RAZBAM A-7 Sitrep [Archive]

Prowler1111

May 18th, 2010, 17:51

Thanks for the comments..
Loadouts, ok, here we are going to draw a line in the floor and will not pass beyond, the reason is very simple, we are implementing working ordnance in free flights, now it will NOT work like the ones we set up in missions (there will be mission intended models) but the code is kinda strict there so we are using very limited free flight loadouts, mostly iron bombs.The aircraft includes a fuel management system, complete with fuel dump and also fuel transfer to a supposed "drogue" for a buddy buddy store, with fuel transfer counter and all, sure, FS manages "air tankers" differently, but it´s a fun feature to have, includes a navigational computer, where you can set up your flight plan and follow it either in the HUD, HSI Attitude indicator or Moving Map Display (it´s really hard to get lost in this bird) 1 com radio, 1 ILS radio, IFF/transponder, TACAN and 1 NAV radio (as the real thing), oxygen management instrument, Hydraulic panel (with simulated hydraulics)electrical panel with emergency instruments, a weapons panel where you can choose either single or pairs for bombs (this is being implemented as I type this, actually this is where the code gets thick) all this in hard coded 3d gauges with a minimal 2d xml gauges, bad news, a LOT and i mean a LOT of nice features where left behind since if we implement them, this bird might see the light of the day by xmass, but might be seen in future products (a-4´s..hint hint).
That´s we got so far, i will update on this as time permits. Price, usd 35.00
Best regards
Prowler

Prowler1111

May 18th, 2010, 18:10

Some last shots for the day

8264

8265

8266

8267

Best regards
Prowler

Piglet

May 18th, 2010, 19:26

Pretty slick,
You guys have come a long way:icon29:

rvn817j

May 19th, 2010, 05:53

"Alpha Charlie" - Carrier Air Wing Six...gotta love it. Spent some time on the 'Sucking 60 from Dixie' in my own AC bird - S3A. The A-7 is a great looking bird, can't wait.

Dag

May 19th, 2010, 07:53

Looking good Ron. Will there be models with external fuel tanks?

Thanks

Prowler1111

May 19th, 2010, 18:45

Indeed, fuel tanks only models are scheduled
Prowler

hschuit

May 19th, 2010, 21:20

Indeed, fuel tanks only models are scheduled
Prowler

Thank you Ron :applause:, I agree with Kent and Dag - external fuel tanks are a must have, you can count me in.

cheers, Henk.

Prowler1111

May 21st, 2010, 13:09

VA-94 A-7E

8467

8468

8469

8471

Prowler

Lewis-A2A

May 21st, 2010, 13:16

hubba hubba!

Tweek

May 21st, 2010, 15:13

As much as I love a dirty aircraft, I'm not a fan of the dark, uniform dirt along each and every panel line. I noticed IRIS went for this style quite a lot, and to me it ruins the illusion of a realistic paint. The fact is, not every panel line is going to be as dirty as the rest, and dirt will accumulate in other places other than where each panel joins up.

I realise it may still be a WIP, but I'd love to see that aspect reworked. More subtle, with concentration on 'hot spots' for dirt.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Navy/LTV-TA-7C-Corsair/1664542/L/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A-7E_Corsair_II.JPEG

MenendezDiego

May 21st, 2010, 16:34

Dag

May 21st, 2010, 23:13

What he said

Ditto. I'm set to do a different approach.

JamesChams

May 22nd, 2010, 05:38

VA-94 A-7E...

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8471&d=1274476135&thumb=1

Prowler
Mr. "Prowler1111,"
Excellent! Looking forward to taking this to Mr. Javier's Boats.:jump:

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

PRB

May 22nd, 2010, 07:36

VA-94 A-7E

8468

Prowler

I think I like this one! :d

Piglet

May 22nd, 2010, 19:02

As much as I love a dirty aircraft, I'm not a fan of the dark, uniform dirt along each and every panel line. I noticed IRIS went for this style quite a lot, and to me it ruins the illusion of a realistic paint. The fact is, not every panel line is going to be as dirty as the rest, and dirt will accumulate in other places other than where each panel joins up.

I realise it may still be a WIP, but I'd love to see that aspect reworked. More subtle, with concentration on 'hot spots' for dirt.

On some Navy aircraft, it's not dirt around the panel lines, it's a sealing compound. Which gets dirty and smudged everywhere.
That being said, over-weathering can be too easy to do on tex jobs. Same with plastic model kits.

Bone

May 22nd, 2010, 19:09

I think this plane is a beauty! I'm not nit-picking when I say this, but didn't Navy pilots of that era have some pretty colorful helmets? Just an observation, I'm still going to buy the plane.

PRB

May 22nd, 2010, 19:36

I think this plane is a beauty! I'm not nit-picking when I say this, but didn't Navy pilots of that era have some pretty colorful helmets? Just an observation, I'm still going to buy the plane.

Well, from my experience with two navy squadrons, VA-94 and VFA-147 (A-7E and FA-18C), during day to day ops, the helmets were non-spectacular, more or less. There was some "decorations", but usually limited to squadron logo thingies and such. I saw lots of plain white helmets...

Bone

May 22nd, 2010, 19:57

Maybe the cool helmets were just for the Fighter pilots, and not the Attack pilots. LOL.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/vf213swing.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/hgu34-04.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/hgu34-01.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/hgu33vf111.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/aph6custom-15.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/aph6custom-02.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/aph6custom-01.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/aph6a-08.jpg

PRB

May 22nd, 2010, 20:01

Hehe, maybe so! Those fighter jocks do need the Tom Cruise helmets, or they feel insecure... LOLOLOL.

Bone

May 22nd, 2010, 20:13

Hehe, maybe so! Those fighter jocks do need the Tom Cruise helmets, or they feel insecure... LOLOLOL.

Hey, I think the Razbam A-7 should have Mav's helmet. Iceman and Slider will die laughing when they see Mav fly by in an A-7...a fate worse than flying rubber dog Sh*t out of Hong Kong.

PRB

May 22nd, 2010, 20:26

Hey, I think the Razbam A-7 should have Mav's helmet. Iceman and Slider will die laughing when they see Mav fly by in an A-7...a fate worse than flying rubber dog Sh*t out of Hong Kong.

Well, just you wait a second. One day, in the spring of 1983, on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), in the North Pacific, the two A-7E squadrons, VA-22, "The Fighting Redcocks" and VA-94 "The Mighty Shrikes", provided 100% of the combat air patrol (CAP) duties for the Battle Group because the two fighter squadrons, VF-213, "The Black Lions", and VF-114, "The Fighting Ardvarks", were "down". That's right, there were ZERO airworthry Grumman F-14A Tomcats on the USS Enterprise, zip, none. So the lowly Vought SLUFs, armed with two AIM-9 Sidewinder missles and an M-61A1 20mm cannon, were the CAP for the day. It's a damn good thing the bad guys didn't choose that exact moment to attck us, to be sure, but we sure were proud SLUF people that day!

Bone

May 22nd, 2010, 20:41

Well, just you wait a second. One day, in the spring of 1983, on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), in the North Pacific, the two A-7E squadrons, VA-22, "The Fighting Redcocks" and VA-94 "The MIghty Shrikes", provided 100% of the combat air patrol (CAP) duties for the Battle Group because the two fighter squadrons, VF-213, "The Black Lions", and VF-114, "The Fighting Ardvarks", were "down". That's right, there were ZERO airworthry Grumman F-14A Tomcats on the USS Enterprise, zip, none. So the lowly Vought SLUFs, armed with two AIM-9 Sidewinder missles and an M-61A1 20mm cannon, were the CAP for the day. It's a damn good thing the bad guys didn't choose that exact moment to attck us, to be sure, but we sure were proud SLUF people that day!

LOL. I was just kidding, because there's kind of a story behind my words. I went to Norfolk, VA awhile back and had a B-767 guy on my jumpseat. (I'm not sure if you know this, but when the cabin is full pilots can get on the cockpit jumpseat...but anyway, this guy was commuting home after finishing his trip in Atlanta.) While we were enroute to Norfolk we were talking, and I told him that I remember him flying on my jumpseat from about a year ago, and I said "you were a Navy guy, right? You flew A-6's... I think that's what you told me the last time" He rose up a little bit in his seat with a look of consternation on his face, and said in a partially raised voice "I flew F-14's, I AM NOT AN ATTACK PILOT!" I died laughing, and then he cracked up too.

PRB

May 22nd, 2010, 20:44

LOL. I was just kidding, because there's kind of a story behind my words. I went to Norfolk, VA awhile back and had a B-767 guy on my jumpseat. (I'm not sure if you know this, but when the cabin is full pilots can get on the cockpit jumpseat...but anyway, this guy was commuting home after finishing his trip in Atlanta.) While we were enroute to Norfolk we were talking, and I told him that I remember him flying on my jumpseat from about a year ago, and I said "you were a Navy guy, right? You flew A-6's... I think that's what you told me the last time" He rose up a little bit in his seat with a look of consternation on his face, and said in a partially raised voice "I flew F-14's, I AM NOT AN ATTACK PILOT!" I died laughing, and then he cracked up too.

