft per minute descent was indicated on the lower right instrument. A slight forward velocity was also experienced, which I left without checking. At the last moment, I increased power and slowed descent to 200 fpm and landed solidly. | |||
The descent is the most stable and pleasant part of the flight for me. The V-22 will fly hands off in a descent, almost. I established a 2,000 fpm descent and descended all the way down to the ground, landing on a roadway at about 40kt forward speed and about 2,000 fpm, which is slightly excessive. 400 fpm is the maximum that would be comfortable, I would think. Once I have the 'collective pitch' figured out this should be easy. | |||
I would prefer if left and right stick resulted in roll only, with automatic compensation for yaw, however this probably a design feature to make it fly like a helicopter. | I would prefer if left and right stick resulted in roll only, with automatic compensation for yaw, however this probably a design feature to make it fly like a helicopter. | ||
After two flights, this is definitely an aircraft I want to fly again, with its fascinating VTOL capability, impressive looks, attractive digital cockpit and decent handling. One could really go places in this one. | |||
All in all, a fascinating aircraft, nicely modeled, with an excellent cockpit. This one brings out all that is best in Flight Gear. | All in all, a fascinating aircraft, nicely modeled, with an excellent cockpit. This one brings out all that is best in Flight Gear. | ||