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Showing results for tags 'tanker'.
Found 6 results
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Hi everyone, I've noticed that the maximum amount of fuel available for the S-3B tanker is the same as for the S-3B (non-tanker), at 12125 lbs (5500 kg). This is despite the fact that the S-3B tanker in DCS, is always configured with a 300 US-gal drop tank (and of course the air refuelling store (Sargent-Fletcher A/A42R-1)). The drop tank should obviously add 300 US-gallons of fuel and the buddy store itself also contains at least 300 US-gal of fuel (and the fuelling and dump port are present on the model). Right now, only the internal fuel of the S-3B is accounted for in the tanker unit. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, so here's 3. Here's an image of the S-3B rearming window, showing a maximum of 12125 lbs of fuel: Here's the same S-3B, but fitted with 2 300 US-gal drop tanks, note that the maximum amount of fuel has increased to 16155 lbs: And finally, here's the S-3B tanker, which can be seen with a 300 US-gal drop tank and the A/A42R-1 air refuelling store, as you can see the maximum amount of fuel is 12155 lbs (as in the case with the S-3B with no drop tanks fitted): Here's a source, approved for public release, stating that the D-704 pod has 300 US gallons of internal capacity (see page 2/page 8 of the pdf reader). EDIT: As an addendum (thanks silverdevil) you can also see that the total mass of the aircraft for an S-3B with just internal fuel, is identical to that of the tanker - meaning that not only are the drop tank and air refuelling store empty of fuel, but are also massless.- 15 replies
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- air refueling store
- drop tank
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Hi everyone, As of 2.9.0.47168 the S-3B Tanker unit has been implemented in DCS. What's interesting about it (and something I'm quite pleased about) is that it actually depicts a different configuration compared to the regular S-3B. The regular S-3B is depicted in its earlier configuration, accurate from 1988 - 1998. This appropriate for our post SLEP Forrestal in the early 90s, both our current Tomcats as well as the early F-14A-135-GR and the Gulf War. The S-3B Tanker however, appears to be depicted post 1998 after the ASW deconfiguration program (which involved the AN/ASQ-81 MAD boom being deleted and blanked over, as well as 44 of the 60 sonobuoy chutes). This is perfect for CVNs 71-75 as part of the supercarrier module, the F/A-18C, both our current Tomcats and the Iraq War. However, as part of the ASW deconfiguration program, the antennas for the sonobuoy reference system were also deleted. These are 8 small, blade antennas - there are 4 under the fuselage near and on the main landing gear doors and 2 under each wing. However, despite the AN/ASQ-81 MAD boom being deleted and the sonobuoy chutes correctly blanked off, the antennas are still present: The non-tanker S-3B is pre-ASW deconfiguration, so these antennas are accurate for it and should be left as is. It's only the S-3B tanker, depicted post-ASW deconfiguration, where them being present is inaccurate. Obviously a very minor issue, but one that's hopefully easily fixed (after all the MAD boom has been removed).
