IRIS Harrier ILS approach problems

[colonel25]

Hi, a Newbie here, and I have a specific problem with using an ILS approach with the Harrier GR7 Freeware by IRIS and as modded by Rob Barendregt. I have emailed him and he suggest I ask a question on here as he hasn't come across the problem, so here is a brief outline:-

I have been trying an ILS approach with this aircraft, I do a lot of them (I'm not a good pilot so need to rely on any help I can get ha ha ) so I'm fairly happy that I am not doing anything classically wrong.

The aircraft certainly picks up the LOC as I approach at a 45 degree angle and the aircraft turns in on course. On the Harrier I can see the LOC indicator on the left display but I can't see the normal GS indicator, am I missing something?

I usually approach from about 2,500 feet at 150 KIA with flaps down two notches. For most other aircraft this works fine. Normally, at about two miles out the AltHold switches off and the aircraft starts it's descent, but that doesn't happen with the Harrier, it just goes on blindly at whatever Alt I have set and will overfly the runway if I don't intercede. I have noticed that sometimes when I first switch the ILS Hold on, it immediately switches off the AltHold, maybe that's a problem anyway.

In the past I have found on certain airports the ILS frequency published in FSX is wrong or, that the published frequency is actually the Back Course especially where the same frequency is issued for the opposing runways but I guess that's Microsoft for you. However, I have tried the Harrier on a number of different airports and it's always a problem so that's what makes me think it's the Harrier that's at fault.

I suppose you could say, why bother with an ILS approach when the Harrier can run in at 250 Knots, slam the brakes on and then hovver-land (what a great aircraft), but I also like to land conventionally sometimes and in bad weather too.

Anybody have the same problem or can offer any solutions.

Knd Regards

The Colonel

[mallcott]

Sounds like, as in real life, the aircraft cannot fly a coupled auto-approach. Nor can most military aircraft. But those aircraft need to land and stop. The Harrier can stop, and land!

[napamule2]

I am pretty sure you could perform ILS approach/landings with that Harrier if you changed the panel. Make a seperate version (ie: folder) with a unique name for folder, 'title', and 'variation' and add a different panel. Or, you COULD use the same folder, and just name the 'panel=2' in (fltsim.x) section, plus add 'variation=xxx2'. Then add a 'mil' panel and name it 'panel.2'. That way you can pick this panel for ILS 'work'. The radios in aircraft cfg have to be set right, too. Without the radios you don't get 'true' ILS. So it's not the aircraft. It's the panel AND the radios. You can ILS a brick if it has those 2 things AND a 'working' AutoPilot section(s) from/in the AIR file (like the Lear45 air file). I installed Iris Harrier, made a video (YouTube) and uninstalled it (but still have the exe-might re-install to see if what I say works). I prefer the APD Harrier anyway. When you use a panel with Rob's gauges (and they ARE super!) you just can't do 'other' things. You just have to realize that your only option is to hand fly it (all the way). It has a 'slight' learning curve (RTFM). But you can't be 'lazy' and you DO have to tend to the stick full time. Not for everyone, I guess.
Chuck B
Napamule

[colonel25]

Wow Chuck, that's a very drastic fix, especially for me. I'm not experienced enough to start tampering with the files. :-). I guess I'll fly by hand instead. As I said, the Harrier is a joy to fly anyway so I'll persevere. I thought maybe there was a simple fix. I guess nothing is ever that simple huh?

The Colonel

[colonel25]

Hi Gentlemen,

I think I have discovered what's wrong with the Harrier on ILS approach. The Blxxxdy NAV/GPS switch is the wrong way round. Normally you would switch to NAV mode if you were following a VOR or ILS APP landing, but this in fact turns the ILS auto-approach off. Instead switch to GPS mode and two ILS lights come on on the display and voila the aircraft follows the LOC and GS all the way down. So contrary to opinion, Military aircraft (at least those in FSX) can do a coupled auto-approach :-). Now, how can I modify the file so that it works the right way round em??

Regards

The Colonel

[f16jockey_2]

Now, how can I modify the file so that it works the right way round em??

Two possibilities

a) Uncab the Harrier_GR7.cab - Edit NAV_GPS.xml with Notepad - Change the 4th line to <Value>(A:GPS DRIVES NAV1,bool) !</Value> (invert the value) and save - Recab the whole thing again and done...

b) Send me a PM with a valid adress where I can send the modified cab to

Wim

[colonel25]

Sent you a PM Wim, thanks

[napamule2]

Wim,
You are saying you have the Iris Harrier installed in FSX? And it works? And all the panel gauges work? Just wondering about things 'being simple' when they might not be. The PDF says 'For FS2004' (and the files are dated 2005). I installed in FS9 but with a DIFFERENT panel for testing. Then I did several ILS landing aproachs, to a KNOWN working ILS airport, and the speed stays at 150 kts with 0 throttle. Then when you dial in even 1 notch of flaps it slows to 60 kts (requires you go to 80% power to not 'stall' (ie: ILS drop out). No ILS is going to handle THAT scenario. Sorry. So mods must be made to 'dumb' it up? I did. Now it only needs 1 notch (when over the fence-where I shut off AP anyway) to land vertical at 10 kts. But throttle management is still 'abnormal' for 'ILS' landing. Bogus. Hand fly it is!
Chuck B
Napamule

[jomni]

Military pilots land without autopilot.

[f16jockey_2]

Wim, You are saying you have the Iris Harrier installed in FSX?

Yes, only since yesterday. Just trying to help a forum member.

And it works?

Sort of... transparency issues in VC and on HUD. Looking into that today.

And all the panel gauges work?

Nope. But the hoover fix package by Rob Barendregt solved quite a lot.

@colonel25: got yr PM, but with no mail adress. Can't send a cab via the forum.

Wim