Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer (WIP)

[LE151]

Anyone ventured over to Rob's Aerofiles lately??? He's working on a Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer. Looks as if he's going to give us numerous models and load outs. Some latest screens of the Skylancer!!
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22643&stc=1
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22642&stc=1
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22644&stc=1
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22651&stc=1

[Jafo]

Looks like a good one...;)

[Sundog]

I have wanted one of these for a long time. This is so cool! Thanks for the heads up. :)

[dharris]

Have been following this wip for awhile now, looks superb!

[delta_lima]

One of three "dream of a lifetime" models I thought I'd never see in FSX. Words fail to convey my delight. :encouragement:

Rob, I have a good number of books and tech drawings for this type. Let me know if you need anything that could help.

DL

[b52bob]

I have really loved this aircraft since watching it being tested at Moffit field. I never thought we would see this. Thanks Rob.

before you know it there might be a F8U-3 Crusader!

[Bjoern]

Bet that one's going to get a lot "What if...?" paints.

[robcarrich]

One of three "dream of a lifetime" models I thought I'd never see in FSX. Words fail to convey my delight. :encouragement:

Rob, I have a good number of books and tech drawings for this type. Let me know if you need anything that could help.

DL

Thank you DL, I've been working to "Naval Fighters No 35 Douglas F5D-1" kindly given to me by a member here.


Bet that one's going to get a lot "What if...?" paints.

I hope so, there will be a paint kit.


RobR

[Sundog]

I hope so, there will be a paint kit.
RobR

That's awesome. I keep thinking of many of the Crusader Paint schemes that could be applied to this bird, in both the early high viz schemes and and later low viz camo gray schemes.

BTW, thanks for modeling this Rob.

[TARPSBird]

I always thought the "Fords" (F4D's) were cool looking aircraft, although I only saw them occasionally at NAS Glenview when I was a kid. Looking forward to seeing Rob's F5D in fleet squadron paint jobs.

[delta_lima]

Thank you DL, I've been working to "Naval Fighters No 35 Douglas F5D-1" kindly given to me by a member here.



I hope so, there will be a paint kit.


RobR

I have that book (great little book), and in addition, (what I think is the best book ever on the F4D and F5D) - Mark Frankel's "Killer Rays". Over 200 pages of amazing technical and pilot account material. Every paint scheme of every unit that flew the two types, and many more fantastic references. If either you or any serious repainter wishes to borrow it, I'll make it available. PM me for details.

My one observation (which unfortunately, travelling and not having access to my aforementioned book, I cannot confirm) is the VC view presents the side windscreen pillars raked rather sharply up/vertically. I believe they'd form a less tall triangle on either side of the centre support. As seen here:

http://www.aer.ita.br/~bmattos/mundo/images_mai07/douglas_skylancer_cockpit.jpg

Again, it could simply be the eyepoint position, or my mistaken perspective - all possible. Certainly not wanting to criticize - just observations for potential consideration.

Again, thrilled to bits.

dl

[robcarrich]

The VC view at the top is an early build taken in FSX wideview giving a distorted prospective.
The model has undergone quite a few changes since then and will no doubt change even more.
If its perfection your after better pay the 50 bucks and go to MILVIS, their models are almost faultless!:untroubled:

RobR

[delta_lima]

Thanks for the update Rob,

Your dedication to "non-vanilla" models, be it RAF/RN FAA, or other Cold War aircraft is what makes your work unique, highly valued, and easily the equal in terms of enjoyability of the large-scale commercial releases. The sad reality is more than likely, those devs would never take on something as interesting, if a bit obscure, as this F5D.

So am eagerly looking forward to this - and again, if you need that book, just say the word.

Regards,

dl

[peter12213]

Happy days, thanks for pointing this one out.

[delta_lima]

Just keeping this thread alive .... New WIP shots on Rob's home page....

http://www.robertjamesrichardson.co.uk

Very very stoked about this project.

