Eurocopter EC130 B4: Difference between revisions

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|fdm = YASim
|fdm = YASim
|liverydbid    = 98
|liverydbid    = 98
|authors = Heiko Schulz<br/>Melchior Franz (Nasal)<br/>FlightGear Community
|authors = Heiko Schulz<br/>Melchior Franz (Nasal)<br/>Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)<br/>FlightGear Community
|fgname = ec130
|fgname = ec130
|status-fdm = 4
|status-fdm = 4
|status-systems = 4
|status-systems = 4
|status-cockpit = 3
|status-cockpit = 4
|status-model = 4
|status-model = 5
}}
}}
This is a model of an '''Eurocopter EC130 B4''', a single engine light [[helicopter]] based and developed from their [[Ecureuil AS 350 Helicopter|AS350]]'s.
This is a model of a '''Eurocopter EC130 B4''', a single engine light [[helicopter]] based and developed from the [[Ecureuil AS 350 Helicopter|AS350]]'s.


Indeed “EC130 B4” is just a marketing name by [[Eurocopter]], the real name is still AS350 B4.  It is a widebody variant of the AS350 B3 with a completely new designed passenger cabin and fuselage, and equipped with a fan tail instead of the conventional two-blade tailrotor. With this the EC130 B4 is much less noisier  than other helicopters of this class.  
Indeed “EC130 B4” is just a marketing name by [[Eurocopter]], the real name is still AS350 B4.  It is a widebody variant of the AS350 B3 with a completely new designed passenger cabin and fuselage, and equipped with a fan tail (fenestron) instead of the conventional two-blade tailrotor. With this the EC130 B4 is much less noisier  than other helicopters of this class.  


The helicopter was designed especially for tours, so it features a great visibility, a left-seated pilot and plenty of space inside. The EC130 B4 is also used by the police in Long Beach/CA and by several medical services.
The helicopter was designed especially for tours, so it features a great visibility, a left-seated pilot and plenty of space inside. The EC130 B4 is also used by the police in Long Beach/CA and by several medical services.
Line 40: Line 40:


=== Issues ===
=== Issues ===
see latest version in the [https://gitorious.org/ec130/ec130/source/381894383a2461b137721edfcb1b846edfb1de6a: hangar at gitorious]


* interior with controls not yet ready
* <strike>interior with controls not yet ready</strike> (available in git version)
* three instruments (compass, usable transponder and GNS 430) have not yet been added
* three instruments (compass, usable transponder and GNS 430) have not yet been added
* bad autorotation behavior at high speed above 110 ktn
* bad autorotation behavior at high speed above 110 ktn
* only default sound yet - sound still dependent on EC135
* <strike>only default sound yet - sound still dependent on EC135</strike> (available in git version)
* Rotor Brake Lever doesn't move anymore in FGFS 2.9.11+. Switch to sliding animation planned.
* <strike>Rotor Brake Lever doesn't move anymore in FGFS 2.9.11+. Switch to sliding animation planned.</strike> (available in git version)


== Pilot Flight Manual ==
== Pilot Flight Manual ==
Line 96: Line 97:
430 rpm …...............................................................................maximum rotor rpm power off
430 rpm …...............................................................................maximum rotor rpm power off


'''Low Rotor rpm aural warning < 360 rpm (not yet implemented)'''
<strike>'''Low Rotor rpm aural warning < 360 rpm (not yet implemented)'''</strike> (available in Git version)


'''High Rotor rpm aural warning > 410 rpm (not yet implemented)'''
<strike>'''High Rotor rpm aural warning > 410 rpm (not yet implemented)'''</strike> (available in Git version)


=== Warning Panel ===
=== Warning Panel ===
Line 109: Line 110:


'''TWT GRIP''' lights up: twist grip not in flight position- engine idles. Drag mouse up until you get 100% and the light goes off
'''TWT GRIP''' lights up: twist grip not in flight position- engine idles. Drag mouse up until you get 100% and the light goes off
(currently not yet supported on Mac...)
(currently not yet supported on Mac...) New: in Git version Twist Grip on collective is animated




