FS2004 Canard Control Question

**jwgk1** · 04-27-2012, 11:28 PM

I am in the midst of modelling a Rutan Vari-Viggan in Gmax and have come up with a bit of a problem. As some of you may know, the Vari-Viggan used a flap like "elevator" surface that functioned to either increase the lift on the canard (as in "up elevator") or decrease the lift (down elevator). I have tried googeling the issue and have met with little success. The only two articles that matched my search both stated to "reverse the pivot axis'". I tried that and, while the physical movement of the "elevator" matched the stick input, the reaction was exactly reverse of what was expected (ie - pulling back on the stick causes a nose down pitch and pushing forward on the stick causes a nose up pitch.) Reversing the elevator input in the "Control" section of the "Options" page has no effect. Please advise.

**N2056** · 04-28-2012, 12:39 AM

I am very familiar with that design. It's one that has been on my "short list" of planes to make. I'm afraid your description is confusing to me, so I'll start with a basic description of what it should look like and we'll go from there. When you pull back on the stick the "elevators" should pivot down, and the plane should climb. I would not adjust any controller settings as that will possibly mess up all your other planes. I think there is something in the aircraft.cfg file that controls this. I will need to do some research for you, but you need to be a bit patient as I am currently recovering my system after being hit by a virus.

**jwgk1** · 04-28-2012, 02:48 AM

Thanks for your response! That's exactly what I was talking about. I shall await the results of your research. Bye the way, sorry to hear of your infection. I sincerely hope nothing of importance was lost.

**jwgk1** · 05-09-2012, 03:00 AM

N2056, have you had a chance to look into the problem I'm having yet?

**mgh** · 05-09-2012, 08:02 AM

You may need to reverse the sign of the elevator derivatives in the .air file

**N2056** · 05-09-2012, 08:59 PM

Could you post your aircraft.cfg so we can look it over?

**jwgk1** · 05-10-2012, 12:56 AM

Sure thing. Here it is:

[fltsim.0]
title=VV01test
sim=SingleEngineProp
model=
panel=
panel_alias = c172\panel
sound=
sound_alias = c172\sound
texture=
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=N27VV
ui_manufacturer=Rutan Aircraft Factory
ui_type=SingleEngineProp
ui_variation=Model 27
description=ADD NEW DESCRIPTION HERE While a number of enhancements make it a step forward in development, the 182S retains the remarkable characteristics that have made the 182 a popular airplane: power, stability, and good load hauling capabilities. The Skylane 182S is an ideal airplane for pilot training. If you're new to flying, you'll find Rod Machado's flight lessons in the 182S very helpful. You'll find them in the Flight Simulator 2000 Pilot's Handbook. For enhanced instrument flight rules (IFR) panels, choose the 182S IFR. See the Aircraft Information section of Help for tips on flying this aircraft.
atc_heavy=0
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=

[General]
atc_type=Rutan
atc_model=27
performance=General characteristics:\n\tCrew: 2\n\tLength: 16 ft 10 in\n\tWingspan: 19 ft 0 in\n\tWing area: 123 ft²\n\tEmpty weight: 1020 lb\n\tMax. takeoff weight: 1700 lb\n\nPerformance:\n\tMaximum speed: 165 mph\n\tCruise speed: 150 mph \n\tStall speed: 48 mph\n\tRange: 400 mi\n\tRate of climb: 800 ft\/min\n

[WEIGHT_AND_BALANCE]
max_gross_weight = 1700.000
empty_weight = 1020.000

reference_datum_position = 0.000, 0.000, 0.000
empty_weight_CG_position = 0.000, 0.000, 0.000

max_number_of_stations = 50

station_load.0 =170.000000, -4.500000, 0.000000, 0.000000, longitudinal
station_load.1 =170.000000, -1.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000, longitudinal
station_load.2 =0.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000, longitudinal
station_load.3 = 0, -6.2, 1.5, 0.0 //Rear Passenger Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)
station_load.4 = 0, -8.0, 0.0, 0.0 //Baggage Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)

;Moments of Inertia
empty_weight_pitch_MOI = 1400.000
empty_weight_roll_MOI = 1137.000
empty_weight_yaw_MOI = 2360.000
empty_weight_coupled_MOI= 0.000
CG_forward_limit= 0.000
CG_aft_limit= 1.000