DL

[Daube]

I don't really like this jet in real life, but I have to admit that Rob did a pretty good job at modelling it.
And I'm especially pleased by the textures he's using, looks like photorealistic:

http://www.robertjamesrichardson.co.uk/wpimages/wp26b7371d_1a.png

[DennyA]

Rob, wow, THANK YOU! I've always thought the Skylancer was one of the most beautiful jet designs ever (shocked, shocked I say, that anyone could not like it, Daube!). Never dreamed we'd see one in the sim. This and the F8U-3 Crusader III are my favorite "what if" planes of the 50s/60s era.

Can't wait to fly this. Rob, your work is so appreciated!

[robcarrich]

Rob, wow, THANK YOU! I've always thought the Skylancer was one of the most beautiful jet designs ever (shocked, shocked I say, that anyone could not like it, Daube!). Never dreamed we'd see one in the sim. This and the F8U-3 Crusader III are my favorite "what if" planes of the 50s/60s era.

Can't wait to fly this. Rob, your work is so appreciated!

Thanks for the encouragement.
Don't worry too much about Daube’s opinion, he seldom misses an opportunity to say something negative about one of my models.

[hae5904]

Awesome Rob, to see the matured grownup Ford, the F5D seeing the light within FSX! What kind of weapon options/configs do you have in mind.... or this is too early to tell perhaps?

Cheers,
Hank

[Mach3DS]

Fantastic work Rob! I love all the "what if" planes. Now if you want a challenge try the XF-92A. two variants of the prototype. one without and one with afterburner. hint hint ;) I'd love to get the non-AB a nice coat of polish one that aluminum! I love the research jets of the 50s.

[delta_lima]

It's hard to argue the F5D being an unattractive plane - 'guess I'm biased towards deltas. Agree that from the WIPs, Rob's textures look pretty sweet.

Paint-scheme-wise, while it's expected that "Neil Armstrong" paint scheme would feature prominently, I'm impressed with the lesser known evaluation schemes appear to be featured too - thanks Rob!! The 4 airframes wore some smart schemes ... here's an early NACA scheme:

23407

then shortly became NASA ...

http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/images/362775main_E-6475_full.jpg



Given the very short evaluation period of the plane (it was cancelled as an operational option I believe around 1958/59, bowing out to the already-chosen F-8) - it at least had a useful testbed / evaluation life (until mid-1970). Sparrow I was captive carried (not sure about actually launched, though) and as shown in Rob's first set, the internal bay carried either the 6 x Zunis or 72 x Mighty Mouse rockets. I think the Sidewinder was also trialed (not sure about fired), and I've only seen bombs mounted in drawings, not actually mounted. But for the purpose of "what if" - It's cool that Rob appears to be modeling all the options.

Some other interesting tidbits ... here's a rare shot of a nose camera installation - not for reconnaissance per se, but I believe for A2A filming of test aircraft (flew chase for at least a few X-15 launches, so possibly in support of that programme).


23406


With it's DFRC connections to both the X-20 and the lifting-body programme in general, it's place in the ancestry in such craft as the Space Shuttle is well deserved. Rob's labours on this will no doubt be a fitting tribute.

dl

[Sundog]

Yeah, I've been going over the Dyna-Soar approach tests performed by the Skylancer to fly when Rob is finished. I check his site every day to see if we're there yet. ;)

[robcarrich]

I have to say that I think the Skylancer is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built.
I do love a delta.
I'm in the process of TacPacking the model with ZUNI's, Sparrows and mk-82s
But as I only have the P3D version of TacPack it's just for that sim at the moment.

RobR

[hae5904]

I have to say that I think the Skylancer is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built.
I do love a delta.
I'm in the process of TacPacking the model with ZUNI's, Sparrows and mk-82s
But as I only have the P3D version of TacPack it's just for that sim at the moment.

RobR

Awesome news Rob !

Hank

[delta_lima]

Great news indeed.

