Categories
Flight Simulation

Try to land in Sumburgh, Scotland, with the Antonov 225 and the Buran space shuttle.

Antonov 225 with the Russian shuttle Bourane inbound for Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX
Antonov 225 with the Russian shuttle Bourane inbound for Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)
Antonov 225 with the Bourane shuttle on final approach to Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)
Antonov 225 with the Bourane shuttle on final approach to Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)

I know, Sumburgh is not an airport meant to receive the Antonov 225, even less with the Russian space shuttle Buran as cargo. In fact, this aircraft and Sumburgh exclude each other mutually. But if you want to try an  almost impossible virtual flight , now is the opportunity.

Antonov 225 with the Bourane shuttle on short final approach to Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)
Antonov 225 with the Bourane shuttle on short final approach to Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)

You must forget about the weight of the aircraft on the runway, the limited space to taxy and park, and the required distance for an eventual take-off. It is probable that once in Sumburgh, this aircraft will stay there forever.

Antonov 225 with the Russian shuttle Bourane over the runway in Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)
Antonov 225 with the Russian shuttle Bourane over the runway in Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)

It is interesting, though, to remember the exceptional performances of the Antonov 225. While flying over the Bourget for a demonstration, it was able to maintain a 45 degree turn with the 62 tons Russian shuttle mounted on top.

Speed 126 kts on the Sumburgh runway, Scotland, with the Antonov 225 and the Russian shuttle Bourane (FSX)
Speed 126 kts on the Sumburgh runway, Scotland, with the Antonov 225 and the Russian shuttle Bourane (FSX)
Antonov 225 taxiing in Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)
Antonov 225 taxiing in Sumburgh, Scotland (FSX)

The approach can be made at a surprisingly slow speed for an aircraft of that weight and the breaking performance is known to be excellent. In Sumburgh, you have the choice between two runways (4700 to 4900 feet). Forget about a safe final approach, you must fly it like a daredevil. It is possible to download the Antonov 225 and the shuttle for free. As for the Sumburgh airport, it is a creation of ORBX and is available for a very reasonable fee.

For other flights of that type, head to the “unhinged virtual flights” of my web site.

Categories
Screen captures

The Graf Zeppelin over Germany (virtual flight with FSX)

D-LZ127 Graf Zeppelin au-dessus de l'Allemagne (FSX)
D-LZ127 Graf Zeppelin au-dessus de l’Allemagne (FSX)

Using ORBX Global program, I took this FSX screen capture of the Graf Zeppelin over Germany. The cloud effects are derived from REX and the Zeppelin itself was found on flightsim.com and it is a free software. For a better atmosphere, if you decide to take a screen capture, fly the Zeppelin either during the morning or at dusk while there is still enough light, and so that the sun will strike the balloon from the side.

Few videos are available on YouTube to show you how to deal with the Zeppelin. It’s not enough to apply full throttle and hope that it will rise because it will not. You first have to take care of the ballasts. But within only few minutes of watching the videos and applying the correct manoeuvers, I promise that you will be airborne and then the rest will come pretty naturally.

The picture was slightly edited with Photoshop to add some constrasts to the screen capture.