AV-8B Harrier Thread

[ESAc_matador]

Beautifull!

[Coxy_99]

Im not sure how true this is so as its the right thread can anybody confirm this info, Maybe devs will know more?

 

I hope the flight model has accounted for the fact that Harriers don't take off, hover or land with 90 degrees nozzle angle.

 

Elaborate - Harriers takeoff, hover and land with about 8/9 degrees nose up because of the landing gear arrangement. Quite a bit!

So the hover-stop nozzle angle is actually about 80 degrees.

Ideally, you aim to land on a carrier selecting only two nozzle angles.

40 degrees followed later by about 80. If it's a constant adjustement, you're "doing it wrong"

 

Understandable when you consider that to adjust the nozzles, you have to take your hand off the throttle. Not good!

 

The Sea Harrier alone had a *really* nice feature called 'nozzle nudge'.

Basically a spring-loaded switch on the throttle.

When the gear was down, moving it forwards would 'nudge' the nozzles a few degrees aft to move you forward, returning to the nozzle lever angle when you released the switch.

Likewise holding the switch the other way would 'nudge' the nozzles forward, slowing you down.

This allowed finer tweaks to the nozzles to help position you, without adjusting pitch, without having to let go of the throttle.

The GR1, GR3, AV-8A and all Harrier II's lack this though.

[Focha]

Can't wait for this! :D Just can't wait!!!! :D

[schroedi]

Are the avionics similar to those in the A-10C?

[Einherjer]

It's a hotas system with mfcds so, yes its a similar design but different functions / buttons.

[schroedi]

a similar design but different functions / buttons.

 

Are you sure about that?

My intension is that i would like to know if I have to learn the complete avionics new or are they similar, for example do the avionics of the AV-8B NA has a SPI, SOI and the way you set a SPI or use the TGP.

[Einherjer]

The general system will be similar, but you will need to push other buttons as in the A-10c

It's an other stick and an other throttle, and an complete new ufc part and no CDU. But if you have understood the hotas system in the A -10, then you will understand the hotas system in the AV-8B

[Darkbrotherhood7]

Getting there...

 

https://www.facebook.com/RazbamSims/photos/a.316309961788982.75719.316077818478863/1031727753580529/?type=3&theater

[Rammit]

Getting there...

 

[VooDoo-S8]

Getting there...

 

https://www.facebook.com/RazbamSims/photos/a.316309961788982.75719.316077818478863/1031727753580529/?type=3&theater

 

I honestly cannot wait for this module! Sure a GR7/9 would be my preferred option but It'll still be an 'insta-buy' from me as soon as it's released! :-)

[gunterlund21]

Looking forward to this. My Bro in Law flew this for the Corps. Got to go in the simulator in Yuma when he was with the Flying Nightmares.

[J3ST3R]

Will a targeting pod be available on this version of the AV8B?

[Darkbrotherhood7]

Will a targeting pod be available on this version of the AV8B?

 

Yes, I think.

[ActionMav]

Wow nice model,

but I have one question. I know that Razbam developped already the version with the longer nose for FSX, which has an excellent 3D model. Wouldn't it have been easier to just adapt this version? Also I guess this was the latest US version of the Harrier, right?

 

Cheers.

[Goldsmack]

Looking good:thumbup: I understand how much work is involved in development of these modules and like allot of people here day 1 purchase from me. the Av8 version is the one I really wanted anyway :music_whistling:. Great job RAZBAM.

 

Wow nice model,

but I have one question. I know that Razbam developed already the version with the longer nose for FSX, which has an excellent 3D model. Wouldn't it have been easier to just adapt this version? Also I guess this was the latest US version of the Harrier, right?

 

Cheers.

 

I'm sure RAZBAM has thought of that and would do whatever was needed to make this product economically viable. Iv see some smart @$$ comments on Facebook about this looking like an old FSX rip off and they have been wasting time. I don't think some people understand the cost, time and risk to these companies. I'm sure the flight model alone is a whole other beast. After purchasing the Mirage I have faith in RAZBAM, and besides this is just the 3d model and I can't wait to see it all textured with a fully fleshed out working cockpit.

[Jumbik]

I'm really looking forward to this plane, but I do not envy you the work needed on flight model. The transition from "hover" to normal flight will be a nightmare to code. I wish you the best with it!

[WinterH]

Wow nice model,

but I have one question. I know that Razbam developped already the version with the longer nose for FSX, which has an excellent 3D model. Wouldn't it have been easier to just adapt this version? Also I guess this was the latest US version of the Harrier, right?

 

Cheers.

