Glowingheat Lockheed A-12 released

[centuryseries]

I've finally released the latest in my Blackbird series, the Lockheed A-12 Cygnus.

Available from Simmarket, justflight, PC Aviator and FS Pilotshop today. Compatible with FSX FSX SE Prepar3d V3 and V4

For screenshots please visit my website www.glowingheat.co.uk

[Mach3DS]

YESSS!!!! :running::biggrin-new::applause::mixed-smiley-010:

[scotth6]

Awesome news! :applause:

I think it was the SR-71 that started my interest (obsession) with aviation all those years ago, so anything to do with the Blackbird is of great interest to me.

Looking forward to getting the "Cygnus?" in the sky.

The question mark is just because I didn't know it was called that. You do learn something new every day.

Cheers,

[centuryseries]

Awesome news! :applause:

I think it was the SR-71 that started my interest (obsession) with aviation all those years ago, so anything to do with the Blackbird is of great interest to me.

Looking forward to getting the "Cygnus?" in the sky.

The question mark is just because I didn't know it was called that. You do learn something new every day.

Cheers,

I believe that the crews called it the Cygnus (latin for Swan) after the tradition of Lockheed naming aircraft after celestial bodies back then. Project pilot Jack Weeks came up with the name, and I thought it fitting to call it that rather than the programme name of Oxcart.

[RKinkor]

Thank you for your work on this awesome aircraft. Can't wait to get my hands on it!

[RKinkor]

Just got it from Justflight and have just finished my first flight with her and must say that this is excellent add on you have made! She is a bit more of a handfull than the SR-71 but that is to be expected as the Cygnus was known as the sport model and SR the family model lol. My first landing was interesting as I accidentally had the cg too far aft and she tilted back on her tail after I had stopped but that is user error on my part. Thanks again for making The Goose fly in FSX!

[Mach3DS]

Just needs custom speculars now...

Real Deal:

https://veneremurcernui.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/a12cygnus.jpg


Sim:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4235/35196513890_147baf03ab_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4261/34774330283_fd6395ae6c_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4254/35196513710_797444dcf9_o.jpg

[b52bob]

WOW!
:redfire::redfire::redfire:

[Mach3DS]

Thanks! I give credit to century series for the excellent stock textures and for sending me some layered texture files to work from. I've edited the stock colors slightly, and created custom alphas and speculars in work. New glass fresnel. Love the model. With 4096 res there's a lot of detail.

[strykerpsg]

Wow! That is a beautifully sexy aircraft! I have their SR71 and really enjoy it. Aside from the beautiful exterior, what are the differences in the models?

I gotta say the bare metal reminds me of the pylon air racers....very nice indeed. Rick, your work is simply superb and would buy just to see that particular paint on my hard stand.

[Mach3DS]

The A-12 is the Father of them all. Born out of the Archangel Project, the A-12 is Lockheed's model that that CIA accepted as the go forward plan to replace the U-2. The A-12 is a single seat, slightly shorter and heavier, Faster, higher flying but a little less range than the SR-71. Huge differences in the models, FDE and VC. Take a look at the VC pics on the website...amazing!

[strykerpsg]

The A-12 is the Father of them all. Born out of the Archangel Project, the A-12 is Lockheed's model that that CIA accepted as the go forward plan to replace the U-2. The A-12 is a single seat, slightly shorter and heavier, Faster, higher flying but a little less range than the SR-71. Huge differences in the models, FDE and VC. Take a look at the VC pics on the website...amazing!

Yeah, they are absolutely gorgeous too! I did not realize it was a single seat venture...interesting indeed. Was this the bird that showcased or was behind the Phoenix missile concept? Disregard, I will google it, but seem to recall something about it being a missile armed interceptor in it's inception. I had read some stuff about the A-12 so long ago, but totally forgot all about it till seeing this.

Just simply a great piece of work, as are their other 2 birds in my hangar, SR-71 and B-58. Kudos Glowing Heat, kudos.