No worries, Bone. I knew you were kidding, as was I. It's all good. SLUFs, Turkeys, Whales, lets just not get started on P-3 types... LOLOL... Which, BTW, I love P-3s. We have them here at NAS Whidbey Island. Beautiful planes. They fly around the pattern in digified grace, while the EA-18Gs and EA-6Bs do carrier pattern style breaks all day long. :)

Prowler1111

May 25th, 2010, 05:39

After a forced absence here are some other pics:

8734

8735

8736

Prowler

Quicksand

May 25th, 2010, 05:51

Very nice, Prowler!:ernae:

Navy Chief

May 25th, 2010, 09:07

These pictures were just sent to me by my friend, Fred Sanders, who was a A-7 pilot with VA-46 (Clansmen).

Am having him contact his pilot buddies to see if they have any they can send me.

NC

GO NAVAIR!

XLR8

May 25th, 2010, 10:40

This is a very nice plane,one of my favorite . Is there or maybe make a video of this bird in action .:salute:

Matt Wynn

May 25th, 2010, 10:42

how about some HAF Birds... a video i love for A-7H goodness!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVLQBNOTeJY

Navy Chief

May 25th, 2010, 12:21

The Razbam A-7E Corsair II is being readied for sorties "soon"!

Here's some screenshots of the VA-15 (Valions) paint scheme. My first tailhook squadron!

GO NAVAIR, and go RAZBAM!

Navy Chief

Navy Chief

May 26th, 2010, 10:26

Prowler1111

May 26th, 2010, 17:40

Bicentennial VA-122 fuel tanks only loadout

8828

8829

8830

Prowler

PRB

May 26th, 2010, 17:47

Remembering maintenance on the A-7 canopy.

The outside edge of the canopy windscreen would fray after so many flight hours, so we would cut the fibreglas"hairs" short, and then paint them down with marine resin.

When deployed, we would go to the "Bosun's Locker" aboard ship to get the stuff. I was tasked with this job one night. When the Aviation Boatswain gave me the resin and hardener, he said, "Now only use a couple drops of hardener, and no more." Well, when I got on the maintenance platform to apply the resin to the canopy edge, I started thinking, "Why not add more hardener to get it to work faster?" So I did just that.

Big mistake.

Within seconds, the cup I was holding, became warm...and then HOT, and started smoking!!! I threw it towards the deck, and it was crystalized before it hit!

I didn't do that again!!!!

This Corsair II model really brings back memories for me. Am sure it will for a lot of fellow shipmates who worked on these birds.

NC

Pete, speaking of the A-7 canopy, I remember it was manually operated. Even way back in the 1980s, I think it was the only plane on the flight deck without a motorized canopy opener and closer system. We had to use that canvas strap with the hook on it to prevent the canopy from hitting the stops in the up position. I think I remember that the canopy would sometimes not "go up" by itself after unlatching, and when that happened it was pretty darned heavy... So I'm guessing it was serviced with air or something. I don't remember how it worked.

Awesome VA-122 paint, Ron...

JamesChams

May 26th, 2010, 17:59

Woops! "Houston we have a problem..." VC lights bursting through the fuselage...:kilroy:

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8756&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1274818782

"Does any one else have this same issue; can I get a ffix... Areal A-7 pilot agrees with me. he told me, that its true..." :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol:
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon10.gif Here's me making fun again of those 14 to 20-something-year-old's who usually get into these types of heated debates where people get banned and threads get closed; I know I being rather naughty today but occasionally you have to laugh at these kinds of things.http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon10.gif LOL :icon_lol:

OK, back to being serious again...

Mr. "Prowler1111,"

Bicentennial VA-122 fuel tanks only loadout....
Your repaints are looking might http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon22.gif. Now get back to work and finish it already... Just Kidding! I'm in a rather strange mood today; I think its called "SLAP HAPPY!" http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon10.gif

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

Sideshow

May 26th, 2010, 19:29

Bicentennial VA-122 fuel tanks only loadout

Prowler

Looking terrific Ron, I can't wait for this one!

Prowler1111

May 26th, 2010, 19:47

Thanks for the comments, some pointers:
VC light issue, yup, it´s there, it´s a bug, not into that just yet, lot of heavy coding left in the aircraft,all these are just WiP´s, and no, i´m not complaining, that´s what WiPs and public posting at forums is all about.
It will have a sound set from IRIS AudioworX, fully 3d sound and LOUD.
I also apologize for posting all these pics here and not in our website´s forum, we are going for a heavy, major, complete website rebuild, support is still given, but i try not to post WiP´s there as most of it will be lost.
Best regards

Prowler

PRB

May 26th, 2010, 22:05

"OMG", as they say on "The Internets" ... This ship is looking good!

Navy Chief

May 27th, 2010, 13:41

Pete, speaking of the A-7 canopy, I remember it was manually operated. Even way back in the 1980s, I think it was the only plane on the flight deck without a motorized canopy opener and closer system. We had to use that canvas strap with the hook on it to prevent the canopy from hitting the stops in the up position. I think I remember that the canopy would sometimes not "go up" by itself after unlatching, and when that happened it was pretty darned heavy... So I'm guessing it was serviced with air or something. I don't remember how it worked.

Awesome VA-122 paint, Ron...

Hey Paul,

The canopy on the Corsair II was always manually operated. There was a pneumatic actuator behind the seat, and pressurized to around 50 psi...or something like that. Anyway, when the pressure was low in the actuator, the canopy was indeed heavy!!! And it was very easy to overpressurize that actuator. And usually meant having to replace the darn thing. Once, I had to replace the LOWER actuator mount, which was NOT in the supply system. They had to remove one from an aircraft in the Davis Monthan boneyard.

Also, the strap you mentioned wasn't designed to keep it from hitting the stops per se, but mainly from high winds, which WOULD cause damage!!! Replacing the canopy was a MAJOR job. Just the eccentrics alone for the pivot bolts was sometimes a 2 day job!!!! It was oftimes very difficult to get the canopy to fit properly on the fuselage canopy sill to pressurize. We would use chalk on the canopy sill to verify it.

Pete

strykerpsg

May 27th, 2010, 14:19

Navy Chief

May 27th, 2010, 14:28

Not to sound like too much of a simple grunt, but are the airbrakes that huge barn door on the bottom? If so, was it strictly a dive brake or could it be opened partially during landings and such?

BTW, it looks fantastic and truly can't wait to see all of the variants in their splendor.

Matt

Prowler can best answer your question about when the airbrake was normally used. But yes, it is that huge "barn door" on the bottom of the fuselage. I do know this however, that when the gear is selected "down", the airbrake will automatically retract, and will not extend unless the gear is UP.

NC

PRB

May 27th, 2010, 14:42

The speed brake can be used, like most jets, whenever you feel like it, except, as NC pointed out, when the wheels are down, for obvious reasons... You would often see them pop out when the planes were in the break for landing. One of our planes once landed on the ship with that thing hanging down. Pilot couldn't retract it. They cleared the flight deck of most everyone because nobody knew where that huge "barn door" was going to end up after it got sliced off by the end of the ship. As it happened, it broke off and ended up in the water!

strykerpsg

May 27th, 2010, 14:46

Navy Chief

May 27th, 2010, 16:57

So, if unable to use when the gear are down, was it just a matter of manipulating the AOA and throttle for slowing/speeding up/down?

I don't know the answer, but I DO know a couple former A-7 pilots, and will forward your question to them!

NC

PRB

May 27th, 2010, 17:44

An interesting question. Some planes, like the A-6, fly the whole landing pattern with the speed brakes extended. A couple of Air Force "Century Series" types are flown the same way. Whatever it was about the A-7 design, clearly the folks at Vought didn't think they would need the speed brake extended during landing. Here's some words on landing from the A-7E NATOPS:

Navy Chief

May 28th, 2010, 05:37

Thanks Chief and PRB for the info. I could only imagine the deceleration would have to be pretty dramatic. So, if unable to use when the gear are down, was it just a matter of manipulating the AOA and throttle for slowing/speeding up/down? I know the F-8 used a hinged wingroot, and didn't know if that feature carried over into the A-7 or not. Anyway, thanks and very much looking forward to this release and your update to the EA-6. With the Superbug, this and EA-6, carrier aviation will be a mainstay on my PC for quite some time.

Matt

Matt, the following is information that my friend, Fred Sanders, sent me this morning. He flew with VA-46:

The speedbrake on the A-7 was huge, and when deployed, you could really feel the deceleration. Useful in air to air combat scenarios when you wanted to slow down and have the guy on your tail speed on by you. Or, useful on an approach when you wanted to slow to approach speed and lower the gear and flaps. But, when the rollers came down, the speedbrake came up.

Landing approach was 21.5 units Angle of Attack. Actual airspeed depended on configuration, weight, et al, and was controlled, as you said, with throttle and stick. Stick maintained the attitude (AOA) and throttle controlled rate of descent. Really easy, actually.

The A7 was reputed to be hard to bring aboard the boat because of no speedbrake. The difficulty lies in the fact that you have a turbine engine, and landing engine speed is relatively low (rpm). Turbines don't produce a ton of power unless turning near max rpm, so to throttle back for landing on the boat, you are pretty far down on the power curve. If you bolter (which I did alot), you have to wind that engine up quickly, thus when the wheels hit the deck, the throttle goes forward. Every time. If you catch a wire, you'll stop. If you don't, you'll be near or at full power by the time you get to the end of the deck.

Speedbrakes allow the pilot to carry more power (engine rpm) to compensate for the aerodynamic drag induced by the speedbrake, thus having more thrust available if the approach turns brown in a hurry. A-7 drivers didn't have that luxury.