I always suspected your proclivities for deltas (the F-106 came straight out of nowhere, as did this ...) ... now I understand! :very_drunk:

Rick's XF-92A idea is interesting - makes one wish for a back-dated KEDW set in the '50s ...

The AS/V F4D Skyray gets very regular flying time with me, despite its age (actually, I'm pretty happy with the model, it's the VC that's a bit old), so if you're ever inclined to one of those, I'm sure it'll be a hit. So too, would an X-24B - a delta (of sorts!) with no weapons to TacPac ...:adoration:

Anyway - looking forward to the F5D - stuff of dreams, for sure!

dl

[Sundog]

So your a fan of delta's? I have some nice engineering drawings with cross sections of the F-108. I know it wasn't built, but I've always liked it and won't be getting around to modeling it anytime soon. Just saying.

Thanks for all of your work Rob. I still regularly fly the wings off of the Vampires/Venoms and Meteors. Well, everything you've modeled, but those in particular.:)

[delta_lima]

F-108 - that would be a cool subject! Man, did North American know how to design nice planes: FJ4/4 Fury, - A-5 Vigilante - before they got the humpback, XB-70 Valkyrie ...

Hey, in the "let' see if we can really annoy Rob with ideas" race - there's always the CF-105 Avro Arrow ... :running:

... better run before I get clobbered ...


Back to the topic on hand, another picture of the "ugly bird" .... :a1310:


23447

dl

[glh]

Rob:

Can you give us an estimate when your site maintenance will be done ?? Thank You.

[delta_lima]

Rob:

Can you give us an estimate when your site maintenance will be done ?? Thank You.

Works for me, now ... (15:48 PST)

dl

[glh]

Works for me, now ... (15:48 PST)

dl

DL:

I am STILL getting britsim.com as down for maintenance -- unless I have the wrong URL.

Would you post the URL that you are accessing, please ?? Thank You.

[delta_lima]

DL:

I am STILL getting britsim.com as down for maintenance -- unless I have the wrong URL.

Would you post the URL that you are accessing, please ?? Thank You.

ah - there's your problem - britsim's been down for ages. That's not where Rob's stuff lives. It lives here:

http://www.robertjamesrichardson.co.uk/

that should get you going ....

dl

[glh]

DL:

Thank You, Sir. I figured there HAD to be a simple reason.

[delta_lima]

DL:

Thank You, Sir. I figured there HAD to be a simple reason.

Glad you're sorted. Am a big fan of Rob's work - anything to spread the word of his work is the least one can do.

dl

[robcarrich]

The trouble with modelling aircraft like the Skylancer and others mentioned above is that they may not be familiar to many people but those that are familiar with them know everything there is to know about them making it a risky business for me!

RobR

[falcon409]

The trouble with modelling aircraft like the Skylancer and others mentioned above is that they may not be familiar to many people but those that are familiar with them know everything there is to know about them making it a risky business for me!

RobR
Yep, and really, even after all the years spent in the Air Force, I'd never heard of this current model. If it wasn't in the Air Force inventory as an active aircraft, I wasn't concerned or even interested in what test bed aircraft were being worked on. For those who find that interesting. . .who am I to question it, but on average I think most would be far more interested in the more well known/recognized Military Aircraft. As a freeware developer Rob you have the latitude to delve into aircraft like this and obviously there is a segment of the simming community that are stoked to see it being built but as you mention, there's a limit to just how far you can go with "unknown" aircraft before you're on the short end of the stick. lol.

[delta_lima]

The trouble with modelling aircraft like the Skylancer and others mentioned above is that they may not be familiar to many people but those that are familiar with them know everything there is to know about them making it a risky business for me!

RobR

Rob, your work with lesser-known types, just like that of Tim Conrad, Craig Richardson, Lionheart's etc. - bring to life models with interesting, unique history. For those who either have, or wish to expand, their historical aeronautical understanding, they are a fabulous gift. For those happy to stay mainstream, they are blessed with umpteen variations of C152s, F-16s, and P-51s from the developers thus inclined. It's win-win. Obviously, you'll take on whatever projects you desire - but if you're considering some of these (or other) lesser known types, please don't worry about what we may or may not know about them.

