Mp design studio - sikorsky s-55

[scotth6]

I just noticed on Simmarket that MP Design Studio have released a Sikorsky S-55.

http://secure.simmarket.com/mp-design-studio-sikorsky-s-55-fsx-p3d.phtml

[StormILM]

Very interesting! It looks very nice but I also took note of how much realism is modeled into it and it is very nicely priced. That's one I'm adding to my list to buy even though I'm not much of a rotorhead, it looks like it's quite challenging.

[Daube]

Oh wow ! Where is that coming from ? MP Design is that team who did the Gazelle, right ?
If that S-55 is as good as the Gazelle, it's a 100% buy for me. :jump:

[Daube]

That copter has a piston engine and a clutch for the rotor, right ?
I would be interested to know if the clutch works correctly, or if it's the same as the default R-22 which always makes the engine stall when engaging the rotor :/

[jeansy]

ha!


Westland version will be sold separatly

after the last one, definitely going to pass on this

[jeansy]

Very interesting! It looks very nice but I also took note of how much realism is modeled into it and it is very nicely priced. That's one I'm adding to my list to buy even though I'm not much of a rotorhead, it looks like it's quite challenging.

he said said about the gazelle and no one was able to reproduce 1/2 the effects it was claimed to do except a video he posted that showed nothing

[spatialpro]

As a "Westland version" is in the works I'm gonna hold out for that one and pass on the Sikorsky, tempting as it is.

The "Westland version" hints at one model... but in reality there was far more variety of Whirlwind variants than S-55s. For instance the HAS7 and HAR10 would require considerable alterations to the 3D model and the flight model. They would also require good custom sounds for the Alvis Leonides (very distinctive sound!) and Rolls Royce Gnome. If the S-55 and Whirlwind come out sounding the same I shall be gutted! I live in hope though... If all this comes to pass I shall be as happy as Larry!

http://www.thechestnut.com/larry/larrydanny.jpg


HAS7:

http://www.airport-data.com/images/aircraft/small/000/515/515258.jpg

HAR10:

http://www.airpowerworld.info/helicopters/royal-air-force-whirlwind-helicopter.jpg

[DaveB]

Agree with Jeansy I'm afraid. Despite my initial enthusiasm, the more I lived with the Gazelle.. the less I liked it. Other than the ones highlighted by the author, there's still not a single repaint on the planet for it and I doubt the S-55 or Westland version (if it happens) will be any different. Happy to be surprised though.

ATB
DaveB:)

[spatialpro]

Despite my initial enthusiasm, the more I lived with the Gazelle.. the less I liked it. Other than the ones highlighted by the author, there's still not a single repaint on the planet for it and I doubt the S-55 or Westland version (if it happens) will be any different.

I've gotta come out and say I love flying the MP Gazelle and I'm very pleased to have it. I'm turning blue holding my breath for the Westland Gazelle AH1/HT2 though!

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/blue-face/i-dont-get-it-smiley-emoticon.png

However I agree about the Gazelle paintkit... I hope the S-55 (and Whirlwind) model and paintkit are/will be better mapped and structured and therefore more repaints will likely be forthcoming.

It has been known for modellers to re-map the textures of their models and release a new version (it looks like MilViz might be doing that for their recently released Beaver) and I'd love it if Conver would re-map and re-release his Gazelles. A good paint kit goes a loooooong way to keeping customers happy....

[Daube]

I'm also a very happy owner of the Gazelle and I fly it quite often, although that dreaded vortex ring state got me on landing quite a few times.

[speedy70]

I am still waiting for the westland version of the gazelle promised for last Christmas,and repaints for the Gazelle.

Far too many broken promises for my liking.

I agree with Dave and Jeansy.

Cheers Chris

[WarHorse47]

So... for those who have it, what are your impressions?

So far, I like it. It took forever to download from Simmarket, and took several attempts to get the startup procedure down. Only thing I've noticed so far is that the overhead standby compass is reversed.

