Aircraft models I may have imagined

AndyG43

AndyG43

SOH-CM-2023
You know you have those days when you can't tell if something is a memory, or some kind of fever dream, :dizzy: So, did I imagine a Grumman F3F, a De Havilland Dolphin (I know there is one for FSX) and the GD F-16XL, or should I get my meds checked?
 
i wonder how that ended up:

Grumman F3F-2

Same for me here... lots pics and walkarounds. Going to pattern after this aircraft and the wings. But first the tweaks on the sounds.
sim-outhouse.org
 
I don't think the model is still available anywhere, but I do have it in my archieves. When my memory is correct, the F3F was released around 2005 as freeware together with several other models, like the Grumman Skyrocket, the Spitfire Mk Vb floater, the FS2004 Hawker Hurricane, the FS2004 Messerschmitt Bf109 E, etc.

Barry is still a regular visitor of the Sim-Outhouse so I've asked his permission to upload the model here in the library.

There is also a model done by Kazunori Ito, for which you can find several updates at simviation. And there is a FS2002 model done by Paul Clawson.

Cheers,
Huub
 
That's the bunny.* Thank you Ian.
Quite why it didn't show up when I did a Library search is beyond me.


* Discworld in-joke, sorry
 
huub vink said:
I don't think the model is still available anywhere, but I do have it in my archieves. When my memory is correct, the F3F was released around 2005 as freeware together with several other models, like the Grumman Skyrocket, the Spitfire Mk Vb floater, the FS2004 Hawker Hurricane, the FS2004 Messerschmitt Bf109 E, etc.

Barry is still a regular visitor of the Sim-Outhouse so I've asked his permission to upload the model here in the library.

There is also a model done by Kazunori Ito, for which you can find several updates at simviation. And there is a FS2002 model done by Paul Clawson.

Cheers,
Huub
Click to expand...
several including the Skyrockets and the Hurricane for FS2004 and as brought to notice by @ian elliot the F3F for FS2002 have already been previously uploaded by Barry @bazzar to the SOH library https://sim-outhouse.org/sohforums/resources/authors/bazzar.236/
 
I often forget that section of the library exists , but there's some interesting stuff in there that may work fine in 9
 
For the F-16XL, it does exist but its old. Really old.
The XL could be thought of as the "Delta winged Viper" and there is some talk about Lockheed or Mitsubishi re-starting the program.

d1mcazv-d55d0db1-b9da-4129-9ba9-9f31840da232.png


I want to say that Kaz knocked one out at some point, but don't quote me on that.
I recall a version also existed for FS2000 or maybe FS98-to-FS95.
 
Getting back to the real XL, Lockheed saw it as a dedicated small (single engine) bomber.
I picked that illustration because it shows all of the hard points where pylons could be mounted.
Meanwhile, the Air Force wanted Lockheed to stay focused on churning out A and (later) C models so the XL got shelved.
I think Lockheed built two of them as "So, what-cha think?" models and one of them spent some time at Edwards?
Still, the XL just looks right for what it is. I could also see a two-place tandem cockpit that included a WSO in the back.

I had an old high school buddy who did 23 years as a crew chief working on FB-111's and F-16C's and I would have loved to pick his brain on the XL but he passed away several years ago. It was basically an idea that the Air Force liked but couldn't use (at the time).
 
This also brings up an idea I've been playing with. :geek:

I think we're due for an FS2004 Mid Life Upgrade Program for modern military jets. :wiggle:

What we could really use:

A basic upgrade for the Olsen F-16 family- New full-color MFD and HUD displays at a minimum. This would include streamlining the bizarre panel.cfg file for the VC at long last and updating the flight dynamics (the KBT F-2 is a very good starting point). Some "HAVE GLASS" repaints would also be welcome.

The F-15 EX- We basically already have one thanks to the IRIS Strike Eagle. I even think there's an all-missile load-out. Again, full color MFDs which is tricky because IRIS used a green background in the VC part of the MDL. The newer MFDs look great during daytime but go "EEK" at night. Also, some repaints for Cannon AFB squadrons and the ANG wings at Vermont and Oregon. This one is easiest to update but still tricky.

The F-35- Again, we already have some out there but everyone jumped on the B model for FS9 with its goof-ball pop-out fan. Ask the Marines and the RN how that's working out. :dizzy: Abacus did model the F-35C (Navy) for its Carrier Strike Force package but its, well, Abacus and it needs a ton of work and some updated repaints. All are equipped with side-opening canopies.. :indecisiveness: There is NO F-35A (Air Force) for FS9, they don't start showing up until the later versions of FSX and P3D. Like it or not, the F-35 is going to be around for a long time and the Air Force has already proven that Fat Amy can take an air-to-air punch over Iran. I've already played around with a HUD located inside the pilot's helmet visor. It works in the VC view but it will probably make you dizzy. :ROFLMAO: Really, the real F-35 doesn't operate like anything else and you need to learn some new techniques and tactics, once we figure out what they are.

The E-7 Wedgetail- Take an AWACS and scrunch it down into a 737. Korea and Australia already fly them and (I think) Japan and Taiwan are on the short list. The USAF doesn't want them until they do (this has happened several times, already) and its just a matter of time. The problem is that the mission is evolving faster than the hardware. There are a couple of versions of the E-7 for FS9 already out there, they just need USAF paint.

