Important note:
This is the semi-fictional version of the my FR.1 Falcon build, which you can see through the auto-credit tag. I did make 3 versions on this build specifically.
Prototype: Link
Night Fighter: Link
Photo Reconnaissance: Link
History:
After the mild success (or failure, depending on how you look at it) that was the Boulton Paul defiant, Lightning Aircraft Industries was inspired to create an improved turret fighter.
During 1943, the Air Ministry sent out specification F.3/43, a requirement for a single engine fighter which made use of the Rolls Royce Griffon.
After design work and construction was complete, Lightning Aircraft Industries presented their working prototype.
Surprisingly, it was a turret fighter. Despite the performance of earlier examples, it was still decided to test the prototype. This turned out to be a good choice as it managed to outdo the other entries.
At some point after testing, the type was accepted and christened with the name 'Falcon'.
Once they won the contract, LAI began work on a production version. This wouldn't differ much from the prototype, but there were some small changes, with the main one being the addition of a 5-bladed propeller to replace the 4-bladed one to make more use of the RR Griffon's horsepower.
The Falcon was made with Fighter and Reconnaissance duties in mind, meaning the production version was named the 'Falcon FR.1B', the B signifying that it differed from the prototype. The type was accepted into service with No. 504 squadron as a day fighter and was also used to escort heavy bombers.
The Falcon would also see service as a Night fighter and Photo Reconnaissance aircraft slightly later into the war.
1000 examples were built, with production ending in early 1945. Some were shot down, others crashed and got written off and a fair number were scrapped after the war. The Falcon would see some service after the war in other roles.
Today, 3 examples survive, one of which is privately owned and still flies.
Controls:
AG-1: Activate Turret controls (Manual Aim)
AG-2: Landing Light
AG-3: Navigation Lights
-AG-8: Cut the Fuel and electrics.
VTOL [Down]: Flaps
The cockpit side door, canopy and turret hatch are opened by their respective buttons, switch and lever. The turret hatch can only be opened when AG-8 is off and the cockpit side door requires the canopy to be fully opened to be moved.
Specifications:
Maximum speed: 312 Mph IAS (Sea Level with WEP)
Maximum service ceiling: 43,000 feet
Optimal Climb Rate: 4,594 Feet/min (No WEP (100% Throttle))
Rotate (Takeoff) Speed: 100 Mph IAS
Approach Speed: (Follow Maximum speeds printed on the Instrument panel)
Landing Speed: 90-100 Mph IAS
Fuel Load: 85 Imperial Gallons
Powerplant: 1 x Rolls Royce Griffon 65 V12 Piston engine
Primary Armament: 2 x 12.7 M2 Browning Machine Gun, 2 x Hispano Mk.V 20mm Cannon
Secondary Armament: 2 x 12.7 M2 Browning Machine Gun
Avionics: TR 1143 Radio set and Type 5003 Radio controller unit
Pictures:
NOTAMS
Before anyone asks, there IS Trim on this aircraft.
Specifications
Spotlights
- DeathStalker627 2.2 years ago
- RicardoACE 2.2 years ago
- TheCommentaryGuy 2.2 years ago
- xNotDumb 2.2 years ago
General Characteristics
- Predecessor Lightning Aircraft Industries FR.1 Falcon
- Successors 2 airplane(s) +7 bonus
- Created On Windows
- Wingspan 38.4ft (11.7m)
- Length 38.0ft (11.6m)
- Height 13.5ft (4.1m)
- Empty Weight 9,463lbs (4,292kg)
- Loaded Weight 10,030lbs (4,549kg)
Performance
- Horse Power/Weight Ratio 0.102
- Wing Loading 23.3lbs/ft2 (113.8kg/m2)
- Wing Area 430.2ft2 (40.0m2)
- Drag Points 1689
Parts
- Number of Parts 1075
- Control Surfaces 5
- Performance Cost 3,706
@FirstFish83828
Hm?
What is new?
very cool
@FeatherWing I made my own Desert Camouflage for LAI Falcon FR Mk.IB.
@FeatherWing yay finally a good plane by a really talented Fox!
@FeatherWing why is this question this so sus?
@FeatherWing yes
@xNotDumb
You've made your own builds, have you not?
@FeatherWing ?
@xNotDumb
It's the orthographic view.....
You know this <~<
@FeatherWing This
@xNotDumb
What?
Why is this so black
@Souplane Use mouse control.
@ThomasRoderick
Well, I don't serve in the RAF, just the Air Cadets, which is technically part of the RAF, but not the actual force.
I'm just a big aviation nerd.
Defiant but it has forward armament
@CanadianAircraftBuilder
Right....?
@FeatherWing About the turret, since it automatically returns to its neutral position it's essentially impossible to aim for keyboard users
EDIT: I was not thinking about mouse controls
If a spitfire, 109 and Avenger had a baby this would be it
@FeatherWing Idk why I couldnt find it lmao
@Souplane
There is trim...
And are you able to describe the turret problem in more detail?
As much as I love this build, there are a few problems:
1. Turret movement isn't the greatest, I feel that it could have been better with something like sum((-Roll)-(Roll))
2. No trim, trim would be useful if the turret is in use