[conver]

Hello!
Our deepest apologies for this error...

Magnetic compass temporary fix for Sikorsky S-55:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzdaNm_s3ZRwU0k5aG0zYlltNTA

Many thanks to WarHorse47 !

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50643&stc=1

[YoYo]

Sticky please! It looks very nice and it's a big part of history!

This Team before it did model of French Gazelle.

S-55 looks always for me like Mil Mi-4. I dont know who was the first :-D.

Mi-4:

http://www.aviastar.org/foto/gallery/mil/mi-4_36.jpg

S-55:

Pictures from Simmarket :

http://secure.simmarket.com/images/products/d/d9/10961/178150_3.jpg

http://secure.simmarket.com/images/products/d/d9/10961/178153_6.jpg

http://secure.simmarket.com/images/products/d/d9/10961/178162_15.jpg

[jeansy]

Sticky please! It looks very nice and it's a big part of history!

This Team before it did model of French Gazelle.

S-55 looks always for me like Mil Mi-4. I dont know who was the first :-D.

Mi-4:

http://www.aviastar.org/foto/gallery/mil/mi-4_36.jpg

S-55:

Pictures from Simmarket :



You would find that the Russians tried to copy the US designs in more ways than just fixed wings ven to a point of reverse engineering captured or stolen aircraft to create their own version

It wasn't until the late 50's the Russians started to develop their own style of helo which is prominent in their designs we know of today

You cant blame them, they only had 2 helo design companies at the start of the cold war and the US has Igor and all the others

[MDIvey]

Westland version appeals more to me and I wasn't going to get this version... but succumbed. I liked the Gazelle and I'm happy with this. Its certainly a step up from the Old Alpha model which I've enjoyed using for some years. Needs care to fly... already crashed a couple of times... think I stalled the Rotors in my own downwash. Could you show us some pics of the Westland version you have in the works Conver?

Matt

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50715&stc=1

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50716&stc=1

[conver]

Hello MDIvey
The main reason why we decided to separate this two helicopters is that because (beside that westland version is made under sikorsky's licence) difference is a very huge. At first look both of them are almost same, but they are not.
As you know engine used in Westland version (Alvis Leonides) is not same or same characteristics as in Sikorsky (Pratt & Whitney), so very different aircraft.cfg is needed for Westland. Transmission and engine parameters are not same at all... besides that, engine sounds are different...
Another big reason is that Westland version has a totally different cockpit and gauges. If you try to find something about Westland W-55 cockpit photos you will probably find nothing. So we got a special permission of our AirForce museum here in Serbia to access cockpit of Westland version helicopter which is made under licence in "Soko" Factory in Yugoslavia (also version of Gazelle is made in that factory, you might member Soko Mostar - Gazela SA342 add-on from us).
A lot of work is needed to convert Sikorsky to Westland and we didn't wanted to just put some other colors, leave the Pratt & Whitney sounds, leave VC as is and say "ok, that's the westland"... it's not and sorry about that.
It will take some time for us to develop it but it will be done.
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50725&stc=1 http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50726&stc=1 http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50727&stc=1 http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50728&stc=1

Please not that this is very rough work on screenshots and not all livery are shown.
Regards!

[MDIvey]

Looks great Conver... thanks for sharing the WIP shots

Matt

[Manschy]

Wow, that's great! Now it's only a small step to a Westland Wessex, innit :encouragement: ???

[milence]

Here are some cool videos I've found:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edLNGuFx0KI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_sBKFJxKA

It's great, very alive! Well done !!!

[speedy70]

Conver what is the latest news on the westland version of the gazelle?

