Tag: virtual aircraft

The regional jet CRJ-900ER and CRJ-700ER by Digital Aviation and Aerosoft

Post author By Stanley
Post date 13 October 2017

The reason for the delays and the positive side for the consumers

A virtual Bombardier regional jet CRJ-900ER (Aerosoft) with the Alaska Airlines colors is climbing after its departure from the Valdez virtual airport in Alaska (ORBX).

Digital Aviation & Aerosoft have finally completed their long awaited project to make a virtual CRJ-900ER and CRJ-700ER Bombardier regional jets. Months later than expected, the flight simulation enthusiasts can now try those two new virtual aircrafts. The CRJ is mostly used to link smaller airports and remote areas to the main hubs. The aircraft can rapidly reach its cruising altitude and stay there a long time, but it is not intended to be a really fast aircraft.

The company explains that, since the beginning, it had underestimated the complexity of the project and, because of ongoing delays, ended up having to catch up with the competition. In order to offer a superior product than the competition, Digital Aviation and Aerosoft had to review what it initially considered as an almost completed project.

Virtual CRJ-700ER aircraft (Aerosoft) with the Alaska Airlines colors airborne from the Valdez virtual airport (ORBX)

The CRJ-900ER and CRJ-700ER had their exterior almost completely redone; the consumer now ends up with a much better looking aircraft. The project manager says that it is only due to the patience and kindness of potential customers that the project was saved. It pays to be nice!

The first flight with the CRJ

Virtual CRJ-900ER aircraft with the Air Nostrum colors departing the St. Maarten international airport (Fly Tampa St.Maarten)

For the first flight, the manual recommends to first choose and activate one of the default FSX aircraft with the engine running. The pilot then selects the CRJ of his choice. It seems that doing so will prevent a lot of problems.

The virtual 2D cockpit

The virtual 2D cockpit helps save a few FPS. An easy access to the different sections of the cockpit is available since it is divided in several logical panels numbered from 1 to 9.

Navigation

The virtual pilot has access to an updated NavDataPro (May 2017) database for air navigation. It is the world’s most used database in aircraft. The aircraft is also compatible with the popular Navigraph database.

How does a standard computer deals with the new CRJ?

Virtual CRJ-900ER aircraft (Aerosoft) with the U.S. Airways colors airborne from the Denver International airport (Flightbeam Studios)

I have flown both aircrafts on several virtual airports like St. Maarten (Fly Tampa St. Maarten), Montreal international (Fly Tampa Montreal), Denver international (Flightbeam Studios) and Valdez (ORBX) without problems with regards to the computer’s processors and FPS. It was certainly out of question to try to land at the Courchevel airport (LLH Creations), with its short sloped runway, but a low pass at high speed caused no stutters.

A virtual CRJ-700ER aircraft (Aerosoft) with the Air France HOP colors is in flight over the Courchevel virtual airport in France (LLH Creations)

Flying the CRJ at low speed

The CRJ offers a good margin of manoeuver when it comes to flying at low speed. But due to the position of the engines, the aircraft’s nose will raise rapidly when the throttle is brought back to idle. In a constant and progressive descent, that does not cause a problem. But if the manoeuver is done on short final when the aircraft is still above 50 feet, the rapid change in the aircraft’s attitude could induce a stall.

The air brakes

One cannot rely too much on the air brakes to slow down the CRJ. They have limited efficiency, both for the virtual and the real aircraft.

Floating tendency

If the aircraft arrives over the threshold at a higher speed than recommended, it will float for a long distance before finally touching down.

Landing and take-off distances

A virtual CRJ-900ER aircraft with the Air Canada colours (Aerosoft) is approaching the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau virtual airport (Fly Tampa Montreal)

The CRJ-900 and CRJ-700 operate on relatively short runways. The CRJ-700 needs 5040 feet for take-off (at maximum weight) and landing, under the standard ICAO conditions. The CRJ-900 requires 6060 feet for take-off and 5260 feet for landing. The maximum range has been established to be around 1300 and 1400 nm.

