F-105D Thunderchief

Virtavia F-105D Thunderchief – DTG Steam Edition Manual Version 1.0

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F-105D Thunderchief

USER MANUAL


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Introduction

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, first flown in 1955 and often known as

"Thud" by its pilots, was a rugged and reliable multi-role fighter with an

emphasis on low-altitude, high-speed penetration strikes with a single

nuclear bomb. At the time of its construction it was the largest fighter in

the world and set several world speed records. The F-105D was the

definitive variation, featuring an all-weather capability and modern

avionics (for the time) with 610 units of this type being built.

In Vietnam, the F-105s were used as bombers, the usual load exceeded

by fifty percent the amount carried by a World War II B-17. An extra fuel

tank was fitted into the spacious bomb bay while up to 12,000 lbs of

bombs were suspended from five hardpoints. Though primarily used as

a bomber, the Thunderchief still scored its share of downed Migs, 29 of

which felt the bite of the Thud. The F-105D's wing measures 34 feet 11

inches, tip to tip. Length is 64 feet 3 inches and height is 19 feet 8

inches. Wing area is 385 square feet. With its afterburning J75-P-9V, the

F-105D has a maximum speed of 1,390 mph at 50,000 feet. Empty

weight is 27,500 pounds, normal weight is 38,034 pounds, gross weight

is 52,546 pounds. The built-in armament of the F-105D consists of one

20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon with 1,029 rounds. A great variety of

missiles can be suspended from the Thunderchief's hardpoints, the

actual distribution would be determined by the particular mission at

hand.


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Support

Should you experience difficulties or require extra information about the

Virtavia F-105D Thunderchief, please e-mail our technical support on

[email protected]

Copyright Information

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These files may not be copied (other than for backup purposes),

transmitted or passed to third parties or altered in any way without the

prior permission of the publisher.

The source code for this product is closed. No modifications or reverse

engineering may be carried out without prior consent from Virtavia.

All rights reserved – copyright Virtavia 2016

mailto:[email protected]


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Package Contents

The Virtavia F-105D package contains six model variants to represent

the various stores loadouts typically carried by this aircraft :

Clean configuration

Mk.82 free-fall bombs loadout

M117 free-fall bombs loadout


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AGM-45 Shrikes loadout

Post-mission – empty pylons

Long-range loadout


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Exterior Model

The exterior model has all the usual animations such as ailerons,

elevators, flaps and speedbrakes. There are some additional animations

on the model :

Crew Access

shift-e : Pilot’s canopy

Refuelling Probe

shift-e+2 : Extend/retract the probe

Afterburner Petals / Spoilers

The four ‘petals’ surrounding the exhaust nozzle will spread open when

afterburner is engaged. The two lateral petals double as spoilers and will

retard the aircraft both in the air and upon landing.

Drag Chute

Upon touchdown, press and hold the F2 key and the drag chute will

display. There will be a corresponding retardation. Tap the F1 key and

the chute will be hidden.

Spoilerons

These small flaps open and close automatically to aid roll

manouverability.

Pilot

Pressing ctrl-w will toggle pilot visibility.

Tail Hook

Normally defined as Shift-Q but can be reassigned to ‘T’ if desired’.


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Exterior Lighting

Pressing the L key will turn on all lights. You may however wish to turn

them on using the appropriate switches on the Lighting Pop-Up Panel

(press shift-6 or click the ‘R’ simicon on the pilot’s panel in the cockpit),

as the L key also turns the on navigation, landing lights and cockpit

lighting, which should ideally be switched separately.

Shift-L will toggle the nav lights and the cockpit lights.

Crtl-L will toggle the landing lights.


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Alternative Viewpoints in FSX

There are several different ways of looking at the aircraft and the

cockpit, select these alternative views by right-clicking in an empty area

and picking the 'Aircraft' menu for external views and the 'Cockpit' menu

for views inside the cabin. It is possible to zoom and pan as normal in

these alternative views. Cycle though the available ones by pressing the

A key.

External View Options

It is possible to pan and zoom as normal in all external views.