[Mach3DS]

YF-12 was the interceptor proposal. It was built from the A-12. The A-12 is the Genesis aircraft for all the variants. It's the original. ;)

[delta_lima]

The only other version not mentioned (apart from the 2-seat trainer models) here is the M-21. A modified A-12 with a second cockpit - like the RSO cockpit in the SR-71, but instead an LCO (launch control officer).

51323

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_D-21#/media/File:M21Ship2-cropped.jpg

Launch and control platform for the D-21 reconnaissance drone. Yes, real drones, 4 decades before drones became cool. :very_drunk:

Much as I'd love one of those (I'd even settle for a repainted SR-71) - the real dream Blackbird variant for me would be the YF-12 .... love the nose, without the chines (sort of like a LERX, only different) - so hot! :encouragement:

51324

Maybe they'd consider it, even if it shared the A-12's cockpit.

Anyway - when back from vacations, I'll be picking up the A-12. And anything that Rick does for the A-12 will also be most welcome.

cm

[strykerpsg]

YF-12 was the interceptor proposal. It was built from the A-12. The A-12 is the Genesis aircraft for all the variants. It's the original. ;)

Ahhhhh, YF-12, that was the one. Thanks for the reminder. I am definitely buying this one too..just so sleek and gorgeous.

[Sundog]

Also, just to add to what Rick said, the A in A-12, which was a Lockheed designation, not a government designation, is itself short for Archangel and was the twelfth major iteration of the design to replace the U-2. The U-2 was called the "Angel" because it would climb like a homesick angel. So the internal replacement program for it was designated the Archangel.

Also, the CIA requirement was for a MACH 3 aircraft with stealth treatments from the forward aspect. Kelly Johnson didn't want to waste time on stealth tech. He wanted it to be a straight up Mach 4 recon aircraft, which he said wouldn't need stealth due it's speed. So, at the initial submission that is what they presented to the CIA. Lockheed promptly found itself in second place to the Convair Kingfish as a result. So, Kelly relented and incorporated stealth into their design submission, and the rest is history.

[strykerpsg]

Also, just to add to what Rick said, the A in A-12, which was a Lockheed designation, not a government designation, is itself short for Archangel and was the twelfth major iteration of the design to replace the U-2. The U-2 was called the "Angel" because it would climb like a homesick angel. So the internal replacement program for it was designated the Archangel.

Also, the CIA requirement was for a MACH 3 aircraft with stealth treatments from the forward aspect. Kelly Johnson didn't want to waste time on stealth tech. He wanted it to be a straight up Mach 4 recon aircraft, which he said wouldn't need stealth due it's speed. So, at the initial submission that is what they presented to the CIA. Lockheed promptly found itself in second place to the Convair Kingfish as a result. So, Kelly relented and incorporated stealth into their design submission, and the rest is history.

While I may not fly FSX as much as I used too, one thing that always brings me to SOH is the fantastic screenshots, beautiful repaints, amazing freeware artists and just the overall wealth of info that bubbles to the surface, that is not always contained in online searches. Love these sort of tidbits of info.

Thanks Sundog!

[Mach3DS]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4231/34782731814_2bb3b5d980_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4229/35493659211_5df34bc14a_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4261/34782731714_896bf669fb_o.jpg

[centuryseries]

Just needs custom speculars now...



Sim:



https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4261/34774330283_fd6395ae6c_o.jpg



Hi Rick,

Thanks for your kind words I appreciate it.

Do you have original of that screenshot, I'd love to make it into a print for my office wall!

On a side note I will be making the two seat M-12 with D-21 drone and would hope release it in a few weeks maybe a month or so. I started to modify my original SR into a YF-12 but my A-12 has a much better model, and so that is quite doable! Watch this space. No guarantees since I have a U-2C manual turning up today, and also started a KC-135 but that's been on hold for some time!

[Naruto-kun]

A launchable D-21?

[strykerpsg]

A launchable D-21?

Wow! +1 for that idea....