Cheers Chris

[Cirrus N210MS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_sBKFJxKA&t=25s

[jeansy]

Craig check your PMs

[RaFi]

Wow, that's great! Now it's only a small step to a Westland Wessex, innit :encouragement: ???

http://www.rotaryaction.com/images/riptide7.jpg
cough cough

[conver]

Hello everyone!
Manschy - it might be close to Westland Wessex, who knows... maybe we release it in future.

speedy70 - almost whole Westland Gazelle is done except doppler navigation system used in military Westland variants. It's going to be released just after Cabri G2

As you know folks, we are hard working now on Cabri G2 which is going to be complete helicopter for training purposes. You can train your self in VFR and IFR conditions at all.

I'm interested how do you like effects on Sikorsky S-55? Did you notice exterior sound when windows are opened ? How do you like LTE (Lose of Tail Rotor Effectiveness) when you hover with moderate tail wind for instance? Do you like that that cockpit vibration effect characteristic for piston engine helicopter? VRS ?

Cheers!

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50734&stc=1 http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50735&stc=1

[Manschy]

Excellent news, Conver, thank you very much :applause: Looking very forward to the Westland Gazelle as well :jump:

[WarHorse47]

I'm interested how do you like effects on Sikorsky S-55? Did you notice exterior sound when windows are opened ? No. The sound remains the same with the windows open or closed. What should I be hearing, different sounds or change in volume?


How do you like LTE (Lose of Tail Rotor Effectiveness) when you hover with moderate tail wind for instance? Cool. Challenging to fly smooth.


Do you like that that cockpit vibration effect characteristic for piston engine helicopter?Definitely. I also noticed the rotating drive shaft from the external view.


VRS ?Vortex ring state? Like the Gazelle? Again, nice effect.

Question. Is there a keyboard command for the windows, or is that just activated by mouse hotspot? And can the hoist be lowered and raised?

[jeansy]

can someone please confirm the texturing is the same as the old fs2004 format?

no bump mapping, no spec maps and in 32bit bitmaps?

[milence]

Despite the challenges of fly you are the most important textures?
Why would never interest in model,flight dynamics?
No texture are not at the level FS2004,they are at the level of FS95!:sheep:

[Cees Donker]

Despite the challenges of fly you are the most important textures?
Why would never interest in model,flight dynamics?
No texture are not at the level FS2004,they are at the level of FS95!:sheep:

From what I see on the screenshots this is utter nonsense!:a1089:

Cees

[milence]

Hi
What specifically do you think?

[jeansy]

Despite the challenges of fly you are the most important textures?
Why would never interest in model,flight dynamics?
No texture are not at the level FS2004,they are at the level of FS95!:sheep:

I take it English is not your main language by means of your fs95 remark or your confused which is the most current platform and what abilities it offers

yes textures are important, like the gazelle the model lacked modern day capabilities, from the 2 texture folders from the S55 someone sent to me the other day, I was asked to do a repaint, i noticed there was no spec mapping again, and no bump mapping again and all textures are in a outdated format, I have question all the hype about the advertising of HD and realistic textures that are on the product page

making a outdated format and talking it up, from what ive seen, its an expensive fs9 or older portover, for nearly 21USD its a little incomplete by early fsx standards

[milence]

No disrespect please!
I have not offended you by anything!

[jeansy]

no your right, Im not having a go at you as a person, only the product

just your posts are somewhat confusing as you are going backwards several versions of it being fs95 rather than fs2004

and Cees' post is somewhat defending the product, (correct me if im wrong Cees)

hence why I questioned your native tongue

[milence]

The product consists of many elements and not only on the texture,so that I would not have dared take out the flat-rate assessment of the product by looking at only one segment!
Did you fly on it?
I am,and I am satisfied!


http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50765&stc=1

[Ferry_vO]

I take it English is not your main language by means of your fs95 remark or your confused which is the most current platform and what abilities it offers

Or you just don't get his sense of humour....

[jeansy]

Or you just don't get his sense of humour....

true..........

