Appendix-2: About tailhooks, and how to add/modify them.
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First of all, you should understand that in FS2004 there is a distinction
between a "visible", animated tailhook (which is part of the aircraft's
.mdl model), and a "functional" tailhook as defined in the aircraft.cfg.
In some older jets the "visible" tailhook is coupled to the Spoilers or
Flaps function, instead of the real Tailhook function. And possibly even
coupled to a decelleration mechanisme based on high drag, known as
"Superspoilers" or "SuperFlaps".
However, the arrester gauge requires that the aircraft has a real "functional"
tailhook, which is defined in the aircraft.cfg like:
[TailHook]
tailhook_length=3.0 // Length, in feet
tailhook_position=-20.0, 0.0, 0.0 // longitudinal, lateral, vertical position
cable_force_adjust=1.0
If not, you must add this section at the end of the aircraft.cfg file.
Note again that this does NOT add, or influences, the "visible" tailhook !!
The values are of course aircraft dependant, but what matters is that the
tailhook should stick out below the wheels a few feet. This result can be
achieved by making the tailhook longer, or by moving it closer to the deck
by decreasing the vertical position (negative values move the tailhook down,
away from the centre of the aircraft.)
The Arrester gauge activates when the tailhook touches the deck.
However, if you are not comfortable (or too lazy
) in fine-tuning these
values, just use the values already present in your aircraft.cfg file or (if
not present) use the values specified above. Because:
- If the tailhook is too short: the aircraft is still trapped, but now only
when the wheels touch the deck.
- If the tailhook is too long: the aircraft is trapped a bit too early.
But if you do want to check the tailhook for correct length:
- Position your aircraft on the deck, or any other runway.
- Lower the tailhook (either by clicking the switch or pressing the keystroke
assigned to the "Tailhook up/down" function)
- Check that the gauge light turns Orange.
- If it starts flashing Red after a few seconds, the tailhook is too short.
In that case: increase the value by one feet or so, reload the aircraft and
try again.
- Advanced users will want to compare the reach of the tailhook (as specified
by the tailhook length and vertical position) with the vertical position of
the landing gear.
I emphasize again: adding/adjusting the Tailhook section in the aircraft.cfg
might not be reflected in the behaviour of the visible, animated tailhook (if
any) that you can observe in Spotview mode. If you have an aircraft in which the "visible" tailhook is coupled to Spoiler
or Flaps, you can off course still use that ON TOP OF lowering the functional
tailhook. Take care however, that this is not a "Superspoiler" since your
aircraft will then fall out of the sky
. See also Appendix-4.
Remedy in that case:
In the aircraft.cfg file, look for the line:
Spoiler_limit = "a high value". Change this into a low value (e.g. 60)