[centuryseries]

Wow! +1 for that idea....

Possibly as a droppable object but we will see...

[Bjoern]

The CIA has a book on the A-12:
https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/books-and-monographs/a-12/index.html
(PDF: https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/books-and-monographs/a-12/Archangel-2ndEdition-2Feb12.pdf )

Also note the link to the U-2 flight manual.

[Mach3DS]

David I can send you the larger BMP pic file and you can crop it per your liking!

[delta_lima]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your kind words I appreciate it.

Do you have original of that screenshot, I'd love to make it into a print for my office wall!

On a side note I will be making the two seat M-12 with D-21 drone and would hope release it in a few weeks maybe a month or so. I started to modify my original SR into a YF-12 but my A-12 has a much better model, and so that is quite doable! Watch this space. No guarantees since I have a U-2C manual turning up today, and also started a KC-135 but that's been on hold for some time!


Dave - Tomorrow being my b-day, this news is better than a present! And M-12/D-21 - Awesome news! YF-12 - even better! And a small-wing U-2 ... (sigh) - my bucket list is getting shorter! :biggrin-new:

Speaking of which, my gift to myself will be picking up the A-12 this weekend - can't wait.

cheers,

dl

[Mach3DS]

The Boeing Seattle Museum of Flight has the only M-21 (when the Drone was attached that was the designation, and yes the drone is there) left. Since I live relatively close by, I've had the chance to visit many times. I have very high res images of panels, rivets, the interior of the wheel wells, and especially of the belly. If you're ever in the Seattle area, I'd be happy to show you around. I work for a small aerospace company that you've likely never heard of...lol....so going to see airplanes is no more a chore than breathing is!!! Haha. That sounds amazing. Would love to see the YF-12 with Tacpack. In fact since the Aerosoft AIM-54 are included, you could actually use those as the droppable ordinance, and since the AIM-54 was derived directly from the GAR, it's essentially what may have come about in a production version. Could be really cool! :jump:

[icycle]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your kind words I appreciate it.

Do you have original of that screenshot, I'd love to make it into a print for my office wall!

On a side note I will be making the two seat M-12 with D-21 drone and would hope release it in a few weeks maybe a month or so. I started to modify my original SR into a YF-12 but my A-12 has a much better model, and so that is quite doable! Watch this space. No guarantees since I have a U-2C manual turning up today, and also started a KC-135 but that's been on hold for some time!



Sorry to jump in here, but an m21/D21, a YF-12, U-2C, AND a KC-135? Wow! Sign me up!!!

Really enjoying the heck out of the A-12, BTW. Really have to be "precise" to stretch it out to M3+ & 70K feet. Not a lot "lives" up there, so lots of room. 1,900+ ground speed is an addictive experience. Now if only i figure out how to land it without using 2 miles+ of runway......

Bill

[delta_lima]

The Boeing Seattle Museum of Flight has the only M-21 (when the Drone was attached that was the designation, and yes the drone is there) left. Since I live relatively close by, I've had the chance to visit many times. I have very high res images of panels, rivets, the interior of the wheel wells, and especially of the belly. If you're ever in the Seattle area, I'd be happy to show you around. I work for a small aerospace company that you've likely never heard of...lol....so going to see airplanes is no more a chore than breathing is!!! Haha. That sounds amazing. Would love to see the YF-12 with Tacpack. In fact since the Aerosoft AIM-54 are included, you could actually use those as the droppable ordinance, and since the AIM-54 was derived directly from the GAR, it's essentially what may have come about in a production version. Could be really cool! :jump:

We visit Seattle enough that I've got a membership to that museum - and you're right - it's a treat to see the M-21 ensemble there. The SR-71 cockpit is nice to sit in too, even though the panel's been glassed over, etc. I ride my motorcycle a fair bit down into WA - I'd love to have a coffee with another SOHer!

