A challenge if you will.

Indeed it does. Never clicked on those before. Cool. Rgr. on busting the altitude limit. I did that several times... :)
 
Just tried the F-111, seems doable, a few times had to cut some corners and hit the height limit but made it. Fuel isn't an issue not is speed, only when coming to tight corners
 
I finally made it all the way to Prince George! After Lilooet, the fun really begins with the drainpipe turn the valley makes! The second turn after Quesnel is also a doozy!

Just a few screenies; the 1st one I left the red writing on to show Altitude AGL (this was just after Hope):

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Kaz Ito's F-117N:

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Let's send all sorts of birds through this and see where they end up! :biggrin-new:
 
I have finally done the next leg. Prince George to Revelstoke.
srgalahad was correct about the Columbia River being wide. Compared to the lower Fraser River, from Prince George to the turn off into the Columbia River is like a 4 lane black top. This part actually turned into a bit of a speed run. Kept the TSR2 up around 600knots for most of it. I'll send my apologies to all the folks in those little towns later.
You will notice from the screen shots that I got a little lost and took the wrong turn into the , what I thought was the Columbia River. Wasn't though, just a dead end. I managed to keep to the spirit of the challenge though and turned myself around without getting more than 600ft above the terrain. Did a little side valley run with a ridge pop and down an adjacent valley back to the lake and then turned down the real river. Arrived at Revelstoke at 630Knots, 200ft AGL. Did a sideways loop and then got her down.
It wasn't quite that simple of course. I spent this afternoon practicing landings at Revelstoke. The numbers said I should be able to get the TSR2 down there so I had some practice. The model is a little finicky and the drogue shoot doesn't always work on command. The RCAF need another 4 TSR2's. The good people of Revelstoke will be picking TSR2 parts out of them there hills for a while. Eventually got the hang of it so did the run and managed to get it right on the second go around. Kissed on at 200Knots, the drogue popped on command and she pulled up sweet.
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Next weekend is Easter so I may or may not get any more done. The next leg will be the Columbia River for most of its length. However this week I will be going back to the Fraser River and try some more aircraft out. That first leg is sick.
I've got a line up of aircraft to try. First up is the 262, then F9F followed by F101 Voodoo, A6E, Sea Venom, Sea Vixen at challenge pace then at WhiskeyEcho's pace, P51, Fw190D9, P40N, P38J, Mosquito, Beaufighter, He219 and Do335.
I wont get these all done in a week but we'll see how I go.
 
Looks like it's a bit wider in spots than the first one, and straighter, maybe? If so, perhaps a larger aircraft might be in order, if it'll fit in there! Definitely have to take a stab!
 
Did a bit of recon down the Columbia River. Didn't get too far as only had a bit of time and my chosen bird cruises at 400Kph. Will finish tomorrow.

dornier217M_recon_castlegar.jpgdornier217M_recon_castlegar_finals.jpgdornier217M_recon_castlegar_flightline.jpg

I've blanked out the swastika from the tail plane as it is not my intention to insult anyone here. I do normally leave my aircraft historically correct. I find this bird lovely to sight see in. The view from the cockpit forward and down is nearly unbeaten. Especially if you need a bit of cruising speed. I have taken the liberty of modifying this aircraft with later model DB603N engines developing 2763HP at 3000rpm at sea level. I've de-rated them slightly to 2500hp. Also de-militarised her by removing all weapons and the turret, replacing them with plastic replicas. Removed a lot of weight and turned her into a very sprightly old girl.
 
Continued the recon down Columbia River. CastleGar to Grand Coulee Dam. Sorry but I couldn't resist the bridge at CastleGar. This part of the run is going to make for a very high speed section in the TSR2. Should be a heap of fun.
dornier217M_recon_castlegar_bridge.jpgdornier217M_recon_Grand-Coulee-Dam.jpg

The next leg should be more of a challenge. Although for the recon it will be higher and slower. This is a wonderful way to chill out after a stressful day in the real world.
 
Snake River

padburgess,
Been keeping up with this thread. I have flown all the segments so far suggested. There are some 'elevation' changes (dams?) along the way, which almost cause a crash, and cause shooting the elevation. And sometimes there is no water in river bed. If it wasn't for the GPS, which I used on all these flights, I would get lost. There is a 'sweet spot' (zoom) where the river bed will be obvious and is the best 'free' 'moving map' or guide that works good. Works for me, anyway.

I fly Kaz Ito's Boulton Paul P.111. It is highly modified for just this type of flying. Cruise is around 640 kts (Mach 0.99 @ sea level). I have it where I can use only the rudder to change directions (ie: without banking the wings). Works really well. It's sensitive enough to avoid the FSX quirks (terrain) if you have any high speed racing experience and good controller.

Here is a pic of one gorge I tried, which might interest you.
Chuck B
Napamule
 

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Grand Canyon

I got a sneaky suspicion you have tried flying (and failed?) the Grand Canyon. Am I right? Anywho, I made a short (3 min) video of my try at flying the Grand Canyon. Started at Grand Canyon West (1G4) and then East to Page (KPGA). Video Link: http://youtu.be/9Kn1K525-r4 . Also jpg of route from the Map. As you can see, I am flying Kaz Ito's Boulton Paul P.111 'Experimental' model (port over from FS9). Enjoy.
Chuck B
Napamule
 

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Hi Chuck

No, sorry. Havn't been any where near the canyon. I tend to fly exclusively in ORBYX scenery at present and mainly in PNW and NZ. I would think the canyon would be very challenging and may give it a try some time. I'll check out your video. Thanks for providing the link. I'm getting ready to try the next leg of the Columbia river at present. Doing recon in the Dornier to get an idea of what the terrain will be like and then I'll see if I can do a high speed run in the TSR2.
 
You guys realise that at least in peace time both civil and military aircraft are legally limited to no more than 250 knots IAS below 10,000'?

Anyway, I am not going to be a spoiled sport - what a fun challenge in such a scenic area! Think I will try it in something light, small and agile like the the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and report back.

Not strictly true, the limit certainly doesn't apply to military aircraft in the UK where it varies by type but is usually around 450 knots over land. I suspect the US and most other countries are the same. For civil aircraft if you're under certain air traffic control services then the limit can be higher if they clear it, I believe for many airliners they're cleared faster as it's safer/more efficient.
 
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