Helicopter sims

[The Nr Fairy]

All :

I know companies which advertise sim trips in heavy metal fixed wing sims, but does anyone know of a similar thing for helicopter sims ?

I think in the UK there's civil S61 sims, and the military has Chinook, Puma, Merlin, Lynx and so on, but any ideas on anything in southern England would be useful.

BTW, if anyone's got contacts to arrange a go on the Merlin or Lynx sim, I can arrange a small token of my appreciation.
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I got bored with "WhoNeedsRunways"

[This message has been edited by The Nr Fairy (edited 28 November 2000).]

[Thomas coupling]

Try a visit to the Flight International web page and type into their search engine: helicopter simulators, UK. If this doesn't work scan back thru their back copies over the last 3 to 4 editions. I saw a list of all helo sims throughout europe (including Gb). Good luck.

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TC

[The Nr Fairy]

TC :

Had a look at what I assume is the FI web site at www.flightinternational.com (http://www.flightinternational.com) but couldn't find a search option, except for jobs. The back issues bit showed issues with simulator or civil helicopter directories, but nothing concrete for the UK.

Have you got the right URL, I seem to be incapable of finding it !!

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I got bored with "WhoNeedsRunways"

[Thomas coupling]

I have checked with Flt Int, the copy is the 11.4.00 issue, the Civil Simulator directory 2000.
I have asked them to send me a copy of this table and will send it on to you if you so wish, and if indeed, they do send it!!

I have contacts in the seaking sim world and possibly the 101 sim world, too (haven't looked the latter up for some time tho') You'd get a tour around the unit free but a ride is something else. it just might happen that u r lucky on the day but don't rely on that!! The other thing is that it is in the SW so some distance to travel to take a chance. I have heard on the rumour net that some of these MOD sim's accept civvy visits/rides but for a wee charge!!

Sorry can't be of any more help...


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TC

[The Nr Fairy]

TC :

Thanks for your help. If / when you get a copy of the list, I'd appreciate that. I did try ringing the back issues people but they seemed to think the sim list was fixed wing only - maybe I should have phoned Reed.

P.S. Roughly whereabouts in the country are you ?

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I got bored with "WhoNeedsRunways"

[This message has been edited by The Nr Fairy (edited 03 December 2000).]

[212man]

Nr,
I think you'll find that in the UK there are only 2 civillian simulators now (BA had a Chinnok but the RAF have it now I think). Bristow have a Super Puma simulator in Aberdeen, and Scotia (ex Brintel, BIH BAH) have a S61 in Aberdeen also, However, I believ that may be moveing down to Penzance at some point as part of the sell off of onshore assetts to British International (uncluding the name in case you're confused!).

No idea what the chances of a free trip would be, commercial rates are in the late 3 figures per hour, so slim I would guess. Both are pretty old technology and are really meant as instrument trainers with a bit of visuals for T/O and Ldg, so you wouldn't be able to waz around looking out the window (well, you can but it takes practice).

I assume you know about the B412 simulator in Shawbury? It is the latest technology and exactly what you need, but I would assume the chances are remote unless you are connected with the ATC and arrange a visit perhaps.

Not much help there I'm afraid, good luck in your quest.

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Another day in paradise

[The Nr Fairy]

212man :

Thanks for that.

It's a real pisser that they're so much more fun but so much rarer !!

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I got bored with "WhoNeedsRunways"

[Cron]

On the general subject of helio sims can anyone recommend a particularly good desktop (PC based) helio simulator?

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London Tower this is Skyflash...

[Ewan Whosearmy]

Can't say i've seen it myself, but SAR 2 (Search & Rescue 2) is supposed to be half descent as a Desktop Sim. Certainly don't go anywhere near FS2000...

If you're in the UK you should be able to pick SAR2 up from any big Virgin or HMV

[212man]

Big virgins eh? not much of a chat up line though is it? "can I see your copy of SAR2?".

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Another day in paradise

[Ewan Whosearmy]

212Man:

You mean you haven't tried that one yet?!

Beats the hell out of 'Would you like to have a go on my Choppa' ;-)

Edited because i managed to post the original without any text.

[This message has been edited by Ewan Whosearmy (edited 05 December 2000).]

