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Summary of Contents for Laminar Research X-Plane Grumman F-14D Tomcat
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This document is intended for entertainment only and may not to be used in situations involving real-life aircraft, or real-life aviation. Distribution This document may be copied and distributed by Laminar Research customers and developers, for entertainment. It may also be distributed with third-party content developed for X-Plane.
Background: The Grumman F-14 Tomcat The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American fighter aircraft that was in service with the United States military from 1974 to 2006. The aircraft was initially equipped with two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-412A turbofan engines, and later with General Electric F110s. The supersonic F-14 was designed primarily to operate from carriers and features a variable-geometry wing for efficiency in both low and high-speed flight.
F-14D Specifications Engines: Model ----------------------------------------- 2 x General Electric F110 turbofans Power ----------------------------------------- 2 x 28,200 lb. thrust Fuel: Capacity ----------------------------------------- 16,000 lbs. / 7,257 kg. Fuel ----------------------------------------- Jet A Fuel Burn (average) ----------------------------------------- 4,000 lbs. per hour Weights and Capacities: Max.
The X-Plane F-14D Unlike other flight simulators, X-Plane employs a technique called “blade element theory. This utilizes the actual shape of the aircraft (as modeled in the simulator) and breaks down the forces on each part separately. The force of the “air” acting on each component of the model is individually calculated, and combined, to produce extremely realistic flight.
Views and Controls The X-Plane F-14D features a detailed 3-D cockpit with a great many of the primary controls and systems modeled, including: Flight controls (flight-stick, rudder pedals, thrust levers), electrical systems, pneumatic systems, navigation aids, radios, autopilot, interior and exterior lighting, combat and weapons systems and fuel systems.
Creating “Quick Look” views Before discussing the controls, we suggest that the pilot establish a series of “Quick Look” views that will be helpful later when interacting with this particular aircraft. If you are not familiar with this technique, more information is available in the X-Plane Desktop Manual.
Operating the controls This section covers the basics techniques for the operation of the controls that you will encounter in the cockpit of an X-Plane aircraft. Control manipulators are consistent across all X-Plane aircraft. However, the specific ILLUSTRATIONS in THIS chapter may differ from YOUR aircraft.
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Some rotary dials are operated by positioning the mouse pointer on top of the control, and then a click and drag to the right, or to the left. The same can be accomplished using the mouse wheel - if one is present on your device. Other rotary controls require finer precision.
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Guarded switches are used in situations where accidental activation of the switch must be prevented. To operate a guarded switch, the guard must first be opened. Do this by positioning the mouse pointer over the switch until the two vertical white arrows are displayed. Click once.
Assigning peripheral devices This section of the manual deals with an “ideal” scenario, in terms of the assignment of external computer peripherals to operate the X-Plane F-14D with the highest degree of realism. If you are missing some of these external peripherals, you may elect to choose a different configuration that better suits your hardware.
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Bind a joystick button to “Drop all drop tanks”. This facilitates dropping the external fuel tanks when exhausted, or in the event of an emergency. This aircraft is equipped with dual thrust levers – which control the thrust generated by the left and right engines respectively.
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This aircraft is equipped with speed brakes that deploy above the wings. These reduce lift and slow the aircraft, for situations that require a rapid descent without a corresponding increase in speed. The Speedbrakes may be controlled using a toggle lever on the right side of the throttle quadrant.
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This aircraft has rudder control pedals, that actuate the rudder (integrated into the tail assembly). The rudder “yaws” the aircraft to the left or right. This mostly applies to the takeoff, approach, and landing phases, to maintain the desired course without applying roll.
Key Binds The following key binds are required to emulate actions not supported by controls available, or readily accessible in the 3D cockpit. ‘GPU toggle’ and ‘Bleed air toggle GPU’ functions: In the example above, the chosen keystrokes are Alt+g and Alt+a respectively, but you may bind a key combination of your choice, provided it does not conflict with any other essential functions.
‘Fuel pumps toggle’ function: In the example above, the chosen keystrokes are Alt+f, but you may bind a key combination of your choice, provided it does not conflict with any other essential functions.
‘Nosewheel steer toggle’ function: In the example above, the chosen keystrokes are Alt+n, but you may bind a key combination of your choice, provided it does not conflict with any other essential functions.
Wing sweep functions: In the example above, the chosen keystrokes are Ctrl+a, Ctrl+w and Ctrl+f, but you may bind a key combination of your choice, provided it does not conflict with any other essential functions.