PRB

May 28th, 2010, 15:37

That was a great explanation by Mr. Sanders. Here's a couple more cool pics. This thing is too much fun.

Navy Chief

May 28th, 2010, 15:45

That was a great explanation by Mr. Sanders. Here's a couple more cool pics. This thing is too much fun.

Paul,

Were you flying in multiplayer with those screenshots...or did you take with FSRecorder?

Pete

Shipmate, we need to do some online carquals!!!

peter12213

May 28th, 2010, 16:29

Chief I can't speak for PRB but I use this "Formation Flight Toys" from http://www.mudpond.org (http://www.mudpond.org/).
most easiest program I've used, not as good as fsrecorder but a hell of a lot easier to use. Pm me if you need any guidance mate! :salute:

PRB

May 28th, 2010, 16:58

Like Peter12213, I used the MudPond Formation Setup program for these shots. Very cool, easy to use. Rgr on carrier qual multi-player. I've never done multi-player with FSX, since I found out I have to be in Windowed mode to do it, and I need some other addon program as well. I guess I'll have to figure it out so we can shoot some traps. Without the benifit of air brakes during the approach!

Navy Chief

May 28th, 2010, 19:13

Thanks for the tip about formation flying. This will be a lot easier when I get my new video card............

NC

Prowler1111

May 28th, 2010, 21:00

Exterior model done, the texture is pretty much a WiP:

9037

9038

9039

9040

Best regards
Prowler

ColoKent

May 28th, 2010, 21:08

....to buy.

Please gimme a dual tank, travel pod version!!!

....And a paint kit!

AZ, NM, and OH ANG versions, here we come!!!!!

Kent

Dag

May 28th, 2010, 21:46

Hi,
Nice shots of the A-7D and also a very nice weapons config. One question; are those "Snakeyes" of the "ballute" variety? The monitor here is so bad (at work) I cannot see if they have the old fashioned mechanical metal fins or the more streamlined "ballute" housing. The last mentioned came into service in the late 70s/early eighties I believe and would not fit a SEA conflict aircraft very well.

Thanks

JamesChams

May 29th, 2010, 06:13

Exterior model done, the texture is pretty much a WiP:...
Mr. "Prowler1111,"
These look lovely! :applause: Are you'll at a point where you can show some (in a video) of the capabilities of the VC; it's radar, navigational computer, HUD (Collimated, etc.), weapons release, and sound/flight model's characteristics?

If so... please post; else, might I request one?

Thanks! :salute:

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

CheckSix

May 29th, 2010, 06:25

Looks like they are the Metal Fin type, Dag.

PRB if you fly Peer to Peer (via the LAN connection) multiplayer you may not need to fly in windowed mode and you would be doing away with the laggy FSHost. Just a suggestion.

Prowler1111

May 29th, 2010, 11:39

Mr. "Prowler1111,"
These look lovely! :applause: Are you'll at a point where you can show some (in a video) of the capabilities of the VC; it's radar, navigational computer, HUD (Collimated, etc.), weapons release, and sound/flight model's characteristics?

If so... please post; else, might I request one?

Thanks! :salute:

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

James:
No videos yet as we are putting all the pieces together (as a matter of fact, we have 4 different "test" exterior models and no less than 4 "test VC´s" to get all going)sometimes, we find a stubborn code that refuses to work(3 strikes on some, then out, no more, pretty cool stuff that looked great on paper, worked great on testing, but refused to work at the end..)while we refuse to rush things, we also need to release this bird ASAP.
But now we can show off some of the exterior models, these are no longer "test" textures, all seen here are release schemes.

9084

9085

9086

9087

This project is a living tribute to a friend who has been after my a** to get it going for almost 3 yrs now and i hope he likes the results..
Also, it just came to me that besides an early Kazunori Ito´s model, there are no D´s for these sims, so, i guess ours is the 1st (the rest are E´s dressed up to look like D´s)

Best regards
Prowler

Ark

May 29th, 2010, 13:01

You RAZBAM folks do great work. Can't wait for this one, still need to pick up the Prowler as well.

Navy Chief

May 29th, 2010, 19:00

Here is some amplified information on the use of the speedbrake. My neighbor is another former A-7 driver, and he emailed me this evening:

The huge speedbrake on the A-7 was very useful in making a rapid reduction in speed and also allowing for a much quicker rate of descent during an instrument approach penetration (high drag). It was also in the procedures for aiding in recovery of a nose low unusual attitude where speed was getting out of control. It was very effective. In the landing configuration, speed was controlled with nose attitude (and power reduction if fast). I witnessed an A-7 land at Cecil Field with the speedbrake stuck open. It just ground right off until it was then short enough. Someone should have a photo of that. Dave

Roadburner440

May 30th, 2010, 06:47

I always wondered if the speedbrakes ever got stuck open. Now I have my answer. Thanks NC. :icon_lol: If you manage to find pictures of it that would be interesting to see that is for sure. A-7 is looking great by the way! Card is ready so it can join the A-6, and EA-6B whenever you are ready to release her.

Dag

May 30th, 2010, 06:54

Good show Ron, this package will be excellent. I really appreciate the fact that there will be two-seaters ;-)

strykerpsg

May 30th, 2010, 12:51

Matt, the following is information that my friend, Fred Sanders, sent me this morning. He flew with VA-46:

The speedbrake on the A-7 was huge, and when deployed, you could really feel the deceleration. Useful in air to air combat scenarios when you wanted to slow down and have the guy on your tail speed on by you. Or, useful on an approach when you wanted to slow to approach speed and lower the gear and flaps. But, when the rollers came down, the speedbrake came up.

Landing approach was 21.5 units Angle of Attack. Actual airspeed depended on configuration, weight, et al, and was controlled, as you said, with throttle and stick. Stick maintained the attitude (AOA) and throttle controlled rate of descent. Really easy, actually.

The A7 was reputed to be hard to bring aboard the boat because of no speedbrake. The difficulty lies in the fact that you have a turbine engine, and landing engine speed is relatively low (rpm). Turbines don't produce a ton of power unless turning near max rpm, so to throttle back for landing on the boat, you are pretty far down on the power curve. If you bolter (which I did alot), you have to wind that engine up quickly, thus when the wheels hit the deck, the throttle goes forward. Every time. If you catch a wire, you'll stop. If you don't, you'll be near or at full power by the time you get to the end of the deck.

Speedbrakes allow the pilot to carry more power (engine rpm) to compensate for the aerodynamic drag induced by the speedbrake, thus having more thrust available if the approach turns brown in a hurry. A-7 drivers didn't have that luxury.

Thanks llion Navy Chief! You went above an beyond what I would have imagined might show up here. Heck, was just looking for a mostly simple explanation, now I feel like I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express! Please thank Mr. Sanders for the info and truly looking forward to this one lining Javier's Enterprise deck.

Matt

strykerpsg

May 30th, 2010, 12:57

9084

9085

9086

9087

This project is a living tribute to a friend who has been after my a** to get it going for almost 3 yrs now and i hope he likes the results..
Also, it just came to me that besides an early Kazunori Ito´s model, there are no D´s for these sims, so, i guess ours is the 1st (the rest are E´s dressed up to look like D´s)

Best regards
Prowler

Prowler, thsoe shots are as stated, simply fantastic! Please thank your buddy for staying in your **s for three years and bringing this to fruition. I eagerly look forward to flying this. Also, is it safe to assume that there are marginal differences externally between the AF and Navy variant? I know their guns were different, but aside from that, not much else comes to mind.

Matt

Prowler1111

June 1st, 2010, 19:36

174thTFS.185 TFG, IA ANG

9370

9371

Best regards

Prowler

Prowler1111

June 1st, 2010, 19:45

Prowler, thsoe shots are as stated, simply fantastic! Please thank your buddy for staying in your **s for three years and bringing this to fruition. I eagerly look forward to flying this. Also, is it safe to assume that there are marginal differences externally between the AF and Navy variant? I know their guns were different, but aside from that, not much else comes to mind.

Matt

When rolled out, the A-7D was the most modern of the bunch, and i could venture the most modern attack aircraft of it´s class back then since it included the 1st operational HUD in any combat aircraft.While the D´s interior is actually no more different than the previous versions(A,B,C being the latter the 1st to include a moving map with the same features as the coming models) it included a navigational computer, a moving display and a new HSI connected between each other (plus a HUD) to give pin point accuracy navigation plus a radio set up solely for FAC/CAS purposes with preset frequencies. star wars tech back then.The Navy ordered the E version, externally similar (obvious difference is the air 2 air refueling system) but internally while having the same instruments, moved a step forward with ergonomics from the D(basically weapon selection, no FAC/CAS radio), but other than that, both aircraft are quite the same.

Best regards
Prowler

strykerpsg

June 2nd, 2010, 06:07

When rolled out, the A-7D was the most modern of the bunch, and i could venture the most modern attack aircraft of it´s class back then since it included the 1st operational HUD in any combat aircraft.While the D´s interior is actually no more different than the previous versions(A,B,C being the latter the 1st to include a moving map with the same features as the coming models) it included a navigational computer, a moving display and a new HSI connected between each other (plus a HUD) to give pin point accuracy navigation plus a radio set up solely for FAC/CAS purposes with preset frequencies. star wars tech back then.The Navy ordered the E version, externally similar (obvious difference is the air 2 air refueling system) but internally while having the same instruments, moved a step forward with ergonomics from the D(basically weapon selection, no FAC/CAS radio), but other than that, both aircraft are quite the same.

