FS2004 DC-3 Air Dynamics Modification (default aircraft, 3-tank)
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This package offers a modified aircraft.cfg file for default DC-3.  Support documentation explains what changes have been made to make the 'plane fly more closely to the published specifications for the real DC-3, vintage 1939. Supplied with backup file for easy installation. By Mark Beaumont and Dave Bitzer.

File name: DC3_BB3.ZIP

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AIRCRAFT DYNAMICS MODIFICATIONS:

Would you like the lift and drag scalars adjusted for proper glide distances?
Would you like the propeller specs adjusted so you can fly at the spec "endurance" settings without stalling, and fly at 13000 ft using 2050 RPM?
Would you like the take-off roll distance shortened?
Would you like the power from the engines adjusted to match the climb and cruise specs?
Would you like the turbocharger power adjusted so you start losing MP at 3000 ft rather than 7000?
Would you like a much more uniform increase in speed with increasing MP at 2050 RPM at 25K lbs. GW (closer to spec)?
Would you like for the low fuel pressure lights to come on at idle like they should?
Would you like the fuel flow to match the real cruise specs?
Would you like the brakes to stop the plane more quickly, but not that much more?
Would you like more stability in the deployed flaps condition?
Would you like the Microsoft flight planner to post realistic fuel consumption, speed, and time for each leg?
Would you like the fuel tanks positions to more closely match specs, for realistic balance?
Would you like to look out the left rear cockpit window and see the left engine, and the wing, so you get a realistic view for left pattern approaches?

If so, this new aircraft configuration file is for you.

The flight dynamics have been significantly altered by Dave Bitzer to make the 'plane fly more "to the numbers" than the default aircraft does.  It will handle differently than you may be used to, so take some time to get comfortable with the way it performs before you put it through its paces.  A detailed description of the alterations and why they were made can be found in the "Support Specifications" document which accompanies this download. 

Note: The specifications referred to are the Quebec Air Regulations series, available on the internet at http://members.tripod.com/pcmuseum/dc3/

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INSTALLATION:

1. Unzip DC3_BB3.ZIP to a temporary folder.

2. The file 'aircraft.cfg' is a replacement for your default DC-3 'aircraft.cfg' and 'aircraft_BK_orig.cfg' is a backup of the Microsoft original.  

3. If you have made no changes to your default DC-3 (i.e. added no other aircraft texture sets) then you can simply move these two files to your "....\Flight Simulator 9\Aircraft\Douglas_DC3\" folder and overwrite what's there. If, however, you have added extra texture sets, then you will already know how to cut and paste your list of extra [flightsim.XXX] entries into this new 'aircraft.cfg' file.  

(Alternatively, copy everything from [GENERAL] down in this new file and paste it into your existing 'aircraft.cfg' file in the same position i.e. overwriting everything from [GENERAL] down.)

Should you decide that this new file is not for you for any reason, then remove it and rename 'aircraft_BK_orig.cfg' to 'aircraft.cfg' (taking care to preserve any [flightsim.XXX] entries you might have added).

4. Finally, note the folder called "Support Specifications", which is intended for your reference and is self-explanatory.  Click on the file of the same name within the folder to read this browser-based document. We suggest that you also move this folder to your 'Douglas_DC3' folder within FS2004, together with this README.

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DISCLAIMER:

We take no responsibility for what you may do, or think you may have done, to your own system by installing this freeware file.  It works for us, it works for others, and it should work for you.

This is freeware.  If you like it, fine; if you think someone else's modifications are better for your own purposes, that's fine too, you can discard ours.  Constructive criticism will always be welcomed, but please don't simply come back to us telling us what, in your view, is "wrong" with this work !  This file is intended to make the default DC-3 fly more realistically, and that's all we are attempting to achieve.  We hope you enjoy the improvement.

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LEGAL BIT:

Please contact us if you would like to use any of this work in other projects. We will encourage, not block, you, but will appreciate the courtesy and due credit if any of this work is used elsewhere.  That's all. Thank you. 

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Copyright February 2004

Mark "Dark Moment" Beaumont

MABeaumont@aol.com
http://www.swiremariners.com/dc3.html

Dave Bitzer
bitzer7@comcast.net

