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Low-level Map & Tool Test II: New features, New mission

Another test of the low-level planning tools. This time, featuring an actual human being as the pilot: Comstedt!

I added a few new features to both the map and the spreadsheet. There is still much to do, but I am pretty satisfied with the results.

Compared to the previous test, the new version includes a few new features. For example, starting from the map:

  • Three sets of speeds: 420, 480 and 540 kts. These are based on F-4E operations;
  • New template to determine turn radius and trajectory;

The spreadsheet includes:

  • IAS approximation as a function of altitude;
  • Effects of acceleration and deceleration;
  • First steps to integrate fuel consumption;
  • QoL improvements and more.

I have shared the first version of the tools on Patreon and other supports. As soon as it is tested sufficiently a the features I want to add are ready, I will share it with the community.

Quick considerations

  • The purpose of the test was to verify the accuracy of the flight plan and spreadsheet. The bombing was something more to make the mission more exciting. I think it went well, more or less;
  • The first two legs were uneventful, besides a very minor discrepancy time-wise;
  • The main issue was identifying the target area. I chose an airfield due to its size, but airfields are flat. At a low level, references protruding vertically are more useful;
  • Given this premise, the IP should have been further away. Also, a direct attack with a 0° dive was not a great call. The choice of pattern and axis were also not the best, but, again, the strike was just an addition to the purpose of the test;
  • I am not sure why the bombs did not go off. In normal scenario, I would have used a checklist to verify that everything was ready with the pilot. The release altitude might have been too low, and the fuse did not arm properly. I verified that the Chinooks have damage model, even when placed as static objects.
    Attack techniques will be discussed in the future.

Download

If you want to try the mission yourself, you can find it in the Download page.
In the zip file, on top of the mission, you will find the kneeboard pages and an image of the complete flight plan.

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