Others paid a heavy price in blood for the democracy we enjoy today. Don’t squander it..
We shall remember them.
D-Day 80 years on
Category: Uncategorized
Next level immersion
We published a video yesterday to demonstrate how technology is reshaping flight simulation.
Our own philosophy has been to couple an accurately modelled simulator cockpit with full working controls to the virtual world. Treating the simulator essentially as a large joystick allows the VR technology to develop separately, ensuring the cockpit will remain as relevant many years into the future as it is today.
In order to enhance immersion and the feeling of actually being there we have added force feedback, vibration and g-Force simulation to our design in simple, (relatively easily achieved by the homebuilder) modules. The one element that remained elusive at reasonable cost was being able to see your own body and hands in the cockpit while still being in the virtual world.
Limited passthough, being able to see a part of your real world integrated into the virtual world, offers that opportunity.
While the likes of Varjo have with their XR3 and now XR4 headsets offered passthrough for a while, this came at a huge cost ($4000+). Add to this some serious graphics processing power to be able to run the software at acceptable rates to enjoy the enhanced resolution available in these units and you are talking serious money.
Enter the Quest 3. Much lighter and more compact than the Varjo, you need no more than the 128Gb model selling for under $500. Add a proper headstrap with battery and in case you have not got one, a high speed router to handle the wireless PCVR setup. Coupled with Virtual Desktop to run the PCVR and a free passthrough utility from SpitIce (Thank you! Would happily pay for that!) we now have a very good passthrough experience available to us lesser mortals!
Check out our video here of it in action:
Graphics quality is great. You can see yourself and your surroundings in 3D. Bear in mind the video much degrades the visual quality, cuts the field of view severely, is only from one eye’s view and no longer in 3D, so can only offer a small glimpse of the actual experience.
Lack of physical presence was perhaps the one element that still made some prefer a physical cockpit with dome projection. The disadvantage of that is that generally the visuals are a little washed out and in flat 2D. Its perfect for procedural training in an aircraft with limited outside visibility (front and side windows) and where the focus is on the cockpit environment, not external visuals. The requirement normally revolves around flying on instruments anyway, therefore seeing the outside becomes somewhat irrelevant and in fact undesirable.
In contrast our focus is on experiencing flight in historical fighter planes, where the visual senses are extremely important in creating a convincing and fully immersive environment. With passthrough, still in early stages of development but available now, a new level of immersion has arrived.
Diamond Jubilee License and the Malta Spitfire!
It was a fantastic occasion to be able to issue our Diamond Jubilee Spitfire Build License No.60 in February.
What is even more exciting is that it has gone to Malta, with it’s incredibly rich historic association with the Spitfire and its heroic defiance against the Axis onslaught.
The small island of Malta, a crucial stronghold in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, found an unlikely hero in the sleek and graceful form of the Supermarine Spitfire. As the Axis powers endeavoured to dominate the skies, the Spitfire emerged as a symbol of resilience and an instrument of salvation for the beleaguered Maltese people.
From the moment its Merlin engines roared into life, the Spitfire was not just a mere fighter aircraft; it was a beacon of hope. The exemplary performance of these fighters during the Siege of Malta between 1940 and 1943 is a saga of heroism and tenacity.
The pilots of these magnificent machines formed an unbreakable bond with the island nation. They were not just defenders; they were the heart and soul of the resistance. Every engagement served as testament to their unwavering commitment to protect Malta’s freedom against overwhelming odds.
Against a relentless barrage from the enemy, the Spitfire’s and their brave pilots managed to turn the tide. They displayed a steely determination that mirrored the steadfast spirit of the Maltese people, ensuring they never stood alone.
Today, the legacy of the Spitfire and its pilots is etched into the very fabric of Malta’s history. It is remembered as a shining example of courage and a herald of peace, a heroic chapter that showcases the indefatigable spirit of a nation under siege. Every rivet, every wing, and every propeller of the Spitfires that soared above the Mediterranean blue tells a story — a story of valor, determination, and a relentless will to survive.
Welcome to the Builders Group Malta!
Design Update 2.5 – Full Force MSFS2020..!
Hi folks!
This week we released our latest design update for the HFS Mk.IX Simulator Cockpit to our Build License Holders. This update brings full Force Feedback, Wind Generation and G-Force to the MSFS2020 implementation. Almost all the controls are simulated in MSFS2020 too (as far as the simulation engine allows) through the Spad.Next programme.
Details for Rev.2-5 are as follows:
1. Added Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 operability through SPAD.Next software
a. Updated “HFS MK.IX Spitfire Control Rev10_5 Dist.xlsx” file in Electronics folder.
b. Included SPAD.Next profile in Electronics folder. (HFS FlyingIron Spitfire MkIX.xml)
c. Updated section 5.1.6 accordingly.
d. Added section 5.1.3.2 Microsoft Flight Simulator
e. Updated section 5.1.3.3 X-Plane
2. Consolidated G-Force Seat and Force Feedback functionality through SimTools v.2.6 This means it is no longer necessary to run DCS Bios to achieve the Force Feedback for Ailerons and Rudders.
a. Updated “HFS MK.IX Spitfire Control Rev10_5 Dist.xlsx” file in Electronics folder.
b. Included new configuration files in Electronics/HFS FullForce folder
c. Deleted Electronics/G-Force Seat and HFS_BD_Rev9c_AS_WS folders
d. Updated description in section 5.1.1 Introduction
e. Updated section 5.2.2.1 Connecting the fan to the Arduino
f. Renamed section 5.2.3 to Force Feedback and G-Force Software Setup and major rewrite to use SimTools.
g. Added section 5.6 Running the Software
3. Pneumatic Assembly Base for G-Force seat missing files included:
a. Added two missing STL files for the Pneumatic Assembly base in the STL Files/G-Force Seat folder:
i. 04.04.01.01.01 Base.stl
ii. 04.04.01.01.02 Base.stl
b. Updated section 4.10.5.6 to include the missing two base files in the listing.
c. Updated section 3.12 to include full listing of supplied STL files for self 3D printing.
4. Cleared up inconsistency and clarified naming convention of the Seat Airshims used in the G-Force Seat:
a. Added description and sketch showing the naming convention of the shims in section 4.10.5.4
b. Added Pneumatic Tubing Layout diagram to section 4.10.5.8.2
c. Corrected nomenclature on wiring diagram section 4.12.3.2
5. Updated section 3.13.1 Bubble Hood Plexi to reflect the supplier details for individual Malcolm Hoods in the UK and Australia.
6. Updated section 5.1.5 Calibration of the Axes to:
a. reflect use of DIView as a better alternative to the Windows Joystick utility.
b. Also included a download link and added the DIView.exe to the Electronics folder for convenience.
Enjoy and a Merry Christmas to all!
Flying Legends 2023 – Church Fenton
I was privileged to be able to attend the Flying Legends Airshow this last weekend. It was the first time it was held at its new venue at Church Fenton near Leeds. The location lent itself to setting up a beautiful flight line, including 12 Spitfires of various types and 3 Hurricanes.
It was great to meet up with Steve and Terry of Simply Spitfire again. I look forward to seeing their Mk.II soon!
Despite challenging weather the rain stopped and clouds parted at critical moments of the Saturday afternoon display. This included a superb display by 8 Spitfires.
Here for your viewing pleasure and builders inspiration, a few of the pics I managed to take:
Fully functional in MSFS2020!
It took a bit of doing but we can finally announce that we have a fully functioning Spitfire Cockpit for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. And fully functioning means with:
- Pneumatically operated G-Force Seat
- Force feedback on Ailerons and Rudder
- Wind simulation
All these add tremendously to what is already an incredibly immersive experience.
Check out our video to learn more:
The (g)Force is with us!
In what is quite a milestone for the development of our Spitfire Mk.IX, we have published the plans for our G-Force seat.
The effect achieved with the pneumatic bladders and belt tensioner is subtle but adds tremendously to the overall immersion. It provides a cost-effective means of incorporating G-Force simulation into the HFS offering by way of pneumatic cushions and seatbelt pressure on the pilot. The Pneumatics Driver design builds upon that of XXPELLE, who’s build he shared on the xsimulator.net community site. I am grateful to him and to the various community members who pitched in with comments and assistance when needed. As such I have also made my upgraded Pneumatics Driver design available on that site and here for use by the community.
Download it here:
Heritage Flight Simulation G-Force Seat Design
We elected to use a G-Force seat rather than motion simulation due to a number of factors:
- A motion platform is unable to provide sustained g-force simulation, for instance when an aircraft is pulling constant g’s in a loop or steep turn. Instead it will provide an initial heave and then wash out gently when the actuator limits have been reached. This is not very convincing especially in combat aircraft.
- In VR any discrepancy between perceived and real motion leads very rapidly to onset of motion sickness. Hence a motion platform is less than ideal with VR.
- The cost of our G-Force seat is a fraction of the cost of a full motion simulator.
The full revision 2.4 changes are as follows:
Revision 2.4
- Added G-Force Seat Design
- Added section 4.10.5 for the optional G-Force Seat design.
- Added section 4.12.3.2 for the G-Force Seat electronics connection.