Managers that facilitate the use of the CRJ

For the CRJ, Digital Aviation & Aerosoft have created managers that allow choosing the number of passengers, cargo, as well as calculating the fuel weight, the center of gravity and the amount of trim required. There is even a FS2 Crew option if desired. Another manager facilitated the addition of liveries.

The flight simulation enthusiasts had been anticipating the arrival of that regional jet for a long time; some did not believe anymore that it would one day become a reality (that includes the company too!). The flight simmers now have access to a world class and high quality regional jet.

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Flight Simulation

Flying in and out of Limberlost Ranch (CA21)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 12 June 2017

The following pictures show a virtual flight in United States. The trip is from KBLU ( Blue Canyon-Nyack) to Limberlost Ranch (CA21) then to Gansner Field (201). Landing and taking-off from Limberlost Ranch is a nice challenge.

For this flight simulation, I used the FSX flight simulator, the Carenado Cessna C-207 equipped with bush tires and REX clouds.

Airborne from KBLU.

The Cessna C-207 is airborne from the Blue Canyon-Nyack airport runway

Enroute from KBLU (5284 ft ASL) to Limberlost Ranch and it’s 1700 ft grass runway (1650 ft ASL and about 23 NM east of KBLU), you pass by the Nevada County airport (O17) that has also received a special treatment from ORBX.

It might be necessary to fly over the Limberlost Ranch airport before starting an approach, so that you have an idea of what to expect on final.

Over the Limberlost Ranch short and sloped runway

Limberlost Ranch has a sloped runway (in fact, a multiple slope runway). Part of it is asphalted, but most of it is grass. You make the approach for the grass section. Note that there is a fence on the side at the beginning of the runway. The virtual aircraft should not touch the field before it has passed the fence (for more realism).

The Cessna C-207 is on final for the Limberlost Ranch sloped runway

Landing on the Limberlost Ranch short and sloped grass runway

The Cessna C-207 is parked at Limberlost Ranch for a few minutes

Ready for take-off from the Limberlost Ranch runway

With a bit of crosswind, taking-off from this short runway can be demanding. The aircraft feels really sloppy (and I mean it) and behaves more like a boat than a plane during the acceleration to get airborne. It is essential to avoid the line of trees on the left side of the runway. A bit of flaps is required as it is the norm for soft runway operations. Careful but essential use of the rudder will also make your take-off a success.

Aircraft airborne from the Limberlost Ranch runway

Enroute to Gansner Field.

Gansner Field is about 41 nm north of KBLU. The virtual airport is very well made and nestled in a valley. Coming in from KBLU, you need to pass 6000 ft mountains before diving for that 3419 ft asl asphalt runway.

The fully enjoy those virtual flights, it is suggested that you install the different layers of Orbx products (Global, Vector, Open LC) as well as the KBLU virtual scenery.

Have a good flight!

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags Blue Canyon-Nyack, CA21, Carenado, Cessna C-207, challenging virtual flights, flight simulation, flight simulator, FSX, Gansner Field, KBLU, Limberlost Ranch, ORBX, REX, short runway, sloped runway, soft runway, virtual aircraft, virtual flight, virtual scenery

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: a Beech Staggerwing over Saskatchewan

Post author By Stanley
Post date 14 May 2017

Beech Staggerwing aircraft over Saskatchewan, Canada.

The screen capture above represents a Beech Staggerwing virtual aircraft available through the Carenado company, in flight early morning on a winter day over Saskatchewan, Canada.

Houses and the general scenery are a creation of the Orbx company, through their FTX Global Base Pack, FTX Global Vector and FTX Global openLC North America products.

The virtual clouds are a creation of REX Texture Direct and Soft Clouds. There is also an additional touch of drama through the use of Cumulus X. The virtual flight platform used was FSX.

In April 2017, Orbx again released new improved virtual airports for North and South America, available for free for flight simulation enthousiasts already using their commercial products. That was one more reason to go flying in Saskatchewan!