Line 121: Line 122:


== Helpful Usage Hints ==
== Helpful Usage Hints ==
If you follow all Tutorials for startup and still can't find your way to '''fuel up''' the heli, ...
Git version has comfortable configuration and help dialogs, new checklists based on pilot handbook and after 15 flights Autostart/Autoshutdown possibility
 
Go to the menu and choose the '''Equipment''' section, then open the '''Fuel & Payload''' entry.  
== Updates of Git Version (to be released with FG 3.0) ==
[[File:EC130 MedFlight N130NE.jpg|thumb|The EMS variant of EC130-B4, used by MedFlight, Ohio, USA]]
[[File:EC130 Grand Canyon Helicopters.jpg|thumb|New Livery of Grand Canyon Helicopters]]
[[File:EC130 Mainrotor front.png|thumb|Closeup of EC130 Mainrotor, fully animated in all details]]
[[File:EC130-B4 MedFlight using SX-16 Nightsun.jpg|thumb|EC130 Helicopter using the SX-16 Nightsun searchlight]]
[[File:EC130 Pilot window.jpg|thumb|Even the pilot window can be opened now]]
 
The [[Eurocopter EC130 B4]] helicopter is on short final for a new major upgrade.
The existing model, which already had been of very high quality, has been refined in various aspects with lots of effort by '''mhab'''. The outside model has been enriched to a degree which should justify a '''''5*''''' rating and the overall status of the aircraft improves to "'''''production'''''".
 
The '''Rotorhead''' has been brought to a new level of detail, a full detailed '''Fenestron''' was added and animations were introduced to all moving parts.
 
'''Cockpit''' was enriched for Pilot/Copilot controls, seats are textured now and a variable cabin configuration allows to set up an '''Emergency Medical Services (EMS) variant''', which comes preconfigured with a new Livery of '''N130NE MedFlight''' (Ohio).
 
Fans of '''Grand Canyon Helicopters''' now find a livery of the N155GC and the colorful painting in red/gold.
 
A lot of '''equipment''' (most of which was there already but hidden) can now be used, including a full blown '''SX16-Nightsun searchlight'''.
 
All of this has been brought together in a fully integrated configuration dialog which allows to set-up livery, fuel, extra views, weights, cabin setup and equipment.
 
Extra gimmics include a fully animated pilot, glass reflection on windows and front shield and variable rotor wakes depending on the strength of the downwash.
 
'''If you can't wait''' for the next release '''[https://gitorious.org/ec130/ check it out from the Git-Hangar]'''
 
<gallery>
File:EC130 Fenestron.jpg|A closeup of the full detailed fenestron
File:EC130 snowshoes hook.jpg|EC130 fitted with snowshoes and hook
File:EC130 cabin seats.jpg|EC130 Grand Canyon Helicopters cabin and pilots' controls
File:EC130 stretcher.png|EC130 cabin configuration (EMS) with stretcher
File:EC130 luggage door back.jpg|EC130 luggage door
File:EC130 pilot.jpg|EC130 pilot controls
</gallery>
 
'''Some of the most interesting changes:'''
 
* '''Mainrotor''' fully animated and adapted to original                                 
* '''Fenestron''' fully designed and animated, incl. control rod                         
* '''Cockpit Controls''' added: Stick, Collective, Pedals,  Co-Pilot Controls (optional)                                                           
* '''Doors''' movable                                                                 
* '''Searchlight'''                                                                     
* '''Snowshoes'''                                                                         
* '''Hoist/Hook'''                                                                       
* '''Checklists''' implemented with conditional display                                   
* '''Pilot''': ''fully animated''                                                             
* '''Autostart/Autoshutdown''' enabled after 15 flights                                   
* '''Rotor-Wakes''' off-low-medium-high cyclable                                         
* '''Sound improved''' (doors moving, low/high rotor rpm, overspeed warning, and noise inside depends on open doors/window)                                                                   
 