Was down in DC earlier this year, and shot the Udvar-Hazy's SR-71 with just my crappy iphone camera ... sucker for Blackbirds!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/delta_lima/DC%20Mar%202017/Smithsonian%20-%20Air%20and%20Space/IMG_5476_zpszdqbd754.jpg

(ps - I believe your offer to meet was to Dave - but just saying that if I'm down there, I'd also enjoy meeting you).

dl

[Mach3DS]

Sorry to jump in here, but an m21/D21, a YF-12, U-2C, AND a KC-135? Wow! Sign me up!!!

Really enjoying the heck out of the A-12, BTW. Really have to be "precise" to stretch it out to M3+ & 70K feet. Not a lot "lives" up there, so lots of room. 1,900+ ground speed is an addictive experience. Now if only i figure out how to land it without using 2 miles+ of runway......

Bill

What's your fuel state? you might be too heavy?

[centuryseries]

Sorry to jump in here, but an m21/D21, a YF-12, U-2C, AND a KC-135? Wow! Sign me up!!!

Really enjoying the heck out of the A-12, BTW. Really have to be "precise" to stretch it out to M3+ & 70K feet. Not a lot "lives" up there, so lots of room. 1,900+ ground speed is an addictive experience. Now if only i figure out how to land it without using 2 miles+ of runway......

Bill

Yes could be fuel, and if you have dumped fuel you may need to use the emergency fuel forward transfer. I usually land with 25% or less fuel, with little or no flare since the delta creates a little ground effect. The heavier you are, the faster you'll be at touchdown due to keeping the AoA - lighter is better and slower.

YF-12 with firing missiles, now that would be something!

[icycle]

Yes could be fuel, and if you have dumped fuel you may need to use the emergency fuel forward transfer. I usually land with 25% or less fuel, with little or no flare since the delta creates a little ground effect. The heavier you are, the faster you'll be at touchdown due to keeping the AoA - lighter is better and slower.

YF-12 with firing missiles, now that would be something!

Yes, am likely a bit heavy, 30%-33%. Makes the jet a little "mushy", low & slow on approach. A "fully operational" YF-12 would be pretty neat. I was just looking at the real thing, a couple of weeks ago, as I spend 1-2 weeks per month in Dayton, and frequently stop by @ NMUSAF. Has quite the menacing look to it compared to the Blackbird, or Cygnus.

Bill

[Sundog]

BTW, I bought this but haven't flown it yet. I finally got my WARTHOG Hotas to work, but I haven't had success with the rudder pedals yet.

Anyway, if anyone is interested in the history of the development of early stealth and the entire Archangel series of designs, I highly recommend From Rainbow to Gusto. (https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/book/10.2514/4.867316)

[Mach3DS]

Ok guys, here you go...love the A-12! Re-did the painted areas in the paint-kit I've been putting together, and placed it over the metal textures of 924...


https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4092/35258189860_493d014017_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4047/35605510646_97211036bb_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4289/35258190410_ac5fb6a2d1_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4066/35605510996_0f2cffd390_o.jpg

[Mach3DS]

Couple items I'm having trouble with:

1. The LH side batwing (sun blocker) in the VC does not fold completely and stow away like the RH side does.

2. Engine RPM needles do not indicate power above ~78% RPM. They won't reach the RED line which I'm assuming is the aftrtburner?

I do need to RTM...but is anyone else seeing the same?

[flaviossa]

Hi 000rick000! I must say, i really like a lot your work on the A-12. I generally don´t ask this kind of question, but it´s so good, that i need to know if you´re going to make it public!
Amazing job man, congrats! :applause:

[Mach3DS]

@flaviossa - Most Definitely! And thank you. I didn't do the base paint....just try to make it look it's best with a little elbow grease....I guess I like the work out that a buffer brings!

[centuryseries]

Couple items I'm having trouble with:

1. The LH side batwing (sun blocker) in the VC does not fold completely and stow away like the RH side does.

2. Engine RPM needles do not indicate power above ~78% RPM. They won't reach the RED line which I'm assuming is the aftrtburner?

I do need to RTM...but is anyone else seeing the same?

