FS2004 StoneAir Stingray

This aircraft is built for FS2004.  It may or may not work in other versions of FS.

Operating notes
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This model is a purely imaginary design, representing a supersonic commercial transport.  As such I decided to have some fun with it.

It's top cruising speed is mach 4.69, which appears to be the max that FS will allow.  The optimum cruise altitude for attaining this speed is 70,000 feet.  By the way, that speed/altitude results in a ground speed of approximately 2600 knots.  New York to London in an hour and half anyone? 

Optimum climb rate is 6000 feet per minute.  Landing speed is around 170 knots.  On landing, it does help to keep the nose up after the main wheels touch down, using the aircrafts drag to slow it and shorten the landing roll.  No thrust reverser is provided, but it does have very good spoilers. 

At lower alitudes and speeds it will handle very much like any other aircraft except for a decided nose up attitude, which is expected from the wing configuration.  At high speeds/altitudes it is best to follow one recommended procedure, LET THE AUTOPILOT DO IT.  That's not to say you can't fly it by hand.  The plane is relatively stable at high speed, but the controls are very touchy.  Sudden movements can cause you to lose control, resulting in the fastest ride to the ground you've ever taken.  

The autopilot has been intentionally tuned way down, especially at high altitudes.  As I said, sudden control movements can have catastrophic results, so the autopilot eases into everything.  Don't expect instant response on pitch control.  If you climb at 6000 feet per minute and wait until you're at 69,000 feet to reduce you're climb rate, you will shoot right past you're altitude and you'll be at 80,000 feet before it levels itself out.  At mach 4.69, the word of the day is ANTICIPATE.  

On those same lines, don't put any sharp turns in your flight plan while cruising at top speed.  At that speed it will take 20 minutes and 1000 miles to do a 180.  The autopilot will have difficulty following a flight plan with a sharp turn.  Best thing is to plot your flight plan as a straight line from point A to point B.  Do your maneuvering at each end at normal speeds.

A note on the autothrottle.  Don't use it at high speeds/altitudes.  It just wasn't designed for it.  After taking off, set the altitude hold for 70,000, set the v/s for 6000 and just ram the throttle home.  Leave it there until you are ready to descend.  On that note.  When cruising at top speed, the engine is really strung out.  It takes a minute for it to begin to spool down once you cut the throttle.  So when you are ready to descend, cut the throttle and then just be patient.  It will eventually spool down and the aircraft will start losing speed.  

Now for some words about the panel and the flight controls.  The first thing you will notice is no buttons, switches or dials.  It's all flat panel, touch screen.  Well, not really touch screen, but it simulates one anyway.  The second thing you should notice is a set of four buttons on the lower right side of the center panel labelled MODE.  Many of the controls in the aircraft are automated (just as they should be in real life, in my humble opinion).  We'll take the buttons in order.  Their function is self explanatory, but they do things you need to be aware of. 

SHUTDN mode does just that.  It powers down the avionics, lights, electrical systems and finally, shuts down the engine.  It does everything but shut off the master power.  Of course, it will NOT engage in flight.

The TAKEOFF button prepares the aircraft for takeoff.  It will only operate with the plane on the ground in SHUTDN mode.  First it sets the parking brake and starts the engine.  Once the engine has adequate RPM, it engages the generator and powers up the avionics.  Flaps and pitch trim are automatically set in takeoff position.  Lights are turned on.  Once the cycle completes, the plane is ready to roll.  Taxi lights are turned on initially.  When full power is applied the taxi lights are turned off and the landing lights come on. 

In CRUISE mode, the aircraft is configured for normal flight.  Transition to CRUISE mode is automatic after takeoff and occurs as soon as a good positive climb rate is attained.  Gear retract and flaps (if any) are raised.  Landing lights are turned off.  Again, this happens automatically.  You don't have to press any buttons.  Just take off and the plane takes care of itself. 

Finally, there is LAND mode.  As the name implies, you press this when you are ready to begin your landing approach.  LAND mode will not engage unless the aircraft is under 250 knots indicated.  In LAND mode the flaps are initially dropped to half.  Once airspeed drops below 200 knots, flaps will automatically extend to full.  When the aircraft descends to 1500 feet above ground level, the landing gear are lowered, the auto spoilers are armed and the landing lights are turned on.  Upon landing, the landing lights turn off and the taxi lights come on as soon as the plane slows below 60 knots.  If the aircraft exceeds 250 knots while in LAND mode, it will automatically recycle back to CRUISE mode.  So if you have to go around, just shove the throttle forward and the plane does the rest. 

A few other notes.  The canards are totally automatic.  They deploy or retract based solely on the aircraft speed.  Forget about hitting the 'B' key to set your altimeter.  The alitmeter is automatically reset (once each minute) to local sea level pressure if below 18,000 feet.  Above 18,000 its fixed at 29.92.

Mike Stone
201 Heyden Dr.
Eureka, MO  63025

Web page: www.pmstone.com
E-mail: mike@pmstone.com