 
'''Configuration Dialogs and Help Screens:'''
 
<gallery>
File:EC130 Config.jpg|EC130 fully integrated configuration dialog
File:EC130 Help.jpg|EC130 Help screen with all shortcuts and additional info
File:EC130 Config Help 2.jpg|EC130 Config Help with explanation of dependencies
File:EC130 Options.jpg|EC130 Simulation Options
</gallery>
 
'''Things on stack for FG 3.0:'''
* Rembrandt support
* BUG fixing


Here you can set the fuel amount as well as balancing the weight like you can do it for (almost) all other aircraft in FGFS.


[[File:EC130-B4 Innsbruck Hospital Heliport.jpg|thumb|300px|EC130-B4 landed at Innsbruck hospital heliport, Patscherkofel in background]]


{{Eurocopter}}
{{Eurocopter}}


[[Category:Helicopters]]
[[Category:Helicopters]]

Revision as of 23:26, 3 December 2013

Eurocopter EC130 B4
EC130.jpg
Type Civilian helicopter
Author(s)
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
  • /Heiko Schulz
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations)
    FlightGear Community
FDM YASim
--aircraft= ec130
Status Production
 FDM Stars-4.png
 Systems Stars-4.png
 Cockpit Stars-4.png
 Model Stars-5.png
Liveries Browse the FlightGear livery database for the Eurocopter EC130 B4.

This is a model of a Eurocopter EC130 B4, a single engine light helicopter based and developed from the AS350's.

Indeed “EC130 B4” is just a marketing name by Eurocopter, the real name is still AS350 B4. It is a widebody variant of the AS350 B3 with a completely new designed passenger cabin and fuselage, and equipped with a fan tail (fenestron) instead of the conventional two-blade tailrotor. With this the EC130 B4 is much less noisier than other helicopters of this class.

The helicopter was designed especially for tours, so it features a great visibility, a left-seated pilot and plenty of space inside. The EC130 B4 is also used by the police in Long Beach/CA and by several medical services.

The model was built using very detailed drawings, the Pilots Flight Manual and pilot reports.

Features

This model is a try and a WIP to get a realistic and complete simulation of a helicopter.

By using Nasal-scripting nearly all main systems have been simulated to a degree which wasn't available at this time on FlightGear's helicopters. The flight dynamics model is custom made and though a lot of values could only be estimated, it should give an good impression on how the real one flies. Systems and Procedures are based on the real Flight Manual and as there is no Autostart available the helicopter has to be started and shutdown by using the checklist.

The exterior model is detailed and accurate, using high-resolution textures and the latest Reflect-Bump-Spec-Shader.

The mainrotor is detailed and animated including blade-flex-bend.

Livery-over-mp including dynamic configurable external stores like skibox, deployable emergency floats, FLIR's etc. which affects CoG, weight and drag.


Goals

  • Fully usable cockpit with controls
  • Complete startup procedure
  • system failures and engine fire

Issues

see latest version in the hangar at gitorious

  • interior with controls not yet ready (available in git version)
  • three instruments (compass, usable transponder and GNS 430) have not yet been added
  • bad autorotation behavior at high speed above 110 ktn
  • only default sound yet - sound still dependent on EC135 (available in git version)
  • Rotor Brake Lever doesn't move anymore in FGFS 2.9.11+. Switch to sliding animation planned. (available in git version)

Pilot Flight Manual

Panel Overview

Panel of the EC130 B4 showing all the instruements

Limitations

Type of Operation: Helicopter is approved to operate Day and Night VFR only.

