Northrop P-61C Black Widow project

[DC1973]

Hi all,

With the Reporter now released ( and the #1 download at Simviation for 3 days now! ) I'm switching to the P-61C Black Widow. This is not intended to get in the way of the SoH P-61B project - I just don't think you can have enough Black Widows and we've been without a good one in flight sim for far too long.

The fuselage exterior modelling is complete, and I'm at work on texture assignments and interior modelling. With the rest of the airplane essentially identical to the Reporter, it's a bit of an easier job with only the FDE to be altered to account for the much heavier airframe.

The time frame for this project is quite short, as I'm effectively getting two planes out of one project. I'm hoping to have a BETA out within about a month, and the v1 release out shortly afterward. Wish me luck!

P.S. The RF-8 Vought Crusader project will begin as soon as the Widow is complete.

[Seahawk72s]

With a third crew member I wondered what your thoughts were for the radar observer position in the aft..?
In particular what avionics could be placed there.
Will you go with an animated hatch opening as well.?

With the fun I've been having with the reporter, I'm looking forward to your newest model.

Thanks...

[DC1973]

With a third crew member I wondered what your thoughts were for the radar observer position in the aft..?
In particular what avionics could be placed there.
Will you go with an animated hatch opening as well.?

With the fun I've been having with the reporter, I'm looking forward to your newest model.

Thanks...

I'm looking into including a basic radar screen for both pilot and RO, along with TacPack compatibility, that will allow the Widow to fulfill a night-fighter role as per its real world operations within flight sim. Although the radar will be a basic affair, it'll be enough to go hunting for Zeros at night

Cockpit hatches will be animated in the normal way - the Widow's opened down through the oleo wheel bay and had a folding ladder. Not tough to include that.

[Seahawk72s]

Some interesting paint schemes and history.

https://comradeloganov.deviantart.co...tory-448200013

https://www.deviantart.com/tag/rf61c

[DC1973]

Yes, he does some amazing artwork. I was going to use his images as a reference when doing the Reporter's textures, but I learned that mostly they're "what if" schemes with fictional histories rather than actual aircraft. Only the NACA Reporter actually existed from his images. Shame, as the Reporter would have looked quite nice in camouflage schemes!

[DC1973]

Just asking a question of folks here regarding the Reporter's VC ( upon which the P-61C's VC will be based ): include instrument bezels, or not? They look fab, but there does seem to be an appetite for users to switch the gauges out for others and this can be tricky if the new gauges have dials and knobs that protrude or are obscured by neighbouring bezels.

I'm modelling these aircraft as freeware for the community so I'm happy to go with the flow. What would folks prefer?

[Josh Patterson]

Some interesting paint schemes and history.

https://comradeloganov.deviantart.co...tory-448200013

https://www.deviantart.com/tag/rf61c

I do like the Gee Bee texture on the nacelle/boom! It would make an interesting racer! One thing I've been wondering about the canopy frame. I was flying it from the VC and didn't see the bow where the rear of the canopy meets the forward half then looked around and saw it over my shoulder. Thought it was a mistake so I looked at an exterior view and then some photos. YES! It really is that far back! Makes for great visibility but my question is this... How does the pilot get out? Does he have to squeeze between the canopy bow and the top of the seat or does the seat unlock and slide backwards?

[Seahawk72s]

I do enjoy the 3D effect the hard modeled bezels give but I've also found a set of 2D gauges where the bezel
art work gives a 3D effect. Another factor is the replacement size of some gauges definitely needs more space
then fixed bezels allow. There is a set of Sperry III gauges, very accurately modeled with great art work that need more room.

Thanks...