Setting up for the mission The F-14 is a ‘mission centric’ aircraft, meaning that it is configured prior to the flight with only the needs of that mission in mind. This includes: ✓ Flight Plan ✓ Weapons Load ✓ Nav Frequencies Flight Plan In the real world the F14-D used a bespoke computer that is loaded with a flight plan by ground crew prior to the mission.
Weapons Load Prior to the flight, the X-Plane F-14D pilot may select a full, or partial weapons load by clicking the ‘Weapons’ button . The position of each load item (weapon or fuel tank) is fixed, because these rely on specific mounting-point types on the aircraft. For example, you may only place a Sparrow missile at Hard Point 1 or 2.
✓ Aircraft / Laminar Research / Grumman F-14 Tomcat / data / ara63.txt Each line in the file represents a channel – from 1 to 20. The frequency for a given channel is in the format 99999, where the first three digits represent the unit portion of the frequency, and the last two digits represent the decimal portion of the frequency.
A Tour of the Cockpit In this section of the manual, the cockpit will be broken down into distinct functional areas, and the controls that are featured in those areas will be identified and described. This will assist in locating the necessary instruments and controls later, when working through the aircraft check lists, and flying the aircraft.
Head Up Display Indicates the current pitch-up or pitch-down angle relative to the horizon. Pitch Scale Altitude relative to the ground immediately below the aircraft (using reflected radar) This system operates only up to 5000 feet above Radar Altitude ground level. Altitude Altitude MSL (above sea level).
ETA represents NAV1 DME estimated time of Waypoint ETA arrival. When tracking a TACAN, this will display the time to the navaid. Angle of Bank Scale Represents where the aircraft is pointing (as Aircraft Datum opposed to the flight path the aircraft is actually taking, which can be different).
Angle of Attack Indicator & Master Weapons Arm Switch The AOA indexer operates only when the landing gear is down and provides three annunciators for rapid angle of attack guidance. The AOA indicator displays the wing angle of attack relative to the oncoming airstream.
Wing Sweep Indicator & ACM Switch Wing Sweep Indicator This scale displays the angle of the variable- geometry wings relative to the oncoming airstream. The wings are in a forward position (20°) for low-speed flight and optimum lift, and in a rearward position (68°) for high-speed flight and minimum drag.
Auxiliary Instrumentation These instruments provide redundancy in the event the Horizontal Situation Display fails: Vertical Speed Indicator This instrument informs the pilot of the rate of climb, or the rate of descent, in hundreds of feet per minute. Airspeed Indicator This instrument displays the speed of the aircraft (in knots x 100) relative to the oncoming airstream...
Attitude Indicator This instrument displays the attitude of the aircraft relative to the horizon. This informs the pilot whether the aircraft is flying straight, or turning, and whether the aircraft is climbing, or descending. This information is crucial in “instrument conditions” - when the outside horizon is not visible.
Radar Altimeter This instrument displays altitude relative to the ground immediately below the aircraft (using reflected radar). The scale is non- linear, and altitude is displayed only up to 5000 feet above ground level. When radar-altitude is not available, the ‘OFF”...
Primary Multi-Function Display (MFD) 5.1 Vertical Display Indicator (VDI) Mode VDI mode displays the attitude of the aircraft relative to the horizon. This informs the pilot whether the aircraft is flying straight, or turning, and whether the aircraft is climbing, or descending. VDI mode also displays altitude and airspeed information, and navigation aid deviation references.
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Heading Scale Pitch Scale Altitude / Rate of Climb Pressure Altitude (feet MSL) and Rate of Climb / Descent in feet per minute. Course selected using the CRS Rotary Course Selection located on Panel 10. Also, the bearing to the navigation station currently tuned by the NAV2 radio.
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Represents the flight path the aircraft is Flight Path Marker actually taking (as opposed to where the aircraft is pointed, which can be different). Represents where the aircraft is pointing (as Aircraft Datum opposed to the flight path the aircraft is actually taking, which can be different).
5.2 All Weather Landing Mode AWL mode permits the display of TACAN navigation guidance, or localizer and glideslope indicators using either an ACL (Automated Carrier Landing) radio navaid, ILS (Instrument Landing System) or both (in AWL mode). TACAN stations are tuned using the TACAN Radio Panel (see: TACAN Radio).
5.3 TACAN Mode TACAN mode permits the display of TACAN navigation guidance. TACAN stations are tuned using the TACAN Radio Panel (see: TACAN Radio). To place the MFD in ‘TCN’ mode, select MENU / MENU2 / VDI / TCN Shows relative position and alignment for TACAN Course Indicator intercept.