For my part, I'm by no means an expert on the Cold War test/evaluation aircraft. Yes, it's my primary area of flight sim interest, and have collected many books and reference material over the years on the operations at DFRC, and certain of the test programmes (X-15, and lifting bodies in particular). Have visited Dryden Flight Research Centre a number of times, and taken some photos - but nothing "professional" or "industry-grade" per se.

If it's a type I know, and am passionate about, I'll usually offer help or insight/observations. It's never meant to second guess, much less criticize your work. Only meant to help. Indeed, I'd happily trade all my "historical knowledge" for a pound of your modeling talent.

Anyway - your other projects have been awesome - and very well received. I see this one being no different.

dl

[delta_lima]

... Rob has some new screenshots:

http://www.robertjamesrichardson.co.uk/

Model is looking good Rob ... goodness, this wait's going to be hard! :redfire:

:ernaehrung004:

dl

[morpheusfz]

Any news from the Skylancer? Can't wait to land on a Carrier with her. 

[delta_lima]

Rob was VERY kind and offered me a chance to fly/test it. It's still WIP, but it's already simply stunning.

I'll post some shots in a day or so.

I think he's a bit busy now, but he'll will advise of further progress when he gets there.

thanks,

dl

[robcarrich]

Hello All,
Thanks for the interest in the Skylancer.
Flightsim work, for me, has had to be put on hold for the time being as my wife has just undergone eye surgery.
A while back she had a serious fall and was knocked out and although she had a head scan at the time it was not until much later that a Macular tear was picked up.
The surgical procedure was long and complicated as is the convalescence and, as you can imagine, my mind is on this.
On a brighter note at least my cooking is improving....well, I think it is.
I still manage a quick look in on SOH most days though.

Regards
RobR

[DaveWG]

Look after the good lady Rob. Hope she makes a full and speedy recovery.:encouragement:

[WND]

Hey Rob:

Hope your wife is progressing along well and the recovery time is short for her..

Bill

[Sundog]

Wow, Rob, I hope she has a full and speedy recovery. Or should I call you Chef Rob? ;)

Like Delta Lima, Rob has also allowed me to fly it and I'm loving it. I've been meaning to post some pics as well, but I've been busy making a complete new version of the news letter for the modeling (IPMS) club I'm in using software I haven't used before, which has been time consuming. Having said that, the news letter has to be completed tonight so I'll have free time this weekend to post some shots of the Sky Lancer as well. You guys are gonna love it when it's released.

[hae5904]

Let me share some WIP pics of this awesome plane Rob allowed me to use.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24432&stc=1

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24433&stc=1

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24434&stc=1

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24435&stc=1

Rob, I hope your wife is having a speedy but healthy recovery to get you back to "work" .... or are you're planning to become a new "Gordon Ramsay" ??

Hank

[glh]

Rob:

How's the wife getting along ?? And have you moved past eating salads ?? :biggrin-new:

[delta_lima]

Hey Rob - how your wife is getting better!

As promised (however belatedly) - finally had a few minutes to take some shots. The venue is a beta I'm so thrilled to be a part of - Calclassic's Bernie Bockheim is working on a "Cape Canaveral 1962" FSX scenery pack. Can't think of a better way to combine two amazing projects. They're not intended as glamour shots, just part of beta feedback, so the FPS counters are there for reference sake. I'm not a noddy, dvj or other screenshot superhero, so I acknowledge these are pretty basic. Anyway, some pics ....