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags Beech Staggerwing, flight simulation, FSX, ORBX, REX, virtual aircraft, virtual flight

Flight Simulation

From Chile to Rothera, Antarctica, with the BAS Twin Otter and the FSX flight simulator

Post author By Stanley
Post date 14 March 2017

Aerial view of the Rothera research station in Antarctica.

For this flight, you will need the Antarctica X flight simulation software made by Aerosoft.

The maintenance of BAS Twin Otters and their Dash-7 is done in Calgary, Canada, and head to Antarctica during the austral summer, between October and March. So if you want to try a flight simulation with a Twin Otter or a Dash-7 from Chile to Antarctica, pick one of those months as it is more realistic.

Since it would be a bit long to make all the virtual flights from Canada to Antarctica, I chose to do the last three legs to see what the landscape looks like.

A Twin Otter is normally approved for a maximum take-off weight of 12,500 pounds. But with skis weighing 800 pounds and additional fuel required to fly longer legs, BAS (British Antarctic Survey) has arranged to have their Twin Otters approved at 14,000 pounds. Even at this weight, the aircraft could still operate on one engine.

First, the aircraft departs La Florida airport (SCSE) in Chile, after a mandatory fuel stop before its next destination, the El Tepual de Puerto Montt airport (SCTE), also in Chile.

Airborne from La Florida, Chile, after refueling.

This virtual flight with the Twin Otter last about 4:25 hours (696 nm) with a heading of 185 degrees.

In flight towards El Tepual de Puerto Montt, Chile.

For the screen captures, FTX Global, FTX Vector and Pilot’s FS Global 2010 were installed. Orbx has also reworked the original El Tepual de Puerto Montt airport to include some people, aircrafts and new buildings. It makes for a more interesting destination.

Twin Otter on final approach for El Tepual de Puerto Montt, Chile.

Ready for refueling at the El Tepual de Puerto Montt, Chile.

The next flight is from the El Tepual de Puerto Montt airport (SCTE) to Punta Arenas (SCCI), both in Chile.

Twin Otter aircraft airborne and heading to Punta Arenas, Chile.

This flight, made low across the Andes, absolutely requires good weather. You will have to climb to 17,000 feet to make the direct route between the airports.

Twin Otter over the Andes climbing for17,000 feet

There are often spectacular views available to the virtual pilot. Yes, the BAS Twin Otter is flown by only one pilot, but there is always somebody else accompanying him.

Twin Otter aircraft approaching Punta Arenas, Chile.

Don’t forget to lean the mixture during the climb. Also use some additional oxygen (!!) if you don’t want to start singing and flying in circles after a while. Again, pay attention to the mixture during the descent, considering that you will be losing close to 17,000 feet.

The Punta Arenas airport, straight from FSX, is not an interesting airport to look at. It is a very bare airport, with just a single building and a VOR.

But since the BAS pilot do that mandatory leg just before heading to Antarctica, I chose not to change the route. The general direction for the flight to Punta Arenas was 164 degrees and the duration approximately 4:28 hours. You can obviously accelerate the process once the aircraft is established at its flying altitude.

The last flight is from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Rothera, Antarctica.

Twin Otter aircraft heading for the Rothera airport in Antarctica.

The Twin Otter will take between six and seven hours on an average heading of 162 degrees to cover the distance between Punta Arenas (SCCI) and Rothera (EGAR).

Over the snowy mountains of Chile towards Rothera, Antarctica

Carrying extra fuel on the flight towards Rothera, Antarctica.

The runway at Rothera is made of gravel and is 2953 feet long. That is plenty for the Twin Otter and the DASH-7. Before you make the flight, go into the aerosoft/Antarctica X file in your flight simulator and click on the “LOD 8.5” option (the default is at LOD 4.5). It will give you much better details when you are approaching Antarctica.

The antarctic Rothera research station is in sight

Twin Otter aircraft on final at Rothera, Antarctica.

The Airliner World magazine had an excellent article on the BAS operations in Antarctica in its March 2017 edition. It included plenty of interesting pictures and detailed explanations on what is expected from pilots and personnel working for BAS. I compared the Rothera virtual airport with the real one through the available pictures in Airliner World and was pleasantly surprised with the level of accuracy of the details.