[flight_tuning]
cruise_lift_scalar =1.000
parasite_drag_scalar =0.930
induced_drag_scalar =1.000
elevator_effectiveness =1.202
aileron_effectiveness =1.000
rudder_effectiveness =1.000
pitch_stability =1.000
roll_stability =1.000
yaw_stability =1.000
elevator_trim_effectiveness =1.000
aileron_trim_effectiveness =1.000
rudder_trim_effectiveness =1.000

[GeneralEngineData]
engine_type = 0
Engine.0 = -3.510, 0.000, 0.693
fuel_flow_scalar= 0.880
min_throttle_limit = 0.0 //Minimum percent throttle. Generally negative for turbine reverser

[piston_engine]
power_scalar =1.000
cylinder_displacement= 80.000
compression_ratio= 8.500
number_of_cylinders= 4
max_rated_rpm= 2700.000
max_rated_hp= 160.000
fuel_metering_type= 0
cooling_type= 0
normalized_starter_torque= 0.300
turbocharged= 0
max_design_mp= 0.000
min_design_mp= 0.000
critical_altitude= 0.000
emergency_boost_type= 0
emergency_boost_mp_offset= 0.000
emergency_boost_gain_offset= 0.000
fuel_air_auto_mixture= 0
auto_ignition= 0
max_rpm_mechanical_efficiency_scalar=1.000
idle_rpm_mechanical_efficiency_scalar=1.000
max_rpm_friction_scalar=1.000
idle_rpm_friction_scalar=1.000

[propeller]
thrust_scalar =1.000
propeller_type= 1
propeller_diameter= 4.930
propeller_blades= 3
propeller_moi= 3.000
beta_max= 0.000
beta_min= 0.000
min_gov_rpm= 0.000
prop_tc= 0.000
gear_reduction_ratio= 1.000
fixed_pitch_beta= 20.000
low_speed_theory_limit= 80.000
prop_sync_available= 0
prop_deice_available= 0
prop_feathering_available= 0
prop_auto_feathering_available= 0
min_rpm_for_feather= 0.000
beta_feather= 0.000
power_absorbed_cf= 0.000
defeathering_accumulators_available= 0
prop_reverse_available= 0.000
minimum_on_ground_beta= 0.000
minimum_reverse_beta= 0.000

[electrical]
;BusType, MaxAmpLoad, MinVoltage BusTypes:0=MainBus,1=AvionicsBus,2=BatteryBus,3=HotBatteryBus,4-7=Generator/AlternatorBus(1-4)
flap_motor = 0, 5 , 17.0
gear_motor = 0, 5 , 17.0
autopilot = 0, 5 , 17.0
avionics_bus = 0, 5 , 17.0
avionics = 1, 5 , 17.0
pitot_heat = 0, 2 , 17.0
additional_system = 0, 2 , 17.0
marker_beacon = 1, 2 , 17.0
gear_warning = 0, 2 , 17.0
fuel_pump = 0, 5 , 17.0
starter1 = 0, 20, 17.0
light_nav = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_beacon = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_landing = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_taxi = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_strobe = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_panel = 0, 5 , 17.0

//0 Class
//1 Longitudinal Position (feet)
//2 Lateral Position (feet)
//3 Vertical Position (feet)
//4 Impact Damage Threshold (Feet Per Minute)
//5 Brake Map (0=None, 1=Left, 2=Right)
//6 Wheel Radius (feet)
//7 Steer Angle (degrees)
//8 Static Compression (feet) (0 if rigid)
//9 Max/Static Compression Ratio
//10 Damping Ratio (0=Undamped, 1=Critically Damped)
//11 Extension Time (seconds)
//12 Retraction Time (seconds)
//13 Sound Type
[contact_points]
point.0 = 1.000, 7.287, 0.000, -3.370, 1500.000, 0.000, 0.375, 22.000, 0.210, 1.636, 0.500, 6.000, 6.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.1 = 1.000, -2.070, -3.057, -3.370, 3500.000, 1.000, 0.554, 0.000, 0.217, 1.931, 0.500, 6.000, 6.000, 2.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.2 = 1.000, -2.070, 3.057, -3.370, 3500.000, 2.000, 0.500, 0.000, 0.217, 1.931, 0.500, 6.000, 6.000, 3.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.3 = 2.000, -0.400, -9.450, -1.225, 1800.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 5.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.4 = 2.000, -0.400, 9.450, -1.225, 1800.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 6.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.5= 2.000, -6.418, -3.716, -2.000, 1800.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 9.000, 0.000, 0.000

