Fokker Dr-1 Triplane

Description
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Note:
Although this may fly OK in FS98 I suggest that you DL the FS98 version as it may handle better on the ground.
I uploaded this CFS version because I have noticed that in the Combat Flight Simulator there are a few differences in the Flight Model, in particular how this plane sits on the ground.
I have also added the necessary correct guns for this type plane as I am able with my knowledge of the damadge profile ? "DP" files in CFS.

install:
1)Unzip all files to your:
Combat Flight Simulator/Airctraft Folder.
This DR-1 should fly now with two guns of 500 rounds each.

Adding the DR-1 to your Quick Combat list

If you have added planes or know how to
add planes to your Quick Combat list you
don't want to do this next part as it would
remove any added FSFS planes save for the
DR-1 to your Quick Combat list.

Adding the DR-1 to your Quick Combat list so that
you can fly against a sky full of them:

Please backup your qc_plane.qcb file if you aren't sure what I'm advocating here.

drag and drop the included qc_plane.qcb file into your:
QuickCom Folder overwriting the original file.

(note) I didn't position this file in the zip under a
QuickCom folder because again this part is optional.

If you wish to add the DR-1 manually to your
Quick Combat list then go to your QuickCom folder and open
the
qc_plane.qcb file
with your Windows Notepad and add the Dr-1 info as below or
see in the example
qc_plane.qcb file
that I have included.

PLease note that you need to add the info in three places.

1) as an [option.##]
example:

[option.27]
OptionName=%fokrdr-1Option%
aircraft.0=fokrdr-1
family_type.0=1
name.0=%fokrdr-1Name%


2) as a [Strings] section
Example:

"fokrdr-1Option"=Fokker Dr-1

3) and lastly as a name section
Example:

"fokrdr-1Name"=Fokker Dr-1


I suggest that you DL Andy Hall's & A. Kemner's beautiful Sopwith Camel as a worthy oponnent. The most recent file name for FS98 is: camel.zip available at www.flightsim.com
A Complete Sopwith Camel package for FS98, includes Airplane, Panel and sound. Airplane model by Andrew W. Hall, Panel and Sound by Andre Kemner.



You do't need to unzip any files with these extensions:
.DIZ
.gif
.txt
You need to have the default planes, their sounds, and
their gauges installed for the panel and sounds to work properly.
Specifically, the default Sopwith Camel and the default Cessna minicontrols. (They are installed already in CFS typically)

Flying:
I strongly suggest having a rudder system for this plane.
The Fokker Dr-1 was a small highly maneuvorable fighter plane
for it's day that could climb fast but lacked great speed.
Remember a few things in 1917 the planes didn't have much avionics,
nav, or many gauges. The original had a control stick that was
designed for two handed operation; it incorporated the trigger
and a remote-control throttle connected to the main throttle by
a flex cable. There were also pedals but no brakes.
The gauges included compass, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil gauge, and ammo counter.
The 110 hp.Oberursel Rotary engine turned with the propeller and
the crankshaft remained attached to the plane.
It has been pointed out to me that this type engine was
controlled by an on/off type throttle system.

In CFS and FS98 there aren't any brakes. Drag your tail and feet if necessary.
The planes fly closely from the FS5 version, The CFS version and the FS98 so
these tips apply to both:
My Dr-1s stall speed is 54kts in CFS, FS98 and slightly lower in FS5.
Take it easy on rudder when on the ground or you will flip over.
use rudder to turn on ground and in the air.
Cut your engines on landing and glide in.
Crosswinds can be dangerous but I have landed on CGX rw36 in an 18kt wind from 080 hdg.

Some interesting reflections from flying this plane.
It was fun to fly a plane such as this. It is light and you feel very close to flying. It's harder to navigate. I use an auto map in FS98 such as Rand McNally.
You are going to be in deep trouble if you aren't carefull in a fog or heavy clouds as you must rely on your gauges completely and you must know of obstructions such as hills, buildings and generally....the scenery. I did had a Nav & gauge panic at one point in a fog and couldn't even tell if I was top-side up.

Realism Problems included:

1)painting. I have seen at least three versions of the truth about this plane's paint, Including one place where they didn't get the # 425/17 correct. This is what I believe to be reasonably correct.

2)FSFS construction. There are bleeds. I know all of them. Sorry. If you wish to be concerned about this then try to make one yourself. Triplanes with 3 1/3 wings are difficult to get right.
This plane is however based on the fairly accurate Cleveland Design series of 1/2" scale balsa planes and several other books.

3)Panel. Not at all realistic. It has the default Sopwith Gauges (which BTW aren't all realistic either.
Anyone that has "Accurate" info may feel free to communicate with me.

4)Flight Characteristics. Hehe. Deep subject. I could debate for hours.
It is my belief that one should stick to the specs. (see Below)
however, the FS flight model is basically a cessna configuration and doesen't take in to account for tri-planes. I tried plugging in the actual wing area and she went berzerk. Consequently, I created this flight model based on the original info and then altering slightly for feel using visual representations from various sources including the movie "The Blue Max" starring Geo. Peppard & James Mason. and my experiences watching at Rhinebeck Aerodrome. BTW The triplane at Rhinebeck Aerodrome is fairly accurate but has a Continental Radial engine with 220 hp and climbs almost vertically. Since there are no original Fokker Triplanes flying or for that matter in existence, I don't see how anyone can truthfully argue the flight dynamics. Basically, I admit that this plane can't be exactly correct. One important thing was that theDr-1 triplane had a great deal of engine torque and rolled much faster to the right than to the left. This is impossible to model currently in FS planes.

The real DR-1 Specs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 23 ft. 7 in. (top wing)
20 ft. 5 in. (mid wing)
18 ft. 6 in. (lower wing)

Length: 18 ft. 11 in.
Height: 9 ft. 8 in.
Weight: 891 lbs. empty/1,291 lbs. loaded
Armament: Two 7.92 mm Spandau LMG 08/15 machine guns with
500 rounds ammo per gun firing through prop wiht gear synchronization.
Engine: Oberursel Ur II of 110 hp. or LeRhone 110 hp.
Crew: One

PERFORMANCE
Maximum Speed: 103 mph.
Range: 185 miles 1.5 hours.
Service Ceiling: 19,685 ft.
Time/Ht.
3.45 min. to 6,500 ft.
6.30 min to 9,800 ft.
10.00 min to 13,100 ft.
14.30 min. to 16,400 ft.


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