The following is not allowed:

-Aerobatics maneuvers

-in flight engine power reduction except for engine failure trainings and other emergency procedure trainings

Occupants

Minimum flight crew:..................................................................................1 pilot (left seated)

Maximum number of occupants:...................................................................7- 8 passengers

Weight and Balance Limitations

Minimum weight:.........................................................................................3307lbs (1500kg)

Maximum weight:........................................................................................5350lbs (2427kg)

Airspeed limitations

VNE Power on:...........................................................................................................155 ktn

VNE Power off:...........................................................................................................125 ktn

Altitude Limitations

Maximum operating flight altitude:...............................................................23000ft (7000m)

Main rotor Limits

<170 rpm:............................................................................................ rotor brake operation

320 rpm.....................................................................................minimum rotor rpm power off

320- 375 rpm..................................................................................................Caution Range

375-405 rpm....................................................................................normal Operating Range

405-430 rpm...................................................................................................Caution Range

430 rpm …...............................................................................maximum rotor rpm power off

Low Rotor rpm aural warning < 360 rpm (not yet implemented) (available in Git version)

High Rotor rpm aural warning > 410 rpm (not yet implemented) (available in Git version)

Warning Panel

Still uncompleted and especially failures indicated on the panel keeps mostly without any follow-up. Here some important warnings:


ENG P lights up: low Oil pressure - check gauge


TWT GRIP lights up: twist grip not in flight position- engine idles. Drag mouse up until you get 100% and the light goes off (currently not yet supported on Mac...) New: in Git version Twist Grip on collective is animated


MGB P lights up: Main gear box oil pressure- check gauge - land as soon as possible


FUEL lights up: low fuel - approx. 15min of flight time remain


FUEL P lights up: fuel pressure- switch on Boost pump

Helpful Usage Hints

Git version has comfortable configuration and help dialogs, new checklists based on pilot handbook and after 15 flights Autostart/Autoshutdown possibility

Updates of Git Version (to be released with FG 3.0)

The EMS variant of EC130-B4, used by MedFlight, Ohio, USA
New Livery of Grand Canyon Helicopters
Closeup of EC130 Mainrotor, fully animated in all details
EC130 Helicopter using the SX-16 Nightsun searchlight
Even the pilot window can be opened now

The Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter is on short final for a new major upgrade. The existing model, which already had been of very high quality, has been refined in various aspects with lots of effort by mhab. The outside model has been enriched to a degree which should justify a 5* rating and the overall status of the aircraft improves to "production".

The Rotorhead has been brought to a new level of detail, a full detailed Fenestron was added and animations were introduced to all moving parts.

Cockpit was enriched for Pilot/Copilot controls, seats are textured now and a variable cabin configuration allows to set up an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) variant, which comes preconfigured with a new Livery of N130NE MedFlight (Ohio).

Fans of Grand Canyon Helicopters now find a livery of the N155GC and the colorful painting in red/gold.

A lot of equipment (most of which was there already but hidden) can now be used, including a full blown SX16-Nightsun searchlight.

All of this has been brought together in a fully integrated configuration dialog which allows to set-up livery, fuel, extra views, weights, cabin setup and equipment.

Extra gimmics include a fully animated pilot, glass reflection on windows and front shield and variable rotor wakes depending on the strength of the downwash.

If you can't wait for the next release check it out from the Git-Hangar

Some of the most interesting changes:

  • Mainrotor fully animated and adapted to original
  • Fenestron fully designed and animated, incl. control rod
  • Cockpit Controls added: Stick, Collective, Pedals, Co-Pilot Controls (optional)
  • Doors movable
  • Searchlight
  • Snowshoes
  • Hoist/Hook
  • Checklists implemented with conditional display
  • Pilot: fully animated
  • Autostart/Autoshutdown enabled after 15 flights
  • Rotor-Wakes off-low-medium-high cyclable
  • Sound improved (doors moving, low/high rotor rpm, overspeed warning, and noise inside depends on open doors/window)


Configuration Dialogs and Help Screens:

Things on stack for FG 3.0:

  • Rembrandt support
  • BUG fixing