RAF Vulcan
By Nigel C. Martin (17 October 2004)
f ever there was an
aircraft that represented a penultimate delta wing bomber of that era
it was the mighty Avro Vulcan, this colossus of the sky wielding its
majestic beauty with a very powerful sting. Oh yes and very noisy!We have now the opportunity of strapping into the seat of the mighty Vulcan and trying our hand flying this beast, which from all accounts was immensely popular with its crew both flying and ground.
The Avro Vulcan's powerful lines and distinctive shape make it one of the icons of cold war aviation. The Vulcan first flew in 1952, incredible when you consider its service within the RAF, a la Falklands back in 1982. The Vulcan was designed in 1947 in a response to a specification issued in the same year for a four engined nuclear capability bomber as an answer to the growing menace and potential threat of the Soviet Union. (Thank God those crazy days are over! However, others less obvious now exist.)
Avro's chief designer Roy Chadwick instantly created a revolutionary new design concept based on the Delta wing. Within a couple of months the initial designs were submitted, and almost immediately won the contest, along side Handley Page's HP.80 - to all of us another beauty, the HP Victor another success story.
The design understandably went through many alterations before the shape was agreed and production commenced. Tragically Roy Chadwick died in an air accident before he witnessed the Vulcan take to the skies. His assistant however survived the crash, and continued development to take the Vulcan forward and upward.
There were many 'mini' Vulcans made to test this ground-breaking shape. The Avro Type 707 was produced, obviously of Vulcan shape but single seat aircraft and considerably smaller than its later cousin. In fact, the RAF expressed an interest in these as a twin seat option for OCU's (operational conversion units) to train the Vulcan pilots. This did not occur.
In 1952 the first type built VX770 took to the skies piloted by Wing
Commander Roy Falk. Obviously of Vulcan appearance, the wing shape
was a 'pure' delta shape and other minor design differences, but this
version provided vital tactile and dynamic feedback at this pivotal
development stage.
At this time no 'super' computers were available to design all aspects of the aerodynamics and control systems. You relied on amazing flying skills of the test pilot's 'hands on' experience, and the work of incredible ground breaking designers.
Many variants were seen entering RAF service during the Vulcan's long and distinguished career. It is an amazing accolade to the Vulcan that designers seeking an aerodynamic cost efficient shape for air travel into the future are looking at the, yup you guessed it the delta wing.
In this latest offering from Just Flight we have TEN aircraft in multiple squadron liveries and models, including the 2K tanker and nuclear missile variants and four versions of the 'Vulcan To The Sky' XH558 included covering its appearance in 1960, 1970, 1981 and the present day. (The XH558 Vulcan is being tenderly worked on to become fully airworthy and we wish them all the very best luck!)
If you purchase the Vulcan program you will be donating a proportion of the £19.99 to this fund. Heavens, just think how the air show, any air show would benefit from the Vulcan putting in an appearance. The noise abatement lobby would love it too! Hey ho, we are talking history, heritage and aviation beauty; roll on the day XH558 takes to the skies.
The program is also fully licensed by the RAF.
Before the voices of "get on with it" echo, within the program
comes a complimentary detailed RAF Cottesmore scenery (from Guy Summers),
which will add that historic and accurate feel.
OK, let's get down to some detail.
PACKAGING
The plastic case is robust and is presented in the usual professional way. There is no doubt from one glance that this is the Vulcan. On the reverse there is a tantalising array of screen shots which are enough to stop what you are doing and start the CD ROM! The minimum requirements are 1.4 GHz or equivalent or higher processor, 512 Mb RAM, 64 Mb DirectX 8.1 (and higher) compatible video card, hard disk space of 220 Mb needed.The CD is held firmly on the inside right cover with some basic info and product registration instructions. I have mentioned this before, but please take time to register as the benefits will become obvious: product support (which is excellent) and updates etc.
Don't look for a comprehensive printed manual because the manual is to be found as a virtual one in a PDF format (Adobe needed, provided if you do not have it). You could if you so feel inclined access the 'Repaint Assistant' which will allow you 'create' your own customised versions of the Vulcan's color schemes.
If you have auto-run the process is simplicity itself; if not don't worry, go the usual route and follow the instructions. Within a shake of a nuclear missile, the process is completed. Close and open FS2002/FS2004, head to the menu (aircraft) and see the AVRO heading, there they are in all their finest ready for the first of many flights.
