Hi,

I've been searching all over to find a video, or detailed instructions, on how to do a Full Auto Land on either a carrier or runway for the F-18E SuperBug? I have found videos on the F-18 C or D models, but nothing on the SuperBug?

Bill Clark

13 hours ago, sbclark said:

Hi,

I've been searching all over to find a video, or detailed instructions, on how to do a Full Auto Land on either a carrier or runway for the F-18E SuperBug? I have found videos on the F-18 C or D models, but nothing on the SuperBug?

Bill Clark

One forum or the other for questions Bill. Since you started the topic originally in the FSX forum and opened another on the same topic here, we’ll close this one and go with your first choice. If you’d rather this one be open and the one in the FSX forum locked we can do that also. Please don’t start the same topic in multiple sections however.

As to your question, I have the VRS Superbug in FSX and was not aware that it performed auto landings like an airliner does. Not sure if that’s even possible, but we can wait for other to chime in.

Bill, locked the FSX version so you can continue here.

OK

 

Bill Clark

1 minute ago, sbclark said:

OK

 

Bill Clark

Bill, are you sure the Superbug has autoland capability? I have it for FSX and wasn’t aware that you could autoland it on a carrier or runway. Can’t find any google topics confirming that the plane can do this either.

It has an ACLS, or Automated Carrier Landing System. In a Mode 1 approach, it's akin to an autoland in an airliner, though it relies on the jet having an autopilot, autothrottle, as well as a radar lock between the aircraft and the carrier.

I have the NATOPS manual for the F/A-18E, but in the brief search I did, there wasn't much in there describing the system aside from in the checklists and potential interference pertaining to the AESA radar.

Edited February 16, 20206 yr by Blackbrd

5 hours ago, Blackbrd said:

It has an ACLS, or Automated Carrier Landing System. In a Mode 1 approach, it's akin to an autoland in an airliner, though it relies on the jet having an autopilot, autothrottle, as well as a radar lock between the aircraft and the carrier.

I have the NATOPS manual for the F/A-18E, but in the brief search I did, there wasn't much in there describing the system aside from in the checklists and potential interference pertaining to the AESA radar.

That’s interesting, didn’t know that. I’m guessing this isn’t modeled in the VRS version though.

@sbclark Bill, have you posted the question on the VRS forum? They’d be the ones to ask since the devs live there. You might also try searching their forum.

According to the VRS wiki, ACLS will be supported in the upcoming Pro version:

https://forums.vrsimulations.com/forums/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=93&t=15267

Scroll down to the last post. Since this version has been in development for some time now,  there's no telling when it will be released.

10 hours ago, jabloomf1230 said:

Since this version has been in development for some time now,  there's no telling when it will be released.

It should be later this year if their website's timeline holds.

https://www.vrsimulations.com/rhino.php

cmpbellsjc and others,

No, I did not know the VRS SuperBug had this capability, I assumed it did because I found videos of older hornets that did.

It took a while before I got a response on the VRS SuperBug forums, here is what was said:

Bill Clark

In a word, "No".

Since this post is presented in the "GENERAL DISCUSSION" forum, I will respond, and "Discuss" my point of view (I speak totally as a customer and pilot of the Superbug).

There are many YouTube videos out there which purport various facilities and functionality, attributing it to all of the aircraft of a particular model and type.

Generally, so far as I know, ACLS is installed on about as many SuperHornets, as there are 737's with CAT-III landing systems. The reasons every airplane doesn''t have them are similar: 1. MONEY (Generally adding a very substantial cost to supply something which is extremely rare in use. Well over 95% of carrier landings are performed "Visually" (remember, "Call the Ball" is 300' AGL/ASL, and 3/4 of a mile horizontally- that's the classic definition of a NON-PRECISION approach (VOR, ADF, GPS, etc). That's a lot of bucks for something that mostly sits there, and also takes up weight and space that can go to things that go boom. 2. Training, Maintenance, and Currency. The program for the RAG (type-rating school on the SuperBug) already takes well over a year), in addition to the 2, 2 1/2 years already invested in the pilot's training (see #1 for cost).

Now, for my personal take on the matter of "ACLS, Auto-Land, and the art of motorcycle maintenance", here's my OPINION, based on flying real airplanes since 1965, and the VRS SuperHornet particularly, since January of 2010.

I'm a pilot. I LIKE to FLY the airplane. Especially in this totally no-risk simulated environment, there is no joy for me to sit there and watch an autopilot operate the airplane. I can just as easily go watch a YouTube movie if I want to do that.

On the specifics of simulating an auto-land on a moving carrier, I have no desire to take the simulated risk inherent in relying on electronics and software built by the lowest bidder (and probably programmed by a total non-flyer) to get me safely on the boat. Too many things happen too quickly within proximity to the carrier to trust a "box".

Like I said at the start, this is a Discussion, and I'm discussing my personal opinion on the subject.

I'm outta' here 

Al