[jeansy]

The product consists of many elements and not only on the texture,so that I would not have dared take out the flat-rate assessment of the product by looking at only one segment!
Did you fly on it?
I am,and I am satisfied!



so do a lot of good quality fs9 products but that doesnt make them quality fsx products, they make them expensive payware portovers as they lack all the platforms full capabilities

[spatialpro]

My impression, being in communication with the modeller, is that this model was developed from scratch and is not a portover. I hope I'm right.

I haven't bought it, as I'm waiting for the Westland Whirlwind(s), but it appears to be a good mesh with good flight model, but with BMP format textures and lacking bump and specular materials (I note this was the case with the Gazelle, which I did purchase)?

If this is correct, would users regards it as a good all-round model for FSX/P3D if the textures were DDS and bump and specular maps were included?

[milence]

so do a lot of good quality fs9 products but that doesnt make them quality fsx products, they make them payware portovers as they lack all the platforms full capabilities


You know how it is like in humans!
Everyone has their qualities and disadvantages!
The only question is with whom,want to socialize.:wavey:

[jeansy]

My impression, being in communication with the modeller, is that this model was developed from scratch and is not a portover. I hope I'm right.

I haven't bought it, as I'm waiting for the Westland Whirlwind(s), but it appears to be a good mesh with good flight model, but with BMP format textures and lacking bump and specular materials (I note this was the case with the Gazelle, which I did purchase)?

If this is correct, would users regards it as a good all-round model for FSX/P3D if the textures were DDS and bump and specular maps were included?

I agree its not a port over from fs9 however its a current model mapped to fs9 standards and implemented into FSX

its the same as the gazelle from what ive seen, with no spec, no bump and all in bmps, however its more of a HD bmp textured model than the gazelle

As for the mesh, cant say as ive only seen the contents of all the texture folders and videos sent to me, I wont buy something thats mapped like that, it has no life or dual purpose

sadly Im getting reports that converted textures to dds are having an effect on the FPS with the model with frames jumping up and down when looking at it

But I agree with your last statement 110%

[JensOle]

My view on the topic (I don't have the model):

We are a small community, and I'm suspecting we are getting smaller and smaller for each year. I personally applaud all the designers, freeware and payware, doing the lesser known types.

The real question here is for me; do I want a S-55 in the sim? There are really no other options out there as the old Alphasim model is very dated by todays standards. If you want to have a S-55 in your sim, then this is most likely the only decent model you will ever get for FSX.

And on general basis I'm quite sure you can call a model which use bmp textures for a FSX model as long as it is exported in the FSX format. And what is all the fuzz about bumps and specs, if they are not there it is an simply mod in MCX to make it. We are after all a modding community..

With payware it should of course be top notch standard out of the box, but these days I'm just glad people are doing these models. We have few designers, but many of us which can do the simpler mods. This forum is full of these joint forum updates.

[milence]

My view on the topic (I don't have the model):

We are a small community, and I'm suspecting we are getting smaller and smaller for each year. I personally applaud all the designers, freeware and payware, doing the lesser known types.

The real question here is for me; do I want a S-55 in the sim? There are really no other options out there as the old Alphasim model is very dated by todays standards. If you want to have a S-55 in your sim, then this is most likely the only decent model you will ever get for FSX.

And on general basis I'm quite sure you can call a model which use bmp textures for a FSX model as long as it is exported in the FSX format. And what is all the fuzz about bumps and specs, if they are not there it is an simply mod in MCX to make it. We are after all a modding community..

With payware it should of course be top notch standard out of the box, but these days I'm just glad people are doing these models. We have few designers, but many of us which can do the simpler mods. This forum is full of these joint forum updates.

I totally agree with you!:wavey:

[Manschy]

My view on the topic (I don't have the model):

We are a small community, and I'm suspecting we are getting smaller and smaller for each year. I personally applaud all the designers, freeware and payware, doing the lesser known types.

The real question here is for me; do I want a S-55 in the sim? There are really no other options out there as the old Alphasim model is very dated by todays standards. If you want to have a S-55 in your sim, then this is most likely the only decent model you will ever get for FSX.

