Lockheed 1049 C Super Constellation ************************************************************************************* IMPORTANT NOTES: This version is for FS5.1 only. You may convert the airplane for use with FlightSim for Windows 95 and FlightSim 98 using Microsoft's converters. If you do not have the converter you may get the one you need at Microsoft's game site at: http://www.microsoft.com/games/fsim/downloads.htm You must have the converter installed in order to see cockpit instruments. For FS5.1, copy the .air file to your PILOTS directory, and all .*af files to your TEXTURE Directory under the parent FlightSim 5.1 directory --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Designer Joe&Doe, Dave Mcqueen Modified Rob Bennis Artwork Rob Bennis History --------- The 'Constellation' and 'Super Constellation' were among the last of the great prop-driven airliners just before the jet age began in civil avia- tion. In 1939 Lockheed began with the development of the L-49 as a large four-engined civil aircraft. When the USA entered WWII, the concept was changed to the military transporter C-69, which first flew in January 1943. After the war the design was converted back to its original role, and the first L049 Constellations were put into service with Pan American Airways in 1946. The characteristic long slender fuselage and the triple tailfin of the Constellation could soon be seen at all major airports of the world. The long range and the pressurized cabin made the Constella- tion superior to most of her rivals. In 1951 the improved version, the L-1049 Super Constellation, saw service with Eastern Airlines. The L-1049, which had a longer fuselage and more power, went through many different versions, the last of which were the L-1049G and the passenger/freight version L-1049H. More than 600 Super Constellations were built. The last of the Constellation series was the L-1649A Starliner in 1957. In spite of excellent performance, only 43 Starliners entered service. At last, the age of the jetliners had begun. The flight model ----------------- The flight model was based on the actual performance parameters of the L1049C, and a detailed drag calculation done by Joe Ng. However, due to the limited (not to say buggy) capacities of FSFS flight models, there are some limitations to realism. First, the stalling behaviour is unrealistic. The plane just starts to sink fast and then starts a tail-first plunge toward the ground. There was no way to overcome this and maintain realistic pitch stability in normal flight. Second, the max. speed at high altitudes is a bit too low. It is more accurate at lower altitude. Third, the fuel consumption is far too low. Therefore the fuel capacity was set to a much smaller amount than in reality, and the payload increased instead. Fourth, if left alone in level flight, the plane tends to turn slightly to the right. This should not happen with a four-engined aircraft ! Don't blame us, blame FSFS for that. We hope for a forthcoming FSFS patch to overcome this. Flying the Super Constellation ------------------------------- The Connie is not difficult to fly if you remember that it is much faster, larger and heavier than your average Cessna. Take off with one or two notches of flaps and ful throttle. Rotate at 110 knots, and take off at 120 knots. Reduce throttle. Try to hold a cruising speed of about 260 to 270 knots (as the original). Don't try steep turns, you will probably loose a lot of altitude (and also your passengers stomachs won't appreciate this). If you use the autopilot, use also the 'wing leveler' option to hold course. The plane tends to drift slightly to the right, especially if flown with higher time rates. Prepare for a rather fast landing approach, even with flaps full down. Ap- proach speed on final will be about 130 knots. Try to touch down with 100 to 110 knots. ************************************************************************** Now the legal stuff: ENJOY, AND FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS. I INTEND ON OFFERING MANY LIVERIES OF THIS AIRCRAFT. THIS AIRPLANE IS THE PROPERTY OF THE AUTHOR, AND CANNOT BE RE-SOLD OR PACKAGED WITH ANY PRODUCT FOR SALE, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE AUTHORS. THIS IS FREEWARE!! YOU MAY UPLOAD THIS PLANE TO ANY OTHER SERVER THAT HAS A FREE DISTRIBUTION POLICY. IF THIS PLANE IS UPLOADED TO RESTRICTED SERVERS (I.E. COMPUSERVE FSFORUM)(NOT THE AUTHOR'S INTENTION), IT MAY BE DOWNLOADED AND UPLOADED TO OTHER SERVERS. THIS NOTICE CONSTITUTES THE AUTHORS PERMISSION TO DO THIS. THIS ENTIRE TEXT FILE MUST BE INCLUDED IN ANY DISTRIBUTION. THE AUTHORS ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY LIABILITIES THAT YOU MIGHT INCUR AS A RESULT OF USING THESE PRODUCTS. YOU ASSUME THE RISK OF USE. Rob Bennis Amstelveen Netherlands RobBennis@Compuserve.com (Feedback is welcome!)