Eurocopter EC130 B4: Difference between revisions

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== Updates after FG 3.5 version ==
== Updates after FG 3.5 version ==
[[File:EC130_cockpit_tach_shutdown.jpg|thumb|200px|right|EC130 improved rotor RPM indicator during shutdown]]


Development continues after FG 3.5 release. If you are interested in the newest features see [https://gitlab.com/mhab/ec130 '''Gitlab development repository''']
Development continues after FG 3.5 release. If you are interested in the newest features see [https://gitlab.com/mhab/ec130 '''Gitlab development repository''']
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* '''adjust Rotor RPM''' so it fits original better (avg ~390)
* '''adjust Rotor RPM''' so it fits original better (avg ~390)
   
   
[[File:EC130_cockpit_tach_shutdown.jpg|thumb|200px|right|EC130 improved rotor RPM indicator during shutdown]]
===Enhancements of Instruments===
===Enhancements of Instruments===
* '''W/LT TST''' shows ALL warning lights
* '''W/LT TST''' shows ALL warning lights

Revision as of 10:42, 21 March 2015

Eurocopter EC130 B4
EC130.jpg
Type Civilian helicopter
Author(s)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
  • /Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts)
    Melchior Franz (Nasal)
    Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging)
    FlightGear Community (help and support)
FDM YASim
--aircraft= ec130
Status Production
 FDM Stars-4.png
 Systems Stars-4.png
 Cockpit Stars-4.png
 Model Stars-5.png
Development
 Repository The development repository of the Eurocopter EC130 B4.
Download Download the Eurocopter EC130 B4 aircraft package for the current stable release (2020.3).

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

The Real Thing

Indeed “EC130 B4” is just a marketing name by Eurocopter, now known as Airbus Helicopters, 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 rotor and hydraulics system from the AS355. It is also 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 “EC130 B4” has been built until 2013. As of 2014 it is replaced by the improved “EC130 T2”, which was renamed to “H130” in 2015. It has a new and more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine and a 70% modified airframe. The exterior, cockpit and interior has been also modified.[1]

  1. H130(EC130 T2). Published by www.airbushelicopters.com.

The FlightGear Model

This model of the “EC130 B4” was built using very detailed drawings, the Pilots Flight Manual and pilot reports.

Rembrandtready.png Tutorialready.png Checklistready.png Tooltipready.png

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 so the helicopter can be started and shutdown by using the checklist.

The exterior model is detailed and accurate and originally based on accurate drawings, 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.

The "new" EMS variant of EC130-B4, as used by MedFlight, Ohio, USA

Goals

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

Issues

See latest version in the development repository (link at the top)

  • GTX328 and GNS430 only dummies
  • bad autorotation behavior?? at high speed above 110 ktn
  • Nasal error with Mouse handling of Twist Grip, but works (FG 3.0 only, fixed in FG 3.5 version)
  • Nasal error after crash
  • GSDI (is not switched if only livery is changed) (FG 3.0 only, fixed in FG 3.5 version)
  • Texture of N130NE (Medflight) is too large (4096x2048px), may cause ressource problems if used/switched (Rembrandt) (FG 3.0 only, fixed in FG 3.5 version)

Pilot Flight Manual

Panel Overview

The FlightGear model of the EC130 B4 features the standard panel delivered ex works without any additional customer whishes.

Some caution lights on the panel itself like the one for the Landinglight aren't working yet, and the GTX328 and GNS430 are currently only dummies. Also the ETL on the central panel isn't working yet. Apart from that it is a fully working helicopter cockpit.

Panel of the EC130 B4 showing all the instruments

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 (available in Git version)

High Rotor rpm aural warning > 410 rpm (available in Git version)

Warning Panel

Still uncompleted and especially failures indicated on the panel keeps mostly without any follow-up.

ENG P lights up
Indication low oil pressure
Procedure check gauge and land as soon as possible
TWT Grip lights up
Indication twist grip not in flight position - engine idles
Procedure set twist throttle into flight position
MGB P lights up
Indication Main gear box oil pressure
Procedure check gauge and land as soon as possible
FUEL lights up
Indication low fuel
Procedure approx. 15min of flight time remain
FUEL P lights up
Indication low fuel pressure
Procedure switch on Boost pump

Helpful Usage Hints for Simulation

Livery of Grand Canyon Helicopters
Livery of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Besides the above documentation there is a lot of additional help available from within Flightgear.

Heli Setup

  • Configuration and Help-Dialog (Alt-o)
    • choose the desired Livery (Heli-Operator)
    • configure the Equipment
      • Baskets
      • Searchlight
      • Cargo Hook, ...
    • set Fuel and Payload
      • fuel amount
      • passengers
      • other payload like luggage
    • activate/deactivate Specific Views
  • --> see Menu: EC130-B4/Configuration (Livery,Payload,...)

Heli Usage

  • Info about the Heli-Operator --> see Menu: EC130-B4/Operator/Model Info (Alt-i)
  • Tutorials guide through the preparation and startup process --> see Menu: Help/Tutorials
  • Checklists based on pilot handbook help to follow standard procedures --> see Menu: Help/Aircraft Checklists
  • Autostart/Autoshutdown available after 15 flights --> see Menu: EC130-B4/Autostart or Autoshutdown
  • Shortcuts and general Info --> see Menu: Help/Aircraft Help

Updates as of FG 3.0 Version

The EMS variant of EC130-B4, used by MedFlight, Ohio, USA
Livery of MAC rescue (South Australia)
Livery of ZS-HOY Starlite Helicopters (South Africa)
Livery of beautiful F-GOLH
Livery of D-HSTS "Heli Gourmet" above snowy landscape
Closeup of EC130 Mainrotor, fully animated in all details
EC130 Helicopter using the SX-16 Nightsun searchlight

The Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter has recieved a major upgrade with FG 3.0 release. 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 5 or 6 seats or an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) variant with 4 seats and a stretcher.

