Pilatus PC-9



Introduction

As I have became more proficient in modeling, and with the introduction of better tools, I have been able to expand my Thailand project somewhat.  This aircraft is used for training by the Royal Thai Air Force.  Of course, I have included several other liveries, and there is a paint kit included so that you may create your own.  As always I received a lot of support from the Avsim MSFS Aircraft and Panel Design Forum and Khun Sukit from Thailflight.com provided the original inspiration.  

The model includes:
* Custom Panel
* Pseudo-dynamic Virtual Cockpit (gauges and controls work)
* Moving parts/working doors
* Reflective textures/dynamic shine




Model Notes

All the models use the same textures, so you could mix them up if you like.  Really, there are three basic versions included:  The basic PC-9, the PC9/A, and the PC-9/M.  Visually, the only obvious element that I left out was the bulging gear doors on the PC-9A.  The main gear tires are a bit larger on this version, but I just couldn’t be bothered to change it when I finally noticed it.  In real life, they don’t bulge that much, so it was easy to overlook.  Of course, flying a version with the extra fuel tanks doesn’t actually increase your fuel onboard, since this is handled in the common section of the aircraft.cfg file.

Liveries included:
* Royal Thai Air Force
* RAAF 2FTS
* RAAF “Roulettes”
* RAAF grey scheme
* Croatian Air Force
* Pilatus factory demonstrator
* Swiss Air Force
* Slovenia Air Force
* Germany trainer/target towing version

Models included:
* PC-9 – basic model
* PC-9 with extra tanks
* PC-9/M – similar to basic model but with a modified tail section
* PC-9/A – Australian version
* PC-9/A with extra tanks

This PC/9 works alright as an AI aircraft.  I included a few LOD models, but if you have a busy AI environment, it will definitely affect your frame rates.







Flying

The PC-9 generates a lot of torque, and this is especially noticeable when flying at slow speed at max RPM – like at take off.  I lowered the torque a little bit, so it is actually less than it should be, but I was trying to make the aircraft more “likable”.  Acceleration and controls are quick to react, and overall I think it is generally fun-to-fly.


Stall speed (clean)
93 kts
Stall speed (flaps and gear down)
70/86 kts (acrobatic/utility)
Max level speed (sea level)
270 kts
Max level speed (20k feet)
300 kts
Max operating altitude
25k feet
Service ceiling
38k feet
Take off run
745 feet
Take off to 50 feet
1235 feet
Landing from 50 feet
1775 feet
Landing run
1370 feet
Max range at 25k feet
887 nm


As with most turboprops, the engine is a bit slow to react, so just try not to overeact when adjusting the throttle.  Also, the PC-9 does not have separate mixture and pitch levers like on other turboprops – just a throttle, like on jets.  I put a lot of work into this next part; with the engine off, move the throttle while looking at the propellor – cool…


	


Finally

Makes sure the file in the “gauges” folder actually gets copied to your FS2002 gauges folder.  Never mind that it is a .cab file – this is how the FS2002 XML gauges look.  I have included a paint kit with this release.  Feel free to repaint the aircraft to your hearts content, but please don’t ask me to do it for you.  I’m just too busy.  Please upload repaints seperately – do not include this original aircraft with your release.  Instead, simply direct people to where they can download this plane.

Contact me:
martinstrong@martinstrong.com

Website:
General stuff - http://www.martinstrong.com/
Flight sim stuff - http://www.martinstrong.com/FS_Project.htm



Copyright and Distribution
--------------------------

This aircraft is released as Freeware. Copyright (C) Martin Strong.  As freeware you are permitted to distribute this archive subject to the following conditions,

- The archive must be distributed without modification to the
contents of the archive. Redistributing this archive with any files
added, removed or modified is prohibited.

- The inclusion of any individual file from this archive in another
archive without the prior permission of the author is prohibited.
This means, for example, that you may not upload an archive that uses
our visual or flight models with your own aircraft or include it in a
package containing a panel or aircraft sounds without first obtaining
the authors' permission.

- No charge may be made for this archive other than that to cover the
cost of its distribution. If a fee is charged it must be made clear
to the purchaser that the archive is freeware and that the fee is to
cover the distributor's costs of providing the archive.

- The authors' rights and wishes concerning this archive must be
respected.