A British Antarctic Survey Twin Otter aircraft is landing on the Rothera runway, Antarctica

The BAS always prepares itself for the worst: “[It] carries parts valued at around $5m, including a replacement engine for each aircraft, spare props and undercarriage components”.

Twin Otter aircraft after a landing on the Rothera runway, Antarctica

“A new development for the Air Unit has been its work with the RAF, using C-130 Hercules transports to airdrop supplies into the field. They fly from Punta Arenas and drop fuel to support our science programmes on the Ronne Ice Shelf. […] It is all part of their training system and the accuracy they drop to is very impressive. They might drop 250 drums, think how many Twin Otter trips that would have been for us (48 or more than 400 flying hours)”.

Aerosoft has made an excellent job in replicating the buildings in Rothera, BAS’s main research station in Antarctica. The biggest hangar can accommodate three Twin Otters and a Dash-7 altogether.

Inside the main hangar at the Rothera research station, Antarctica.

When your flight is over, do not forget to change the settings back to LOD 4.5 for Antarctica in your aerosoft/Antarctica X files.

For other standard virtual flights, click here:

Standard Virtual Flights

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: a FedEx MD-11 inbound for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 20 January 2017

The flight simulator enthousiast will have fun trying this short flight ( 14 minutes) from the Eagle County virtual airport (KEGE) to the Telluride virtual airport (KTEX). The virtual flight, using FSX, was made during winter, on January 8th. The shots below represent an idea of what is visible while flying toTelluride. Use 14,000 feet, it should do it…

FedEx MD-11 on the take-off run at the Eagle County airport (KEGE) (FSX)

FedEx MD-11 airborne from the Eagle County airport (KEGE) (FSX)

FedEx MD-11 between Eagle County airport (KEGE) and Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

There are lots of beautiful mountains between KEGE and Telluride, and also some unpredictable weather…

The expected ceiling at Telluride was 8500 ft. On the way to the airport, the clouds and visibility were sometimes obscuring the mountains.

A FedEx MD-11 on a flight Eagle County (KEGE) to Telluride (KTEX) (FSX)

Telluride is a very inviting airport for a MD-11. The 7000 feet runway itself does not represent a big challenge, although its 100 feet are a bit narrow: this aircraft would normally require a 150 feet wide landing surface.

The virtual VFR approach made with the MD-11 was the most expensive way to do the trip, since it required a fly-by and a 270 degree turn to the right to align with runway 09.

FedEx MD-11 flies by the Telluride airport KTEX) (FSX)

The 270 degree turn at a 10-20 degree bank allowed to transit from 14,000 to 10,000 ft without doing anything radical. Just a turn while descending and gradually loosing speed to arrive at around 160 kts on final. The aircraft was now installed on long final, with flaps set at 50 degrees.

A FedEx MD-11 on long final runway 09 for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The high altitude runway’s 9078 feet msl elevation meant the pilots dealt with lower air density and heavy weight when approaching and, as such, the airspeed had to be adjusted accordingly to prevent stalling on final.

A FedEx MD-11 on final runway 09 for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

Here is a view from the Telluride tower…

View from the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX) of a FedEx MD-11 on final for runway 09

Now with a view like that, you would not consider coming in IFR…!

A FedEx MD-11 inbound from KEGE on final for runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

To prevent an overshoot and some additional expenses in fuel (which are already skyrocketing), an optimal approach was required.

Most accidents with the MD-11 happen when the pilot pushes on the stick when there is a rebound with the nose wheel, thus creating an even stronger rebound. When there is a rebound, there is no need to push on the stick, just wait and the aircraft sets itself quickly.

A FedEx MD-11 over the threshold runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

Now with max breaking and thrust reversers…

A FedEX MD-11 slowing down at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The MD-11 can easily turn at the first taxiway at Telluride. But in order to capture a wider view of the airport, I exited at the last taxiway (again adding to the already enormous expense in fuel…)

A FedEX Md-11 is exiting runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The employee on the ramp was worried that the MD-11 lower winglet would scratch N900SS while taxiing. But there was plenty of space (11 inches)…

A FedEX Md-11 is taxiing on the ramp at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The MD-11 was parked temporarily in a spot needed by every aircraft. It was necessary to unload quickly the precious cargo and get out of the way.