Best regards
Prowler

Thanks Prowler for the clarification. It's funny how much services rivalries we have and never want to just accept another branches mods(A2A refuelling, 20mm). I know each has their own mission requirements, but at the end of the day, all of them are going to put a bomb on the same point on the map.

Matt

Prowler1111

June 3rd, 2010, 15:02

And finally, Virginia ANG A-7D, that´s it for US SLUFF´s, now moving into Hellenic ones..

9477

9478

9479

Best regards

Prowler

JamesChams

June 3rd, 2010, 16:56

And finally, Virginia ANG A-7D...
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9477&d=1275606111&thumb=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9478&d=1275606129&thumb=1Very nice, Mr. Ron "Prowler1111!"
Just one question, were the weapons pylons painted in grey for the USAF aircraft?

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

strykerpsg

June 4th, 2010, 05:43

And finally, Virginia ANG A-7D, that´s it for US SLUFF´s, now moving into Hellenic ones..

9477

9478

9479

Best regards

Prowler

One hot looking scheme Prowler! Are you going to do a Tiger Meet Hellenic scheme?

Matt

peter12213

June 4th, 2010, 06:11

9477

Excellent mate, really nice!

Dimus

June 4th, 2010, 06:27

now moving into Hellenic ones..

Now you're talking!!!

I'm sure you know that besides the standard SEAC camo there has been the tiger scheme too:

http://www.militaryaircraft.de/pictures/military/aircraft/A-7/A-7E_RIAT2007_2359_800.jpg

Thank you for this great aircraft. Looking forward to it!

Matt Wynn

June 4th, 2010, 06:36

now moving into Hellenic ones..

Wooooooohooooo! Get that guy an Ouzo! my tab this time! Dimus Ouzo or Beer? :ernae:

Prowler, great work on all previous lets see these Ellhnikh polemikh Aeroporia birds to the same level... try 336MPA too... the one with 'Fly Low Hit Hard' on the intake area...

335 Μοίρα Βομβαρδισμού, 335 MB is the oldest Squadron in the HAF, was based at Araxos AB until 2008/9 when the A-7's were retired and replaced with f-16 Block 52's...as far as i know and understand the A-7's are fully retired this year...

And remember..... Αίεν Υψικρατείν! :ernae:

fsafranek

June 4th, 2010, 07:46

And finally, Virginia ANG A-7D, that´s it for US SLUFF´s, now moving into Hellenic ones..

9477

Best regards

Prowler
Yea! Excellent choice.:applause: (what's the second F for in SLUFF?)
:ernae:

fsafranek

June 4th, 2010, 07:55

Just one question, were the weapons pylons painted in grey for the USAF aircraft?
It depends on the scheme. On the original USAF A-7D in SEA camo the pylons were a light gray to match the aircraft undersides. The leading edges of the pylons were painted to match the camo on the wing above them. Once you get into wraparound camo schemes the entire pylon gets painted to match the rest of the wing around them.

Same goes for wing tanks. Originally the dark green on top with gray undersides but later painted with the predominent camo color on both top and bottom for the wraparound schemes. But of course being military there are always exceptions.
:ernae:

strykerpsg

June 4th, 2010, 08:13

Now you're talking!!!

I'm sure you know that besides the standard SEAC camo there has been the tiger scheme too:

http://www.militaryaircraft.de/pictures/military/aircraft/A-7/A-7E_RIAT2007_2359_800.jpg

Thank you for this great aircraft. Looking forward to it!
Awesome choice of Tiger schemes, thanks for posting.

Matt

IanP

June 4th, 2010, 08:31

Ron is having posting problems at the moment, so please accept me as a temporary conduit...

You mean like this? :)

9549

Ian P.

strykerpsg

June 4th, 2010, 08:39

Ron is having posting problems at the moment, so please accept me as a temporary conduit...

You mean like this? :)

9549

Ian P.
Equally Bad A**!

Matt Wynn

June 4th, 2010, 09:02

You mean like this? :)

*Falls off chair at sight of HAF A-7* yeah just like that.... how about this one...? :icon_lol:

http://www.amv83.fr/Asm/Decal/europe/3stars-A-7E-Olympos-a.JPG

Bone

June 4th, 2010, 10:28

Yea! Excellent choice.:applause: (what's the second F for in SLUFF?)
:ernae:

Short Little Ugly Fat Fokker

Prowler1111

June 4th, 2010, 16:04

Somebody mentioned something about travel pods..

9582

9583

Prowler

Rattler

June 4th, 2010, 19:28

Prowler1111, You Had me at A-7, LOL I am Looking forward to it!! :salute::salute::salute:

JamesChams

June 4th, 2010, 20:15

Mr. Ron "Prowler1111,"
Glad to see that the USAF lizard camo has the right color (colour) pylons again. :applause:

...http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9583&d=1275696281&thumb=1
.... Especially love the Grey paint scheme. :ernae:

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9582&d=1275696262&thumb=1

Have you'll decided on a month/day release date or is that still way too far out into the future?

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

Prowler1111

June 4th, 2010, 20:46

James:
no release date yet, but it´s a "soon"..

9616

9617

Prowler

PRB

June 4th, 2010, 20:53

Ok, just so all you shipmates know, it's SLUF, not SLUFF. SLUF stands for Short Little Ugly "Fellow", there is no second "F" in this acronym. Not like the BUFF, which is the acronym bestowed, lovingly, of course, upon the Boeing B-52 Beastie, which stands for Big Ugly Fat "Fellow"... :d

JamesChams

June 4th, 2010, 20:54

James:
no release date yet, but it´s a "soon"....Well, your preview pic.'s are going to make many of us real happy when she is finally released. Looking might nice, Mr. Ron "Prowler1111!":wiggle:

PS: Thanks for setting them straight, Mr. Paul "PRB"; I think some of them seem to need it. LOL :icon_lol:

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

Dimus

June 5th, 2010, 01:49

Ron is having posting problems at the moment, so please accept me as a temporary conduit...

You mean like this? :)

9549

Ian P.

Yes is a serious understatement here!:salute:

Thank you so much!!!:ernae:

Tweek

June 5th, 2010, 03:00

Sorry to harp on about it, but seeing as I had others agree with me before, I emplore you to try out some more 'varied' dirt and weathering, as opposed to the uniform panel line dirt. Decent textures make a model for me, and so far I'd go as far as saying the current look would actually put me off buying it, even with the latest Greek additions. Hell, I'd gladly give it a shot myself, if I had a paint kit!

Couple of properly dirty ones (being Greek and all) I've done for AI in FS9, if you see what I mean:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/Tweek3d/Alldone.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/Tweek3d/M2000_3.jpg

MenendezDiego

June 5th, 2010, 03:30

Navy Chief

June 5th, 2010, 03:34

Bone

June 5th, 2010, 07:00

I've said it myself in the past, and it hasn't seemed to make any difference.

That's why I didn't buy the F-102, paint schemes just weren't up to par with the model.

We'll see, maybe if enough people start making paints for the A-7 after it's release, I'll think about it.

Diego

Having a personal metric on what is worth it and what is not is certainly natural...we all have a metric. But, none of these models are without issue. For instance, the Aerosoft F-16 and the Iris F-20 Tigershark forewent the weathered rivet lines for something completely unreal. Panel sections that don't fit flush to the adjacent panel sections, and rivets that aren't flush and stick out like warts. I love both of these models and fly them regularly, and I do the outside camera walk around and marvel at how well modellers are able to sculpt...but I'm also shaking my head at how much parasite drag the real planes would have if they were actually built this way.

ColoKent

June 5th, 2010, 21:35

EXCELLENT! I can't wait to buy it!!!!

Kent

strykerpsg

June 6th, 2010, 05:41

The "travel pods", were called "blivets".

I remember some of the Line division guys stuffed one of the newbies into a blivet as a joke. The plane left the flight line, and was almost ready to take off, when the Line CPO found out about it, and notified OPS. They radioed the pilot to return to the flight line immediately. It would have been a tragic situation, had the aircraft taken off. Anyway, the individuals involved were kicked out of the Navy.

This happened just before I reported to the squadron (VA-83), in 1987.

NC

Holy Cr*p! Funny as he** though. Reminds me of the first time I slung load a HMMMV without a static discharge probe. I didn't know it needed it, hadn't been to Air Assault school yet, but the rest of the platoon did. Prowler, looking good as usual, cannot wait for the release.

Matt

rsgunner

June 6th, 2010, 13:11

I am really looking forward to this release.

Russ

Prowler1111

June 8th, 2010, 10:51

Tweek Sorry to harp on about it, but seeing as I had others agree with me before, I emplore you to try out some more 'varied' dirt and weathering, as opposed to the uniform panel line dirt. Decent textures make a model for me, and so far I'd go as far as saying the current look would actually put me off buying it, even with the latest Greek additions. Hell, I'd gladly give it a shot myself, if I had a paint kit!

MenendezDiego I've said it myself in the past, and it hasn't seemed to make any difference.

That's why I didn't buy the F-102, paint schemes just weren't up to par with the model.

We'll see, maybe if enough people start making paints for the A-7 after it's release, I'll think about it.

