ALPHASIM F3D Skyknight: technical data and background
After considerable research regarding the actual features of the F3D-2 / EA-10B "Skyknight" and realistic data for use in the upgraded ALPHASIM model for FSX, I offer the following conclusions.
The F3D-2 was a miserable failure for use aboard carriers, and was only operated from a couple CVs during initial trials, two "workup periods" in the Atlantic (VF-101 and VF-111) and an aborted deployment during the Korean War. VC-4 Det 44N was embarked in USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CV-39) but quickly offloaded to join land based Marine squadron VMF(N)-513.
The plane had major problems with catapult launch compatibility and general Flight Deck handling. Carrier CO's informed the chain of command that the F3D-2 was an unacceptable detriment.
It was always underpowered, and always used the 3400 lb J-34, due to development issues with engine replacement programs.
However, the Marines had great success with it in Korea, and many F3D-2s found useful service as modified as EF-10Bs and miscellaneous training / development missions. None of these were manufactured, but modified by overhaul depots and field service changes.
As best I can tell, the modified EF-10B never was evaluated for carrier use. Arrested landing procedures and limits only applied to land based arresting gear installations.
With that, I offer the following data which I have deduced from several credible sources and my own insight after a 30 year career as a carrier aviator.
I am working on and testing an improved F3D-2 aircraft.cfg file as well as a photoshop paint kit that covers a clean, gloss sea blue scheme. More on those later
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First, They all used the J-34 with 3400 lbs thrust
Second, they burned AVGAS and only used JP-4 in an emergency with limitations on engine use
Third, they had 2 inboard wing stations that could carry up to 2000 lbs each, including bombs. However the most common configuration for the F3D-2 was a 150 gal /1000 lb drop tank on each, Alternatively they had 300 gal / 2000 lb drops available.
There were only two flap selections 1/2 (25 deg) and FULL (50 deg). The ALPHASIM model aircraft.cfg file shows some weird sections including an apparent LE section. However, the plane seems to fly OK so I leave it alone.
Field takeoffs used 1/2 flaps unless a short field is attempted - then FULL
Catapult launches used FULL flaps
Field and carrier landings used FULL flaps and speed brakes - OUT
Fourth - the ALPHASIM model aircraf.cfg file needs some fixes.
**************** The most serious being the fuel_flow_gain= 0.002 which gives insanely slow engine spool up in the higher N1 range. I recommend fuel_flow_gain=.008, which substantially improves engine acceleration in the landing pattern *********************
The plane had 3 fuselage fuel cells, all gravity fueled. The capacity values in the aircraft cfg are wrong, and in order to adjust quantities, cg position and use of AVGAS, I recommend the following [FUEL] section change:
[fuel]// from NAVAIR / NATOPS manuals
//Longitudinal (feet), Lateral (feet), Vertical (feet), Usable(gallons), Unusable (gallons)
fuel_type =1 //normal fuel was AVGAS at 6 lbs/gal
number_of_tank_selectors = 1
electric_pump = 1
Center1 = 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 650.00, 5.00
Center2 = 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 290.00, 3.00
Center3 = 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 410.00, 2.00
//std 150 gal drops
External1 = 0.00,-12.40,-2.25, 150.00, 0.00
External2 = 0.00, 12.40,-2.25, 150.00, 0.00
F3D-2 Weights:
Empty Op weight 15600 lbs
Max internal fuel 1350 gal / 8100 lbs AVGAS
Max field takeoff: 27500 lbs
Max catapult takeoff: 26750 lbs
Max field landing 24500 lbs
Max carrier landing 20000 lbs
airspeed limits (KIAS):
480 KIAS or buffet onset
LG ext/ret 150
Flaps 25/40 deg 170
wiper 200
Speed Brakes 345
field takeoff speed 27500 lbs: 110 KIAS rotation; decrease 2 kias per 1000 lbs GW
approach speed - carrier flaps FULL 20K max trap: 100 KIAS; decrease 2 kias per 1000 lbs GW
approach speed - field landing flaps FULL 24500 lbs: 110 KIAS; decrease 2 kias per 1000 lbs GW
The EF-10B had an increased field takeoff limit of 28800 lbs but the max field landing weight remained at 24500 lbs.