 

From what we know of various developer's words, having a mesh ready in FSX helps almost not at all, model/animations/mapping all seem to be more or less entirely from scratch for DCS.

 

Even if model would make things easier, the long nose variant is radar equipped AV-8B+, and Razbam said they won't be doing that one first, but after ED release their F-18 and therefore a working air to ground radar code they would consider doing that variant too.

[bkthunder]

This will be so much bloody fun to fly!!!!!!

It would be great if Razbam could throw in a dedicated Wasp class carrier ;)

[Silver_Dragon]

RAZBAM show more pics of the 3D external model of Harrier AV-8B Night Attack

 

https://www.facebook.com/RazbamSims/

[Einherjer]

Can't wait!!! This will be one of the greatest dcs modules when it's released...

[Rammit]

This is quite literally my dream, I saw my very first Gr.5 when I was young at an airshow and was hooked from then on. If I squint, this does look like a Gr.5... :thumbup:

[T_A]

Really impressed , i got a silly question - what exactly is the role of the Harrier in combat ?

(and how would i use it in DCS)

[bart]

Really impressed , i got a silly question - what exactly is the role of the Harrier in combat ?

(and how would i use it in DCS)

 

IRL it was designed as a Close Air Support aircraft. RAFG Harrier force used to deploy to field locations when on exercise, operate out of hides and use roads as runways for T/O, landing on either the "runway" or a pad in a field. Sea Harriers were used primarily for fleet air defence, then later when the GR6/9's were deployed to the ships they did both ground attack and air defence roles. It's a very unique and versatile aircraft. I spent 4 years working on the Sea Harrier FRS1, deep strip and overhaul........got some great photo's!......happy days.

 

In DCS I'm not sure. With the Normandy map ED are planning to implement the use of temporary airfields for mission makers so I guess we could simulate the forward air ops quite well here, but on say the VA server....... I guess hovering over parked aircraft for the sheer fun of it would suffice :D

Edited June 11, 2016 by bart

[VTJS17_Fire]

Really impressed , i got a silly question - what exactly is the role of the Harrier in combat ?

(and how would i use it in DCS)

You can read some interessting books about the Falklands conflict and Operation Desert Storm to get the idea.

 

In the Falklands, it was used as bomber and fighter (thus, their was no land bases airbase, only british carriers). In ODS, its mission were CAS and BAI (tank blinking with the AGM-65 "Maverick).

 

Use it as a faster version of the A-10C, if you want - with the possibility of vertical landing and very short take-offs.

 

If Razbam brings out the Mirage III, you can fly also very interessting air-to-air missions.

[WinterH]

Really impressed , i got a silly question - what exactly is the role of the Harrier in combat ?

(and how would i use it in DCS)

 

Very much depends on particular type of Harrier.

 

Original Harrier is meant mostly as a ground attack aircraft that can operate from almost anywhere on the countryside, so kind of like a cross between fixed wing attack aircraft and an attack helicopter in role. Sea Harrier had also air to air duties for fleet, as it has shown pretty well in Falklands War. Sea Harriers had a radar, and they eventually carried BVR missiles like AMRAAM or Derby later in their carriers. Apparently Indian Navy retired their Sea Harriers this year, so type is now a "warbird" :).

 

Variant Razbam is doing is AV-8B Harrier II Night Attack. It is mainly a ground attack / CAS aircraft similar to original Harrier, but has a fairly different airframe & cockpit, as well as payload. It does not have a radar, but as far as I know, it has optical targeting systems on board and can also carry Litening targeting pod, as we have in A-10C. It also has an on board FLIR system for night navigation. It can carry LGBs and Mavericks, has a big HUD and two MFDs. It can also carry Sidewinders for air combat. Last but not least, it has GAU-12 Equalizer 25mm gatling gun, which may not be the Avenger but it's still a pretty powerful autocannon. It can operate from helicopter carriers, and also from land bases like original Harriers. It can carry bombs and rocket pods on multiple ejector racks, so even with it's relatively small size, it can still carry a decent payload. Though I am not sure with how much payload can it takeoff from carriers.

 

Latest variant is AV-8B+ Harrier II, + signifying that it has a radar (in fact it's radar from F-18A/B series). This version is therefore more capable as it's radar can both be used in air to ground and air to air roles, and can even carry AMRAAM. Therefore, this version can also act as a fighter of sorts when need be. Razbam hinted that they will consider doing it too after air to ground radar code is available from ED.

 

In DCS you would use it as a mini A-10 of sorts, but one that can also do some vertical take off / landing tricks, at least when not heavily loaded.