Guys, you remind me of my kids when we are at the road facing a loong day behind the wheel with the constant "are we there yet", lol, and please don´t take this out of context, i´m not ranting over a natural,honest and very valid complaint, these are WiP´s models, if you check the 1st pic i ever posted of the fully mapped A-7 (where the same issue was pointed out) and the ones you see here, you´ll see there is an abysmal difference.We still have to do the baking and some other stuff, it´s not over yet.
Thanks for all the comments, i feel proud of my consumer/producer relationship..at the end it´s you who keeps us going.
Best regards

Prowler

<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

Gibbage

June 8th, 2010, 12:03

Is it the F-7 or F-8 that had been known to fly with its wings folded? (At least twice, if I recall)

Tweek

June 8th, 2010, 12:14

Guys, you remind me of my kids when we are at the road facing a loong day behind the wheel with the constant "are we there yet", lol, and please don´t take this out of context, i´m not ranting over a natural,honest and very valid complaint, these are WiP´s models, if you check the 1st pic i ever posted of the fully mapped A-7 (where the same issue was pointed out) and the ones you see here, you´ll see there is an abysmal difference.We still have to do the baking and some other stuff, it´s not over yet.
Thanks for all the comments, i feel proud of my consumer/producer relationship..at the end it´s you who keeps us going.
Best regards

Prowler

That's fine! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it. :jump:

Navy Chief

June 8th, 2010, 13:43

Is it the F-7 or F-8 that had been known to fly with its wings folded? (At least twice, if I recall)

'Twas the F-8 Crusader, in fact.

NC

Crusader

June 8th, 2010, 16:15

Is it the F-7 or F-8 that had been known to fly with its wings folded? (At least twice, if I recall)

This is one of them . Yep , my old unit altough I wasn't with them at the time . I would quess the pilot got an a-- chewing of a life time from the CO .

http://vmf235.com/crusader2.html (Top row , second pic over)

Rich

peter12213

June 9th, 2010, 00:18

Thats unbelievable, how could you forget, its amazing the thing flew!

CheckSix

June 9th, 2010, 00:29

Happened to an RAF Phantom in Germany, also more than one Buccaneer has tried to take off with wings folded. It happens.

GrinningJester

June 10th, 2010, 18:12

Hey guys-

We've been working on some texture overhauls the past two days, texture baking, weathering, that sort of thing.

This livery is incomplete in the images (missing some stars and stripes), hope it gives you a satisfying look at what is to come anyways :)

http://www.dackard-3d.com/a7_1.jpg

http://www.dackard-3d.com/a7_2.jpg

http://www.dackard-3d.com/a7_3.jpg

http://www.dackard-3d.com/a7_4.jpg

http://www.dackard-3d.com/a7_6.jpg

http://www.dackard-3d.com/a7_7.png

PRB

June 10th, 2010, 18:16

Wow...
:ernae:

Tako_Kichi

June 10th, 2010, 20:13

I hope it's RTWR legal 'cus it would be sweet to use her next year. :jump:

Just for info it needs a max. Mach speed of not greater than 0.99 in the [Reference Speeds] section of the Aircraft.cfg file to be legal.

Tartuffe

June 10th, 2010, 23:01

WOW ! Great work !
I can't wait !!!

:applause:

noddy

June 10th, 2010, 23:45

Looks great.

MenendezDiego

June 11th, 2010, 01:27

THANK YOU! THAT IS MUCH BETTER!

Tweek

June 11th, 2010, 03:00

That's quality. Absolutely miles better!

Lewis-A2A

June 11th, 2010, 03:54

damn thats nice! :ernae:

VCN-1

June 11th, 2010, 07:01

That looks fantastic.

Check the "A-7E" text on the port side aft.

VCN-1

guzler

June 11th, 2010, 07:14

This looks excellent.

empeck

June 11th, 2010, 12:05

Wow! Looks stunning!

FlameOut

June 11th, 2010, 15:04

Now that looks much better! Keep us hooked. :salute:

SADT

June 11th, 2010, 16:18

Hi,

Looking good. Will definitely be adding to my long wish list.:jump:

Roadburner440

June 12th, 2010, 12:12

Looks like the aircraft are shaping up nicely. Figured it would be awhile longer before we started seeing vids. Thanks for sharing.

Tartuffe

June 12th, 2010, 12:47

Thanks for the video sharing !

merida72

June 12th, 2010, 13:52

I saw the video
I noticed that when the plane is on the catapult the nose gear should be lower and compressed ...

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/8538/a7ednsn9006209.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/a7ednsn9006209.jpg/)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/594/a7ednst8710123.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/i/a7ednst8710123.jpg/)

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1773/schermata20100612a23324.png (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/schermata20100612a23324.png/)

Then a question:

is also a version armed with anti-radar / anti-ship missile?

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3206/a709.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/a709.jpg/)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/542/a718.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/i/a718.jpg/)

I noticed, but I may be mistaken, that the refueling probe is shorter than the real

Rattler

June 12th, 2010, 15:42

That was a Great Vid. I love everything, When Can We expect this Beauty to come out, im not sure I can take much more waiting:wiggle::wiggle::wiggle:

golakers

June 12th, 2010, 17:00

Loved that video... Hope it's finished soon, SLUF was always my second favorite plane...

Cag40Navy

June 12th, 2010, 17:17

This is one of them . Yep , my old unit altough I wasn't with them at the time . I would quess the pilot got an a-- chewing of a life time from the CO .

http://vmf235.com/crusader2.html (Top row , second pic over)

Rich
Ride Nunc

And great video! Cant wait for release!

Prowler1111

June 15th, 2010, 14:44

..Well...you asked for this:

10502

10503

10504

10505

Prowler

Tweek

June 15th, 2010, 15:31

Back on my shopping list! That looks lovely.

Sideshow

June 15th, 2010, 16:36

Wow! Those new textures look amazing :ernae:

Prowler1111

June 15th, 2010, 17:49

VA-15 & VA-122

10510

10511

You can see the whole selection HERE (http://forum.razbam.org/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=624)

Best regards

Prowler

Navy Chief

June 15th, 2010, 18:38

Dag

June 15th, 2010, 21:54

Hi,

What a stunning textures update, very nice indeed. I wish I had access to the baking/weathering layers:salute:

Thanks

Navy Chief

June 15th, 2010, 22:04

Hi,

What a stunning textures update, very nice indeed. I wish I had access to the baking/weathering layers:salute:

Thanks

DAG, I would like to get together with you, once the Corsair II is released. There are a couple repaints from the time when the US Forces attacked Grenada, that I need help with.......

Thanks.

NC

Dag

June 15th, 2010, 22:38

DAG, I would like to get together with you, once the Corsair II is released. There are a couple repaints from the time when the US Forces attacked Grenada, that I need help with.......

Thanks.

NC

Will see what is needed:salute: I'm still busy making lines/screws/fasteners/rivets on the wings at the moment.

Thanks

MenendezDiego

June 16th, 2010, 00:41

Thank you for taking in our input.

I will deff. buy now!

strykerpsg

June 16th, 2010, 02:09

Ron,

Thanks SO much for the VA-15 textures, as part of the forthcoming release. It really means a lot to me to see a recreation of the aircraft I used to work on, and the name of my former CO too! Details like that, plus the Battle "E" symbol on the aircraft fuselage, and one of the actual BUNOs that was assigned to VA-15 at the time. Great work!!!!

NC

NC, not to sound more simple then I already do, but what is the Battle "E" and it's meaning? BTW, great looking skins, look forward to it's release.

Matt

Navy Chief

June 16th, 2010, 02:46

NC, not to sound more simple then I already do, but what is the Battle "E" and it's meaning? BTW, great looking skins, look forward to it's release.

Matt

The Internet is sometimes a valuable source for me! This explains it better than I can!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Effectiveness_Award

NC

vora

June 16th, 2010, 02:48

An absolute must-buy for me!
The corsair really stirrs up some nostalgic feelings regarding the movie "The Final Countdown". I loved this flick as a child! BTW, anybody in for a VA-86 "Sidewinders" repaint?

strykerpsg

June 16th, 2010, 06:09

The Internet is sometimes a valuable source for me! This explains it better than I can!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Effectiveness_Award

NC
Thanks, did a search for Battle E and found everything but that.

Matt

krazycolin

June 16th, 2010, 06:15

I believe it would be the Battle group for the Enterprise... (correct me if I am wrong)

Navy Chief

June 16th, 2010, 06:56

I believe it would be the Battle group for the Enterprise... (correct me if I am wrong)

No, the Battle "E" stands for Battle Effectiveness Award (formerly called the Battle Efficiency Award)

NC

strykerpsg

June 16th, 2010, 07:14

I believe it would be the Battle group for the Enterprise... (correct me if I am wrong)
It's actually an efficiency/effectiveness rating for various departments. I got more than a few hits about the Enterprise when I googled too. NC has a great link that breaks it down much simpler so that even I could understand it.

Matt

Sorry, NC beat me to it.

Prowler1111

July 5th, 2010, 15:11

Here is a pic of what´s going on, right now, that small window is the "arming panel" gauge, what you see is the integration between that 2d panel and the 3d code in the plane´s (in this case an A-7D) armament panel:

12023

This leads to weapons release..

Best regards

Prowler
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skyhawka4m

July 5th, 2010, 16:36

No, the Battle "E" stands for Battle Effectiveness Award (formerly called the Battle Efficiency Award)

NC

Do we know how the Battle "E" got its name? I do......

PRB

July 5th, 2010, 16:57

Here is a pic of what´s going on, right now, that small window is the "arming panel" gauge, what you see is the integration between that 2d panel and the 3d code in the plane´s (in this case an A-7D) armament panel:

12023

This leads to weapons release..