5.4 Stores Management System (SMS) Mode SMS mode permits the crewmember to check the weapon status. This informs the pilot if the weapons are in SAFE mode, or ARMED mode, and which weapons are still present (not yet fired) in the arsenal. See: Weapons Load To place the MFD in ‘SMS’...
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The AIM-54 Phoenix Air Intercept Missile is an American active radar-guided, beyond-visual- AIM 54 Phoenix Missile range air-to-air missile. Source: Wikipedia Use this missile for long range air-to-air combat scenarios (up to 100 miles). The AIM-7 Sparrow Air Intercept Missile is an American medium-range semi-active radar AIM 7M Sparrow Missile homing air-to-air missile.
5.5 Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) Mode The Horizontal Situation Display presents the aircraft’s position & (magnetic) heading in a plan view, as if looking down at the aircraft from directly above. To place the MFD in ‘HSD’ mode, select MENU / MENU2 / HSD...
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Current Heading Selected Course (Visual) Heading Bug Visual representation of the heading selection. Course selected using the CRS Rotary Course Selection located on Panel 10. Also, the bearing to the navigation station currently tuned by the NAV2 radio. ETA to TACAN station (if tuned). See: ARA- TACAN ETA 63 Panel...
Secondary Multi-Function Display (MFD) Identical in function to Primary MFD. Provides parallel capability and redundancy. See: Multi-Function Displays (MFD)
VHF / UHF Indicator Panel This panel provides reference information only. The first frequency displayed is that currently selected using VHF Radio The remaining frequencies displayed are just for aesthetic purposes and have no function.
Parking Brake Lever Use this level to engage / disengage the parking brakes. The braking force is proportional to the level position. Place the lever full rearward for maximum parking brake application. Place the lever full forward to disengage the parking brakes.
Spoiler, Flap and Pitch Trim Indicator Spoilers partially deployed / Pitch trim neutral, Rudder trim neutral: Spoilers fully deployed / Pitch trim up 10 degrees, Rudder trim left 10 degrees:...
Fuel Feed (Guarded) Switch This switch controls from which tank(s) the fuel is sourced. NORM: Fuel is sourced from both the forward and aft tanks. FWD: Fuel is sourced from the forward tank only. Fuel is sourced from the aft tank only. Refueling Probe Activation Switch This switch deploys the receptor probe for in-flight refueling.
Fuel Dump Switch Place switch in DUMP position to initiate dumping of all INTERNAL fuel tanks in the event of an emergency. Note: Fuel dumping does not include the external tanks, which can be dropped if required. Bind a joystick button to “Drop all drop tanks”...
Engine Indicators Panel Exhaust Nozzle & Oil Pressure Gauges The gauges designated ‘NP’ indicate the position of the exhaust nozzles that channel the thrust exiting the engines. The shape of the nozzles is controlled automatically from 0% (most closed position) to 100% (most open position). The gauges designated ‘PSI’...
Engine RPM Indicators Displays the Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) for the left and right engines respectively. Engine Exhaust Gas Temperature Indicators Displays the Exhaust Gas Temperature (degrees Celsius x 100) for the left and right engines respectively.
Weapons Inventory Panel Missile Inventory Displays the missiles currently on-board the aircraft: Sidewinder Sparrow Phoenix Heading and Course Selection Rotaries HDG: Controls the heading bug when the MFD is in ‘HSD’ mode. CRS: Controls the selected course displayed on the MFD when in ‘HSD’...
Fuel Indicator Panel BINGO Fuel: Use the adjacent rotary to set the BINGO fuel amount. This is the minimum fuel that must remain onboard to return from the mission safely. When the total fuel remaining drops below this value, the BINGO annunciator will illuminate.
FUS & FEED: The left tape indicates the sum of the following tanks… Box Beam Left; Cells 3,5,6,7,8; The right tape indicates the sum of the following tanks… Box Beam Right; Cells 1,2,4;...
Display Control Panel Tow Hook Lever: Use this lever to deploy and retract the rear-mounted arrestor-hook. This is used in conjunction with the arresting cables on aircraft carrier decks to prevent the aircraft from overshooting the deck on landing.
HUD Format Switch: ANLG: Selects analog display format for airspeed and altitude. DGTL: Selects digital display format for airspeed and altitude. BOTH: Both formats are displayed. HUD Declutter Switch: NORM: All information is displayed in the HUD. LVL1 and LVL2: Control the level of HUD declutter in effect.
HUD Power Switch: HUD is displayed. OFF: HUD is not displayed. HUD and MFD Display Mode Pushbuttons: A/A: Places the HUD and MFD in ‘Air to Air’ mode for optimal presentation of information during aerial combat. A/G: Places the HUD and MFD in ‘Air to Ground’ mode for optimal presentation of information during ground targeting scenarios.