Don't forget to go to add-on scenery and select RAF Cottesmore to
really set the scene.
EXTERNAL DETAIL (On The Ground)
I am sure like me you are 'chumping at the bit' to see the new offering lined up and ready to go; those few seconds are the longest! Well the wait is not long and there it is, superb, fantastic, "orsome" are all words I have used before, but I make no apologies for saying them again. The detail is incredible, and stands up to the closest scrutiny. The ordinance on many of the versions differ. Without doubt, every option is worthy of praise.Like a child with a new toy (ooops too close for comfort that one!) I wanted to take advantage of the opening crew doors (on the base of the cockpit area, a door drops and ladders appear; very accurate) and the brake chute (the chute function is purely cosmetic and does not have any additional braking effect; it's activated when the wing fold function is selected), both activated, really great effects, very impressive.
The sound, yes the Sound... Oh boy, I have not stood next to a Vulcan with the engine sequence on start or taxi and take off, but if I did, I am sure the sounds from this package would be an accurate rendition. The sound is truly fantastic. You must have the speakers on loud and ensure your neighbors are on holiday so you can turn up the volume. Did I mention the wife and children also being out? Oh well you get my drift.
Upon taxiing the sound indicates the quality. Line up and apply full military power, brill... the power from the RR Olympus engines is very evident in the engine note, and the smoke look very impressive indeed, and accurate. Gone are the days when we had some great aircraft of yesteryear available to download/buy without the 'tell tail' smoke emanating from the, well, dirty engines. No such reservations here, plenty of the stuff. In fact at one point I could have sworn I smelt the smoke, or was that next doors bonfire, oh well, still fantastic.
Oh yes, a quick point, if you have selected exterior option, and you
use the hat key to have a 'tour' say towards the rear of the aircraft
you will get a strange 'washed out' effect.
I would imagine this is trying to emulate smoke or heat haze. Nice concept but doesn't work or rather the effect is not convincing.
You must take time to take a virtual tour of the exterior which really is worth while especially the great job of the crew ladder (I have climbed into the 'office' of the wonderful Vulcan located at the Sunderland Aviation Museum), leading up into the inner sanctum. So a little inside information used here as reference. The reflections on the cockpit glass are all extremely well represented and look VERY convincing.
Choose all the Vulcan options and have a look at the subtle differences on the types on offer, then choose your steed for your maiden flight. Keep your nerve though, this is a big bird and will need all your flying experience, especially landing! (maybe I will switch off that realistic option for a while!)
One quick point--the keen of eye will see the main wheel set sitting very low on the tarmac, almost at the wheel hub. It is my humble opinion this is too low, should have had a 'tad' more air in the tires. That said they do sit very low on the main undercarriage. But still too low. Minor point really because the overall detail is great. Great strobe and nav lighting too, both day and night.
INTERIOR
The first visit to the 'office' will take you right back to the
operational days of the Vulcan. The first impression is utter
accuracy and period feel. Just Flight has done a superb job here. The
gauges look fantastically accurate but easy to read and disseminate
the information. (As the cockpit was dark this version mirrors that
feel.) As you gaze out the cockpit, you will see a set of windscreen
wipers, ho wouldn't be nice if they work? Said I, well they do! Have
some rain and switch them on via the accurate switch. While focused
on the cockpit, the night lighting in the 'office' looks great, again
the lighting is at a level that reading the instruments can be done
without any squinting or going for the magnifying class. Yet another
example of great attention to detail.Some times there tends to be a compromise or 'pay-off' between accuracy and ease of use. Not an issue here, all the elements seem be absolutely bang on.
You will note the usual 'quick' keys, or buttons actually (3), for throttle, ADF NAV COM's, etc. and autopilot are represented, i.e. three buttons at the bottom of the panel which are easy to use. However, rather curiously no ATC/GPS button. I found that both odd and annoying. Not sure about you, but when 'doing the job accurately' the buttons of convenience are very handy. How can you activate communications? Well the long way I am afraid, refer to the pilot's notes in the documentation via the PDF/Adobe file supplied. (Again this will be found in Programs Just Flight Vulcan)
You must use the hat key and look around up down behind, at all points the detail is represented very nicely indeed. Great views port and starboard, heavens, you appreciate the views the modern aircraft have out of the cockpit, far less restrictive. The Vulcan must have been a beast to convert onto, and the views seem very restrictive. (In fact I can vouch for that opinion after sitting in the cockpit of the Vulcan at Sunderland). I guess like anything once you have experience no problem.
