Sopwith Camel (JSBSim): Difference between revisions

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==Aircraft help==
==Aircraft help==
=== Starting ===
# Press { and } once each--so that both L and R magneto switches are in center position.
# Hold the s key for several seconds until the engine catches.


=== Take Off ===
===KEYS===
# Zoom the view out so you can see the edges of the runway with your peripheral vision. As you speed up, gently pull back on the stick - this
* Key s Start engine (OR: Click propeller/center of dash)
avoids the spin-out that otherwise happens around 40-45 MPH.
# As you lift off, about 45 MPH, be prepared to counter the torque of the engines with your ailerons.


* The blip switch (b) disengages both magnetos and cuts power.
* Key b (or press brakes) Blip switch - both magnetos OFF - blip and magnetos are the primary method for controlling engine power
* Engaging either R or L brake (via keyboard, joystick, or rudder/pedals) also engages the blip switch. Releasing the brake (or b key) releases
 
the blip switch.
* Keys { } Toggle left/right magneto switch. 4/9 and 5/9 power settings, respectively. Magneto switches visible on dash at lower left.
 
=== Approach ===
* Key B Toggle chocks (OR: click chocks/wheels with mouse)
* Speed 55 MPH IAS
 
* Throttle OPEN
* Keys u/U/ctrl u Adjust pilot viewpoint up/down, select default pilot viewpoint
* Use the blip switch to control speed NOT throttle
 
* blip switch ON/OFF as required
* Keys m/M Adjust mixture (If manual mixture selected via menu Camel/Toggle Manual Mixture)
* touchdown speed: 50-55 MPH IAS
 
* stall speed 48 MPH IAS
* Key e Fire guns
 
* Key l Change livery
 
* Key n Nudge aircraft forward (ie, when taxiing in the grass and stuck)
 
* Key WwAaSsDdQq and mouse In INSPECT AIRCRAFT VIEW: Move and look around (v/V to select this view; see View/View Options)
 
* Camel Menu Repair/restore aircraft (must be on ground/stopped), hide pilot and cockpit clutter, more
 
==STARTING OUT===
Press { and } once each - so that both L and R magneto switches are in upward position. Check that Blip Switch ('b' key,
visible button on Camel's joystick handle) is disengaged. Check throttle @ 100%. Press and hold the 's' key for 0.5 seconds.
It may take several tries before the engine catches. If you spawn in on the ground, chocks are in place. Shift-B to remove.
 
===TAKE OFF===
Always take off directly INTO wind regardless of runway configuration. Zoom view full out; steer via peripheral vision.
Easiest, most dependable way to take off: Full throttle, moderate back-pressure on stick to keep
tail engaged w/ ground. Use rudder to steer (tail dragging on ground provides most control authority).
3-point lift-off @ 40-45 KTS (45-50 mph); immediately ease stick forward to avoid excessive climb, loss of airspeed, stall.
More advanced/Calm conditions: Gently lift tail @ 30-35 mph and continue rolling (or in ground effect) through 50-55 mph before lift-off.
 
Crashing on takeoff? Check wind and weather - many real Camel pilots crashed on take-off/landing with strong crosswind or tailwind.
 
===THROTTLE, BLIP SWITCH, AND MAGNETOS===
Real Camel pilots used a combination of throttle, magneto settings, and the blip switch to achieve desired power
settings. Throttle provides a limited range of power settings. The blip switch (b) disengages both magnetos and cuts
power totally. Engaging either R or L brake (via keyboard, joystick, or rudder/pedals) also engages the blip switch.
Releasing the brake (or releasing the 'b' key) releases the blip switch. Engaging only one magneto ('{' or '}')
reduces engine RPM to just under half (L magneto) and just over half (R magneto).
 
This gives you 3 distinct power settings via magneto (L, R, or both) - you can fine-tune each of them with the throttle.
Note that L magneto ON/R magneto OFF + Blip switch gives you very fine low-power control for, e.g., approach and landing.
 
===NEGATIVE G - INVERTED FLIGHT===
The Camel's fuel system requires gravity to feed fuel to the engine. If you fly inverted or pull negative Gs, the
engine will soon stop. Once you return to upright flight, fuel will flow and the engine will start again.
 
