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F-18 Range

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tutmeister:
Although I am using the XLOAD F/A-18 with extended range tanks as above, there is not much difference in the two, I've been told - so I recently flew from KNKX (Miramar MCAS) to HKJK (Nairobi, Kenya). I went via Goose Bay, Lajes, Algiers and onwards and managed to get a mach 0.87/500 KIAS cruise at FL400 at 78% N1. So that's just below first stage afterburner and I managed just over 2000 miles each leg by researching the real world winds at altitude and making sure I used them to my advantage. With a 100kts tailwind, things become a lot more manageable! So FL400 is not necessarily the one to go for, but ground speed increases with a tailwind and generally wind increases with height, so I'd try and get as high as you can (as long as you check the weather first :D).

fael097:
xload ftw!

SUBS17:

--- Quote from: WilliamCall on February 03, 2008, 03:00:40 pm ---Not sure if you guys are aware of this, but you can add additional fuel to the Hornet by updating the [fuel] section in the aircraft.cfg file.  I've added an additional fuel tank, simulating carrying an external centerline tank.  Of course the visual model isn't correct, but the flight model recognizes the additional fuel.  The total fuel on the integrated engine fuel gauge shows the increased fuel as well as the total fuel on the fuel page of the MFD.  Unfortunately, the bar graphs at the bottom of the MFD fuel page do not work (indicating the amount of external fuel).  Listed below is what I have in the [fuel] section:


[fuel]
//----------Fwd/Aft------L-R------Vert----Capacity---Unusable---
LeftAux   =  -24.5000,  0.0000,  2.5000, 418,0000, 0.0000   ;Tank 1   
LeftMain  =  -27.0000,  0.0000,  2.5000, 263.0000, 0.0000   ;Tank 2   
RightMain =  -32.0000,  0.0000,  2.5000, 206.0000, 0.0000   ;Tank 3   
RightAux  =  -36.5000,  0.0000,  2.0000, 532.0000, 0.0000   ;Tank 4   
LeftTip   =  -35.3000, -5.5000,  1.0000,  85.0000, 0.0000   ;Lt Wing 
RightTip  =  -35.3000,  5.5000,  1.0000,  85.0000, 0.0000   ;Rt Wing 
Center1   =  -35.3000,  0.0000, -1.0000, 330.0000, 0.0000   ;Ext CL 
//Center2   =  -35.3000,  3.5000, -1.0000, 150.0000, 0.0000   ;Rt Wing 
//Center3   =  -35.3000, -3.5000, -1.0000, 200.0000, 0.0000   ;Lt Wing 
//External1 =  -35.3000,  7.0000, -1.0000, 250.0000, 0.0000   ;Rt Wing 
//External2 =  -35.3000, -7.0000, -1.0000, 300.0000, 0.0000   ;Lt Wing 




The X, Y, Z locations of the external tanks are only approximations.  I need to do more research t get better coordinates.

--- End quote ---

Only problem is it won't take into account the extra drag.

Flork:
That's funny, with the extra tank maybe I can get around the world once!  I've taken SUBS advice and get 25-30 miles out, cut throttle and DIVE at the airport, using speed brake as necessary.  Gets me in for a nice, low fuel approach.  Went from San Diego to North Carolina on one tank of gas. Think I've found my sweet spot. I basically hit the 1st AB settiing and set altitude for whatever range I need on the FPAS.  Shorter flights get lower altitude and faster airspeeds. 

SUBS17:
Yeah a mission profile Hi/Low/Hi is basically cruise to the tgt area at high altitude, drop down to low level for last 60miles bomb the tgt then fly back 60 miles and climb back to cruising height. distance maybe further depending on SAM/AAA sites etc.

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