Moyes Dragonfly: Difference between revisions

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(→‎Current Development: update todo list)
(add configuration info, banner placement via menu, restructure a bit)
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Basic flying features are quite simple and almost perfect as a starter for pilots. Takeoff and landing is simple and due to its slow flying speed, the Dragonfly is perfect for scenery exploration.
Basic flying features are quite simple and almost perfect as a starter for pilots. Takeoff and landing is simple and due to its slow flying speed, the Dragonfly is perfect for scenery exploration.


=== Instrumentation ===
=== Configuration ===
The airspeed indicator gauge can be configured to display either km/h, mph or kts by setting the property '''/instrumentation/airspeed-indicator/texture''' to either
Being an ultralight aircraft with less regulation than seen on typical aircraft, the Dragonfly can be equipped with a variety of different instrumentations. To set it up in a way you like, go to the menu, Moyes Dragonfly -> Configuration. There you can set various options:
* Airspeed-kmh.rgb
==== Big Panel ====
* Airspeed-mph.rgb
This enables an instrument panel to the left of the pilot, including a standard size airspeed indicator, altimeter, RPM and coolant temperature indicator as well as a compass.
* Airspeed-kts.rgb
==== EIS-2000G ====
This can be done on startup as a command line switch or at runtime by setting the property with the [[Property browser]].
This simulates a compact engine monitor, namely the EIS-2000G (Engine Information System) as described [http://grtavionics.com/home/eis-engine-monitors/ here]. Although it is not yet complete, the functionality available works as described in the [[Moyes_Dragonfly#External_links|flight manual]].
 
==== Hall Wind Meter ====
Example: Use airspeed indicator calibrated in KTS:
The hall wind meter is a simplistic airspeed indicator, basically working by having a "floating" plate inside a transparent tube. See [https://hallwindmeter.com/ the manufacturer's website] for more information.
fgfs --aircraft=Dragonfly --prop:/instrumentation/airspeed-indicator/texture=Airspeed-kts.rgb
==== Units ====
For the airspeed indicator and the hall wind meter, the indicated unit can be selected. <br />
Available options are:
# for the '''airspeed indicator''':
#* '''kph''' (kilometers per hour)
#* '''mph''' (statute miles per hour)
#* '''kts''' (knots/nautical miles per hour)
# for the '''hall wind meter''':
#* '''kph''' (kilometers per hour)
#* '''mph''' (statute miles per hour)
==== Other options ====
You can also select which texture to use for the [[Moyes_Dragonfly#Banner_towing|banner]] and whether/in which manner human models shall be displayed.


=== Banner towing ===
=== Banner towing ===
The FlightGear model of the Dragonfly supports banner towing. The banner to tow has to be picked up from the ground during the flight and can be released in flight before landing.
The FlightGear model of the Dragonfly supports banner towing. The banner to tow has to be picked up from the ground during the flight and can be released in flight before landing.


==== Configuration ====
==== Placement ====
[[File:Dragonfly-banner-onground.jpg|thumb|Banner on the ground]]
[[File:Dragonfly-banner-onground.jpg|thumb|Banner on the ground]]
To use this feature, a small configuration file is needed telling FlightGear where the banners are on the ground. It is a small XML file placed in your FlightGear home directory (which is <tt>~/.fgfs</tt> on Linux and <tt>.../Users/.../AppData/Roaming/flightgear.org/</tt> on Windows) named <tt>groundbanner.xml</tt>. Create this file and paste the following content into it; it will tell FlightGear where to put the banner:
There are two possible ways to create a banner: You can either place one about 50m to your right by using the menu (Moyes Dragonfly -> Place Banner) or you can place it at specific coordinates using a small configuration file:
It is a small XML file placed in your FlightGear home directory (which is <tt>~/.fgfs</tt> on Linux and <tt>.../Users/.../AppData/Roaming/flightgear.org/</tt> on Windows) named <tt>groundbanner.xml</tt>. Create this file and paste the following content into it; it will tell FlightGear where to put the banner:
<syntaxhighlight lang="xml">
<syntaxhighlight lang="xml">
  <PropertyList>
  <PropertyList>
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== Flying the Moyes Dragonfly ==
== Flying the Moyes Dragonfly ==
The aircraft contains checklists to guide you through the preflight checks and starting the engine. Additionally, the EIS-2000G includes a reduced before takeoff checklist that is displayed on start.
=== Starting the engine ===
Starting the Rotax 582 is pretty easy, after assuring that the propeller area is clear, there are only three steps to take:
# Switch on the '''master switch'''
# Switch the '''left and right magnetos''' on
# Press the starter button until the engine catches
It helps to add a bit of throttle for starting the engine.
Note that the engine does not have a mixture lever, as the mixture is automatically regulated using a technique called "High Altitude Compensation" (HAC). Page 6 of this [https://legacy.rotaxowner.com/si_tb_info/serviceinfo/5ul89.pdf Service Information] contains more information about this system.
=== Review ===
{{review}}
{{review}}
''' Please note that this review was review was written for a previous version of this aircraft, most of it is not accurate anymore and may be removed soon.'''<br />