===APPROACH AND LANDING===
Land directly into wind regardless of runway layout. Throttle FULL OPEN, L Magneto ON, R Magneto OFF. Control engine
power via Blip Switch (b); Engine is typically mostly OFF (via Blip) on approach. Note relatively steep glide slope. Sideslip as needed
to control speed. On runout, hold tail firmly down to act as brake.
Unstable or ground loop on landing? Just add full power (R Magneto ON) and go around.
 
===KEY SPEEDS===
Approach speed 55 KTS (60-65 mph) : Threshhold speed 48 KTS (55 mph) : Touchdown speed: 40 KTS (45-50 mph)
Stall speed 41 KTS (48 mph) : Best Climb speed 55 KTS (60-65 mph) (all IAS)
 
===GUNS & RELOADING===
Guns have 400 rounds each, the maximum capacity of the Camel.
Fire with the 'e' key or a joystick trigger linked to /controls/armament/trigger.
 
Reload guns: Use the Camel Menu - you must be on ground, stopped, engine off.
 
===MISC===
TAXIING: In windy conditions, use elevator to hold tail firmly down for better steering authority. At high RPM, prop wash
gives some rudder and elevator authority even at near stand-still. Use this plus the burst of power from Blip to
help maneuver and taxi over bumps. Don't forget 'n' for nudge when you get stuck.
 
STALL: Push forward firmly on the stick, gain airspeed. Vigorously oppose any spin (rudder and ailerons). It may help to blip
engine off, reducing torque and gyroscopic moment. You will lose ~500 ft altitude or more.
 
TRIM: Real Camels had no trim mechanism and were tail heavy with full fuel - nose heavy with low fuel. Beware of stall @ full fuel!
 
Extensive help, tips, documents in the DOCS folder.
 
==Download JSBSim Camel==
 
The JSBSim Sopwith Camel is [https://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=19584 available for download on the FlightGear Forums here.]


=== YASim Camel ===
=== YASim Camel ===


The JSBSim Camel share the aircraft model and many details with [[Sopwith Camel|the YASim Camel available from FGAddons]].
The JSBSim Camel share the aircraft model and many details with [[Sopwith Camel|the YASim Camel available from FGAddons]].

Revision as of 23:32, 19 March 2017

Sopwith Camel
JSBSim Sopwith Camels in Bombable add-on
JSBSim Sopwith Camels in Bombable add-on
Type Historical aircraft, Fighter aircraft
Configuration Biplane aircraft, Taildragger aircraft
Propulsion Single-engine aircraft, Piston aircraft, Propeller aircraft
Manufacturer Sopwith Aviation Company
Author(s) AJ MacLeod, Vivian Meazza, Brent Hugh (Historically accurate JSBSim FDM & weapons, Bombable compatibility)
FDM JSBSim
--aircraft= sopwithCamel-JSBSim-Bombable
Status Production
 FDM Stars-4.png
 Systems Stars-4.png
 Cockpit Stars-4.png
 Model Stars-5.png
Supports Bombable
Development
 Repository The development repository of the Sopwith Camel.
Download Download the Sopwith Camel aircraft package for the current stable release (2020.3).
Forum 'Sopwith Camel' topic on the FlightGear forum.
Wikipedia Sopwith Camel This is a link to a Wikipedia article

The Sopwith Camel was a British First World War single-seat biplane fighter introduced on the Western Front in 1917.

This page is about the JSBSim version of the Sopwith Camel created for FlightGear and based on historical data about aircraft performance and handling.

The JSBSim Sopwith Camel is available for download on the FlightGear Forums here.

Aircraft help

KEYS

  • Key s Start engine (OR: Click propeller/center of dash)
  • Key b (or press brakes) Blip switch - both magnetos OFF - blip and magnetos are the primary method for controlling engine power
  • Keys { } Toggle left/right magneto switch. 4/9 and 5/9 power settings, respectively. Magneto switches visible on dash at lower left.
  • Key B Toggle chocks (OR: click chocks/wheels with mouse)
  • Keys u/U/ctrl u Adjust pilot viewpoint up/down, select default pilot viewpoint
  • Keys m/M Adjust mixture (If manual mixture selected via menu Camel/Toggle Manual Mixture)
  • Key e Fire guns
  • Key l Change livery
  • Key n Nudge aircraft forward (ie, when taxiing in the grass and stuck)
  • Key WwAaSsDdQq and mouse In INSPECT AIRCRAFT VIEW: Move and look around (v/V to select this view; see View/View Options)
  • Camel Menu Repair/restore aircraft (must be on ground/stopped), hide pilot and cockpit clutter, more