Best regards

Prowler
<INPUT id=gwProxy type=hidden><INPUT id=jsProxy onclick=jsCall(); type=hidden>

Wow, you're making the ASCU work..? That's pretty cool.

skyhawka4m

July 5th, 2010, 17:18

The "E" was created in the name of Lt. CMDR. Micheal J. Estocin who lost his life in vietnam flying the A-4 Skyhawk.

I can proudly say I have 2 battle "E"'s to my NAVY career.

strykerpsg

July 5th, 2010, 17:30

Wow, you're making the ASCU work..? That's pretty cool.
Concur, totally awesome! I know FSX has some limited explosions and such and I think someone over at VRS was working on targets and such for their Superhornet.

Matt

Navy Chief

July 5th, 2010, 17:43

The "E" was created in the name of Lt. CMDR. Micheal J. Estocin who lost his life in vietnam flying the A-4 Skyhawk.

I can proudly say I have 2 battle "E"'s to my NAVY career.

Just one here, while in VA-15 1981-84.

NC

navy81

July 6th, 2010, 04:08

Just to clarify the discussion on the Battle "E" and Estocin awards. The Michael J. Estocin award was created by the attack community to recognize the best attack squadron in the Navy.
Back in the day, it could have been awarded to a single VFA squadron or a single VA (A-7) squadron, when they coexisted. It now is awarded to the best Strike Fighter squadron in the Navy. Duration of the award was one year. Each Naval avation community has similar awards (Intruder community had the McClusky award, the Hawkey community had the AEW excellence award, the Tomcat community had the Clfiton award, the Viking, Orion, Sea King and Seahwak Communities vied for the Arnold J Isbell award for undersea excellence as well as the Thach award (named for the Jimmy Thach) for the best ASW squadron in the Navy.

The Battle "E" is awarded to ships and aviation squadrons (1 from each type community for each coast (Pacific Fleet, and Atlantic Fleet). Here is a piece from the Tailhook Association for the awards for 2004, just to give everyone an idea (CNAL is Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, CNAP is Commander Naval Air Force Pacific, CNAF is Commander Naval Air Forces (who is also dual hatted as CNAP). The CNAF category is for those communities that have only 2 or 3 competing squadrons):

Awards

1. COMNAVAIRFOR TAKES PLEASURE IN ANNOUNCING THE FOLLOWING AVIATION UNIT AWARD WINNERS FOR CY 2004.

2. AVIATION SQUADRON BATTLE EFFICIENCY WINNERS ARE(READ IN FOUR COLUMNS):

<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width=687 bgColor=blue border=2><TBODY><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
CATEGORY

</TD><TD>
CNAL

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
CNAP

</TD><TD>
CNAF

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VF

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
---

</TD><TD>
VF 143

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VAQ CVW

</TD><TD>
VAQ 132

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
VAQ 136

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VAQ EXP

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
---

</TD><TD>
VAQ 133

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VFA-C

</TD><TD>
VFA 81

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
VFA 113

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VFA-E/F

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
VFA 115

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VS

</TD><TD>
VS 31

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
VS 35

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VAW

</TD><TD>
VAW 121

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
VAW 115

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VP

</TD><TD>
VP 16

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
VP 9

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
HS

</TD><TD>
HS 5

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
HS 14

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
HSL

</TD><TD>
HSL 48

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
HSL 51

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
HC

</TD><TD>
HC 8

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
HC 5

</TD><TD>
---

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
HM

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
---

</TD><TD>
HM 15

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VQ EW

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
---

</TD><TD>
VQ 1

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VQ TACAMO

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
---

</TD><TD>
VQ 4

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VPU

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
---

</TD><TD>
VPU 2

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VRC

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
---

</TD><TD>
VRC 40

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#99ffff><TD>
VC UAV

</TD><TD>
---

</TD><TD bgColor=#99ffff>
---

</TD><TD>
VC 6

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>3. CNAF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS. NAMED AFTER NAVAL AVIATORS WHO HAVE EXEMPLIFIED THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF NAVAL SERVICE, THE CNAF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS ARE PRESENTED TO CARRIER AIR WING SQUADRONS IN RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO NAVAL AVIATION.

A. THE RADM JOSEPH C. CLIFTON AWARD WINNER IS VF 143.

B. THE RADM C. WADE MCCLUSKY AWARD WINNER IS VFA 81.

C. THE CAPTAIN MICHAEL J. ESTOCIN AWARD WINNER IS VFA 81.

D. THE ADMIRAL THACH AWARD WINNER IS HS 15.

E. THE ADMIRAL ARTHUR W. RADFORD AWARD WINNER IS VAQ 132.

F. THE RADM FRANK AKERS AWARD WINNER IS VAW 115.

4. CAPTAIN ARNOLD JAY ISBELL TROPHY. HISTORICALLY PRESENTED TO SUPERIOR AIR ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE (ASW) SQUADRONS, WITH THE EXPANDING ROLES AND MISSIONS OF MANY ASW AIRCRAFT, THIS AWARD NOW CONSIDERS ANTI-SURFACE WARFARE (ASUW) PERFORMANCE WHEN DETERMINING WINNERS.

A. THE COMNAVAIRLANT WINNERS OF THE CAPTAIN ARNOLD JAY ISBELL TROPHY ARE VS 30, VP 10, HS 7, AND HSL 48.

B. THE COMNAVAIRPAC WINNERS OF THE CAPTAIN ARNOLD JAY ISBELL TROPHY ARE VS 21, VP 1, HS 2, AND HSL 37.

5. RAMAGE AWARD FOR THE BEST PERFORMING CV/CVW TEAM NAVY-WIDE: CVW 3 /CVN 75.

6. BOOLA BOOLA/GRAND SLAM AWARD. PRESENTED TO THE VF/VFA SQUADRON THAT DEMONSTRATED HIGHEST CAPABILITY TO MAINTAIN AND UTILIZE AIR TO AIR MISSILE WEAPONS SYSTEMS.

A. THE COMNAVAIRLANT GRAND SLAM AWARD WINNER IS VF 213.
B. THE COMNAVAIRPAC BOOLA BOOLA AWARD WINNER IS VFA 146.

Hope that clears it up.
They are very different awards.

Cheers.
Deke
Navy81

Navy Chief

July 6th, 2010, 04:37

Thanks for the clarification, and amplified information. Much more involved than I knew!

NC

italoc

July 6th, 2010, 06:52

Hi Prowler
when, where ?????

Italo

Prowler1111

July 7th, 2010, 08:23

OK, this is what´s going on now, for the purpose of this thread, i will use only a MK-82 loadout, but you can choose from MK82´s, MK82´s Snakeyes, CBU-54, MK-20´s, Zuni rockets, fuel tanks, travel pods (to a max of 2), HARM´s and Shrikes, we left the other ordnance out for various reasons.
So, here are some pics of the Armament Control Unit, which is a window that can be used only when the plane is with parking brakes and completely shut down

OK..plane completely empty

12156

ACU window (never mind the appearance, it will be done properly)

12157

now a series of loadouts, you can put them randomly as you desire and if it can really be done, for example, if you use a TER in station 3 (the inner most) or 6, with 3 bombs each, you can´t put sidewinders in your plane (if they were MK81, there wont be any problem, MK81´s ARE NOT modeled)

12158

12159

Prowler

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Prowler1111

July 7th, 2010, 08:27

..continues:

12160

12161

12162

This way, you can choose the load out of your desire, empty, full, fuel tanks only, ect.
Now, that ordnance drops, but you have to use the correct switches, fuzing ect, in order to make them work as they should. "Busy Cockpit" concept at your service!

Best regards

Prowler
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Navy Chief

July 7th, 2010, 08:38

You mean I have to read the manual? Gasp!

Again, I am so glad I bought that NATOPS in PDF form a while back.... It is going to come in quite handy indeed!!!

I just finished reformatting a new hard drive and reinstalling FSX/Accell. I am going to be ready for this SLUF....

GO NAVAIR.

Remember, "There's No Slack In Light Attack"...

NC

Rattler

July 7th, 2010, 09:35

Looking Very Good, I am looking forward to getting Muh hands on this beauty!!

Top Knotch Gents!!:applause:

Dag

July 7th, 2010, 13:56

Awsome Ron, Simply put !
Got my Saitek X65F today, ready for the A-7 ;-)

peter12213

July 7th, 2010, 14:07

Yeah got my TrackIr 5 ready and waiting too Dag!

Rattler

July 7th, 2010, 14:54

:salute::salute::salute:

Bone

July 7th, 2010, 15:21

How are the checklists coming along?

heywooood

July 7th, 2010, 15:52

fine work there- nice to have similar loadout interface as Lomac....

selecting specific hardpoints for ordy and specific fuel etc gives a much better sense of immersion...

I love my Razbam Intruder - looking forward to adding the A-7 to my carrier qual hops

is it possible that microsofts abandonment of the flightsim franchise might ultimately lead to the best combat flight sim to date?

better than hoped for from m/s anyway...

Prowler1111

July 9th, 2010, 09:21

MudMarine

July 9th, 2010, 10:19

SWEETNESS!!:jump:

Rattler

July 9th, 2010, 10:43

LOOKING very Good, I cant wait!!

What a Tease Indeed
:salute::salute::salute:

skyhawka4m

July 9th, 2010, 14:32

looks pretty good. Still sitting a bit too nose high for me. Also, will htere be a very common FLIR pod included with the weapons loads?

