Fokker S.14 project termination and publication

Since 2017, I've been working on an FSX/P3D Fokker S.14 Machtrainer jet training aircraft from the 1950's. Together with Emile Lancee, we've gathered quite much information (such as drawings). I also created a large part of the exterior model. However, time and other issues do not permit me to continue this project. The WIP files will be made available publicly via the channels mentioned later on this blog.

To warm you guys up, here a few screenshots.

Fokker T.5 FSX/P3D first week FAQ

Hi all,

Here, I'll try to address some of the most frequently asked questions about operating the T.5. Furthermore, I will also mention some of the planned fixes in a future version (if they can be addressed at all).

FAQ

1. Where can the bombsight window be found? In the manual, it is stated that it is found under the third 2D view, but that is incorrect. It can be found under the second 2D view, and only if the bombsight is placed into position;
2. Are there custom sounds on the add-on? The T.5 is equipped with a variety of custom sounds, like manual fuel pump, gear warning horns and braking sounds. This is controlled by a certain gauge. This gauge is different for 32-bit and 64-bit simulators, and has a different folder. Please find page 10 in the manual to find the instructions;
3. How can the top hatches (windscreen and sliding roof) be used? They cannot be operated by standard simulator exit commands. The sliding roof can be operated by clicking on it. Closing it can best be done from the top gunner view since the external skin of the roof is clickable as well. The windscreen can only be used if there's hydraulic pressure, so when either the right hand engine runs or the manual hydraulic pump is operated. Mind to open the securing plate when the windscreen should be closed;
4. The lights of the plane do not work after pressing the command. The lights are governed by the (custom) electrical system and therefore only work when there's electrical current on the plane. For that, refer to the next question;
5. How does the electrical system work? The "Veld" (Field) knob on the marconist's electrical panel regulates the amount of current delivered by the generators and thus the charging-discharging state of the batteries. Mind, that the five-position knob is set to either one or both generators. Otherwise, set it to battery, but that will eventually drain the battery;
6. Can the propellers be feathered? No, just like in the real deal, they cannot. This was a problem with the real T.5's which were plagued by engine problems.

Found issues

1. Propeller rotation is clockwise where it should be counter-clockwise;
2. Directional gyro on pilot's panel is not working correctly;
3. Radio will die after some minutes or not work at all (ATC);

For now, I want to wish you all the best blessings for 2021 and happy flights with the T.5!

Please, also donate me (see donate button to the right) to help me making these great add-ons. Thank you!

Fokker T.5 for FSX and P3D freeware released!

 Hi everybody,

I'm glad to notify that yesterday I released the Fokker T.5 for FSX and P3D! The addon can be found as a download on the regular websites, while I'm working to get it online on other sources as well. So if you can't find it yet on your favorite distribution platform, stay tuned!

For now, a few instructional videos to help you get flying.

Have fun flying!

Fokker T.5, blog status

 Hi everybody,

It's quite some time ago that I posted here. A lot of things have come along, and progress with the T.5 has been slowly. Yet, today I released a beta version of the plane. That is something to celebrate.

Some images:

Lewis gun

Hi there,

Last few weeks, I've been working on the Lewis gun, atop the fuselage. Here's a picture of the 3D:

 

And it's mounted on a Fairey gun stand. The workings are demonstrated in the video:

In this short video, the Fairey gun ring with a Lewis gun mounted is demonstrated. It has two modes of operation:
- Mouse controlled, when the user is still flying;
- Joystick controlled, when the AP is switched on.
Obviously, this Fokker did not have an AP. However, the commander (in the nose) had a direction commander: a set of lights with which he was able to command the pilot into a certain heading. Since a multicrew aircraft might be difficult to operate in FSX for a single user, I expanded this to a simple autopilot. Now, the user can play commander, gunner or radio-operator without worrying about the controls.

Best wishes!

Hi there!

 

I've been very busy last week, I even forgot to wish you all the best for Christmas... So, now, best wishes for the remainder of this period!

 

Regarding the T.5, the major part of the texture redo is done. This is how the cockpit looks now.

 

 

 

 

I've also redone the plafonnier here, thanks to new references.

 

 

What are the next plans for the T.5? Well, first addressing all these issues:

 

TEXTURES
-- Add weak suggestion of structure in exterior wood bumpmaps.
-- Window textures not yet completely satisfactory.
-- Bump maps are too weak.
-- Set reflection scale everywhere to 100.
-- Add prototype 850 paintjob.
-- Landing lights/avionics switch label is too blurry.

MODEL INT
-- Check screws at gauges.

MODEL EXT
-- Model control cables and horns on flight surfaces.
-- Wheel bays equipment (rubber bands etc.).
-- Exit 2: bad modelling of gunner area.
-- Crew head movement might be faster.
-- Commander should lean into turn (if possible).
-- Model control cables and horns on flight surfaces.

FLIGHT DYNAMICS
-- Lift-off too soon probably. Cross-check with original data (and loadcase!!) required.
-- Take-off trim requirement might be included for realistic behaviour.

 

GAUGES
-- Add crew/loadout management module.