‘Dirty’ view, rear - perfect for viewing the afterburner in action

Tail View - up and behind the ‘Thud’


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Front, left side view

Front, right side view

Front View - down low


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Front View - up high

Two-D Panel Pop-Ups in VC

The following keystrokes will toggle the 2D pop-up panels associated

with the accompanying 2D panel suite :

Shift-2 : Refuel panel – allows probe extension, add/remove fuel

Shift-3 : Autopilot controls only

Shift-4 : Left side panel – Autopilot and Electrics

Shift-5 : Right side panel – Radios, Anit-Ice, Lights

Shift-6 : Standard FSX GPS unit


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Instrument Panel

The images below can be accessed in-game in large format via the

Aircraft/Kneeboard/Checklist optiion.


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REFERENCE INFORMATION

Virtavia Republic F-105D Thunderchief Procedures

The Republic F-105D is a large, heavy aircraft with high wing loading. It is designed for low-altitude, high-speed penetration of enemy territory to deliver tactical ordnance. As a result, this aircraft is not perfectly suited for the tight knife-fighting style of smaller, more nimble aircraft. Intentional spinning and stalling is ill-advised when flying the F-105D. In addition, the F-105D has exceptionally high takeoff and landing speeds that necessitate the use of long paved runways. Ensure sufficient runway when planning for takeoff and landing.

Engine Start:

1. Ensure sufficient fuel for engine start. 2. Ensure battery and avionics switches are ON. 3. Press the engine starter. 4. At approximately 15% RPM switch on fuel supply for the engine. 5. Observe engine auto-ignition at approximately 23% RPM, signified

by spike in EGT. 6. Monitor engine parameters, allow 45-60 seconds for engine to

stabilize at ground idle (approximately 60% RPM). NOTE: For simplified procedure, Ctrl+E for auto engine start.

How to make a proper take-off in the F-105D "Thunderchief":

NOTE: Do not try to take off at lower than recommended takeoff speed (Approximately 180 knots).

Correct Take-off Procedure:

1. Flaps in their full take-off position. (Flaps position 1) 2. Release brakes and throttle simultaneously. 3. Once engaged, the afterburner should light up within 5 seconds. 4. At approximately 130 knots raise the nose wheel smoothly until

proper take-off attitude is reached (approximately 10 degrees nose up position). The amount of rotation will be indicated on the ADI. Do not try to pull the airplane into the air, by maintaining a steady 10 degree nose up attitude lift-off should occur at approximately 180 knots. Note: The 10 degree attitude will be such that the ventral fin will not scrape and the excess thrust will be more than enough to ensure positive lift-off, climb and acceleration.


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After Takeoff – Climb:

1. When definitely airborne and after adequate flying speed is reached and positive rate of climb is established retract gear. Note: Always retract landing gear prior to exceeding 240 KCAS (Maximum speed during landing approach with landing gear extended is 275 KCAS).

2. Retract flaps. If you forget to retract the flaps they will retract automatically at 275 KCAS.

3. Afterburner off (as required)

Cruise:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your minimum CRUISE & MANEUVER airspeed

must always be above 240 KCAS!

1. Once at desired altitude, slowly bring the aircraft level and trim as best as possible before enabling the autopilot. NOTE: If using autopilot vertical speed hold, manually reduce the vertical speed as you approach the desired altitude to assist the autopilot altitude capture mode.

Estimates:

Altitude Airspeed Mach

number Fuel Burn

100ft 950 KIAS

1.275 30.12 lbs/NM

35,000ft 320 KIAS

0.900 8.50 lbs/NM

38,000ft 319 KIAS

2.25 12.08 lbs/NM

= Optimum Cruise


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How to land the F-105D "Thunderchief":

THE KEY TO ANY GOOD LANDING IS PRECISE AIRSPEED CONTROL

Maintain as high a throttle setting as is consistent with approach conditions before landing. Although the engine will respond normally when accelerated from idle, it is preferred to maintain a minimum of 75 to 80 percent RPM during the approach to minimize the time delay required to obtain sufficient thrust if a go-around becomes necessary.

1. Enter the traffic pattern at 300-350 KCAS approximately three miles from end of runway and 1500 feet about field elevation.

2. Level break - Adjust throttle as required. 3. Landing gear handle - DOWN (below 275 KCAS). 4. Flap handle - Set at LANDING & TAKEOFF position. 5. Maintain break altitude until on base leg. Optimum airspeed on

base leg is 225 KCAS. Note: To gain the benefit of aerodynamic drag, use speed brakes as required and control airspeed and rate of sink by throttle.