New Liveries

  • N155GC of Grand Canyon Helicopters, colorful painting in red/gold, 6 seats
  • N11QC of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, 6 seats
  • N130NE of MedFlight based in Ohio, EMS rescue configuration, 4 seats
  • VH-OSA of MAC rescue based in South Australia, EMS configuration, 4 seats
  • F-GOLH a beautiful new livery of a private french model for those who want to travel in style
  • ZS-HOY of Starlite Helicopters based in South Africa, variation of F-GOLH, 6 seats
  • D-HSTS privately owned Heli Gourmet in reference to famous cook Johann Lafer. The livery was done by Sanni, contributed through FG Livery database and was adapted to FG 3.0 version.

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.

Some of the most interesting changes

  • Flight Model tremendously improved (CoG and agility much more realistic) (fix by HHS)
  • 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)
  • Compass (magn.) added (HHS)
  • 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

Updates as of FG 3.5 version

EC130-B4 of Maverick Helicopters (Grand Canyon) at LOWI
EC130-B4 Broward County Sheriff in flight near Miami
EC130-B4 PR-BOP using the SX-16 Nightsun in Parana/Brazil
EC130-B4 of MAC rescue using Trakkabeam A800 Searchlight during flight
EC130-B4 PR-BOP view from below
Beautiful Night-Scene with EC130-B4 of Blue Hawaiian landed at Patscherkofel above Innsbruck (LOWI). Look at what Rembrandt can do !
ZS-HOY of Starlite Helicopters with wide luggage boxes seen from above

FG 3.5 version of EC130 B4 is the first update after FG 3.0 version and the first one made available in FGAddon - ec130 at the new Sourceforge FGAddon SVN repository.

New Liveries

  • N812MH Maverick Helicopters (Grand Canyon)
  • N156BC Sheriff Broward County Florida
  • PR-BOP Parana Police Policia Militar, Curitiba (Brazil)


Enhancements of Model / Equipment

  • NEW Searchlight Trakkabeam A800 (as seen with MAC rescue) fully functional with stow/deploy, color-filters (white,amber,red,IR),...
  • NEW Stabilization for Trakkabeam A800, i.e. lightbeam direction remains stable in the air despite helicopter motion
  • NEW Searchlight Watch View, allows to watch searchlight in action, automatically adjusted to selected searchlight
  • NEW Searchlight Follow View, synced to searchlight direction, automatically adjusted to selected searchlight
  • NEW Strobe Light at the rear gear mount (as seen with Maverick, MedFlight,Blue Hawaiian)
  • NEW additional landing lights (as seen with MedFlight)
  • NEW wide luggage boxes (as seen with Starlite)
  • Searchlights optimized for Rembrandt
  • Light-Cone Visibility adjustable (off,low,medium,high)
  • Searchlight Portability: completely separated from other model parts, easy reuse with other models
  • NEW additional antennas of different kinds (as seen with Broward County Sheriff, Parana Police)
  • Fixes: handling of startselector guard fixed, rembrandt related fixes, ...


Enhancements of Instruments

  • NEW Horizon Offset Adjustment (AI)
  • NEW Altimeter Pressure adjustable
  • Lighting: improved INST.1 dimming
  • Rotor Break Lock operable
  • Cutoff Lever Guard operable


Updates of User Interface

  • Configuration Dialog extended/updated new model/operator info, new equipment, antenna setup
  • Simulation Options Dialog extended/updated light-cone visibility
  • NEW Operator/Model Info Dialog with background info about the operator of the selected livery
  • NEW Antenna Setup Dialog for configuration of all possible antenna
  • Help Dialog updated
  • NEW Multi-Key Shortcuts for Buttons on System Control Unit (SCU), Twist Grip, Start Selector, etc.
  • NEW Tooltips for pick animations
  • Pick Animations for knobs unified (all knobs use half-cylinders left/right)
  • Shortcuts modified and some new added
  - Alt-o    ... Config Dialog (was AltGr-o)
  - AltGr-o  ... Simulation Options (was Alt-o)
  - Alt-a    ... Antenna Setup Dialog (new)
  - Alt-i    ... Operator/Model Info Dialog (new)
  - Alt-L    ... cycle Light-Cone Visibility (new)
  - AltGr-L  ... cycle Slew Rate (new)
  - Alt-s    ... toggle Stabilization (A800)(new)
  - Shift-S  ... toggle/cycle Searchlight Filter (was Alt-s)
  - Ctrl-s   ... reset Searchlight (was Ctrl-k)
  - Ctrl-p   ... pause Searchlight (was Shift-S)
  - Alt-w    ... W/LT TST (Warning Test) (new)
  - Alt-r    ... toggle Rotor Break Lock (new)
  - AltGr-c  ... toggle Cutoff Lever Guard (new)
  - :A*      ... Multi Key Shortcuts (new)


New and improved Dialogs

Updates after FG 3.5 version

EC130 improved rotor RPM indicator during shutdown

Development continues after FG 3.5 release. If you are interested in the newest features see Gitlab development repository

General Updates

  • Non-Rembrandt aircraft-shadow improved and ALS compatible
  • adjust Rotor RPM so it fits original better (avg ~390)

Enhancements of Instruments

  • W/LT TST shows ALL warning lights
  • Rotor Break disables starter
  • Rotor RPM Indicator improved
  • fix cockpit clock so it displays sim time