And on general basis I'm quite sure you can call a model which use bmp textures for a FSX model as long as it is exported in the FSX format. And what is all the fuzz about bumps and specs, if they are not there it is an simply mod in MCX to make it. We are after all a modding community..

With payware it should of course be top notch standard out of the box, but these days I'm just glad people are doing these models. We have few designers, but many of us which can do the simpler mods. This forum is full of these joint forum updates.

+1

I totally agree. Regarding lots of so-called "FSX" products sold by AS (chiefly sceneries, their aircraft are fine) or something, which had to be fixed by upgrade patches or by the users themselves (if fixing is possible anyway...). I for one appreciate designers (no matter if freeware or payware) who design invigorating models which are rare and/or extraordinary. It bores me to see the 40th model of a Cessna 172, 737 or Piper. I acted from necessary when I bought the Wilco Harrier GR3 just because there had been no choice (there isn't another one), even it is partly horrible designed.
Once in a blue moon you get a highlight like the MV F-4 or most of Dino Cattaneo's fantastic work, mostly freeware btw.
The bottom line is to decide if I will pay for features I need - to decide I pay for the IDEA, the motivation, the courage to design a product that might not be perfect but as written it's rare and finally maybe an aircraft awaited for a long time by some of us.
A Westland Lynx? Northrop F-5 Tiger? Such a great wishlist here
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php/104014-New-planes-and-repaints-wishlist-for-FSX
Of course, time changes and we got a lot of new innovations (bless god) but I would rather pay for a S-55 that wouldn't be perfect (same with Wilco Harrier) than a maybe real flyable Cessna 172. Why? Because it's rare and has been designed!

[JimmyRFR]

I just wanted to say that I don't even fly FSX/P3D the majority of the time anymore (XP user), but I definitely wanted to mess about with a S-55. And since it's labeled on simmarket as being P3D V4 capable, I decided that this would be my first purchase for that platform. I should note, this was my first aircraft purchase for FSX/P3D in almost a year.

Anyhow, in the order it matters for me:

- So far, (keeping in mind that I have zero real world experience to draw from) the flight modelling seems decent enough for FSX/P3D. Definitely not as nuanced as what I'm used to in XP and a fair site easier to fly (at least for hover / taxi / liftoff), but that's not always a bad thing.

- The soundset has a noticeable 'static' loop in it in V4. Otherwise decent, but that is a bit annoying.

- The interior mesh / modeling is quite nice.

- The interior textures are decent enough on the panels / seats / details, but the rest of the interior is rather 'flat'. Wish it had a bit more weathering / fine detail.

Overall, I'm pleased with it. It's enough of a curiosity that to me, it was worth the money.

[MDIvey]

Been using and enjoying the s55 quite a bit but have noticed one minor problem....

I haven't been able to get the hoist to work on this conver.... looking at the cfg entries it seems the entry that ties it to one of the doors is missing and its start position coordinates are in the centre of the helicopter rather than offset over the right side door as it should be. I tried copying the hoist entries from another helicopter which worked but I just couldn't get it positioned correctly despite much trial and error. If you could fix this would be great as its an enjoyable feature of fsx heli flying.

Matt

[conver]

@WarHorse47:
Yes, you should hear an exterior sound and increase in volume when you open a window during flight.

@MDIvey
You are right. We will include and this fix in our update for sikorsky s-55. For now, in aircraft.cfg of helicopters which are equipped with Hoist and Sling replace this:
Sincerely apologize...


