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    iPad gets approval from FAA to replace paper flight charts and maps
    FastCargo
    By FastCargo,
      By Jason Paur, WIRED   From the earliest days of aviation, pilots have relied upon paper maps to help find their way. Even in an era of GPS and advanced avionics, you still see pilots lugging around 20 pounds or more of charts.   But those days are numbered, because maps are giving way to iPads.   The Federal Aviation Administration is allowing charter company Executive Jet Management to use Apple's tablet as an approved alternative to paper charts. The authorization follows three months of rigorous testing and evaluation of the iPad and Mobile TC, a map app developed by aviation chartmaker Jeppesen.   The latest decision applies only to Executive Jet Management, but it has implications for all of aviation. By allowing the company's pilots to use the Apple iPad as a primary source of information, the FAA is acknowledging the potential for consumer tablets to become avionics instruments.   The iPad has been popular with pilots of all types since its introduction last year. But until now, it could not be used in place of traditional paper charts or FAA-approved devices such as more expensive, purpose-built electronic flight bags. The iPad was OK for reference, but not as a pilot's sole source of information. The new FAA authorization changes all that.   To receive FAA authorization, Jeppesen and Executive Jet Management went through a rigorous approval process. It included rapid-decompression testing from a simulated altitude of 51,000 feet and ensuring the tablet will not interfere with critical navigation or electronic equipment.   Executive Jet tested the iPad and Mobile TC in 10 aircraft flown by 55 pilots during 250 flights.   The first thought many pilots, not to mention passengers, may have is: What happens if the iPad or the app crashes?   Jeff Buhl, Jeppesen's product manager for the Mobile TC app, says the Apple iOS operating system and the app proved "extremely stable" during testing. In the "unlikely" event of a software crash, he says, it takes but a moment to get them running again.   "The recovery time for an application crashing or the OS crashing is extremely rapid," Buhl says.   During the evaluation period with the FAA, the production app did not crash. But even if it did, Buhl says it's ready to go again "in 4-6 seconds from re-launch to previous state."   The FAA says each individual operator -- in this case Executive Jet Management -- must develop specific procedures for dealing with system or software crashes and other issues. Under the authorization, Executive Jet Management will require a second approved electronic device, which most likely will be another iPad, in the cockpit.   Although this authorization applies to just one company, it is a milestone for all operators, including major airlines, because it opens the door for them to embrace the iPad. Though any company wishing to follow Executive Jet's lead will have to endure equally rigorous scrutiny by the FAA.   Agency spokesman Les Dorr says the process is no different from what is required for any other electronic device used to display navigation information.   "As far as the iPad is concerned, we do that on a case-by-case basis when an airline applies to be able to use it," Dorr says.   The FAA is already seeing more requests to use the iPad in the cockpit. Alaska Airlines began testing the iPad back in November and there are about 100 pilots currently evaluating the device according to spokeswoman Marianne Lindsey.   She says in addition to the convenience, there is a practical weight-saving aspect to using the iPad as well, "it's replaced about 25 pounds of manuals and charts."   Jeppesen's director of portfolio management, Tim Huegel, says several carriers are looking into using the iPad and TC Mobile, and with the FAA granting one approval, it should become increasingly easy for others to follow Executive Jet's lead.   "We'll be able to reuse a lot of the documentation and the lessons learned working with Executive Jet Management to help our commercial customers as they now begin to pursue FAA authorization," he says.   The charts available with Mobile TC include charts for visual flight rules and for instrument flight rules, which are more commonly used by commercial operators. The app only shows an electronic version of the paper charts Jeppesen has been producing for years, but Huegel says future versions could incorporate the iPad's GPS capability.   He sees a day when tablets provide "door-to-door management" of a pilot's information, from crew scheduling to weather information to navigation charts.   Story at CNN.com

    Combatace reviews the Handley Page 0-400
    Dagger
    By Dagger,
        Combatace reviews the Handley for Rise of Flight. Read the review Handley Page Review HERE