max_number_of_points = 21

static_pitch= 0.000
static_cg_height= 3.375
gear_system_type=1 //Electric

[gear_warning_system]
gear_warning_available = 1 //Normal
pct_throttle_limit = 0.1 //Percent throttle that activates warning
flap_limit_idle = 0.0 //Flap angle that activates warning at idle
flap_limit_power = 16.0 //Flap angle that activates warning at above idle

[brakes]
parking_brake = 1 //Parking brake available
toe_brakes_scale = 1.0 //Brake scalar

[hydraulic_system]
normal_pressure = 3000.0 //PSI
electric_pumps = 0 //no electric pumps
engine_map = 1,0,0,0 //pumps on Eng1

[Views]
eyepoint= -3.95, -0.85, 2.1 //(feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from reference datum

[Radios]
// Radio Type = availiable, standby frequency, has glide slope
Audio.1 = 1
Com.1 = 1, 1
Com.2 = 1, 1
Nav.1 = 1, 1, 1
Nav.2 = 1, 1, 0
Adf.1 = 1
Transponder.1 = 1
Marker.1 = 1

[LIGHTS]
//Types: 1=beacon, 2=strobe, 3=navigation, 4=cockpit
light.0 = 3, -4.31, -9.47, -1.07, fx_navred
light.1 = 3, -4.31, 9.48, -1.07, fx_navgre
light.2 = 2, -9.55, -3.40, 0.91, fx_strobe
light.3 = 2, -9.55, 3.40, 0.91, fx_strobe
light.4 = 1, 0.00, 0.00, -1.55, fx_beacon
light.5 = 4, 0.00, 0.00, -1.55, fx_vclight

[keyboard_response]
//Breakpoint speeds (knots) on the keyboard increments of control surfaces.
//Speed at which the incremenet is reduced to 1/2 and 1/8 respectively.
elevator = 100, 180
aileron = 200, 1000
rudder = 200, 1000

[direction_indicators]
//1 Type: 0=None, 1=Vacuum Gyro, 2=Electric Gyro, 3=Electro-Mag Slaved Compass, 4=Slaved to another
//2 Indicator number of slaving indicator if Type = 4
turn_indicator.0=1,1 //Turn AND Bank
direction_indicator.0=1,0

[attitude_indicators]
//Type: 0=None, 1=Vacuum Gyro, 2=Electric Gyro
attitude_indicator.0 = 1

[turn_indicators]
//Type: 0=None, 1=Electric Gyro, 2= Vacuum Gyro
turn_indicator.0=1,0

[EFFECTS]
wake=fx_wake
water=fx_spray
dirt=fx_tchdrt
concrete=fx_sparks
touchdown=fx_tchdwn_s, 1

[fuel]
LeftMain = -3.689, -2.767, -1.240, 5.000, 0.000
RightMain = -3.689, 2.767, -1.240, 5.000, 0.000
fuel_type = 1 //Fuel type: 1 = Avgas, 2 = JetA
number_of_tank_selectors = 1
electric_pump=1
Center1= -1.020, 0.000, 0.699, 10.000, 0.000

[airplane_geometry]
wing_area = 123.000
wing_span = 19.000
wing_root_chord = 10.070
wing_dihedral = 1.700
wing_incidence = 0.000
wing_twist = -3.000
oswald_efficiency_factor= 0.680
wing_winglets_flag = 0
wing_sweep = 38.400
wing_pos_apex_lon = 0.560
wing_pos_apex_vert = -0.839
htail_area = 13.690
htail_span = 6.550
htail_pos_lon = 7.451
htail_pos_vert = 0.399
htail_incidence = 0.000
htail_sweep = 0.000
vtail_area = 18.377
vtail_span = 4.458
vtail_sweep = 57.000
vtail_pos_lon = -7.336
vtail_pos_vert = 0.000
elevator_area = 2.550
aileron_area = 5.012
rudder_area = 7.668
elevator_up_limit = 27.000
elevator_down_limit = 29.000
aileron_up_limit = 20.000
aileron_down_limit = 15.000
rudder_limit = 20.000
elevator_trim_limit = 10.000
spoiler_limit = 0.000
spoilerons_available = 0
aileron_to_spoileron_gain = 0.000
min_ailerons_for_spoilerons = 0.000
min_flaps_for_spoilerons = 0.000