Virtual cockpit is when the 'office' comes alive in my opinion. You
can easily fly the beast from this position and see what the
instruments are saying! Quite a bonus! If you use the hat key and
move around the cockpit you get some subtle stereo sound effects;
again attention to detail.
FLYING
Yup, this is what we are 'paid' for, to protect the way of life in the civilised world, oh yes and re-fuel any thirsty fighter jocks. OK a little romantic but let's take to the skies.After selecting RAF Cottismore (or any location of choice) either on a stand or at the threshold, if the latter you are lined up. A quick glance through the glass in front to the runway to ensure all is clear.
Engines on tick over, quick glance at the instruments, all working properly, check free movement of all surfaces (lovely period surface movement indicator on panel) quick check of the airbrakes (but not the chute; guys that would make the crew chiefs day!)
Select the throttles, push forward in easy transition, hear the sound build into a 'shrill' as the speed gathers. The shrill subsides and raw power is self evident.
Despite its size the speed builds quickly. Fully fuel laden rotation is approximately 165 kts. Watch it though, it does not leave the tarmac like a fighter--nose angle 15% or you will have a nice reminder of your over zealous pull-up on the tail unit! Positive rate of climb, gear up.
Get outside and watch the sequence, it's great. Get up and close with the olio legs and the wheel bays the detail is fab.
Remember to throttle back to cruise because if not, you will have the
CO on your back with noise abatement issues coming down like
confetti! Oh yes and 'over speed' warnings a flashing.
It's a little frustrating not having the GPS button to hand to aid immediate navigation, but if you want to go on an endurance flight the auto-pilot function is waiting, because the switching is of period style; time will have to be spent to study function and application. Do it, it is worth while.
Not having flown a Vulcan in reality (I wish!) I cannot say it is has accurate flight Dynamics, but a good friend who flies 747's has had a 'play' and loves it! As he put it "it handles like a bigie". That says it all for me.
I love this beast. Like any 'heavy' you need to plan your movements way in advance, especially when thinking of landing.
The time is neigh, landing is now in my mind. I decided on a LONG, VERY LONG final, speed down to approximately 135 kts. I found like a real bird you will need constant throttle movements and trim, nearing the threshold you MUST pop out and look at the Vulcan on final stages of touch-down as it looks fantastic, and majestic. Back into the cockpit, hit 'P', action commences, over the threshold at 125 kts, flair, and wait for the touch...there it is. And lots of smoke to prove it! Chutes out (no effect but cosmetic excellence), apply gentle braking keeping on the center line.
Chute off, taxi off the active to a holding point, select the crew door to open, breath that lovely fresh air, and a quick sigh, another job well done, and join the other four crew off the mighty Vulcan. Fantastic!
CONCLUSION
From the moment put this beauty on my computer I had a smile. That smile has not left me, I love it.Over the last few months there seems to have been a mass of quite fantastic offerings both paid for and free, providing us with an array of choice-options.
That said, a couple of points. I believe there should be a printable quick reference sheet, covering all the important switches, which would save real grief, and frankly confusion. The manuals and data on offer are extremely comprehensive and to be applauded, BUT a quick reference list would be a practical bonus. Not everyone wants to print off 10's of sheets covering a multitude of data, which may not be needed, or required. I do appreciate you could opt for individual page print, but hassle.
  Buy Now at PC Aviator |
As mentioned previously, the main wheels do seem very low, in fact resting on the wheel hubs. I guess if that's the only bad comment I can make vis a vis the detailed graphics that paints a picture of a superb product, that it is.
At £19.99 (Sterling) it is not cheap, but if you have not entered the world of 'heavy military' flying or want to fly a classic aircraft of the Royal Air Force, and a revolutionary aircraft, coupled with all round superb quality this one is for you.
The Vulcan's distinctive lines, as presented in this package will, I am sure, prove to be a true favorite, and remain in your hangar of active aircraft for a long long time. I am certain mine will.
Nigel. C. Martin
nigel.martin10@btinternet.com
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