Classic British Flight Sim

I had always been under the impression that the Dart did not go below beta range / flat pitch. In other words, no reverse pitch on the Dart. Yet, listening to my new Avion Video, I distinctly hear an F-27 taxi out and drop into beta range and reverse. Also an HS748 (Air North) also did the same. I understand the Andovers had reverse pitch, perhaps somebody retrofitted Andover props / engines to these aircraft? My only hands on jetprop experience is with Twin Otters, but I swear, these Darts birds sounded exactly the same as when I'd pull the PT6 through beta range and into reverse.

Hi Dutchman,

They definitely didn't, apart from as you say the Andover C1. You can't really believe what you hear on these DVDs as there's much dubbing going on. Often Dart powered aircraft make a lot of rasping sounds while taxying as the pilots try to keep the blades just on the constant speeding range and they often hunt in and out of flight fine while on the ground. Also on touchdown the blades move into ground fine, or flat pitch, giving maximum air resistance for decelleration. There is a momentary rise in RPM as they do this and the air resistance can cause a reverse like sound.

cheers

Fraser

That would be the distinctive growl which I've been told is the ends of the blades going slightly negative but not the whole blade.

There is a bit of a roar from the ground fine after landing but the blades are not negative as they would be in reverse and then power up in that condition. They just ground idle in fine pitch for braking which is a powerful brake nonetheless and the reason why Viscounts were landed fairly flat as if the nose was too high when the main gear compressed and activated the ground fine the nose could slam down heavily enough to collapse the nose gear.

As Fraser says only the HS.780 had reverse, although I can't say if the Alize did or not.

On the subject of DVD dubbing a noticable error is of the Superfreighters at Lydd where the landing aircraft has the sounds of one taking off

Another one they get wrong a lot is the L.188 and CV.580. As the massive Aeroproducts props are extremely effective in BETA, use of reverse isn't normal except on short runways. However, because of the twist of the blades, when in BETA, you'll get a very distinct growl like on the Darts that makes people think they've gone into Reverse when they haven't.

Viscount Cornbank wrote:Hi Dutchman,

They definitely didn't, apart from as you say the Andover C1.
cheers

Fraser

Hi: I am a newcomer to this forum. I have a question in relation to the HS780 FSX. Is there anyway I can improve the performance, in respect of short field performance, (STOL), and the reverse pitch capability. I wish to use the Andover in conjunction with "Air Hauler", however, the performance appears to be lacking, especially for the lessor airfields. Compliments to the FS modeller, the exterior is excellent:) Thanks in advance for any advice.

By the way, when did 46 aquire XS645........just curious:)

Cheers

Hi Islandperson and welcome aboard.

The 748 and 780 both fly more or less to the number so any changes would not be a true reflection of the aircraft. I'm no familiar with Air Hauler, but what the problem you are having?

TSR2 wrote:Hi Islandperson and welcome aboard.

The 748 and 780 both fly more or less to the number so any changes would not be a true reflection of the aircraft. I'm no familiar with Air Hauler, but what the problem you are having?

Perhaps it's just me. But attempting a virtual flight test out of of 4000ft strip the Andover C.1. only just made fresh air between the tyres on the keys at the far end. The 748 the same, or near enough. When considering the stark diffence in the Darts fitted I just wondered whether or not I could gain improvement on the 780's performance. Air Hauler is a game............that in many opinions actually improves useage of FS9, and FSX..............you are given tasks which could involve, shortish strips, or major airfields. Maybe not purist by some simmers standards, but it does add interest to MSFS:)

Cheers.

The short take off of the 780 was achieved by building power against the brakes and taking off with about 40 deg of flap...that is more flap than the 748.

In normal ops they didn't do that and the T/O locally was about the same as a 748.

Garry Russell wrote:The short take off of the 780 was achieved by building power against the brakes and taking off with about 40 deg of flap...that is more flap than the 748.

In normal ops they didn't do that and the T/O locally was about the same as a 748.

That was a quick reply.................Do you guys actually sleep in the UK:)

To be fair I do have a "bit" of experience flying on Andover C.1. with 46 Squadron, Andover OCU and 84 Squadron, (for real 1967-1970), so am reasonably familiar with the, at the time, performance and technique employed, I agree it was over 40 years ago...................so perhaps my memory of it's classic performance is jaded. I guess the answer to my original question is a straight "No". Thanks anyway for your input, and the rapid replies. Your involvement is much appreciated. My last trip in an Andover was in XS645 into a gravel strip, Saiq, high up in the Jebels, in the Oman May 14th, 1970...........so perhaps a memory can play tricks. Thanks again.

Cheers.

I've definitely got her into and out of some fairly short strips in Scotland in the sim, but haven't tried in ages. I'll give it a go again tomorrow night and let you know how it goes. What sim are you using, I.e. FS9 or FSX?