The B-52 and the B-1- I've spent a bunch of time flying the Alphasim B-52 (to be honest, I burned myself out flying 12+ hour missions) and I've dabbled with the Alpha B-1. Both are great aircraft for FS9 once you figure out how to fly them. :geek: Both are due for panel and VC upgrades (larger full color MFDs). The B-52 is currently going through some teething problems as the fleet gets upgraded to the B-52J variant and the B-1 is rumored to be on the short list for that last flight to Arizona.
Honorable mention for the B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider. We don't have a B-21 for FS9, at best I think someone made a B-21 mod for DCS? There are at least a couple of B-2's floating around from Alpha/Virtavia and Abacus. Both are surprisingly good but do yourself a favor and download the Virtavia (freeware) version. :giggle: If you think the B-52 was tough to figure out, wait until you try the B-2. Flaps, where are the FLAPS?!! :eek::ROFLMAO:

The Super Hornet family- Let me address the VRS Super Bug, first. I have it, I have it installed, at best I think I got the APU started and running after a frustrating weekend. :eek: It is WAY too procedural to be an FS9 fighter although the sound folder is handy for stuff like the F-22.

There's also the KBT E, F, and G (Growler) aircraft. The KBT aircraft are OLD. You get a ton of load-outs but the basic texture assignments are based off FS2000 and the canopy only opens on the C model. On a top-line GPU, the textures look "OK". Otherwise, OMG.. :oops: Work on the flight dynamics and the KBT Bug is pretty good although it REALLY needs an AOA Indexer for carrier landings. My KBT Super Hornets are still a work-in-progress. I need to arm them with bomb and missile effects via the panel folder, which is tricky. Still, its a pretty good aircraft once you spend some time working on it and the MDLs could really use a brush-up (at least get rid of the SHINEY texture effect). Probably the best HUD display for FS9.

The KBT Mitsubishi F-2- AKA, The Viper-san. :geek: This one really doesn't need anything although I did work on the [contact points] and the canopy doesn't open. The BEST sound folder for modern single engine fighters, hands down. You owe it to yourself to get this thing installed.
Take off, get it cleaned up, get up some speed and whip it into a 9 G pull from the VC. You're welcome. :wiggle:
 
The F-35: The only versions I know are by Colin Thwaite, who covers A-C, I've yet to install them so I don't know the quality. *Edit* I forgot the Iris F-35B. D'oh

The E-7 Wedgetail: Turkey are an operator as well, whether the UK is an operator yet ......
Are Japan & Taiwan looking at the E-7? Taiwan has the E-2K, Japan also has the Hawkeye plus the E-767. Which brings me to ...

Erieye: Conspicuous by their absence, in the main, are the Erieye-equipped platforms. Currently we have the FFG Saab 340 Argus, which is quite nice, and a trio of EMB 145 variants from Dennis da Silva, which are ancient.
The latter leaves a big hole; the AEW variant is operated by Brazil, India, Greece and Mexico. I'm genuinely surprised nobody has tackled this in FS9, although John Young has gone the FSX ai route.
The final vehicle (but see below) is the Saab 2000 AEW, operated by Pakistan & the Saudis.
GlobalEye: Erieye integrated with the Challenger 6000 brings us to the E-7's main competitor. Already in service with the UAE, it is on order for Sweden & France; it is also on the cards for NATO, Canada (where, of course, the Challenger is built), Egypt, Germany, Greece, Qatar, Saudi and Denmark; the reasons why are obvious.
South Korea have signed an MoU with Saab re. technology transfer, which makes sense with their growing use of indigenous designs.

You may have started something Bob.
 
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I see that your F3F wears correct colors and markings. That must be a repaint. (Yours? Or maybe mine?)

I recall that the original release contained a number of skins, none of which were authentic. They were all mixed up, with section colors that didn't match the identification group, identification groups that didn't match the squadron insignia, and section colors that didn't even match themselves on the cowls, upper wings and section leader bands. One of them was even in Army olive drab and markings (the Army never flew the F3F.) Not to mention that the silver base color was badly corrupted from being saved and re-saved numerous times in DXT format resulting in greenish jaggies all over the place. A shame because the model itself was so good.
huub vink said:
There is of course the Aeroplane Heaven Grumman F3F-2. It is a FS8 model, but works without problems in FS9.

This is a different model than the FSX model, which is now a free download at ORBX: https://orbxdirect.com/product/aeroplaneheaven-f3f

View attachment 194918

Cheers,
Huub
Click to expand...

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Andy, keep in mind that I follow the US news from the US. :p

The whole AWACS thing gets confusing because, literally, the mission is evolving faster than the hardware.
Drones have heavily influenced this along with other countries developing "stealth" fifth and sixth gen aircraft.
Either way, its bad form when the E-3 is older than the flight crew's grandparents and its time for a change.

I've seen reports, for example, that Canada is backing either the Saab or the Challenger or a modified Gulfstream or the Hawkeye when the Wedgetail is probably the smarter solution. At this point it comes down to which day you check the news.

Thanks for mentioning the E-767. I find it odd that only Japan flies it but it IS a cool solution.

Currently, the USAF will probably replace the E-3 with some (new?) E-2 Hawkeyes. At least for the short term.
Right now, I doubt that Boeing will be getting a Christmas card from the Pentagon. :ROFLMAO:
They are heavily "underwater" with some big gov't contracts that may get shelved.
 
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