Roadburner440

July 9th, 2010, 15:47

They had FLIR on the A-7? lol Didn't realize they had that back then... would be pretty cool to have a FLIR pod/turret on there though.

peter12213

July 9th, 2010, 16:02

Yeah I didn't think the A-7 had LGB capability?

Prowler1111

July 9th, 2010, 16:15

Hey guys:
FLIR does not means LGB, it means night vision!it was a pod, not all the airframes were FLIR capable at the same time, since the mod implied a new radar display, maybe some of the in-house former SLUF´s crew chief might give more insight on this, but AFAIK (and based on NATOPS info) it was kind of a plug & play setup and the display was not available to all airframes at the same time as per detachment, not to mention that there was a data bus that was not fitted to all of them, once again, maybe PRB or Navy Chief can enlighten us more.
And yes, the A-7 had passive LGB capacity, meaning that as long as someone had a target designator, the A-7 could drop the bomb, not quite sure about how USN Corsairs II did it, but the USAF´s A-7D´s had a Pave Penny under the chin, it seems that the USN A-7E excelled with the walleye optical guided bomb (it even had a "joystick" in the console and was the guided weapon of choice for USN aviators.

Regarding our addon, well, we successfully integrated the "weapons" code in free flight, sure, it´s just an animation, but it works the way it should (you can choose the number of bombs to drop, single, pairs, ripple, and the intervals in feet, not to mention all the switchery you have to master in order to use it)But where it will excel is in missions, most if not all the bugs you might have found in the A-6 (we call it 1s gen)are gone here.As you can see, the ASCU gives you the flexibility to put the loadout of your choice within a single model, best of it, is it works with minimal to none performance hit, FPS wise.
I hate to give dates, but our optimistic dead line is 1 (one) week.
Best regards
Prowler
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Roadburner440

July 9th, 2010, 16:22

Thanks Prowler.. Sounds like our old legacy SH-60B's and FLIR.. Can load it in the bomb rack, but there is a bunch of junk to install to get it to interface with everything and even then it may not work. Thanks for investing the time to make the weapons animation and stuff. Even if it is just eye candy. Still fun to put iron on target...

vora

July 9th, 2010, 16:24

Very impressive coding here...

That's a sure buy.

PS: Is the A-6 v2 still on the table?

PRB

July 9th, 2010, 16:36

I think the A-7 FLIR was one of the very first of it's kind. I took this picture from the island of USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1982. The squadron is VA-22, the “other” squadron in Air Wing 11. The FLIR pod was only deployed with one A-7 squadron in the Air Wing, and lucky for me it wasn't ours because it was a maintenance nightmare! It was a huge pod, always carried on the right side inboard station.

http://www.prbsystems.com/A-7/A7E_FLIR_1.jpg

Roadburner440

July 9th, 2010, 17:23

Hmm. It is not a FLIR turret like I am accustomed to. Never seen anything quite like that actually. Our FLIR is about the size of a basketball, and weighs a few hundred pounds.. I bet that POD probably weighs a couple thousand... Sure does look like a pain in the rear though. Makes me glad I am an AM and not an AT. :icon_lol:

Prowler1111

July 9th, 2010, 18:49

Mk82 free flight test, you can drop single, pairs or ripple, and use time intervals, i´m not good taking pics, and every time i pause, it gives the same impression, so, here it is

12320

12321

Prowler
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Navy Chief

July 9th, 2010, 19:48

Well, also being an AM, I cannot speak to the details of the FLIR pod, except to say it most definitely was heavy. I helped the ordies load a few of those pods, and remember it took quite a lot of folks to lock it onto those pylons......

The release of the RAZBAM A-7 (as Ron well knows) has been something I've looked forward to for many years now.

This will be great!!!!!!!!!!!

NC

Prowler1111

July 14th, 2010, 13:49

We are almost there!
Here is a sequence on a bomb run in free flight, once again, is all "make believe" (ones that could affect somehow the sim and or plane work only in missions)

Loaded with 12 MK82´s in 2 TER´s

12666

Weapons panel,Master Arm on, check all station switches up (3 & 7 are the fuel tanks) check for ready light, as you can see, the release number is 2 and the release number switch is in pairs, it means everytime i use the trigger, 4 bombs will drop

12667

release!!

12668

bombs gone, heading back to base for rearming

12669

Best regards

Prowler
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Rattler

July 14th, 2010, 15:36

Looking very nice!! As If You all didnt know I was gona say that!:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

:salute::salute::salute:

XLR8

July 14th, 2010, 16:31

Prowler1111

July 14th, 2010, 16:34

This is great about the bombs dropping .Will it have a animated explosion on the ground . I ask this because there is a weapons pack that lets you drop bombs with explosions,no damage but it is fun to play with .

On missions or saved and then tweaked flights, not possible in free flight ,these are free flight "bombs"..

Prowler
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XLR8

July 14th, 2010, 16:36

Thank you . This is still a must buy .

Cag40Navy

July 14th, 2010, 18:56

Its quite possible like with the IRIS F-16D and the VRS Superbug but the coding and animations to do so would take some to do and tweak.

Prowler1111

July 14th, 2010, 19:02

Its quite possible like with the IRIS F-16D and the VRS Superbug but the coding and animations to do so would take some to do and tweak.
Yup, you can already do that with the RAZBAM A-6, or the F-102 (which includes already tweaked saved flights) or even with the F2h Banshee expansion pack, this package can do the same, BUT, we included more ways to dispose of your ordnance, not to mention you got to use the correct switchtology in order to make it work, only that while in missions you can see the impact (and get a nice plume of smoke) in freeflight, with no saved flight, just pick the plane, put the loadout of your choice, and up you go and dispose of it.The difference is, that in "vanilla" free flight, you wont see the impact point or a smoke plume, while in "tweaked" saved flights you will, not to mention missions.

Best regards
Prowler

Prowler1111

July 14th, 2010, 20:50

Snake eyes, single bombs, low alt

12715

12716

12717

12718

Prowler
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heywooood

July 14th, 2010, 21:19

hummmbaby

Rattler

July 15th, 2010, 15:38

:salute::salute::salute:

Prowler1111

July 15th, 2010, 16:57

We are almost..almost there, i can actually see it from here...

A-7E Cockpit

12783

Best regards

Prowler
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peter12213

July 15th, 2010, 16:58

Stunning mate! But hows the frames for poor people like me? Will a 1024 dxt5 texture set be available at all?

Prowler1111

July 15th, 2010, 18:31

..we are beta...1st build for checkups..

Prowler
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MenendezDiego

July 15th, 2010, 19:03

May I help test please?

Prowler1111

July 15th, 2010, 19:11

Sorry, all beta tester positions are filled..

Prowler
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Bone

July 15th, 2010, 19:12

Snake eyes, single bombs, low alt

12715

12716

12717

12718

Prowler
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Someone, please bring me a drool bucket.

skyhawka4m

July 15th, 2010, 19:14

Sorry, all beta tester positions are filled..

Prowler
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DAMN....who took my spot the lucky bastard.

Rattler

July 15th, 2010, 22:13

DAMN....who took my spot the lucky bastard.

LOL:banghead::banghead::banghead:

CheckSix

July 16th, 2010, 00:48

Me :P :D

Prowler1111

July 16th, 2010, 13:31

Zuni rocket attack

12862

12863

Best regards

Prowler
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Rattler

July 16th, 2010, 13:35

Very Nice!!:ernae:

IanP

July 17th, 2010, 09:01

The flight model on this one isn't quite done yet, so Carrier ops are... er... "exciting" on landing right now, but heck, since when did that ever stop you having fun with crash detection turned off? :d

12932 12931 12930 12929

Ian P.
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/misc/pencil.png

skyhawka4m

July 17th, 2010, 09:27

Its either sitting too high or the all the landing gear is too big. In flight it looks very nice....not sure what to do here when its out.

IanP

July 17th, 2010, 09:37

As I said in the previous post, the flight model is still WIP. Apart from anything else, the contact points, suspension settings, etcetera, are still not what will be in the release version.

Ian P.

merida72

July 17th, 2010, 09:39

As I said in the previous post, the flight model is still WIP. Apart from anything else, the contact points, suspension settings, etcetera, are still not what will be in the release version.

Ian P.

great news :jump:

Rattler

July 17th, 2010, 11:02

So you are saying its not close to being Done now?

IanP

July 17th, 2010, 11:10

Ron'll have to answer that. I'm not part of the development team, just someone he sends test files to and asks for feedback (I'm not even part of a beta team technically, just nosy! :d)

I don't know how old the flight model I have is, he may not have started it yet, he may just be tweaking the last two numbers as I type.

I'm sure he'll be along at some point soon to provide a better answer.

Cheers,

Ian P.

MudMarine

July 17th, 2010, 12:16

Its either sitting too high or the all the landing gear is too big. In flight it looks very nice....not sure what to do here when its out.

I know what to do.......fly with the gear up so you can't see it! Dang I'm smart; problem solved!:icon_lol:

I have to say that I'm NOT a shop heater fan but this heater floats my boat!!:jump:

CheckSix

July 18th, 2010, 02:20

LOL! Too funny :D

Rattler

July 18th, 2010, 20:58

:kilroy::kilroy::kilroy:

Prowler1111

July 19th, 2010, 21:39

Regarding the flight model, beta model does not have the final FM, in fact is a place holder until we get the final one, and it´s taking it´s time due to it´s complexity.Even as we are behind original schedule (by a big margin) we are between our current parameters, since we dont want to rush things.Right now the model is in the getting the latest code and we are watching small bugs or overlooked issues.
In the meantime, let me share this pic with you:

13152

As you can see, we are assembling the whole volumes and the plan is to release each one per month, and that will cover, from us at least, the A-7 Corsair II.