[Try_Cyclic]

To Cron:

I agree that Microsoft FS does not have the best helo flight model.
I have been using X-Plane, which also supports helos, in fact it uses "blade element theory" to predict rotor behavior.
Using full size cyclic,collective, and pedals (which I chose to design and build rather than buy), I learned to hover, do quickstops, autorotate, etc.
Now the next goal is to have an external panel and cockpit enclosure for for even more realism.
My advice would be to try using X-Plane <A HREF="http://www.x-plane.com" TARGET="_blank">http://www.x-plane.com</A>

Helicopter flight controls are highly recomended.If you don't relish building them, here are some links...

<A HREF="http://www.flight-link.com/rotohard/index.html" TARGET="_blank">http://www.flight-link.com/rotohard/index.html</A>

<A HREF="http://www.rcsimulations.com/switch.htm" TARGET="_blank">http://www.rcsimulations.com/switch.htm</A>
and select Flight Controls and Hardware
then goto Control Panels and Systems.




[This message has been edited by Try_Cyclic (edited 05 December 2000).]

[The Nr Fairy]

Try_Cyclic:

Go on, post the links then.

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I got bored with "WhoNeedsRunways"

[Cron]

Try_cyclic, my mission too is to build a helio simulator. I have x-plane and are considering the £600 or so for the pedals/stick/lever and next an external panel. Seen any panels that you would recommend?

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London Tower this is Skyflash...

[Try_Cyclic]

Cron,
More power to you!
First, with respect to the (commercial)Flight controls; they are expensive, and do not have some features you might want. I wanted a throttle that you could roll off to "split the needles" or kill the engine for entering autorotation. My throttle does that by sending keystrokes to kill engine when it is twisted to off. The commercial collectives either have no throttle or it only works manual throttle. The helicopter is normally flown with gov. on so the manual throttle is useless. If you do fly in manual throttle mode , the control is inadequate.

I do not know of ANY external helicopter panels. There is one for fixed wing; there are NAV/COM panels , but if you want functioning Airspeed, VSI, MP, etc, in a small pedestal, you have to build your own from scratch
with servos and such and then try to get it talk to X-Plane via com port.
It is a difficult project, but well worth the rewards if you can pull it off.
If you go the extra mile and build an enclosure and projection screen , then you essentially have a "Fly-it" type of system and they go for $79,000 US retail.(and they do not have a panel either-they use a PC monitor with instrument view-cheaters!)http://www.flyit.com/PTH.html
It's got the word helicopter on it so they figure they can charge 20X normal.
Best of luck with your project.

Try_Cyclic



[This message has been edited by Try_Cyclic (edited 05 December 2000).]

[The Nr Fairy]

And I've just found out about a retired Chinook sim which used to be at Farnborough which is now stored at Peterhead, until it's decided what to do with it.

Having had a blat in a very nice Chinook sim yesterday, I WANT TO BUY IT !!

Only problem is where would I put it ?

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I got bored with "WhoNeedsRunways"

[Dangrenade]

Try the next Heli-tech convention at middle wallop...god knows when it is...but there is usually a free apache sim ride complete with gunner blowing up tanks... may I recommend the loop the loop, lotofun. Good luck anyway.

[Ewan Whosearmy]

Nr Fairy,

Any idea what the cost of that may be? Is it fixed or full motion? More of a CPT perhaps? Who owns it now?

[excrewingbod]

Blooming heck, a Chinook sim in Peterhead?

I live in Peterhead and can only guess that it is stored at RAF Buchan down the road. But I can't see why would they want to store it here.

I'll ask around to see if anyone knows anything.

[The Nr Fairy]

ECB :

Here's the link to the article I found it on. I've asked my missus if should could get it for me as a Crissie pressie, but she says she wants the kitchen doing before we extend the house.

<A HREF="http://www.fasta.freeserve.co.uk/newslt19.htm" TARGET="_blank">http://www.fasta.freeserve.co.uk/newslt19.htm</A>

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I got bored with "WhoNeedsRunways"

[Skidsdownanwelded]

NR F, My wife having played with a Lynx Sim several times, tells me that it beats being in any kitchen!

[This message has been edited by Skidsdownanwelded (edited 14 December 2000).]