 

DOCUMENTATION
-- Include specs sheets. 

 

Next, I will publish another beta...

 

Cheers!

Current status

Hi everybody,

 

In the past few months, a lot has been going on, but I somehow lacked in keeping my blog up-to-date. One of the reasons might have been that Google Drive ceased its hosting services, so I had to replace all image links.

Anyway, I have been doing some nice things regarding the T.5. A major thing has been solved: the automixture system and the complete engine behaviour. The figure below refers to the throttle quadrant, which now controls the automixture in either auto-lean or auto-rich modes.

 

 

Until I get my hands at more information, I assume the engine behaviour is completely correct now. Everything involved a lot of testing. In FSX, this is also playing sometimes. I tried out Reshade shaders, but rejected them due to performance decrease.

 

 

Big part of the past time was weathering the interior. Difficult! A result can be seen below. The pilot's seat is weathered rather realistic and comprehensive. However, since in September the beta testing started, I decided to redo all mapping of the interior.

 

 

Another fine thing that has been solved, is the radio-operator's station. The radio itself is programmed (within FSX limitations), as can be seen below.

 

 

I also made another texture for the T.5: the 850. This registration has also an operational history, comparable with the 856. Here we see both stablemates flying over the Waddenzee.

 

 

Then, on September 24, a beta version V0.60 entered beta phase. Feedback of this test was the low resolution of the big interior textures. That is, mapped resolution. Therefore, I decided to completely rearrange the interior textures. For example, I relocated the leather textures to a dedicates, smaller sheet, also to benefit from a possible detail texture map.

 

 

Also, the riveting of the interior was redone, the result is now far better. This remapping and retexturing does take quite some time, unfortunately. And next would be the weathering...

 

 

Well, that's for the business end of FSX development. As devoted members of the Dutch Aviation Forum (www.nederlandseluchtvaart.nl), we had a meeting early September. Sadly, one of our most respected members, Jaap "Tracker" de Moor died in November. He shall be remembered forever on our forums.

 

That's it for now!

Cheers,

Daan

The Avem Ferro AF-01

Hi everybody,

As some of you might know, I study Aeronautical Engineering at the Inholland University in Delft. I am in my third year now and hope to be graduating this time next year. Part of the curriculum of the third year (in the Design & Development graduation track) is the Conceptual Design Project, where we cooperate to design a utility, business jet, personal jet or commuter aircraft in concept.

Together with my friends, we have been together in some form for the past three years. The projects that we have done were:

First year: Fleet Replacement and Elevator Control System;

Second year: Landing Gear Design;

Third year: Electrical Wiring Installation System and Conceptual Design.

During the past term, we have been working with eight persons on the conceptual design of a utility aircraft. The requirements were:

- 1000 kg payload;

- 1200 km range;

- 450 km/h cruising speed;

- 8 occupants with options for ambulance or cargo transport;

- Two PT6 turboprops for propulsion;

- Maximum runway length 600 m.

Besides that, the airplane has to fit in the EASA CS-23 certification category, basically limiting us to a maximum weight of 5760 kg.

So, we made up a team name, 'Avem Ferro', which in fact means 'iron bird'. As stories tell, this is the first reaction when people encounter an airplane. We came up with a high-wing aircaft, with a twin-boom configuration. I'd like to present you the AF-01:

The Avem Ferro AF-01 at the Heron's Nest, made by iBlueYonder.

And yes, you can see I put it in FSX. My friend who did the drawings was so kind to export the files to a usable format (although making them usable was a pain). Consequently, I imported it in FSX to shoot a few promos.

Next to that, my friend printed the model. Imagine how difficult it is when you have a 3D-printer and you're doing the drawings... The printable model is here available: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1612657

 

I'd like to thank you for your attention! Just wanted to share...

The credits go to team Avem Ferro:

Jordi Liu

Emiel Noorlander

Leander van Noort

Erik ten Oever

Casper van Veen

Sidney Vorst

Peter Zwarts

Daan Kaasjager

 Cheers! DCB

May 13, 2016

Hello everybody,

Today, 13 May, we remember the fatal bombing mission to the Moerdijk bridges on May 13, 1940. Both the crew of a Fokker T.5 bomber and a Fokker G.1 fighter were killed, seven young men in total. See also www.13mei1940.nl.

Last year, we remembered this in Dordrecht. The complete ceremony can be watched here:

 

 

And a visual representation of what happened back in 1940:

 

Let us not forget these heroes who died for freedom.

"Let us remember that freedom is not only freedom for the complete society, but also freedom for minorities, also freedom for individuals."

May 4

On May 4, at 8:00 pm, everybody in the Netherlands is silent for two minutes. In these two minutes, we remember those who died for freedom in World War II up until now.

 

"Let us remember that freedom is not only freedom for the complete society, but also freedom for minorities, also freedom for individuals."

 

Commemorated to those who died for freedom.
 

 

The above picture shows Fokker T.5 856 over the Moerdijk bridges, near Dordrecht, the Netherlands. All five crewmembers, during their twenties, were killed on May 13, 1940, together with two crewmembers of an escorting Fokker G.1. They were attempting to stop the German Blitzkrieg by bombing this bridge, but did not succeed and were killed by German fighters.

