Radio Range DOUGLAS DC-3
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
updated March 2007

QUICK LINKS
AG RR4 Airways Map West
WW2 CBI Range Station Map
WW2 Hawaii Range Station Map

The concept is to have a complete RR installation for those who don't want to fool with files and editing, and those who haven't made many changes to their DC-3 that they want to use with the Radio Range Station Gauge. In addition to the installed Radio Range "gauge", it comes with the DCA Classic Texture, a new automixture control, and, with the help of Rob Castrillo, improved flight dynamics. It also has a new cowl flaps gauge that simulates the hydraulic operation of the cowl flaps, applying either "open" pressure, or "close" pressure that can hold the flaps in any position. For convenience, there is an indicator to show whe cowl flap position on the gauge. The gauge also simulates realistic "drag" on the airplane in the open position, so if you aren't achieving the expected KIAS, check your cowl flaps to make sure they are closed during cruise. The Automixture controls have also been enhanced, to operate individually on each engine for a more realistic simulation of single engine operation. Click near the center of the label to select both, or click near the left or right edge for single engine selection. The wing flaps have also been modified so that, like in the real DC3, the flaps will not extend beyond 1/4 down unless the IAS is less than 105 Knots. The CHT and Oil Pressure and Temperature gauges have be "adjusted" so they provide a more accurate representation of the normal operating values.

This aircraft has a choice of three panels.

1. The Norm Hancock (NH) panel, ideal for those who want to fly in a very nicely laid out DC3 panel with easy to read, authentic gauges, including the Radio Range Gauge.

2. A 1940 version of the Stock DC3 panel. It gives the user the look and feel of the Stock cockpit and panel, but with improved readability gauges. It also takes away the GPS, NAV Radios, etc. and adds the Radio Range Gauge. It is a simpler panel, more like the basic Stock panel. Changed for the Version 4 (Western US, Canada and CBI) are automatic flap protection against overspeed by retraction, removal of the ADF and inclusion of a manually steerable loop antenna and signal strength meter to find the "null" direction.

3. A 1945 version of the Stock DC3. It also has the easy to read gauges, and replaces the Dual ADF with a Dual RMI display (Automatically rotating Compass Card). It replaces the "coffee grinder" crank tuned radio with a digital dial tuned radio, and adds a 1940's vintage ILS using a NAV1 receiver and a 1950's vintage triple needle display by Hansjoerg Naegele. Instead of the "modern" AP, a 1950's Lear Autopilot, designed by Milton Shupe is used. The code has been modified to independently set the aircraft pitch angle and aircraft bank angle and hold that value.

In order to maintain the TWA civil route schedules (1937), you may need to increase cruise power from the standard 550 HP to 650 HP, which is well within the P&W specified maximum cruise power. The settings for this are:

    MEASURED DC-3 RR ENGINE PERFORMANCE

    ALT	GPH	MP	HP
    4	95	30.5	650
    4	81	26.7	550
    10	95	30.1	650
    10	81	26.4	550

    ALT is Density altitude in thousands of ft.
    GPH is total (2 engine) US in Autolean
    MP is Manifold Pressure in inches
    HP is shaft horsepower
    RPM for above is 2050

    Likewise the measured simulated DC-3 engine
    performance during climb, to maintain the
    spec fuel flow of 110 gph during climb,
    the proper settings are:

    32 inches MP (~710 HP)
    2050 RPM
    AutoRich Mixture setting
    400 ft/minute rate of climb

    This will yield a KIAS of approximately 120
    Knots IAS for a GW of 25,000 lbs.

                   +++++++++++
    For FS9: In flight;
    Feathering:  Powered engine has thrust of ~1000 lbs.
                 Windmill engine has thrust -100 lbs.
                 Feathered engine has thrust of 0.

    Feather by hitting the feather button.
      Clean up by mx to zero, mag off and prop to min rpm

    Unfeather  by mag on, mx to autorich,
         and click the starter button.
         Warm up at 17" 1700 rpm.

                  +++++++++++
    The Following was provided by Rob Castrillo,
    DC-3 Pilot.

      Real DC-3 Propeller Feathering:
    Push the button first.  No need to hold it in.
    It will take a few seconds, and pop out.
    Clean up: mixture to idle stop,
              prop to low rpm.

               Propeller Un-feathering:
    Airspeed		138 knots or less
    Throttle		Closed
    Prop Control		Full Aft (Low RPM)
    Mixture			Idle Cut Off
    Tank Selector		As Desired
    Firewall Shut Off	Open
    Cowl Flaps		As Desired
    Generator		On
    Ignition		Both
    Feather Button		Hold to 800 RPM
    Oil Pressure		Check (> 50 psi)
    Fuel Pressure		Check for normal
    Mixture Control		Auto Rich
    Warm Up @ 17” & 1700 RPM(MP/RPM)  Set
    Cowl Flaps		As Required

        DESCENT NOTES
    IN RANGE CHECK (When you start your descent)
    Alright, you’ve been cleared to descend.....
    Trim aircraft to a Nose Down attitude,
    140-135 knots)
    Reduce Power (24”-25” MP)
    FUEL TANKS..LEFT MAIN/RIGHT MAIN
    CARB HEAT…COLD AND LOCKED
    ALTIMETERS SET
    BEFORE LANDINGCHECK LIST
    LANDING GEAR SET…DOWN AND LATCHED,
    GEAR HANDLE NEUTRAL,
    PRESSURE UP,
    GREEN LIGHT:
    CHECK WHEELS VISUALLY
    MIXTURES…AUTO RICH
    BOOSTER PUMPS …ON (Approx. 500’ agl)
    FLAPS AS NEEDED
    PROPELLERS…SET