This is a CFS3 skins package that was originally posted on the Netwings site. They were intended for stock CFS3 and/or CFS3 with Firepower ONLY. Nothing has been modified in any way and it is still in it's original *.zip file. Here is the README for full acknowledgement:
Potez Po-63.11.A3
sitz_po6311a3
Aero Workbook 2.86.112
Version 1.0
25-April-2006
by Craig "Viso" Murray
email: craig.viso.murray@gmail.com
web: http://www3.telus.net/murrdaka/
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONDITIONS OF USE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
HISTORY
DESIGN NOTES
RELEASE HISTORY
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE <=== Very Important! If you read nothing else…read this!
FLYING NOTES
This is one of several aircraft created for the Battle of France Campaign for CFS3. For information on this campaign, other aircraft, and updates to this model, please visit my website at http://www3.telus.net/murrdaka/.
Because of the general lack of early-WWII aircraft for CFS3, I started creating aircraft for this period to make a BoF campaign possible. I hope you will enjoy tackling the challenges incumbent with the aircraft of this era. Aircraft that I have created for the Battle of France are prefixed with "sitz" - referring to "sitzkrieg" which was the original name for my BoF campaign.
CONDITIONS OF USE
These files are distributed as freeware. I assume no responsibillity for any damages arising from their use. You may upload these files as a complete package to any site, provided that you include all files and acknowledge credit to the creators. Please do not modify these files without my permission. If you wish to create a "skin" (alternate texture), please contact me for a current texture template. You may not collect any fees for redistributing these files without my express written permission.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FLIGHT MODEL: Developed by Craig "Viso" Murray using AvHistory's Aero workbook v2.86.112 and the Damage Workbook 2.32. It has not been qualified as a 1% aircraft.
PHYSICAL MODEL and VIRTUAL COCKPITS: Prepared by Craig "Viso" Murray using gmax 1.2.
TEXTURES:
Original External Surfaces: Nigel Dickinson
Original Virtual Cockpit: Nigel Dickinson
For a complete list of alternate textures and stand-alones for this aircraft, please visit my Po-63.11.A3 page at http://www3.telus.net/murrdaka/ac_po63/Sitz_Po63.htm
FLIGHT TESTERS: A special thanks to those who provided quality assurance testing … Gecko, Johann Steve, NSS, Philippe M, and Robby88 for filing their completed QA reports plus several others who provided general comments! Also, special thanks to Moi1000, RFA_Gerfaut, and ndicki for help with overall research and development.
HISTORY
The Po-63 was designed in response to a 1934 requirement for a twin-engined multi-role warplane. The first prototype Po-63.01 flew in April 1936, and this spawned several versions to suit different purposes:
- Po-630.C3 3-seat fighter version (C = chasse = fighter, 3 = 3-seater). 80 built.
- Po-631.C3 3-seat fighter version with more powerful Gnome-Rhone engines. 202 built.
- Po-633 export versions for Greece and Romania. 64 built but only 32 were delivered.
- Po-637.A3 3-seat recon / army co-operation version. 60 built.
- Po-63.11.A3 3-seat recon / army co-op version with fully glazed nose. About 866 built.
Although blessed with reasonable performance (for a recon aircraft) and good handling (some likened it to monoplanes), the Po-63 was outclassed against modern fighters. As a result, pilots resorted to "hedge-hopping" tactics to survive. In addition, as a recon aircraft, it was somewhat over-engineered for the task and could not operate from poor airfields as could some of the ruggend high-wing observer planes.
As with many French aircraft, the Armee de l'Air did not have enough pilots to fly them, and many Po-63s remained in storage. Others were intentionally destroyed to prevent capture as airfields were overrun. Notwithstanding, the Luftwaffe captured many Po-63s and used them in a variety of roles.
Sources:
DESIGN NOTES:
- Some versions of this package include an AI model (denoted by the presence of files named “aisitz_po6311.air” and “aisitz_po6311.xdp”). Essentially, these files and others allow the aircraft to spawn as part of a campaign. AI models do not appear in the aircraft menu and their nationalities are set to either USA (allied) or Germany (axis). As a result, you may see the Po-63.11 parked next to some US aircraft in the UI view.
11,085 Virtual Cockpit #2 (Gunner)
1,782 Virtual Cockpit #3 (Observer/Bombardier)
13,336 LOD_100
9.977 LOD_90
4,194 LOD_70
3,107 LOD_50
492 LOD_25
64 LOD_10
RELEASE HISTORY:
Test Version, 27-December-2005: Test version built while I was learning gmax.
Version 1.0, 25-April-2006: Initial Battle of France release.