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Deploys or retracts the flaps. Maximum flap angle is 35 degrees. Flap position is proportional to lever position. There are no preset detents. Flap Lever Move lever forward to retract flaps. Move lever rearward to deploy flaps. Guards the wing sweep lever. Lift to gain access to the wing-sweep lever, for Wing Sweep Lever Guard emergency manual operation.
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Flight Stick Roll and pitch. Bomb Release Button Bombs not currently supported. Four-way switch used to select active weapon: Sidewinder Sparrow Weapon Select Switch Phoenix 20mm Cannon See: 5.4 Stores Management System (SMS) Mode Four-way switch: Pitch Trim Down Pitch & Roll Trim DOWN Pitch Trim Up LEFT...
Left Lower Panel ENG Crank Switch Routes pressurized air from an outside source to the selected engine for startup. See: Cold and Dark to Engine Start Rudder Trim Switch Click left or right to adjust the rudder trim in corresponding direction.
Digital Flight Control System The Digital Flight Control System was retro-fitted to F-14D aircraft to protect against unrecoverable flat spins and carrier landing mishaps. This system applies augmented inputs to the flight control surfaces to improve stability in each of the selected axes. (pitch, roll and yaw).
VHF Radio Used to transmit and receive on VHF frequencies, including ATC and ATIS. 1: Volume control rotary. Adjusts the loudness of VHF radio reception. 2: Frequency Select Switches. Used to tune the radio to the desired frequency. Move the switch up or down to increment/decrement the portion of the digital frequency marked above that switch.
Lower Right Panel Generators Control Panel The F-14D features two generators that convert rotational momentum in the engines into a/c electrical power for the aircraft batteries and systems. These switches activate the generators. In normal operation, both generators would be used, unless the L GEN or R GEN annunciator is lit, in which case the pilot would turn off the affected generator.
ARA-63 Panel See: Navigation station frequencies The ARA-63 is a microwave landing system that provides precise guidance information necessary for precision aircraft carrier landings. To use this system for a carrier approach in X-Plane, place the power switch in the ON position, and select channel 1X using the adjacent rotary.
External Environmental Panel This panel features controls for managing external ice on the windshield and pitot probe. WSHILD AIR: Set to ‘ON’ to direct compressor bleed air to the external face of the windshield for de-icing. ANTI-ICE: Set to ‘AUTO’ to activate pitot-static probe only when there is no weight on the wheels.
Autopilot Activates autopilot. Current attitude must be within 30 degrees of pitch up or down. And 60 degrees roll left or right. Engage Switch For the autopilot to function. all three stability augmentation axes (circled) must be set to Steps: •...
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Steps: • A/P Switch to “ENGAGE”. • ALT-OFF Switch to ALT • Maneuver to the desired altitude. • When the A/P REF message appears on the MFD (upper left), press the nose wheel steering push button on the control stick, or use ‘toggle nosewheel’...
Checklists Disclaimer: The following check lists are designed with the convenience of the simulation pilot in mind and customized to the X-Plane F14 aircraft. These may differ from those of the real aircraft. Cold and Dark to Engine Start REQUEST GROUND SERVICE GPU –...
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LEFT GENERATOR – ON RIGHT GENERATOR – ON EXTERNAL LIGHTS – AS REQUIRED...
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THROTTLES – ADVANCE TO IDLE (away from OFF position) LEFT ENGINE - CRANK...
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EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE MONITOR LEFT ENGINE CRANK SWITCH WAIT FOR AUTO RETURN TO NEUTRAL POSITION RIGHT ENGINE - CRANK...
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EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE MONITOR RIGHT ENGINE CRANK SWITCH WAIT FOR AUTO RETURN TO NEUTRAL POSITION...
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After Landing AT 100 KIAS NOSEWHEEL STEERING TOGGLE ON (Use key bind) BRAKES AS REQUIRED WING SWEEP – AUTO OFF (Use key bind) WING SWEEP GUARD – UP WING SWEEP LEVER – OV (full rearward position)
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Shut Down FUEL PUMPS TOGGLE OFF (Use key bind) MFD1 – POWER OFF MFD2 – POWER OFF THROTTLES LIFT TOGETHER AND MOVE REWARD TO ‘OFF’ (mouse operation) HOLD UNTIL RPMS DROP TO ZERO...
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Do you have a question about the X-Plane Grumman F-14D Tomcat and is the answer not in the manual?
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