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/delta_lima/FS%20screens/2015-7-10_22-49-17-103_zpsq44zzt21.png (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/delta_lima/media/FS%20screens/2015-7-10_22-49-17-103_zpsq44zzt21.png.html)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/delta_lima/FS%20screens/2015-7-10_22-44-37-239_zpsn1nwvpej.png (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/delta_lima/media/FS%20screens/2015-7-10_22-44-37-239_zpsn1nwvpej.png.html)

Full scenery dev thread here: http://calclassic.proboards.com/thread/6867/reaching-stars-classic-space-exploration

The confluence of both this scenery and this aircraft is the "right stuff" of dreams I never imagined would come to light in FSX. Here's to some great devs who are making them come true. :encouragement:

dl

[Bjoern]

Curious how this thing handles on approach to carrier.

[hae5904]

Curious how this thing handles on approach to carrier.

Very nicely Bjoern! :encouragement:

Hank

[Bjoern]

Coolio. Is the view from the cockpit as bad as in the Skyray on appoach?

[delta_lima]

Curious how this thing handles on approach to carrier.

As to the real one? Just snapped a page from one of my F5D books:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/delta_lima/FS%20screens/14F3671A-BC3D-46AD-B2C9-0ECE2915CDBA_zpsskzwi0dm.jpg (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/delta_lima/media/FS%20screens/14F3671A-BC3D-46AD-B2C9-0ECE2915CDBA_zpsskzwi0dm.jpg.html)

According to the FY 1957 Fighter Aircraft Readjustments memo sent to the Secretary of Defence, the following summary captures some of the performance highlights vis-a-vis some of the current / soon-to-arrive / competing fighter platforms. Specifically, approach speeds were charted, and according to the report, its' approach speed (at 142 kts) was tied with the proposed F8U-3 III (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vought_XF8U-3_Crusader_III), with the highest being the current F8U-1 (production Crusader) at 145 kts. All others listed (Skyray, Phantom, etc.) were lower, with the F3H Demon the lowest at 130 kts.

That element alone might seem problematic, but as a whole, both the Douglas factory pilots, Patuxent River lead Navy test pilot Cdr Tom Gallegher and others noted very few performance or capability issues - certainly compared to those faced by the Skyray. By all accounts, its fate was political (near monopoly by Douglas on Navy procurement) and potentially duplication of capability with F-8 Crusader. Over the two first phases of test flying (1. factory, 2. NATC Patuxent River) it passed with flying colours. The third (3. Navy Preliminary Evaluation) is where it hit the skids, with the lead test pilot (Alan Shepard - yes, that Alan Shepard) of that phase recommending against its requirement. The rest is sadly, history.

That is, until its NASA rebirth, which gave it a long, albeit narrowly focused career.

DL

[Sundog]

Don't forget they were also planning to re-engine it with a J79. It's performance only would have become that much better as a result.

[delta_lima]

Indeed, SD.

"Out of the box " with the intended engine - it was easily the equal of the F-8 (and I'm a big fan of the F-8). Had the major production focus been the F5D, it'd be easy to imagine it having done everything the F-8 did in Vietnam, save perhaps for the photo-recce work.

Capability / complexity wise, it could easily have been a contender for some of the Mirage III and F-104 customers with some avionics downgrades, and if sufficient production volume to plateau unit costs to around the $5MM - $7MM, might have been economically viable.

dl

[NickB]

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/delta_lima/FS%20screens/2015-7-10_22-44-37-239_zpsn1nwvpej.png (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/delta_lima/media/FS%20screens/2015-7-10_22-44-37-239_zpsn1nwvpej.png.html)

The confluence of both this scenery and this aircraft is the "right stuff" of dreams I never imagined would come to light in FSX. Here's to some great devs who are making them come true. :encouragement:

dl


Hey DL,

Your patience has finally been rewarded. The Skyray paint was uploaded in 2008!

The right stuff indeed.

NickB

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=25116&stc=1

[delta_lima]

Hey Nick - you remembered! And I was flying the F4D in FS9, no less, back then.

Yes, and though I now have my beloved F5D in the hangar, I still have that paint of yours on the ported over F4D. Since you did that as a request, I'll still keep it on that F4D model as a reminder of how privileged we are to have folks do great freeware addons/paints. So it's not going anywhere. :encouragement:

dl