Temporary parking for a FedEx MD-11 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

Some expert handling would be needed to help move back that MD-11 close to the runway. But that was the Telluride’s airport manager problem and he had promised he would have something ready!

FedEx Md-11 parked at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The virtual scenery from departure to destination is a creation of ORBX programmers and the virtual MD-11 is made by PMDG Simulations (I am not sure it works with P3D though). For the weather, I used REX Simulations as the weather engine and REX and Cumulus X for the cloud textures. (Edit: PMDG does not support it’s MD-11 anymore).

For other challenging virtual flights, head towards the flight simulation section of my web site, under “challenging virtual flights”: there is something for everyone!

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: Homer (PAHO) ice runway with a DC-3 on skis, under FSX

Post author By Stanley
Post date 13 April 2016

DC-3 at the Homer (PAHO) virtual airport in Alaska (FSX)

If you feel like attempting a virtual landing on an ice runway, an opportunity is offered by ORBX through their Homer (PAHO), Alaska virtual airport. For the flight, I used the FSX platform but it could have been also done under P3D.

DC-3 on skis airborne from the Homer (PAHO) virtual airport in Alaska (FSX)

The ice runway is just a short distance away from the regular Homer asphalted runway. The DC-3 is an excellent aircraft for the task since its approach speed is very low and it is one of the few virtual aircrafts equipped with skis.

A DC-3 on skis is turning final for the Homer ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

If you want to try that flight, make sure to adjust the flight simulator configuration settings so that the Homer ice runway option is activated, otherwise you’ll end up under water…

In order to add a bit of challenge as well as winter realism, you can add a bit of crosswinds or some snow using the standard « heavy snow » option in FSX. The program PrecipitFX helps a lot if you are looking for a better definition of precipitations, be it snow or rain. For this flight, the Cumulus X program was also activated.

Cockpit view of a virtual DC-3 on final for the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

Virtual DC-3 on skis on short final for the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

Virtual DC-3 on skis about to touch the threshold of the Homer ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

The short flight proved to be an interesting experience, since the runway was narrow and there were some crosswinds. I thought that it would be very slippery but it was not the case. Maybe one day Orbx, in association with the FSX Steam (Dovetail Games) professionals, will work at modifying the flight simulation platform and add a CRFI (JBI) index of .40 or less to increase the difficulty in slowing down and controlling the virtual aircraft?

A DC-3 on skis flying few feet over the Homer (PAHO) (FSX) ice runway, a product of the ORBX company

A virtuel DC-3 on skis after a landing on the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

A DC-3 virtual on skis backtracking the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

As this flight is not a super though exercise, I have placed it in the “standard virtual flights”, in the flight simulation section of my website. For more of those flights, click on the following link: Other standard virtual flights

Have fun trying this one! Later on, I’ll present another ice runway located on Antarctica, which virtual scenery was made by Aerosoft. Even the C-17 Globemaster III is approved there…

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation : St.Barths (TFFJ) with the Aerosoft Twin Otter in FSX

Post author By Stanley
Post date 1 February 2016

Well, let’s start with a real life video showing that there is no margin for error when landing in St.Barths :

In that video, you can clearly see that the speed on the approach seemed excessive and the aircraft floated precious seconds over the runway. Very soon, there wasn’t enough runway left to stop the aircraft safely. So the trick is to use a reasonable approach speed and be ready to do a missed approach if the wheels do not touch early on the runway.