Best regards
Prowler

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Rattler

July 19th, 2010, 21:57

Hey Prowler, Thank you for that Update. It is Better to Release a Finished Product than to Release an Incomplete one and have to release the Dreaded Patch updates.... No Worries.. Slow and Steady Wins the Race:salute::salute::salute:

Rattler

July 23rd, 2010, 12:26

:kilroy::kilroy::kilroy:

MudMarine

July 23rd, 2010, 13:12

Fast but correct makes money!

Rattler

July 26th, 2010, 21:20

Any New Updates or Pictures, I havent had a Sluf fix for some time now? :icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 05:58

Any New Updates or Pictures, I havent had a Sluf fix for some time now? :icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

Ask, and I deliver!

Just a few shots. More later!

NC

MudMarine

July 27th, 2010, 06:26

Hummm, I wonder if the Marine Corps flew A-7's..HINT HINT.

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 08:42

Hummm, I wonder if the Marine Corps flew A-7's..HINT HINT.

I may be mistaken (won't be the first time), but I don't believe the USMC ever flew the Corsair II.

They flew the Intruder though.....

NC

Rattler

July 27th, 2010, 10:46

Thanks Chief, I need that.... She sure is a Looker, I hope we will have a chance to get Our hands on her Very Soon.:salute::salute::salute:

MudMarine

July 27th, 2010, 11:43

Could have sworn I saw Marine A-7's????? Probably was Navy, they were filthy like Navy aircraft usually were hehe. My memory isn't what it used to be, 25 yrs later I've forgotten a lot. I wish I had Helldivers memory!:icon_lol: I worked for A-6 squadrons so I know that diffrence.

I hope someone does a fictional paint, just don't know if I can bring myself to fly a Navy shopheater?! LOL Just joking!!

Rattler

July 27th, 2010, 11:59

Hey I was wondering... Am I correct in saying that the Wing fold and the Ladder are slaved to the same Function?

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 12:07

Hey I was wondering... Am I correct in saying that the Wing fold and the Ladder are slaved to the same Function?

It is currently, but in the final release, it won't be. The steps, at least at this point, will be animated on their own.

Rattler

July 27th, 2010, 12:26

It is currently, but in the final release, it won't be. The steps, at least at this point, will be animated on their own.

I was Hoping that they would not be slaved to the same Function.. pleased to hear that! :salute::salute::salute:

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 12:55

More shots............

NC

CG_1976

July 27th, 2010, 13:56

USMC flew the F8 Crusader according to a Sq check of active and inactive list from 1965-1994.

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 14:52

USMC flew the F8 Crusader according to a Sq check of active and inactive list from 1965-1994.

I knew they'd flown the Crusader, but didn't know they still had them in their inventory up to 1994. Interesting.

heywooood

July 27th, 2010, 15:06

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 15:17

Plus.....the Crusader was also built by Vought, and its design was similar....especially placement/shape of intake.

strikehawk

July 27th, 2010, 15:50

I knew they'd flown the Crusader, but didn't know they still had them in their inventory up to 1994. Interesting.

Last Marine F-8's were RF's and I think they flew out of Andrews. I remember seeing something on the Navy Propag..err Navy News on AFRTS when they flew the last sortie.

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 16:03

Last Marine F-8's were RF's and I think they flew out of Andrews. I remember seeing something on the Navy Propag..err Navy News on AFRTS when they flew the last sortie.

Ahoy Charlie! What's happenin', shippingmate!

You still flying multiplayer? Could not remember name of the site. Please reply with that url, ok?

Thanks!

Pete

strikehawk

July 27th, 2010, 16:18

Chief, server IP is as follows...

FSTOPGUN.ORG

Same IP for TS2. I ended the virtual military group I had on New Years Eve, got a new band of pirates running wild over there now. Lot's of stuff in S. America.

Have to let you know that between this Sluff coming out and some Helos that just came I broke down and got FSX. Have to wait to get a new HD before I can install it though.

Just a quick question on units, will VA's 37,105 and 305 be in the release or will some one have to do the repaints? Like to see AC and ND on the tail of those birds.

MudMarine

July 27th, 2010, 16:24

Yup, I was thinking F-8's!! It's been a while!

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 16:43

will VA's 37,105 and 305 be in the release or will some one have to do the repaints? Like to see AC and ND on the tail of those birds.

Charlie, the Navy Corsair IIs for the A-7E release will be: VA-15, VA-72, VA-94, and VA-122

Go ahead and notify your friends who do repaints. I want to see ALL Navy Corsair II squadron repaints be done!!

Pete

skyhawka4m

July 27th, 2010, 19:35

Chief as soon as I get this bird when it hits the market I have markings all set up for it.

Need to get my Adobe loaded and ready.

Navy Chief

July 27th, 2010, 20:37

Chief as soon as I get this bird when it hits the market I have markings all set up for it.

Need to get my Adobe loaded and ready.

I will want to get in touch with you, as there are a few specific Corsair II's that I'd really like to see repaints done.

One is currently on display at the Don Garlits Racing Museum. When I first came into the Navy back in 1972, my duty station was the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, MD. I was a A-7 Plane Captain, and worked on that exact aircraft, which was assigned to the test center. From there, the aircraft went back to the fleet, and eventually ended up as a display aircraft in front of NAS Cecil Field, FL. I was out of the Navy from 76-80. When I came back on active duty, I was transferred to Cecil. For years, I drove past that aircraft, not really paying attention to its bureau number. When I finally did notice it, I did some checking, and found out where it had been assigned to. When BRAC closed NAS Cecil Field, apparently Don Garlits made arrangements to get the aircraft on loan from the Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola.

I'd like to see that aircraft flying again, in NATC colors. I have pictures of it with the markings from that time period.

Incidentally, THAT A-7 holds an important place in Naval Aviation history. It was THE first A-7 Corsair II to be catapulted from a carrier.

NC

skyhawka4m

July 27th, 2010, 21:03

no problem Chief.

skyhawka4m

July 28th, 2010, 14:03

13832 kinda like this chief?

Navy Chief

July 28th, 2010, 14:08

Yep.

Just like that! Oh, does that bring back some happy memories.

Patuxent River was a great place to be stationed at. If I could go back in time in my life, it would be there.

The tail markings were a little different. But that is close enough.

NC

Prowler1111

July 29th, 2010, 08:58

You gotta love MSFS add on development...so after a "what the heck, let´s give a try AGAIN" moment...&/(/&#@! code decided to behave and work..

Well, fuel tanks jettison and stores jettison, using all 3 different jettison modes an A-7 have
Pics are bad, but they demonstrate what i´m talking about:

13886

13887

Prowler

Navy Chief

July 29th, 2010, 09:01

This just keeps getting better and better!!!!!!!

About the only thing missing will be the smell of JP5 exhaust.....

skyhawka4m

July 29th, 2010, 13:41

This just keeps getting better and better!!!!!!!

About the only thing missing will be the smell of JP5 exhaust.....

And hopefully the exaust smoke to go with it.

Navy Chief

July 29th, 2010, 19:33

Some shipboard screenshots. This aircraft is a blast to fly!!!

While taking one of the hangar screenshots, an audio file associated with the carrier scenery started playing. It was a recording of the Air Boss making the announcement for all unnecessary personnel to clear the flight deck, for all flight deck personnel to get into proper gear for flight ops, and to start all jets. It was an eerie feeling to be looking out from the cockpit, hearing that voice. I remembered well what it was like to be working on a Corsair in the hangar bay of the USS Independence, and hearing that exact announcement being broadcast.

Navy Chief

July 29th, 2010, 19:35

And some more.

Navy Chief

July 29th, 2010, 19:38

More!

Rattler

July 29th, 2010, 20:16

Thank you so much for the Pic. That Sluf looks good on the Boat. Im Glad that the Coding has worked out for the Best....

Looking forward to getting the Ole Gal!!:salute::salute::salute:

PRB

July 29th, 2010, 20:29

Hey Chief, looks like you were radiating in the hangar bay! The Air Boss is gonna be unhappy if the ship was supposed to be at EMCON! :icon_lol:

The SLUF is indeed coming together. I'd post more pics myself were it not for the unfortunate demise of my FS computer, may it R.I.P.

Funny radar story. We AQs had to maintain that APQ-126 radar set. The A-7E, unlike most jets of the time, and all jets of today, could be made to transmit the radar on deck. Just turn the darned thing on and it would happily radiate across the flight line. Perhaps because it was such a low powered radar, they didn't see the need for weight-on-wheel, gear up-and-locked, and air data sensor based interlocks that prevent radars of today from blasting away while on deck. So when we would troubleshoot a sick radar, one of the first things we would want to know was "is it transmitting?" The quickest way to absulutely guarentee that it was transmitting was to grab the feed horn on the antenna. Of course it was best to put the radar in AGR mode, which made the antenna sit still... The other mapping modes made the antenna sweep to and fro and that made it hard to grab hold if the feed horn... If it was warm to the touch, it was radiating! Actually it was pretty hot, and you couldn't hold it for more than a couple seconds... :eek: