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454ss Build Challenge 1 - Lord_Bison

This vehicle was created for the 454ss: Build Challenge 1 - Van Man. The vehicle was designed for some fun while operating an ambulance in the game. There was a base chassis provided and anything goes on the back and here is what I ended up making. Below are some flying & operational notes. Enjoy!

** No re-uploads of any kind whatsoever. **

See Original 454ss Chassis here: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2999246591

Be sure to check out what other builds 454ss has here: https://steamcommunity.com/id/454ss/myworkshopfiles/

Murlanian Air Works (Mur-Lay-nee-an) is proud to present, in cooperation with Buckel Motors, the unique Prototype Search & Rescue Vehicle: Minerva. This unit is named after the Roman Goddess of Medicine, Wisdom, Music, Justice & More!! Her trusty Owl is at her side when needed.

This unit came about from two representatives from the above companies, waiting for their flights & noticing that they were at the same Engineering & Technology Trade show. As their loud and boisterous conversations continued, a nearby eavesdropper was leaving and mentioned snidely in passing, "Make a van fly?!? Ha! That'll be the same day pigs do."

Yes, that's right folks, these two companies have put together a transforming van that flies!!!! Vans 1. Pigs 0.

This vehicle was designed after a Roman Goddess & it certainly behaves like one. Due to the nature of the construction on this vehicle, it has a small steering drift at lower ground speeds and can be greatly affected by the wind. Steering Countermeasures have been implemented, but CANNOT correct everything. Responds best to pulse style inputs for minor corrections. Please take a look at the controls layout before operation. All of the controls are within reach of the Drivers/Pilot Seat & press "H' to call up the Seat Control list.

* As of upload on July 18th, 2023, There seems to be a phantom force on the pitch command and is triggering an additional roll effect. I've scoured the logic and found nothing. It's still operable, just a little weird while pitching up or down. *


All Standard Features of the Buckel Caretta Closed Cab version, plus....
- Unfolding flight surfaces with Mag Lock system.
- GPS Map with Altitude Position. (no visible number). Laser Assisted "Distance to ground" for smooth-ish landings.
- Extensive, yet cramped, room for two Medical Beds & additional seating for up to 6 people. (Not including main cabin
Passenger seat, which is usually reserved for the dog.)
- Oxygen Masks for the brave patients in the fuselage.
- Equipment for almost every situation. Including Arctic clothing & Deep Diving Gear. (Sorry no parachutes, so..... B.Y.O.P.)
- Slide-out Equipment Rack & Door Access Buttons
- Emergency Hand Crank Generators. Both can be operated at the same time from the rear of van.
- Full Vehicle Emergency Flasher System with Speed variable Sirens. Silent at 0 speed after initial activation.
- Variable Low Jet Fuel Alarm. Includes Silence Button
- Landing Assist. Engages Flaps (Visual only) & Auto Braking. (Very Functional)

Vehicle Operations:

Driving: Max Ground Speed: 145 KPH

Turn on key and drive as normal as conditions call for. Be mindful about the steering. Try not to take too many jumps with vehicle damage ON, it tends to get damaged. Press H to call up control list.

** Flight Operation Notes**

Best fuel efficiency: 21.7 to 22.7 RPS. 1 L/Sec Typical. 35 Min flight time at 225 Km/Hr avg.
Max RPS (47.5) is 3 L/Sec. 11 to 12 minutes flight time at 395 Km/Hr.

Be very mindful when landing with vehicle damage ON. It might take some practice.

Pre-Flight Checklist:
1 - Jet Fuel Level - 2250L Max (Some fuel will be lost to the pipes. Recommend topping off prior to Take-off)
2 - Battery Levels above 90%
3 - All Necessary equipment onboard?
4 - Canine Co-Pilot in their Seat? (Optional)
5 - Good understanding of controls layout?

Flight Time!!

1 - Drive to Take-off Location, stop, place transmission in Neutral & set Parking Brake.

2A - Enable Flight Mode by holding the "6" key and pressing the newly unlocked button in the centre of the console. Release "6". Wait for Mag-lock Sound

2B - With wings extended, verify all visible flight controls and flap action. Flight lights are always

3 - Now "Activate Turbine" and wait for spool up. (Flip Switch on upper Console)

4 - Manually tune turbine to 23-24 RPS, using the Up/Down arrow keys. (Roughly 5 - 8 presses, RPS is displayed on roof console) Adjust as necessary.

5 - Release Parking Brake & Press Take off Throttle Setpoint Button or manually tune throttle to 30 RPS.

6 - Press "Make it so!!" to activate Thrust & hold on!!

7 - Liftoff is between 180Km/Hr & 200 Km/Hr

8 - Press Down arrow and throttle will reset to previous pre-take-off value. 21.77 to 22.77 RPS Nominal fuel use.

9 - Happy flying!! If you dare, the Gyro On/Off button is also on the roof. This van will barrel roll. ;)

Landing Procedure: Vehicle Damage Off.

Whatever way you see fit. IF you're not on the wheels afterwards, try Folding & unfolding the wings.

Landing Procedure: Vehicle Damage ON. Recommend Gyro ON & Landing Assist ON.
(Landing assist provides automatic touchdown brake signalling when turbine RPS is more than 12 and less than 21. Speed Range: 60 to 250 KPH. Regular Brakes available under 60 KPH in Flight Mode.

1A: Align approach vector.
1B: Manually adjust throttle to 21.7 to 22.2 RPS.

2 - Begin final approach & under 100 M reading on Landing assist, Press Landing Throttle Setpoint on upper console
& Press 5 to enable landing assist if desired. Recommended. You can also manually adjust the throttle once you get to know the vehicle.

3 - Aim for less than 1 Meter per second descent. Refer to landing assist dial.

4 - Ideal speed is 185 - 195 Km/Hr. Lower than 180 Km/Hr = Crash.

5 - Carefully control plane and land level with the ground & throttle down turbine. Extreme landing angle on the rear wheels tends to end up damaging the vehicle.

6- If you are coming in too fast or at a bad angle, press the up arrow to resume flight RPS. Circle back & repeat.

7 - Once Landed, throttle down & taxi to position or Disengage flight mode, shift into gear and Drive on!



** Disclaimer **
All additional MC's are my design. This is my first successful plane. The logic works and I'm always open to positive & productive suggestions.