This is definitely something different, the classic ultralight trike, somethings I have not flown before in the simulator.  Personally I have seen these things droning overhead and flown very freely, but I have wondered what it would be like to fly.
This is definitely something different, the classic ultralight trike, somethings I have not flown before in the simulator.  Personally I have seen these things droning overhead and flown very freely, but I have wondered what it would be like to fly.
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--[[User:Openflight|Openflight]] ([[User talk:Openflight|talk]]) 11:45, 14 February 2014 (UTC)
--[[User:Openflight|Openflight]] ([[User talk:Openflight|talk]]) 11:45, 14 February 2014 (UTC)
== Issues ==
* aerodynamic coefficients are a very rough guess
* aerodynamics and movement of the banner is far from being realistic
* banners do not disappear from ground after pickup
* add a pilot when viewing from outside


== Current Development ==
== Current Development ==
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The '''current to-do list''' is as follows (not complete and subject to change):
The '''current to-do list''' is as follows (not complete and subject to change):
* Human models
* More Detailed cockpit model
* More Detailed cockpit model
* Optional small instrument panel with switches at the wing root and "floating plate" airspeed indicator
* Optional small instrument panel with switches at the wing root
* aerodynamic coefficients are a very rough guess
* aerodynamics and movement of the banner is far from being realistic


== External links ==
== External links ==

Revision as of 08:20, 1 May 2020

Moyes Dragonfly
FGAddon
Dragonfly-Dawn.jpg
Type Ultralight aircraft
Configuration High wing aircraft, Open cockpit aircraft
Propulsion Piston aircraft, Single-engine aircraft
Manufacturer Moyes Microlights, Bailey-Moyes Microlights, LiteFlite
Author(s) Torsten Dreyer
FDM JSBSim
--aircraft= Dragonfly
Status production
Development
 Website The website for the Moyes Dragonfly developments.
 Repository The development repository of the Moyes Dragonfly.
Download Download the Moyes Dragonfly aircraft package for the current stable release (2020.3).
License GPLv2+

This is a model of a Moyes Dragonfly, a microlight plane built by MOYES, Australia orignally designed by Robery Bailey of Florida. It is made of aluminium tubing, wing and empennage have a dracon skin. The pilot sits on the very front of the main tube with a breathtaking, undisturbed view.

The dragonfly has excellent slow flight characteristics and is suitable for towing of hang gliders.

The same basic design is also known as the Bailey Dragonfly, Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly, and has variants with considerable modifications and variations. The FlightGear model is based on the design produced by Moyes.

Features

Basic flying

Basic flying features are quite simple and almost perfect as a starter for pilots. Takeoff and landing is simple and due to its slow flying speed, the Dragonfly is perfect for scenery exploration.

Configuration

Being an ultralight aircraft with less regulation than seen on typical aircraft, the Dragonfly can be equipped with a variety of different instrumentations. To set it up in a way you like, go to the menu, Moyes Dragonfly -> Configuration. There you can set various options:

Big Panel

This enables an instrument panel to the left of the pilot, including a standard size airspeed indicator, altimeter, RPM and coolant temperature indicator as well as a compass.

EIS-2000G

This simulates a compact engine monitor, namely the EIS-2000G (Engine Information System) as described here. Although it is not yet complete, the functionality available works as described in the flight manual.

Hall Wind Meter

The hall wind meter is a simplistic airspeed indicator, basically working by having a "floating" plate inside a transparent tube. See the manufacturer's website for more information.

Units

For the airspeed indicator and the hall wind meter, the indicated unit can be selected.
Available options are:

  1. for the airspeed indicator:
    • kph (kilometers per hour)
    • mph (statute miles per hour)
    • kts (knots/nautical miles per hour)
  2. for the hall wind meter:
    • kph (kilometers per hour)
    • mph (statute miles per hour)

Other options

You can also select which texture to use for the banner and whether/in which manner human models shall be displayed.