Please report any problems via e-mail to craig.viso.murray@gmail.com
For the latest information on this model, visit my Po-63 page at
http://www3.telus.net/murrdaka/ac_po63/Sitz_Po63.htm
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
- potez_pylon1_t.dds
- pylon_potez_63.m3d
- pylon_potez_63.xdp
- sz_MGpod_po63.xdp
FLYING NOTES:
- Takeoff: Even if you fly using “Hard” realism with rudder pedals enabled, you’ll find that the Po-63-11 is quite stable, even during takeoffs. For smooth takeoffs, follow these steps:
- Wheels-Up Landings: If your landing gear is damaged, you may need to conduct a "belly landing". For best results, follow these steps:
Potez Po-63.11.A3
sitz_po6311a3
Aero Workbook 2.86.112
Version 1.0
25-April-2006
by Craig "Viso" Murray
email: craig.viso.murray@gmail.com
web: http://www3.telus.net/murrdaka/
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONDITIONS OF USE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
HISTORY
DESIGN NOTES
RELEASE HISTORY
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE <=== Very Important! If you read nothing else…read this!
FLYING NOTES
This is one of several aircraft created for the Battle of France Campaign for CFS3. For information on this campaign, other aircraft, and updates to this model, please visit my website at http://www3.telus.net/murrdaka/.
Because of the general lack of early-WWII aircraft for CFS3, I started creating aircraft for this period to make a BoF campaign possible. I hope you will enjoy tackling the challenges incumbent with the aircraft of this era. Aircraft that I have created for the Battle of France are prefixed with "sitz" - referring to "sitzkrieg" which was the original name for my BoF campaign.
CONDITIONS OF USE
These files are distributed as freeware. I assume no responsibillity for any damages arising from their use. You may upload these files as a complete package to any site, provided that you include all files and acknowledge credit to the creators. Please do not modify these files without my permission. If you wish to create a "skin" (alternate texture), please contact me for a current texture template. You may not collect any fees for redistributing these files without my express written permission.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FLIGHT MODEL: Developed by Craig "Viso" Murray using AvHistory's Aero workbook v2.86.112 and the Damage Workbook 2.32. It has not been qualified as a 1% aircraft.
PHYSICAL MODEL and VIRTUAL COCKPITS: Prepared by Craig "Viso" Murray using gmax 1.2.
TEXTURES:
Original External Surfaces: Nigel Dickinson
Original Virtual Cockpit: Nigel Dickinson
For a complete list of alternate textures and stand-alones for this aircraft, please visit my Po-63.11.A3 page at http://www3.telus.net/murrdaka/ac_po63/Sitz_Po63.htm
FLIGHT TESTERS: A special thanks to those who provided quality assurance testing … Gecko, Johann Steve, NSS, Philippe M, and Robby88 for filing their completed QA reports plus several others who provided general comments! Also, special thanks to Moi1000, RFA_Gerfaut, and ndicki for help with overall research and development.
HISTORY
The Po-63 was designed in response to a 1934 requirement for a twin-engined multi-role warplane. The first prototype Po-63.01 flew in April 1936, and this spawned several versions to suit different purposes:
- Po-630.C3 3-seat fighter version (C = chasse = fighter, 3 = 3-seater). 80 built.
- Po-631.C3 3-seat fighter version with more powerful Gnome-Rhone engines. 202 built.
- Po-633 export versions for Greece and Romania. 64 built but only 32 were delivered.
- Po-637.A3 3-seat recon / army co-operation version. 60 built.
- Po-63.11.A3 3-seat recon / army co-op version with fully glazed nose. About 866 built.
Although blessed with reasonable performance (for a recon aircraft) and good handling (some likened it to monoplanes), the Po-63 was outclassed against modern fighters. As a result, pilots resorted to "hedge-hopping" tactics to survive. In addition, as a recon aircraft, it was somewhat over-engineered for the task and could not operate from poor airfields as could some of the ruggend high-wing observer planes.
As with many French aircraft, the Armee de l'Air did not have enough pilots to fly them, and many Po-63s remained in storage. Others were intentionally destroyed to prevent capture as airfields were overrun. Notwithstanding, the Luftwaffe captured many Po-63s and used them in a variety of roles.
Sources:
- The Encyclopedia of Aircraft, Amber Books Ltd, 2004
- French Aircraft From 1939 to 1942 Volume 2, Histoire & Collections, 2005
- http://www.xs4all.nl/~fbonne/warbirds/ww2htmls/potez63.html
- http://perso.wanadoo.fr/frenchaces/avions/france/m+pt6311.html
- http://www.aviafrance.com/1361.htm
- http://www.mitbit.com/articles/potez_630
- http://enc.slier.com/Enc/Potez_63.11
DESIGN NOTES:
- The Po-63.11A.3 included a crew of three: pilot, gunner, and bombardier.
- To toggle between the pilot and bombardier seats, hit F6.
- The gunner's seat features three views. Hit F8 to cycle through the views.
- In the first, the eyepoint is "attached" to the machine gun and swivels with it. The flexible machine gun can be fired from this position.
- In the second, the eyepoint is static. The flexible machine gun can be fired from this position as well.
- In the third, the eyepoint is static. This view allows the firing of the rear-facing, ventral machine gun. Many French bombers carried single, double, and triple machine guns intended for strafing.
- Entry and exit was accomplished through the removal of panels and opening of trap doors, none of which would have be opened during normal flight. As a result, the pilot's canopy does not retract.