40014 Runway in sight at St Barths TFFJ on the left and in the middle of the island (FSX)

40015 A Solomons Twin Otter is on final for runway 10 at St Barths TFFJ (FSX)

An approach with a virtual aircraft of your choice can be done in St.Barths (TFFJ) since FlyTampa St Maarten scenery includes that airport. I tried a circuit with the Aerosoft Twin Otter, under FSX, and it went very well, since this aircraft can fly at a very low speed and can break on a dime. It might have been a different story with the same aircraft that pilot was flying in the video…

Cessna 208B N208SG landing at Saint Barthelemy Airport, Guadeloupe (on aviation postcard)

40016 The Twin Otter is now on short final for runway 10 in St Barths TFFJ (FSX)

40017 The Twin Otter lands on the threshold of runway 10 at St Barths TFFJ (FSX)

For your information, the St.Barths 10-28 runway is 2133 ft long. For the landing, the winds where blowing from 031/10G20, which provides for a good crosswind. The biggest aircraft to have landed in St Barthélémy is a Canadian built de Havilland DHC-7.

40021 A bit of sand is blown on tourists in St Barths TFFJ (FSX)

40022 A Solomons Twin Otter leaves the runway at St Barths TFFJ (FSX)

Good luck and have fun trying out that virtual flight!

There are other challenging virtual flights in my website.

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags Aerosoft, challenging virtual flights, flight simulation, Fly Tampa St Maarten, FSX, St.Barths, St.Barths virtual airport, TFFJ, Twin Otter, virtual aircraft, virtual flight, virtual scenery

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation : Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, the shortest commercial runway in the world (FSX)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 9 January 2016

One nice challenging virtual flight in FSX is to operate from the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, the shortest commercial runway in the world.

The runway is 1299 ft long (396m) and 60 ft (18m) above sea level. The IATA code is SAB, and the ICAO code TNCS.

30314 A Twin Otter aircraft is on long final for Saba (FSX)

30315 A Twin Otter aircraft is on short final for Saba (FSX)

The ideal virtual aircraft for that runway is the Twin Otter (DHC-6) or the Britten Islander (BN-2). If you want something bigger, the De Havilland DHC-7 is going to be your perfect choice. Forget about jet aircrafts, the runway is too short.

30316 A last correction for the wind in Saba (FSX)

To add to the pleasure, use runway 30 and add a strong crosswind component, with gusts. In the screen captures below, I set the winds to 030 degrees at 10G20. For the flight, I also used Cumulus X and PrecipitFX to improve the visual effects.

30317 A Twin Otter aircraft is arriving in Saba (FSX)

30320 A Royal Tongan Twin Otter aircraft is leaving the runway in Saba (FSX)

For an even more realistic experience, I suggest you get the FlyTampa St.Maarten scenery, which will offer you three airports, which are all very well designed and present real challenging approaches : the Juancho E. Yrausquin airport, on Saba Island,the spectacular St.Barths airport and the Princess Juliana international airport in St.Maarten.

In the « challenging virtual flights » section of my website, I have already included an approach to Princess Juliana airport in St.Maarten, with the MD-11. The approach to St.Barths (TFFJ) will soon be included.

You will enjoy every minute trying to make perfect landings at those three airports. For other challenging virtual flights, visit the flight simulation page of my website.

Have fun!

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags aviation, challenging virtual flights, Cumulus x, flight simulation, Fly Tampa, FSX, Juancho E. Yrausquin virtual airport, PrecipitFX, runway, Saba Island, short runway, St Maarten, TNCS, virtual aircraft, virtual flight, virtual scenery

Screen captures

Intercepted!

Post author By Stanley
Post date 12 October 2014

The screen capture that you can see here has really not been planned. It is about the interception of a light twin engine aircraft by a Harrier military jet. After subscribing to an English virtual flying magazine, I received, as a welcome gift, this virtual military jet. As I was “in flight” familiarizing myself with the jet, I saw a little white dot moving in the distance. It was one of the numerous virtual aircrafts generated by the Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX) program. The idea to simulate an interception and fly in formation with an unknown aircraft was just too good to resist. In few minutes, both aircrafts were in sight of each other. It was now a matter of adjusting the speed of the Harrier exactly with the other aircraft’s speed and progressively get closer. The picture represents the end result of this little meeting. The countryside under the planes is an ORBX creation.

Tags flight simulation, flying in formation, FSX, Harrier, interception in flight, ORBX, virtual aircraft, virtual flight