Understanding aircraft.lua files and FMs

[Squiffy]

Hi gang. After my first week with the new DCS World and a gentle reminder to avoid the usual "noob" complaints, I took at look at some of the aircraft files. I started with the Sabre since I wanted enjoy that era again. I did a good bit of modding and development for the MS CFS3 title and worked mostly in xml and other flight model editing software. I do have some experience with LOMAC, FC IL-2 and Pacific Fighters but need help with the current DCS setup. I realize that the .lua files do not always have a direct influence on the sim and that this sim can not be as open source as they used to be, largely for online play and compatibility. And don't forget simple copyright reasons ;)

 

So my question is on an aircraft.lua file, and without getting into proprietary knowledge, can someone explain why a clear defined ratio is used for critical air speeds when the simple calculation or resulting number is not, even though there is no variable involved in the expression? It seems odd to me, especially since the values in the top portion of the ratio are double supersonic in meters per second and the lower number (denominator) does not change from sea level to high altitude. I don't understand the reason for this. Take this example. And it is the MiG-15bis.lua without any associated hard coded FM as I am learning may be involved. But again. Why the ratio instead of a number? Am I missing something? I checked Mach number too, it's close but not the same:

 

V_max_sea_level = 1059/3.6, -- Max speed at sea level in m/s (for AI)

V_max_h = 992/3.6 ,-- Max speed at max altitude in m/s (for AI)

[Tippis]

Because they have the number in km/h based on various sources, and it's easier and clearer to spot errors using that unit, but the engine requires m/s for its calculations presumably?

[msalama]

I think aircraft LUAs are for simplified flight model AI only and have no effect on human flown AC.

[Squiffy]

Ah of course, dang it! I was careful to convert m/s to mph and mach number but forgot about kmh. Duh. Yes, I am learning that the .lua is for AI only and limited at that. In fact that is what I was more interested in at this point. If I download the MiG-15 pack, I could compare them right? Even still, I understand the core FM is hard coded and can't really be tweaked without a mod add on. I also downloaded notepad++, not that I can really do anything with it.