- The gunner's position featured a removable canopy cover. Often, aircraft were flown with this cover completely removed. To switch between these two options, open or close the canopy from the pilot's seat using SHIFT-C.
- Several underwing hardpoints are included. The 50kg bombs uses pylons 3-6 which are located inboard of the engines while the underwing MG pods use pylons 7-10. However, additional pylons are included directly beneath the fuselage (pylons 0-2) to accommodate custom loadouts.
- Some versions of this package include an AI model (denoted by the presence of files named “aisitz_po6311.air” and “aisitz_po6311.xdp”). Essentially, these files and others allow the aircraft to spawn as part of a campaign. AI models do not appear in the aircraft menu and their nationalities are set to either USA (allied) or Germany (axis). As a result, you may see the Po-63.11 parked next to some US aircraft in the UI view.
- LOD Information (Polygons counted from Mesh Select). This information is included for benefit of other designers. Essentially, these figures measure the "richness" of the model in terms of detail - at least as far as the computer is concerned.
11,085 Virtual Cockpit #2 (Gunner)
1,782 Virtual Cockpit #3 (Observer/Bombardier)
13,336 LOD_100
9.977 LOD_90
4,194 LOD_70
3,107 LOD_50
492 LOD_25
64 LOD_10
RELEASE HISTORY:
Test Version, 27-December-2005: Test version built while I was learning gmax.
Version 1.0, 25-April-2006: Initial Battle of France release.
Please report any problems via e-mail to craig.viso.murray@gmail.com
For the latest information on this model, visit my Po-63 page at
http://www3.telus.net/murrdaka/ac_po63/Sitz_Po63.htm
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
- If you have a previous version of this aircraft, please delete it.
- Unzip the entire aircraft from your CFS3\AIRCRAFT folder.
- This aircraft required the AvHistory Gun/Weapons pack. This pack can be obtained from AvHistory (http://www.avhistory.org)
- This aircraft requires my French weapons pack (Fr_Weapons v1.zip). Please refer to the installation instructions. This pack can be obtained from Sim Outhouse (http://www.combatfs.com). To obtain this package either click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser:
- This aircraft requires my French gauge pack (Fr_Gauges v1.zip). Please refer to the installation instructions. This pack can be obtained from Sim Outhouse (http://www.combatfs.com). To obtain this package either click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser:
- The nationality of this aircraft is set as "France_Free" to conform with the Nationality Expansion Kit (Redux Edition) developed by RCAF Gunner. This is available through several CFS3 websites including Sim Outhouse (http://www.combatfs.com). To obtain this package either click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser:
- Pylon Installation: Unzip the Po6311A3_Pylons.zip in your CFS3\PYLONS folder. This archive will add the following files to your CFS3/PYLONS folder:
- potez_pylon1_t.dds
- pylon_potez_63.m3d
- pylon_potez_63.xdp
- Weapons Installation: Unzip the Po6311A3_Weapons.zip in your CFS3\WEAPONS folder. This archive will create a new subfolder called CFS3\WEAPONS\sz_MGpod_po63 containing the following files:
- sz_MGpod_po63.xdp
FLYING NOTES:
- Takeoff: Even if you fly using “Hard” realism with rudder pedals enabled, you’ll find that the Po-63-11 is quite stable, even during takeoffs. For smooth takeoffs, follow these steps:
- Enable AUTOTRIM (CTRL-A), start engine (E), and set throttle to 80%
- Release brakes.
- If aircraft veers, correct using minor adjustments to the rudder
- Ease stick back. Retract gear once airborne and climb gradually.
- Wheels-Up Landings: If your landing gear is damaged, you may need to conduct a "belly landing". For best results, follow these steps:
- If possible, try to land on a runway or other smooth surface.
- Retract your landing gear. Extend your flaps. Fly low and slow (100 mph)
- Keep your wingtips level. Use your rudder and ailerons to keep straight and level.
- Reduce power to lose altitude. Cut power when you touch down.
- The Po-63 is neither a fighter nor a bomber. Use it only for missions requiring light bombing. Forget interception and dogfight missions.
- The 7.5mm MGs are very weak. If you're good, you can damage a few enemy fighters.
- The Po-63 is a bit clumsy and lacks power. Although it is reasonably agile for a twin-engined aircraft, it is no match for modern fighters.
- Many Po-63s were equipped with underwing MG pods. When using these, remember that you will need to select loadout (usually the BACKSPACE key) to arm these weapons prior to firing.
- The typical bombing loadout consists of 4x50kg bombs, which limits the targets you can destroy. Attack bridge and ammo dumps, but avoid factories and other "hard" targets.
- The bombs can be dropped from very low altitudes without suffering blast damage. Instead of dive-bombing, consider hedge-hopping tactics. Approach your target at around 1,000 feet in altitude, then release your bombs about 600 feet from the target. Stay low to avoid anti-aircraft fire and hope that enemy fighters don't spot you.
- Also included is a combined underwing MG and bomb loadout. However, this combination will require the Po-63 to fly above is maximum allowable weight, making for tricky landings and sluggish manuevering. You have been warned!
