[VSKYLABS Spotlight] issued 17th April 2015
The VSKYLABS Northrop M2-F2 Lifting Body
Vehicle Simulation for X-Plane 9/10
The Northrop M2-F2/F3 was the first of the heavyweight, entry-configuration lifting bodies. It was a heavyweight lifting body based on studies at NASA's Ames and Langley Research Centers and built by the Northrop Corporation in 1966. The first flight of the M2-F2, which looked much like the M2-F1 (lightweight Lifting Body Glider), was on July 12, 1966.
A few changes from the M2-F1 design were implemented in the M2-F2, such as pilot location (the cockpit moved forward to allow the fuel tanks to be located around the center of gravity of the vehicle, in order to minimize trim changes as fuel was used on powered flight. Another reason for moving the pilot location forward was ejection capability while the vehicle was still connected to the B-52, and to improve forward visibility).
The M2-F2 was dropped from the B-52's wing pylon mount at an altitude of 45,000 feet (13,700 m) on the maiden glide flight, piloted by Milton Thompson. He reached a gliding speed of about 450 miles per hour (720 km/h).
Flying tips for the M2-F2 Lifting Body Vehicle finals on X-Plane 9/10:
To perform the unpowered flight at correct flying weight, you'll have to empty the fuel tanks (by entering in X-Plane the aircraft weight and balance window and getting rid of the fuel).
In unpowered flight, the aircraft is actually falling from the sky. For comfortable handling and optimum glide ratio, maintain airspeed at about 350 knots (or Mach 0.75 at high altitudes). It's quite a steep nose-down attitude you'll have to get used to.
You can manage aircraft potential by under/overturning the flight track to the final, or use the air-brakes.
Initial flare begins at ~1000 feet. Don't be tempted to pull up above this height, or to reduce speed below 300-350 knots before that point, because you'll lose the needed airspeed for touchdown. Flare should be executed gradually. Use the Velocity Vector cue in the HUD to fly the aircraft until touchdown.
Landing gear extension is after the completion of the flare, when the aircraft is stable at or below 100 feet.
The aircraft is fitted with four rocket engines and fuel, in specs according to the real M2-F2. If you wish to practice the unpowered glide, you can either position the aircraft around the release point (45,000 feet, Mach 0.7), or drop it from the B-52 (after selecting it for a B-52 drop-out, open the 'local map' and move the B-52 to the desired location and altitude. When you exit the 'local map' window, the B-52 with the M2-F2 will be located at that spot).
Most important: Have fun!
Now, let's go and dig some holes in the Mojave Desert :)
JMH.