6. Decrease airspeed to 195 - 210 KCAS prior to rolling out on final. 7. Use speed brakes as required.

RECOMMENDED APPPROACH SPEEDS & GLIDE ANGLES MUST BE ADHERED TO AND LANDINGS MUST BE SMOOTH WITH

VERY LOW SINK RATES!

8. After establishing final approach speed of approximately 190 KCAS, begin flare to touchdown.

9. To preclude excessive rates of sink during flare, a 2.5- to 3.0-degree final approach is recommended.

10. Rate of sink should be controlled by a combination of power and speed brakes until touchdown.

11. Touchdown at 170/160 KCAS and simultaneously reduce throttle to idle.

12. Maximum aerodynamic braking is obtained after touchdown by retracting the flaps and increasing back pressure on the stick to keep the nose wheel slightly aloft whenever above 130 KCAS.

13. At 130 KCAS gently lower the nose. 14. Deploy drag chute for all landings. To gain maximum drag

chute effectiveness, which is obtained in the higher allowable speed regions, the drag chute should be deployed as soon as


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positive directional control is available with the main wheels on the ground.

Takeoff, climb and landing instructions provided by Cliff Presley, primary flight model developer for this project and former F-105 pilot with the United States Air Force.


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Virtavia F-105D Thunderchief Reference

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, first flown in 1955 and often known as "Thud" by its pilots, was a rugged and reliable multi-role fighter with an emphasis on low altitude, high-speed penetration strikes with a single nuclear bomb. At the time of its construction it was the largest fighter in the world and set several world speed records. The F-105D was the definitive variation, featuring an all-weather capability and modern avionics (for the time) with 610 units of this type being built.

Specifications:

Single-seat, supersonic fighter-bomber

Empty weight: 27,501 lbs

Typical TO weight:

48,000 lbs

Max TO weight: 52,838 lbs

Fuel capacity: 1401 US Gal (with aux tank installed)

Drop tanks: 450/650 US Gal. each

Initial climb rate: 35,000 ft/min

Service ceiling: 50,000 ft

Aircraft Limitations:

Stall speed, clean: 160 KIAS

Max gear extension: 250 KIAS

Max gear retraction: 250 KIAS

Max indicated airspeed: 950 KIAS

Maximum speed at sea level:

Mach 1.27

Maximum speed at 38,000 feet:

Mach 2.25

Maximum G: +8/-3

Notes on configuration and load-out: All applicable load stations are included in the configuration file. In the event the user wishes to use a model with particular weapon settings, one will need to add weight to the particular weapon station in the Flight


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Simulator’s payload and fuel editor. The recommended weights for each load station are as follows:

NOTE: No modifications to the aircraft.cfg file are necessary for these load stations. Simply add the weight into the payload editor in the simulator.

Station_load.0

Pilot Pilot’s Preference

Station_load.1

Left drop tank (450gal)

275.00 lbs

Station_load.2

Right drop tank (450gal)

275.00 lbs

Station_load.3

Center drop tank (650gal)

375.00 lbs

Station_load.4

8x M117 Bombs 6,560.00 lbs

Station_load.5

2x AGM-45 Shrike 780.00 lbs

In the fuel load-out editor the drop tanks are listed as following:

External 1: Left drop tank (450 gal)

External 2: Right drop tank (450 gal)

RightAux: Center-pylon drop tank (650 gal)

If you are using a model that does not have one of these fuel tanks, set the fuel level for the given tank to 0. You must do this as the fuel tank will always default to the maximum capacity of the tank.

Autopilot: Though this aircraft is equipped with an auto flight system, it is designed to be flown by hand through the majority of the flight envelopment. The auto flight system however, is fully functional and more than capable of controlling the aircraft’s axis of control. It is recommended that when attempting to use the auto flight to hold an altitude to level off as best as possible to avoid any pitch oscillations.

Trim Characteristics: The aircraft will require only small trim adjustments throughout its flight envelope, with the exception of landing, where the gear and flaps cause


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a nose-down tendency. The aircraft is capable of trimming +/- 26° in either direction; though it is highly unlikely that this much trim would be required at any phase of flight.

F-105D Thunderchief

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