I've been testing my modded C172 and aside from needing some adjustments for the flaps changes (like all 3rd party aircraft will likely need) I noticed something very interesting.

With flaps up, there is now a dramatic pitch down starting at 620 KTAS (knots true airspeed), it starts to get better right at mach 1 (661 KTAS) and it gone by 680 KTAS.   The same thing happens when slowing below 680 KTAS the nose will dip, and recover by 620 KTAS.  There is also now a very dramatic increase in air resistance leading up to mach 1 and then the aircraft will accelerate rapidly once you pass it.   With 10 degrees flaps (in the modded C172) the mach tuck begins around 580 KTAS instead of 620.  So the specific speeds will likely vary by aircraft type and flaps settings.

This is a welcome realism addition.  Before this update there were absolutely no transonic aerodynamic effects.

If you turn around you will probably find elevator and rudder are gone at that speed.

Neat. There's an effect I've read about where as you approach the sound barrier the increased pressure causes an abnormal reading on the airspeed indicator, and once you break the barrier your indicated airspeed jumps. I tried to google the effect for about 20 minutes to no avail; does anyone know what it is and if it's modeled?

2 hours ago, WestAir said:

Neat. There's an effect I've read about where as you approach the sound barrier the increased pressure causes an abnormal reading on the airspeed indicator, and once you break the barrier your indicated airspeed jumps. I tried to google the effect for about 20 minutes to no avail; does anyone know what it is and if it's modeled?

O, that shock wave

3 hours ago, G550flyer said:

O, that shock wave

Yeah, I was wrong. It's called the Pitot Pressure Rarifaction and it's the altimeter not the airspeed indicator (duh). As a pilot of 17 years I deserve to be made fun of for that lol.

Here's a video of it in action.

 

5 hours ago, WestAir said:

Yeah, I was wrong. It's called the Pitot Pressure Rarifaction and it's the altimeter not the airspeed indicator (duh). As a pilot of 17 years I deserve to be made fun of for that lol.

Here's a video of it in action.

I wasn't making fun of you lol, I would never do that. Just wanted to throw in the shock wave. Now, another cool thing is to see the shockwave on the wing. In the Gulfstream, when the weather and sunlight is just right, you can see the shockwave dancing on the wing. Reminds me of a translucent flickering flame.

Rick

Well while all of you are discussing this at warp speed, you have all "overlooked" the fact that there was a change in ground effects, and in external camera view its funny that this very small label appears just before touchdown advising that what you are seeing is in fact ground effects!  LOL!

(Could not resist.  It is a "snow" day here!)

Edited February 18, 20215 yr by fppilot