- Added Section 5.2.4 for the G-Force Seat software installation.
- Added G-Force seat custom Arduino code.
- Added custom SimTools presets.
- Updated the HFS MK.IX Spitfire Control spreadsheet to Rev10_4 to update G-Force seat inclusion.
- Added 15 new GA and Assembly Drawings.
- Drawing Register Rev7 updated.
- Added 33 STL files for self-3d printing of required components.
- Added HFD-100133 Seat Pattern Drawing v2
- Updated section 5.4.2 on Hand Recognition and Mixed Reality.
- Reduced pricing in 3.12 for HP Multijet Nylon printing shown.
- Updated information on Bubble Hood Plexi sect.3.13.1
- Updated information on Windscreen Top Plexi sect.3.13.3
- Total of 37 new pages added to the manual, now spanning 565 pages of richly illustrated information.
Build-002 Update: Looking fantastic!
I am very pleased to be able to share some update photos of Build-002. One of the first builds to actually start, the builder/owner has been making steady progress and his cockpit is almost complete. The quality of craftsmanship is superb and he has been meticulous in every detail.
One of the options presented to builders of the HFS Spitfire is cladding over the plywood fuselage cover with a thin 0.5mm aluminium plate. This has the advantage of the strength inherent in glued wooden frame/cover construction, where the cover provides great rigidity, while lending the visual appeal of aluminium plating. The result was envisaged in the following graphic:
While some builders have elected to go directly with a 1mm aluminium sheet on the plywood frame, Build-002 is the first build following the originally recommended method. It has been further enhanced with accurately positioned riveting, achieved very simply with an appropriately sized hollow punch. The result is outstanding!
The builder has also created a minimalist stair to make access easier. It could have come from a Scandinavian design house, it is so impressive!
Some more photos of the build in progress:
The BIG 50!!
This week we reached a major milestone when we sold our FIFTIETH HFS Spitfire Mk.IX Build Licence and Plan Set!
The cockpit has been a remarkable success story, placing the most immersive Spitfire flight experience in the world within reach of many. This is borne out by the huge popularity of our simulators at commercial operations such as the Pivka Museum in Slovenia and at our very own The Hangar in Ireland.
We would like to extend a huge thanks to all our customers for helping us reach this amazing milestone!
Dawn Patrol
..as flown in the HFS Spitfire Mk.IX Simulator..
Biggin Hill is just starting to wake when I lower myself into the welcoming confines of the cockpit. The gentle rain of the evening has given way to scuddy clouds. Having strapped myself in I pull up the hatch and latch it firmly into place. I check that all the switches are in their off position, working carefully left to right in my now familiar routine. Set altitude and check alignment of the magnetic compass.
I move the throttle forward and the electrics come on, lighting up the undercarriage indicator and fuel pressure light. Fuel cock to open position and with 11 pulls of the wobble pump the fuel light goes off. Unlocking the primer pump I give it 4 cycles before locking it back in place. I crack the throttle open, flick the left and right magneto switches up, open the starter and boost coil switch covers before shouting “Prop Clear!”. With the stick pulled back between my knees I push the starter and boost buttons with my right hand, resting my left on the closed mixture cut-off lever.
The giant four bladed prop starts to churn around with a whine, swirling a chilly blast into my face. There’s an explosive blast as one cylinder fires, then another, sending shudders through the airframe. The peace of the morning is shattered by the monstrous roar of the Merlin. I move the mixture cutoff lever to full forward position and bring the throttle back to a steady 1000rpm. The mad vibrations become a steady throb. Checking that the oil pressure gauge comes alive I close the starter button covers and wait for the temperatures to rise.
This mornings’ mission is just to check out this particular aircraft prior to it being sent to a frontline unit. One of those rare days where you can just take it a little more easy and enjoy the beauty of flight.
A gentle gust from the north tugs idly at the windsock as I line up on runway 03. Final checks on the temperatures and trim before I start opening the throttle gently. The diminutive airframe jumps forward, pulled recklessly by those massive swirling blades and 1600hp of raw power. Keeping all of that aligned on the runway demands intense concentration and before I know it we are hoisted into the air. The pressure on my right leg starts pushing me up in the seat before I hastily center the rudder trim. Switching hands deftly I raise the undercarriage and pull the canopy closed. There is instant relief from the blast of wind, providing some room to clear one’s thoughts.