Video

Hi everybody,

 

While doing testwork in the past days, Flight Dynamics and so on, I decided to make a short video of the views I see during simming. The video doesn't have any purpose, just enjoy ;)

 

 

Cheers, DCB

Update

Hi everybody,

Well, this message is meant to give you a kind of status update. I'm still going on, be it a bit more irregular. School is keeping me occupied.

I also want to point you to a website that has been of invaluable significance to me: www.nederlandseluchtvaart.nl. It is the Dutch Aviation Forum, where we share information, photographs, stories, experiences and backgrounds. Please give us a visit!

Regards, DCB

Status

Hi everybody,

You might have noticed I've been a bit less busy in the past time. This was due to busy life (real life, the thing we have to do besides our hobbies).
I would love to continue in a productive manner, but somehow I can't get myself to do it. I love this job, I love my hobby, so I am a bit saddened by this.
Next to that, the forums at nederlandseluchtvaart.nl are closing down, almost for sure. It is my hangout, the place where I got my relations and information for this hobby from. Bit sad about this as well...

I am back soon, but I now need some time to make up my mind. Bear with me ;)

Cheers, enjoy!

DCB

Christmas 2015

Hi everybody,

 

I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

I also want to share some screenshots with you of my creations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short recap and update

Hi everybody,

 

About one year ago, I started the FSX Fokker T.5 project, which I combined with the Moerdijkbruggen bombardment memorial. Together with two guys from myflightdirector.com, we made a video that simulated this bombardment and the fatal end of the mission, which involved two Fokker G.1 heavy fighters and one Fokker T.5 bomber. This video project, in fact, has been initiated one year ago so I thought it would be nice to show this once again. Here it is!

 

 

 

 

I also want to note that my D.21 which I published back in December 2014 and updated earlier this year, has been downloaded over 9500 times. PC Pilot also included V2.00 with the bugfix on their cover CD in the September/October issue, something I feel proud of. Thanks everybody for downloading my creation and please: enjoy this bird!

 

T.5 progress is at a nice level, but calm. I've done a bit of texturing in the past few weeks.

 

Last saturday I created the Bosch horns. These horns were placed just behind the pilot at the fuselage roof. One of these horns functions as a landing gear warning (triggered when the throttle is closed and the gear is still retracted). The other one is a crew-operated communication horn, I assume the crewmembers could use it as a warning to switch on their intercom systems.

 

The real horns:

 

A quick render of the virtual ones:

 

 

Cheers, DCB

T.5 status update

Hi there,

There's a lot to tell with respect to the latest update. I've started texturing on the interior, since I had a few uncertainties regarding the fuselage mid section. Got a bit tired of modelling too ;-)

In the following picture, you can see how I textured the rims of the windows. In fact, they look better with such a texture, instead of textured with only one color.

Also added texture to the first-aid-kit, the so-called 'Verbandtasch voor vliegtuigen'. You can see the structural detail I added on the fuselage walls.

Greatest mystery this summer was the radio unit. According to documentation, we eventually found out that the Telefunken Station 1001bF was used on the T.5, and we found a sketch made by a former T.5 radio operator. This resulted in the radio unit shown below.

Further texturing has been performed on the interior, in both the nose and mid section (though the latter isn't completely done). Fortunately, the wooden floors were painted in a Rubbol AZ paint 'Linoleum color', so I expect they were brownish. Better that the dull grey which was used as a standard. Textured below, as you can see, are the observer's seat, his table, the harness, tip-up seat, signal rounds (cork covered cylinders) and more.

Fortunately, the T.5 utilized the same oxygen units as the D.21. Therefore I was able to transfer the 3D and 2D visuals to the T.5. Above the Munerelle oxygen regulation unit is the Amroh intercom system. Every crewmember has its own pair of these. Shown here is the pilot's equipment.

Fire extinguishers were also available. I'm not sure yet about the label, but it looks good so far. Again, every crewmember has one.

The signal gun holder.

And the details of the flooring. They're made of wood, so I suspect they looked like this. Photographs don't show the correct colors (only B/W photo's available). Around the edges, the hatches are covered with metal strips. The foremost hatch was an escape/access hatch. In this hatch, there was an opening for the Nedinsco bombsight. The rear port hatch was for the camera, for aerial footage (for recce), while the rear starboard was for the driftmeter.

 Hope you like this guys!

Have a nice weekend!

DCB

Fokker T.5 interior status

Hi everybody,

I've been working hard on the T.5 interior and things are rocking! The nose section, where the pilot and the bombardier/commander/navigator were located, is more or less finished, except texture work of course.

Another shot, backwards this time.

Next on the list had to be the centre section. Here, the radio operator and the second pilot/gunner are located.

The co-pilot's office he'd have when flying the aeroplane:

And the (basic) layout of the radio operator's station.

There's a lot of detail, but I should use the poly budged with sense. So I might reduce some detail, though I'll keep it as nice as possible.

Cheers! Daan