Hi Rick,

When I was researching the bat wings, I found that the left side did not fold, and has a bracket unlike the right, so I modelled it that way rather than duplicating the right side parts.

Apparently the engines max operating rpm was 7450 rpm, anything above that required inspection and manufacturer notification. The red line is that limit I believe.

[delta_lima]

@flaviossa - Most Definitely! And thank you. I didn't do the base paint....just try to make it look it's best with a little elbow grease....I guess I like the work out that a buffer brings!

Hey Rick,

Separate from your black/silver 924, will you also be releasing the prior iteration / prototype 924 (no black)? That is a superb rendition.

Thanks for your great work.

dl

[Mach3DS]

Hey Rick,

Separate from your black/silver 924, will you also be releasing the prior iteration / prototype 924 (no black)? That is a superb rendition.

Thanks for your great work.

dl

Yes, Both will be released. Tonight. They're both done. Just need to upload them. Please use Banana Bob's Alternate envmap for best results. yes, Dynamic Reflections is nice in P3D, but it's still not contrasted enough to offer as good of lighting contrast as the manual one...Well, in certain lighting conditions...I do like it for certain times for screenshots...but it makes the metal look less metal at times...which I suppose is realistic but in certain conditions of clear sunlight it will do it too...so I recommend the alternate envmap for all my metal skins.

[delta_lima]

Yes, Both will be released. Tonight. They're both done. Just need to upload them. Please use Banana Bob's Alternate envmap for best results. yes, Dynamic Reflections is nice in P3D, but it's still not contrasted enough to offer as good of lighting contrast as the manual one...Well, in certain lighting conditions...I do like it for certain times for screenshots...but it makes the metal look less metal at times...which I suppose is realistic but in certain conditions of clear sunlight it will do it too...so I recommend the alternate envmap for all my metal skins.

Thanks Rick - no hurry on my account.

I'm not home yet from travel, so my b-day present (the GH A-12 itself) has yet to be purchased. But I'm counting the hours ... :) I'll root about for BBob's envmap - I believe it's already installed as part of your B-58 paints - can't recall.

Anyway, thanks again for your work.

dl

[Mach3DS]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4052/35518207702_e48c715525_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4060/34846005694_19b6c29ca9_o.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4258/35556629221_278e7e4fa3_o.jpg

[scotth6]

Awesome work with the paints Rick!

I'm also really grateful for all the extra bits of information throughout this thread.

On top of that, I am really excited to hear of the upcoming projects from Glowingheat.

Thanks guys :encouragement:.

[dvj]

Rick's paints really take this product to a new level. As soon as they get posted, I'm buying.

[Mach3DS]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4229/35493659211_5df34bc14a_o.jpg

[flaviossa]

Just.... wow :icon_eek:

[flaviossa]

Just bought the plane! Amazing work centuryseries :applause:
But i have a question: i have P3dv4 and FSX-SE installed in my computer. Aparently, when i install the A-12 in p3dv4 it automatically uninstall the plane from my FSX. And vice-versa. In other words: i can´t have the plane installed in both sims at the same machine at the same time. Is that the way it suposed to be? Any reason for that? Thanks!

[centuryseries]

Hi flaviossa,

Unfortunately, I missed that when I created the installer. To get around it, the easiest thing to do is to run the exe but extract to a folder that isn't in FS, then copy and paste the contents in the right locations in simobjects.

When I release a patch I'll get that fixed.

David.

[flaviossa]

No problem!!! I´ll wait for the new installer. Meanwhile i will study the plane in p3d :encouragement:

[Mach3DS]

Released! Should be available in the library shortly! Enjoy! Remember, please get bananabob's alternate envmap for best results!

[flaviossa]

Thanks Rick! Does Banana Bob Env Map works well in p3dv4 too? :encouragement:

[RKinkor]

Released! Should be available in the library shortly! Enjoy! Remember, please get bananabob's alternate envmap for best results! Just gave them a quick flight and I just have to say well done sir!