STARTING OUT=

Press { and } once each - so that both L and R magneto switches are in upward position. Check that Blip Switch ('b' key, visible button on Camel's joystick handle) is disengaged. Check throttle @ 100%. Press and hold the 's' key for 0.5 seconds. It may take several tries before the engine catches. If you spawn in on the ground, chocks are in place. Shift-B to remove.

TAKE OFF

Always take off directly INTO wind regardless of runway configuration. Zoom view full out; steer via peripheral vision. Easiest, most dependable way to take off: Full throttle, moderate back-pressure on stick to keep tail engaged w/ ground. Use rudder to steer (tail dragging on ground provides most control authority). 3-point lift-off @ 40-45 KTS (45-50 mph); immediately ease stick forward to avoid excessive climb, loss of airspeed, stall. More advanced/Calm conditions: Gently lift tail @ 30-35 mph and continue rolling (or in ground effect) through 50-55 mph before lift-off.

Crashing on takeoff? Check wind and weather - many real Camel pilots crashed on take-off/landing with strong crosswind or tailwind.

THROTTLE, BLIP SWITCH, AND MAGNETOS

Real Camel pilots used a combination of throttle, magneto settings, and the blip switch to achieve desired power settings. Throttle provides a limited range of power settings. The blip switch (b) disengages both magnetos and cuts power totally. Engaging either R or L brake (via keyboard, joystick, or rudder/pedals) also engages the blip switch. Releasing the brake (or releasing the 'b' key) releases the blip switch. Engaging only one magneto ('{' or '}') reduces engine RPM to just under half (L magneto) and just over half (R magneto).

This gives you 3 distinct power settings via magneto (L, R, or both) - you can fine-tune each of them with the throttle. Note that L magneto ON/R magneto OFF + Blip switch gives you very fine low-power control for, e.g., approach and landing.

NEGATIVE G - INVERTED FLIGHT

The Camel's fuel system requires gravity to feed fuel to the engine. If you fly inverted or pull negative Gs, the engine will soon stop. Once you return to upright flight, fuel will flow and the engine will start again.

APPROACH AND LANDING

Land directly into wind regardless of runway layout. Throttle FULL OPEN, L Magneto ON, R Magneto OFF. Control engine power via Blip Switch (b); Engine is typically mostly OFF (via Blip) on approach. Note relatively steep glide slope. Sideslip as needed to control speed. On runout, hold tail firmly down to act as brake. Unstable or ground loop on landing? Just add full power (R Magneto ON) and go around.

KEY SPEEDS

Approach speed 55 KTS (60-65 mph) : Threshhold speed 48 KTS (55 mph) : Touchdown speed: 40 KTS (45-50 mph) Stall speed 41 KTS (48 mph) : Best Climb speed 55 KTS (60-65 mph) (all IAS)

GUNS & RELOADING

Guns have 400 rounds each, the maximum capacity of the Camel. Fire with the 'e' key or a joystick trigger linked to /controls/armament/trigger.

Reload guns: Use the Camel Menu - you must be on ground, stopped, engine off.

MISC

TAXIING: In windy conditions, use elevator to hold tail firmly down for better steering authority. At high RPM, prop wash gives some rudder and elevator authority even at near stand-still. Use this plus the burst of power from Blip to help maneuver and taxi over bumps. Don't forget 'n' for nudge when you get stuck.

STALL: Push forward firmly on the stick, gain airspeed. Vigorously oppose any spin (rudder and ailerons). It may help to blip engine off, reducing torque and gyroscopic moment. You will lose ~500 ft altitude or more.

TRIM: Real Camels had no trim mechanism and were tail heavy with full fuel - nose heavy with low fuel. Beware of stall @ full fuel!

Extensive help, tips, documents in the DOCS folder.

Download JSBSim Camel

The JSBSim Sopwith Camel is available for download on the FlightGear Forums here.

YASim Camel

The JSBSim Camel share the aircraft model and many details with the YASim Camel available from FGAddons.