The FlightGear model of the Dragonfly supports banner towing. The banner to tow has to be picked up from the ground during the flight and can be released in flight before landing.

Placement

Banner on the ground

There are two possible ways to create a banner: You can either place one about 50m to your right by using the menu (Moyes Dragonfly -> Place Banner) or you can place it at specific coordinates using a small configuration file: It is a small XML file placed in your FlightGear home directory (which is ~/.fgfs on Linux and .../Users/.../AppData/Roaming/flightgear.org/ on Windows) named groundbanner.xml. Create this file and paste the following content into it; it will tell FlightGear where to put the banner:

 <PropertyList>
   <groundbanner>
    <path>Aircraft/Dragonfly/Models/GroundBanner.ac</path>
    <lat type="double">37.6199</lat>
    <lon type="double">-122.3735</lon>
    <heading type="double">280</heading>
  </groundbanner>
 </PropertyList>

This example places one banner at the runway intersection of KSFO, left to 28R. There can be any number of <groundbanner> elements in the file, to place more of them.

You can verify that the banners were loaded on the output of your console window. For each configured and loaded groundbanner there is a message

GroundBanner created

Using

To pick up the banner from the ground, approach the rope between the two pylons at an altitude of less than 15ft agl. You have to be very close to the center of the rope to catch it. When the pickup succeeded, a message is printed on the console window

banner-pickup

and you will notice a change in the flight-behaviour due to the increased drag caused by the banner on your tail. You can see the towed banner when looking back or changing the view. you can release the banner by pressing the 'o' (lower case letter, not zero). You will notice a decrease of the drag and can see the banner falling down when looking at it.

Flying the Moyes Dragonfly

The aircraft contains checklists to guide you through the preflight checks and starting the engine. Additionally, the EIS-2000G includes a reduced before takeoff checklist that is displayed on start.

Starting the engine

Starting the Rotax 582 is pretty easy, after assuring that the propeller area is clear, there are only three steps to take:

  1. Switch on the master switch
  2. Switch the left and right magnetos on
  3. Press the starter button until the engine catches

It helps to add a bit of throttle for starting the engine.

Note that the engine does not have a mixture lever, as the mixture is automatically regulated using a technique called "High Altitude Compensation" (HAC). Page 6 of this Service Information contains more information about this system.

Review

This section contains a review.   Please note that statements made here are (mostly based on) a single person's opinion.

Please note that this review was review was written for a previous version of this aircraft, most of it is not accurate anymore and may be removed soon.

This is definitely something different, the classic ultralight trike, somethings I have not flown before in the simulator. Personally I have seen these things droning overhead and flown very freely, but I have wondered what it would be like to fly.

Starting on Half Moon Bay runway, the Dragonfly is really a minimal aircraft. Startup is with the s button and the throttle responds quickly. In a trice we are off and climbing steadily, it seems like at 1000 feet per minute or so. At about a 100 ft, I tried turns to the left and right, and the aircraft is very stable if slow to respond, which may be a good thing, it is the kind of air frame that would never be designed to any sort of a rolling outmaneuver.

The stall is gentle, and actually the aircraft transitions from a stall with power off to a steady 400 fpm descent , which is pretty safe. The engine has to be started again by pressing the s key for an anxious moment there is no power no matter what. Heading back to the airport a few low level turns at low speed about 50 mp the airspeed indicator is marked in MPH establishes the safety of the aircraft beyond doubt.

Landing is easy enough, it is easy to judge the distance to the ground as it can be seen directly beneath and to the sides of the aircraft

The model is fairly complete, with a multibladed prop and moving joystick and elevator, although eh ailerons do not move much at all. The absence of a pilot and back seat thrillseeker really detracts from the model, as the screenshots show, however this has been noted by the author as a 'to do'.

--Openflight (talk) 11:45, 14 February 2014 (UTC)

Current Development

As of March/April 2020, the Dragonfly is under active development by D-NXKT and D-ECHO.

The current to-do list is as follows (not complete and subject to change):

  • More Detailed cockpit model
  • Optional small instrument panel with switches at the wing root
  • aerodynamic coefficients are a very rough guess
  • aerodynamics and movement of the banner is far from being realistic

External links

Useful data for FlightGear aircraft developers: