PILATUS

PC7 Turbo Trainer



For FS2002

 

Documentation



Thank you for downloading the Pilatus PC7 Turbo Trainer! This model represents a Swiss Air Force Pilatus PC7: A-932.

The Pilatus PC7 Turbo Trainer originally flew on April 12 1966, this initial version was essentially a modified Pilatus P3 with a 550SHP PW&C PT6A-20 Turboprop, this initial version failed to attract any sales until 1975 when the PC7 appeared with the PT6A-25 engine (of 650SHP) and a whole host of improvements. Since that time the PC7 has proven to be a capable trainer, and has since been superseded by the more capable PC9, and recently the PC-21, however the PC7 still continues to serve well in the training role of various air force's worldwide. 

This model has been fully constructed with FSDS v2.11 and it uses many common part from my Pilatus PC9 Project.

 Repaints are welcome, please consult the text file that accompanies this package entitled: "A Note for repainters.txt".

Model, Textures and Flight dynamics By David Friswell.


THE MODEL:

The model has been designed using FSDS v2.11 (by ABACUS).

The PC7 model features the customary moving parts. It uses FS2002 lighting (Strobes etc). The Propeller and Spinner are also fully animated, with the propeller disc being 3-dimensional. That is, the propeller disc instead of being flat like most other Flight Sim aircraft is not on this aeroplane. It has the full appearance of a real Propeller from side on. The model has also been designed to be frame rate friendly in multiplayer (it is not a multi-res model like CFS2.

There is NO virtual cockpit, the reasons, why are set out below in point G of "Known Issues & Bugs". As a result the Panel & sound are aliased to the Default Cessna C208, thus the choice is yours to use what panel/sound combinations are available.


 

PERFORMANCE:

The performance of this model is a Max level speed of 209 knots TAS at 10,000Ft AMSL (Clean Config). A climb rate of approx 2000 feet/min. Sustained G manoeuvring, whilst being docile and easy to handle when in formation with other aircraft. So far, almost all of the above has been attained.

The Flight Dynamics have been constructed using a mixture of using the “Aircraft Editor” that comes with FS2002 Professional Edition and extensive use of the 1% airfile Templates (available @ www.avhistory.com)

Take note, there are differences between the Pilatus “book figures” and this model. The most notable is that of Rate of Climb, this model DOES have a SUSTAINED rate of climb that is in excess of the Pilatus figures, unfortunately I have been unable to satisfactorily correct it. If anyone out there does have a suggestion, please email me at the email address at the end of this document.



WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:

Here are several screenshots of the model as it appears in this package. Note there are differences in this visual model and that of the real aircraft.

    


 

 
The model in flight.
                 

INSTALLATION:

To install the PC7 in FS2002 I recommend you do the following:
 
  1. Extract the contents of this archive to a Temporary folder (for e.g. C:\Temp\).
  2. You will then see in the C:\Temp\Pilatus PC7 Turbo Trainer\ folder : a Gauges, Model, Panel, Sound and Texture folders along with the Airfile, and this file you’re now reading.
  3. Copy the “Pilatus PC7 Turbo Trainer” folder to the AIRCRAFT folder of FS2002, start the game and go flying.
  4. Alternatively, you can extract this archive straight into the FS2002\AIRCRAFT folder.
  5. To select this aircraft, you will see it under the Manufacturer’s name of “Pilatus” in the Select Aircraft Menu of FS2002.

FLYING THE PC7:

Being a trainer, the Pilatus PC7 is easy to handle whilst providing a challenge to the student, when constructing the Flight Dynamics for this model I have kept this in mind. Suffice to say that stalls are straight forward with no wing drop - mind you I have not been able to find its stalling characteristics so far, when I do these will be incorporated into the dynamics of this model.

Take off in this model REQUIRES the pilot to "work the rudder", that is with any high powered propeller driven aircraft there is a LOT of torque, so full right rudder will be required during the take off roll as the engine hits "full stride".

Thus extensive use of rudder and in particular elevator trim is needed THROUGHOUT the entire speed range of this aircraft -  this reflects the real flight characteristics of the PC7.

Due to its relatively light wing loading the PC7 does get "bounced around" in turbulence, this also makes it quite a challenge to fly in formation.

Landing: I have found that an approach speed of approx 75 to 85 knots IAS, this will give you a good sink rate with a slightly nose high attitude. Thus, a minimal flare is required, this also has the benefit of minimal float during the landing flare. The quoted Pilatus Stall speed in the Landing configuration is 63.5KIAS.

The PC7 is fully aerobatic and is stressed to +6 - 3 G (clean and in the utility category on the Weight & Balance), otherwise it is +4.5G -2.25G with underwing stores.

 

 

KNOWN ISSUES AND BUGS:

There are known “issues” with this model, these are explained as best I can:
  1. There are differences between the real PC7 and this model - it is as accurate as I can get it.
  2. IMPORTANT: For those who have Force Feedback Joysticks, this aircraft is slightly more manoeuvrable with the FORCE FEEDBACK DISABLED. I have no idea as to why, but this was discovered during beta testing. This mainly applies to those who have the Microsoft joysticks, if you have a Logitech or other brand I would be most interested to know if you experience this.
  3. Further on the gear bays , in going for simplicity of the FSDS model the bays are NOT an exact outline of the real PC7 - again, this is as accurate as I can get them.
  4. The undercarriage as used here is very close to the real PC7, but not an exact replica.
  5. From the photographs that I have of the PC7 there appears to be no undercarriage doors on the main gears - I have reflected this on my model - thus, real life aircraft MAY diifer.
  6. Lastly, any/all updates to this package will be posted only on www.aussim.com, and announced in the forums at www.aussim.com when released.
  7. I have not included a virtual cockpit for one very simple reason ---> I have NO panel to use with this aircraft. Thus with no panel, there is no Virtual Cockpit. If you feel "disappointed" by this, then you are not the only one as I too would like to have one! If there comes a time that a fully fledged FS2002 Panel appears & is one that I can use for a DVC then I am more than willing to do so! SO PLEASE DON'T EMAIL ME TO ASK WHY THIS IS SO!

 

CREDITS:

  1. Free Flight Design Shop for providing various public domain parts for both FSDS and GMAX. There are two file’s used to construct this model the first was FSDS_PARTS1.zip by Brian Gladden. From this the Propeller and the wheels have come from this. The second was the Piper Arrow by Rien Cornelissen who generously provides his Aircraft as public domain. From the Piper I have used the seats as it is similar to the PC7 (not exactly but close enough). Thirdly, I have used Dave Eckert's 3 Bladed Propeller for this project, it can be found at www.daviator.com.
  2. To all those who participate in the www.aussim.com forums, thank you for all the encouragement, it is appreciated.
  3. Finally to Brad Disher for Hosting and Running www.aussim.com.

NOTE:

1. Please Feel free to repaint this aircraft as you wish, whilst remembering that released repaints must be stand alone textures. If you want to re-package this, ask for permission.

2. This Readme file must accompany any repaints - in its TEXT format, if you don't expect an email from me!.

3. This aircraft package is not meant to be artistically brilliant, but to give a faithful as possible rendition of what it is like to fly this aircraft – whilst being frame rate friendly!!

4. This archive is set to extract ..\Pilatus PC7 Turbo Trainer\ by default.

5. This archive is STRICLY FREEWARE ONLY. NO COMMERCIAL GAIN BY ANYONE IS ACCEPTABLE. This aircraft or its repaints is NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES be uploaded and or displayed on FSPLANET.com or www.mondalori.com or ANY of its associated subsidiaries. If it is, or available on any website offering this archive in return for money, any appropriate legal action will be undertaken using appropriate Australian, United States and International copyright laws. In addition, if this archive is discovered as such, I will sue for labour cost’s involved in constructing this aircraft, at nearly 6 months in construction and testing this cost IS CONSIDERABLE.

6. The author of this package is in no way liable for any damage it may cause from incorrect use (however unlikely that it may be).

7. If for whatever reason you don’t like this aircraft, delete it and fly something else – DO NOT BOTHER TO TELL ME.

8. Questions(& constructive) Comments, bug reports etc can be made to the Email address listed below.

ALSO AVAILABLE:

  1. Pilatus PC7 Astra Mk II in Soth African Air Force Livery (Textures by Jens-Ole Kjølberg): 
  2. FSDS2 Pilatus PC9M, textures by Barry Magann:
  3. Raytheon T-6 Texan II, fully updated with FSDS2 and now including a full DVC:
  4. Piper Warrior II:   
  5. Piper Archer II:   
  6. Piper Dakota:   
  7. Gloster Meteor
  8. DH 100 Vampire F3
  9. Piper Arrow II:   
  10. Piper Arrow IV:   

(Note: All the above is available from www.aussim.com --> ALL of the Piper models are exclusive to Aussim.)

COMING SOON:

  1. Complete update to the Roulette's version of the PC9/A And the FAC Model from which this aircraft model is derived from.        
  2. Piper Seminole (early Alpha build shown):       
  3. Piper Lance:            

 

  

 



www.aussim.com

David Friswell.

March 24th 2003