[Reference Speeds]
flaps_up_stall_speed = 48.000
full_flaps_stall_speed = 43.200
cruise_speed = 129.000
max_indicated_speed= 163.000

[autopilot]
autopilot_available= 1
flight_director_available= 0
default_vertical_speed= 700.0
autothrottle_available= 0
max_pitch=10.0
max_pitch_acceleration=1.0
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt=2.0
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt=1.5
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt_breakpoint=20000.0
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt_breakpoint=28000.0
max_bank=25.0
max_bank_acceleration=1.8
max_bank_velocity=3.00
max_throttle_rate=0.10
nav_proportional_control=9.00
nav_integrator_control=0.25
nav_derivative_control=0.00
nav_integrator_boundary=2.50
nav_derivative_boundary=0.00
gs_proportional_control=9.52
gs_integrator_control=0.26
gs_derivative_control=0.00
gs_integrator_boundary=0.70
gs_derivative_boundary=0.00
yaw_damper_gain = 1.0
pitch_takeoff_ga= 8.000

[forcefeedback]
gear_bump_nose_magnitude=6000 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_nose_direction=18000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_nose_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
gear_bump_left_magnitude=6000 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_left_direction=35500 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_left_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
gear_bump_right_magnitude=6000 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_right_direction=00500 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_right_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
ground_bumps_magnitude1=3250 ; 0 - 10000
ground_bumps_angle1=8900 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
ground_bumps_intercept1=5.0
ground_bumps_slope1=0.48
ground_bumps_magnitude2=750 ; 0 - 10000
ground_bumps_angle2=9100 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
ground_bumps_intercept2=0.075
ground_bumps_slope2=1.0
crash_magnitude1=10000 ; 0 - 10000
crash_direction1=01000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
crash_magnitude2=10000 ; 0 - 10000
crash_direction2=9000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
crash_period2=75000 ; in microseconds
crash_duration2=2500000 ; in microseconds

[stall_warning]
type=1

[Flaps.0]
type= 0
span-outboard= 0.500
extending-time= 7.000
system_type= 0
damaging-speed= 120.000
blowout-speed= 150.000
lift_scalar= 1.000
drag_scalar= 1.000
pitch_scalar= 1.000
flaps-position.0= 0.000, 0.000
flaps-position.1= 12.700, 0.000
flaps-position.2= 25.300, 0.000
flaps-position.3= 38.000, 0.000
[fltsim.1]
title=Vari Viggan 27
sim=SingleEngineProp
model=
panel=Main
panel_alias=c172\panel
sound=
sound_alias=c172\sound
texture=
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=N27VV
ui_manufacturer=Rutan Aircraft Factory
ui_type=SingleEngineProp
ui_variation=Main Panel
description=Average panel set-up for the Vari-Viggan Model 27
atc_heavy=0
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=
[fltsim.2]
title=VV 27 Typ
sim=SingleEngineProp
model=
panel=VV27
panel_alias=c172\panel
sound=
sound_alias=c172\sound
texture=
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=N27VV
ui_manufacturer=Rutan Aircraft Factory
ui_type=SingleEngineProp
ui_variation=VV27 Typical
description=To Follow
atc_heavy=0
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=
[fltsim.3]
title=VV27
sim=SingleEngineProp
model=
panel=VV27 Main
panel_alias=c172\panel
sound=
sound_alias=c172\sound
texture=
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=N27VV
ui_manufacturer=Rutan Aircraft Factory
ui_type=SingleEngineProp
ui_variation=Typival VV27 Panel
description=coming
atc_heavy=0
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=

**N2056** · 05-20-2012, 06:12 PM

I'm sorry for the delay in my reply...I missed the fact that you had posted your .cfg!

I note that your datum position is the same as your cg position. That's okay as long as your cg is correct. Any chance you could grab a screen out of Gmax that shows the plane with the "home grid" active?