    Boeing gets $35 billion Air Force tanker contract
    DWCAce
    By DWCAce,
      Story by Marc Selinger   The U.S. Air Force announced Thursday that it has selected Boeing’s NewGen Tanker to be its new KC-46A air refueling jet.   The contract award, which follows a rigorous Air Force review of industry proposals, means Boeing will build the next-generation tanker that will replace 179 of the service’s 1950s-era KC-135s.   Boeing officials said they are honored by the selection and will meet the Air Force’s requirement to deliver the first 18 combat-ready aircraft by 2017.   “This contract award would not have been possible without the hundreds of Boeing employees across the entire company, and the thousands of our industry teammates, who remained laser-focused on our commitment to offer a solution that is first in capability and best in value,” said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “This award is also a tribute to the Air Force and Defense Department officials who worked so tirelessly to make this procurement process fair, ultimately resulting in the selection of the right plane for the mission. We look forward to working with our Air Force customer to deliver this much needed capability to the servicemen and women we are honored to serve.”   Tankers are critical to the U.S. armed forces, extending the range of fighters, bombers and other aircraft by transferring fuel to them in flight. The NewGen Tanker combines the latest, most advanced technology with the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane.   The NewGen Tanker has a modern, digital flight deck based on the new Boeing 787 commercial airliner, and advanced defensive systems so it can safely operate close to the fight. It meets or exceeds all Air Force requirements.   Boeing will build the NewGen Tanker with a low-risk approach. It will use a trained and experienced U.S. work force at existing facilities in Washington state and Kansas, and an existing supplier network in more than 40 states.   Boeing has built and supported tankers for more than 60 years, and company employees said they are rolling up their sleeves to begin work on this newest tanker right away.   To learn more about the KC-46A tanker, visit www.UnitedStatesTanker.com.   From Boeing.com.   http://www.boeing.co...t_02_24_11.html   http://www.unitedstatestanker.com/splash/Announcement

    Rise of Flight Handley Page 0-400
    Dagger
    By Dagger,
        Handley Page 0-400   In the days of Red Baron 3-D squadron "wars", we would fly fighters as bombers. Why? Simply, there were no bombers that were flyable in game. This served the community well and still does, but it still wasn't the same.   Then 777 Studios announced they were going to have a true bomber in game, a real bomber. The first to be released was the Handley-Page 0/400. This was something most WW1 sims seemed to have forgotten about. A brief history of the airplane "The improved O/400 started to enter service in April 1918, gradually allowing the re-equipment of more squadrons, being used for both support for the ground forces on the Western Front, particularly during the German Spring Offensive, and for strategic bombing under the control of the Independent Air Force. In service, the O/400s could carry a new 1,650 lb (750 kg) bomb and were deployed in force, with up to 40 aircraft participating in a raid." The Handley Page is a BIG airplane, this is a size comparison with a Dolphin on the runway. The modeling is, as usual with 777 Studios, nothing short of breathtaking. The cockpit sits mid line of the airplane, with the nose gunner right in front of the pilot. It is actually pretty cool watching him look around and man his guns when an enemy fighter approaches. If you look back you can see the rear gunner looking also. The only gunner you can't watch is the belly gunner, for obvious reasons, but he is there, and the AI gunner is very good. One of the coolest features of this airplane is your squadron mates can fly as your gunners, even if they don't have the airplane. This will make for some great times in the air. It also will make "war" nights alot more fun.   Remember this is a bomber, and it climbs and turns like one. Take offs are longer than in a fighter, but once airborne just climb out, watch your airspeed, make a few wide circles of your home aerodrome, and then point the nose to the target and just climb as you are on the way. Don't try to climb to fast or you'll find yourself in a spin, a slow and easy hand for bombers. I am no pilot, and have never talked to anyone who flew one of these, but the fight model seems real enough for me. It takes some getting used to, but this is one fun airplane to fly. When fully loaded it is like flying a cross between a bus and a 1957 Chevy, My first car. It took forever to turn, but was so much fun. When empty it is easier to keep your speed up, and it turns some better. Landing takes more room, so keep that in mind when on approach, I start my approach so I can make a few wide sweeping turns to bleed speed, and have plenty of room to correct my approach.   Bombing in the Handley Page takes a little getting used to, but is not to hard with some practice. That seems to be the theme with Rise of Flight the more time you spend with it, the better you get. The bombsight is straight forward, and once you switch from pilot to bombardier seat, remember to switch on the "autopilot" this makes for a smoother and level bomb run. Lining up the sights is controlled by you as you seem to always need a "small" amount of corrections. Once you touch the button to release, you can tell when you are empty by the flag that pops up . I like the fact that you can see your bomb string as it drops, nice touch, and watch the impact. On this screenshot notice the port lower wing as it took a few hits from AAA you can see the fabric is gone and the frame is visible   The final verdict on the Handley-Page 0/400 is 9.5, for the graphics, the fact 3 of your squadron mates can fly with you(or just friends), and the fact it is a true bomber. I'm not a rivet counter, nor do I have a clue how the real one flew, so the flight model seems good to me. The Damage model is good, and it's just plain fun to fly. If you are a WW1 fan, and like bombers also, this is a great addition to your hanger in Rise of Flight. For squadrons making the move from Red Baron 3-D to Rise of Flight this is a great addition for "war nights".