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So, as it's been batted around the forums since DCS was LOMAC, I've decided that the best course of action is to "Screw it", and design the UI element that I've been harping on about every time the topic comes up. This is just a concept image of the visual aid in action, and others can be made as well if people can supply me with some decent screenshots for drogue equipped planes, but I do have some ideas with some of my own screenshots. Anyway, to explain the concept, it goes like this: (Not Pictured, yet), when you first call to the Tanker your intent to refuel, a small, dot will appear on the tankers port side, indicating where you need to be to form up with the tanker. At the same time, the throttle bar (pictured) will appear, and give you an idea of the proper throttle settings your plane will need to be at to catch up to, and form up with the tanker. When it becomes your turn to get in position for pre-contact, the 'dot' moves to the pre-contact point, and all you need to do is get there, and call pre-contact. Post Pre-contact: Once you're ready, and the drogue is out, or boom is down, a diamond will appear. Where it appears depends on the type of plane you're in, if you're in a boom-refueling jet (like the F-16 pictured) it will appear at the form-up lights, if you're a probe and drogue refueling jet, it'll appear on the 'reel' of the Drogue system. A second diamond with cross hairs will be present inside the larger one. This smaller diamond represents your plane, and a perfect alignment and positioning should result in the diamonds becoming a single diamond. In the picture here, the plane is slightly offcenter and slightly back, but still connected (as indicated by the lit up CTCT under the throttle bar). The Throttle Bar: throughout the entire refueling process, from form up to peel off, a throttle bar will be on screen guiding you on the proper throttle settings for your aircraft to stay with the tanker. The yellow field will move up or down depending on the tankers speed in relation to your plane, and the red bar represents your throttle. The 'CTCT' at the bottom will inform you that you're connected to the tanker and taking fuel. The 'BRK' above the throttle bar is there to tell you if you need to use your air brake. In this image, it's greyed out, as the brakes aren't needed. However, they will change color depending on how much braking is needed. If it starts flashing, it is a warning to brake away from the tanker. This last bit made flash when you're fully fueled up as well, so don't worry. Some things to note though. First: This is just a concept made using a screen cap, and a few minutes of Paint Tool Sai. It is not programmed in any way, as that is not my cup of tea. Second, the idea behind this item is that it is a localized training aid. Meaning, that even if you're connected to a server and flying a multi-crew aircraft, if someone is using the system, and you aren't, you will not see it. Third: it is designed to be 100% optional. elements of it can be turned on or off as needed. Fourth: This is a feature designed to increase accessibility to DCS. Right now, DCS has a bit of a learning cliff in some areas, something that Nick himself has expressed as a potential issue. This is designed to mitigate some of the issues people have with this very difficult task. Finally: Hating on people who may have to rely on such a system should be strongly discouraged at every turn. Those people who come down on those for needing a little help, or who are just too busy with their real lives to learn the systems should not be given flak. We should be looking for solutions to support them, and make the transition from arcady sim to real sim as easy as possible. If they're scared off, they simply will not come back, and if they don't come back, they don't spend money on the game, and improve its development. Now, let's keep things civil. Tank out.
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For the Supercarrier and the upcoming S-3B AI asset, are there any plans to include AI-driven recovery fuel flights? Such as, when I contact Mother for recovery, the AI tanker gets in the air and assumes pre-defined carrier orbit so that if I get low on gas I can be sure the tanker is always keeping a pre-defined racetrack orbit relative to moving carrier position. Similar to maybe this scripting https://flightcontrol-master.github.io/MOOSE_DOCS_DEVELOP/Documentation/Ops.RecoveryTanker.html but preferably part of the module itself, so compatible with ANY mission and with ANY user.
- 8 replies
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- automated
- recovery fuel
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Hi there DCS 2.8.6.41066 Open Beta - June 2023 With the latest update, running in MT, F/A-18C wingman and AI groups are unable to reach a KC-135 tanker. They will slow down to about 100 kts and slowly descend until crashing. Cheers Nix -
Some time ago, Su-24M "Fencer" tactical bomber became capable of mid-air fuel receiving from Il-78 "Midas" air tanker. But he also can be used as a refueler by itself, it was proven by Ukraine Air Force pilots from 7th TABr in 2021, when they resumed refueling practice in their Su-24M/MRs. These aircraft are using UPAZ-A or UPAZ-M (Унифицированный Подвесной Агрегат Заправочный - Unified Hanging Refueling Unit) refueling pods under it's belly. For my opinion, this feature will increase Fencer's capabilities, especially SU-24MR version, which cannot carry any serious weapons, but can be used as a support aircraft for local missions, where Il-78 usage is kinda overstated. As it is shown on the first picture, refueling pod in placed on the forward middle hardpoint under aircraft fuselage. Some pictures to show it's application Cockpit footage from Su-24M navigator / WSO