A shaft of golden sunlight to the north illuminates the Thames where it curves through London. Behind that hangs a dark murk. I start a climbing turn towards the lighter south-east. It looks set for a beautiful spring day as I pass through the first of many layers of scattered cloud. In the distance the Channel gleams a dappled bright silver and I can just make out the darker French coastline at the edge of visibility. I pull the airscrew control lever back, reducing the engine revolutions from 3000rpm to 2600rpm. Adjusting the throttle to a boost reading of 8psi the craft settles into a steady climb at 180mph.
At 14000ft the second stage supercharger kicks in. I open the oxygen cock and turn on the fuel tank pressurisation. She’s climbing like a homesick angel..
Suddenly a shudder and a loss of rpm. I glance at the gauges and see everything is normal, yet the big motor is faltering, gasping for fuel. We are just over 21000ft. Damn! I forgot to turn on the fuel pump after startup again! I reach under the big elevator trim wheel and flick the switch just in time to have the motor burst into life again! Shabby.. got to keep a clear head..
In our steep climb to 30000ft we have passed over the coast and find ourselves over the Channel. Time to head back. I can not resist however to dive towards Calais, thinking I will just zoom over at high speed before they realise I am there. All looks very quiet from here and it feels like I am the only one out today. I bring the throttle back and dip the nose to a point just north of Calais. The airspeed indicator rushes around before settling at 450mph. The French coastline draws rapidly closer and I start pulling the Spitfire gently out of the dive using elevator trim, curving south over Calais. The port lies quietly with a few small ships in the harbour. I flash over the coastal defences, grateful that I must have caught their AA batteries napping.
A sudden flash of a yellow nose bowl catches my eye. I am not the only one out here! I crane my neck to see a Bf109 taking up a quarter rear aspect. He must have been tracking me, going at least as fast as am now. I roll to the right, pushing the throttle through the gate and start pulling towards him. He tries to stay on my tail but overshoots. As we start circling I can see I am gaining angles on him. We still have plenty of energy and he decides to pull into the vertical. I follow and he starts running out of speed before I do, turning into the cross of my gunsight. I manage a quick burst, the 20mm Hispano’s and .303 Brownings shudder through the airframe, but there is too much deflection and I miss. I flick back and am diving after him, gaining across the turn he has started. Another chance but he disappears under the long nose. I give another short burst, knowing he will be hit if he has not jinked left or right. I roll to see where he has gone. There he is, off to the right, starting another turn. Again I follow him, keeping outside his turn but making up the angles. Once more he goes vertical before I can get him into my sights, and once more I follow him. This time he misjudges his return and almost stalls as he flicks on his back. Another burst as he passes through my sights and I can see flashes as the cannon rips through his fuselage. I zoom past and roll onto my back before heading back down. I can see he was not been able to pull out of his dive and smoke pours from the hole where he disappeared in the rolling green countryside. Keeping the throttle wide open I head low over the waves back to the English coast. I keep jinking left and right while craning my neck to make sure no one else is following me. Once I am sure no one is I bring the boost pressure back to 4psi and bring down the RPM to 2600. The temperatures are high but not yet critical.
Passing over Dover I head towards Folkestone and start gaining some altitude. The circuit at Hawkinge is empty and I bring the speed right down, entering a lazy turn left downwind. Canopy open and the wind lashes at my face again. Gear down. They lock in place with a thump. Flaps down and the nose dips markedly until I compensate with elevator trim. We curve in to the grass runway at 120mph, decreasing to 100 over the hedge. Keep her steady and don’t close the throttle yet.. We float 2 feet over the grass and I take care not to give too much elevator and risk a balloon. As the speed drops I keep the same height by gently and gradually continuing to raise the nose until we settle down onto the grass at stall speed in a perfect three point landing..Satisfaction! But we’re not there yet! Keep flying until she stops! She slows down gradually over the bumpy field and I keep on the rudders to keep her nose straight, only adding a few dabs of brake at the very end when all rudder authority has been lost. We turn off to the dispersal before I come to a halt before shutting her down. What a beautiful morning!
Taking off the VR headset I am returned to the atmospheric surroundings of The Hangar. Amazing, how immersive it is to fly in a real cockpit with force feedback, wind, vibration and virtual reality..!
A core part of this experience is flying in the incredible DCS World using the WWII Assets and Channel Map. You are cast into an utterly convincing world at war 80 years ago. The fidelity of the Spitfire simulation is absolutely stunning. Developed by the team of Nick Grey of The Fighter Collection and Flying Legends Airshow fame, it speaks volumes to the inputs received from his corps of real world Spitfire pilots. No other simulation of the Spitfire has reached this level of accuracy, period..
This has been the deeply satisfying culmination of my effort over the last five years. I am now looking forward to being able to share this experience with anyone wishing to visit us here at The Hangar in Ireland!
The screen captures from DCS World here are off their website.