    DCS: A-10C Warthog--Final Release!
    JediMaster
    By JediMaster,
    “DCS: A-10C WARTHOG” Released   DUXFORD, UK, February 21, 2011 – The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics now offer “DCS: A-10C Warthog” as a digital download for $59.99.   Purchase "DCS: A-10C Warthog" at: http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=1322&scr=shop&lang=en   "DCS: A-10C Warthog" is a PC simulation of the U.S. premier Close Air Support attack aircraft. This is the second aircraft in the DCS series, following DCS: Black Shark, and raises the bar even higher in the DCS series. Warthog brings the most realistic PC simulation of a modern fixed wing combat aircraft in regards to flight dynamics, avionics, sensors, and weapon systems. You also have the option to play Warthog in "Game" mode for a casual game experience. Fly missions in the Caucuses region of the Black Sea against and with a wide array of air, land and sea forces with new and improved intelligence. Create your own missions and campaigns with the included Mission and Campaign Editors, and fly with and against friends online using the included online game browser.   Key Features: • Fly the A-10C “Warthog” in either realistic or game modes. • Fly missions in Georgia and Russia. • Interactive training missions shallow the learning curve dramatically. • Rich campaigns and single missions included. • Multiplayer cooperative and head-to-head. • Mission and Campaign editors allow user created content. • The most realistic flight dynamics ever done for a PC simulation. • Huge array of land, air and sea units to flight along and against. • Ability to command ground forces during missions with radio commands. • Fully interactive Forward Air Controller (FAC) that helps you find targets.   Website: http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/series/warthog   System recommendation Operating system: 64-bit Windows XP, Vista, and 7 Processor: CPU: Core 2 Duo E6600 or AMD Phenom X3 8750 or better Memory: 4GB Hard disk space: 7 GB Video: Shader 3.0 or better; 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT DirectX 9.0c or better Sound: DirectX 9.0c-compatible DirectX®: 9.0C     About The Fighter Collection: The Fighter Collection, as well as developing software for the entertainment and serious game markets, also operates, rebuilds and maintains Europe's largest collection of airworthy WWII fighters and is based at Duxford Airfield, in the UK. For more information visit our websites: http://www.fighter-collection.com/   http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1112308#post1112308

    DFW C.V. now available for preorder
    Dagger
    By Dagger,
    This is from Jason at 777 studios     Pre-Order DFW C.V   Dear pilots,   Today is an important day for us. Some time ago we took on the responsibility of trying to offer you something different, the embodiment of our ideas of what this hobby could and should be in this new age of technology. We did not try to emulate the current authorities and we did not try to merely copy others, but rather build something we ourselves would want to participate in. In this modern era of development and distribution, new ideas are challenging and hard to test and risk is everywhere. Many did not believe in us, said bad things about us and twisted our actions to look as though they were something other than a passion for the genre that we desire to share. Indeed, we have chosen this different path, one in which you are the direct investors that drive development, but one that comes with more risk. This decision made it necessary to seek new ways to do practically everything: such as create a system of regular updates to manage our complex product and invest in constant development to improve it from launch to ultimate completion. Not to mention, selling new aircraft direct to you without a middle man to steal our revenue. Without these forms of direct interaction with you, none of this would be possible.   At the beginning we were warned that this was too complex a system and difficult to manage effectively. And yes, when ROF was launched there were only a few aircraft to fly. Other products are measured by the sheer number of aircrafts available to fly, sometimes in the hundreds. We tried to choose quality over quantity. Few agreed that we could keep our promise of quality and progress, but over time the number of aircraft has grown steadily with no compromise in quality or progress. As a result, we feel that we chose the right path. Many difficulties have and will continue to be overcome and even more ROF flyers will have the opportunity to experience that same feeling we get when we dive into this highly detailed environment. After all, it is ultimately your emotions that are most important to us. We want to transport you back in time and into the cockpit during WWI, have you face certain death and hopeless situations just like the real pilots did. What would you do? Would you have survived? Our ultimate goal is to create strong emotions in you through technology. When we explain to people what it is we do, they often say, “It’s not real, it’s not a real aircraft, and it’s just a virtual model so why do people play?”Our response, “That may be true, but the skill is definitely not virtual.”   When ROF launched it had only two aircraft which was a small start, but from the beginning you have asked us to increase this number and we have. Thanks to your support and efforts of the team we have managed to drastically increase the plane-set fairly rapidly. So this day is very important to us, because we did not know in the beginning if you would trust us and give us the opportunity to reach this point. You believed in us and we have worked hard to get here. We thank you for your support!   And now, we proudly present to you an old friend, the multi-purpose German airplane – the DFW C.V. Of course, you think you know him as you have probably shot him down hundreds of times before. But we assure you, he will surprise you. Now you will be able to sit in the cockpit of the machine and operate it in combat. This aircraft is very interesting due to its versatility. It has two machine guns and can therefore be a full-fledged combat fighter aircraft. If necessary, it can be armed with bombs and serve as a front-line bomber. The presence of the second crew member armed with a gun in the rear cockpit makes it a dangerous opponent. He will attack you while you are trying to attack him.   So we have achieved another development milestone and it will fly very soon in the virtual skies of ROF! We hope that this will open a new and interesting chapter in ROF for you.      

Portal by DevFuse · Based on IP.Board Portal by IPS


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