[Sling.0]
hoist_extend_rate = 5 //Feet per second
hoist_retract_rate = -5 //Feet per second
position = -0.75, 4.56, 2.00 //Feet from datum
max_stretch = 2.0 //Max stretch distance at ultimate load
damping_ratio = 0.6 //0 for no damping to 1.0 for critically damped.
rated_load = 600 //Characteristics tension of cable in pounds
ultimate_load = 2250 //Breaking force in pounds
tolerance_angle = 45 //Angle, in degrees, used to determine lateral breaking force limit
auto_pickup_range = 8 //Max Range, in feet, for auto-pickup
auto_pickup_max_speed = 8.5 //Maximum speed (feet per second) for auto-pickup
hoist_payload_station = 4 //Payload station in which the hoist will load in and out of. 1 is first station.
hoist_door = 1 //Door associated with hoist. Must be open for use.


[Sling.1]
position = -0.75, 4.56, 2.00 //Feet from datum
max_stretch = 2.0 //Max stretch distance at ultimate load
damping_ratio = 0.75 //0 for no damping to 1.0 for critically damped.
rated_load = 1000 //Characteristics tension of cable in pounds
ultimate_load = 25000 //Breaking force in pounds
tolerance_angle = 70 //Angle, in degrees, used to determine lateral breaking force limit
auto_pickup_range = 12 //Max Range, in feet, for auto-pickup
auto_pickup_max_speed = 10 //Maximum speed (feet per second) for auto-pickup

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50832&stc=1 http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50833&stc=1

[Dutcheeseblend]

I think the addon looks nice :applause:

[MDIvey]

Thanks Conver

BTW can someone point me in the direction of some lighter loads like the one you show Conver... the Humvee, generator and large pallet I've managed to use so far with placement using AI carriers are just too heavy for a vintage Heli like the S-55

Matt

[Cirrus N210MS]

i am enjoying the S55


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_sBKFJxKA&t=442s

[conver]

Hi MDIvey!
I used a "Air Zermatt's base" mission scenery (edited in notepad to call Sikorsky S55) from old SA315 Lama X helicopter add-on just to show you that is possible to lift using hoist.
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=51320&stc=1 http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=51321&stc=1 http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=51322&stc=1

[Daube]

Ok guys I finally bought this model and I have to confess I like it a lot.
As stated in that topic already, the textures are nice but some of them could use some more details, like ambiant occlusion or weathering or stuff like that, especially in the cockpit.
I have the milky windows problem too, just like the Gazelle, both in P3Dv4.

Now, my biggest problem is that the S-55 cannot be started from cold&dark, and this is a show-stopper.
Of course, I could start the engine without problems. However, the engine RPM needle went immediately at more than 3.000 RPMs at idle. Then, when I moved the throttle, the RPMs went up for a few seconds, then returned to idle although my throttle axis was at maximum. Also, the engine RPM needle stayed locked at 4.000 and refused to move until I shut the engine off...

And to turn the engine off it's very easy: you just need to press the clutch button: the engine dies in half a second...
What am I doing wrong ? Why does the engine ignore my throttle commands ? Why does the clutch kill the engine ? (also happens in default R22...) ? Why does the engine RPM go to 4.000 at idle ? :dizzy:

[Daube]

Did anybody buy this model ?
Or do you just all press CTRL+E to start it ? (yes, it starts correctly that way)

[jeansy]

Did anybody buy this model ?
Or do you just all press CTRL+E to start it ? (yes, it starts correctly that way)

i did but it was deleted the same day, i think auto start up works but could be wrong

[conver]

Current discount on SimMarket for this helicopter - 25% :applause:

http://secure.simmarket.com/mp-design-studio-sikorsky-s-55-fsx-p3d.phtml

[xpelekis]

I like it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJI66Aow29o

[YoYo]

Why does the engine RPM go to 4.000 at idle ? :dizzy:

I took it too, basically the "old model" but I have a feeling that some bugs still exist (tested in P3Dv5) - like starter switch etc., however very nice model and nice external textures and effects!
Update is on MP website: http://www.mpdesignstudio.rs/downloads.html (its not only compass fix).

https://i.imgur.com/tRO5jhC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QGRRBsd.jpg