Ice formation in FS9

[dcs1968]

This might seem like a dumb question, but can anyone tell me if ice forming on the airframe actually modeled in FS9 or is it just a procedural thing to turn on the de-icing equiptment when encountering conditions that ice would be present?

I think it was FlyII that if ice was forming the airspeed would drop and the plane would start to lose altitude unless you turned on your de-icers.

Just wondering

[Brett_Henderson]

Both pitot-tube and airframe ice are "modeled" into FS9.

[dcs1968]

Thanks for the info.....I was reading a tutorial flight in PC Pilot and icing was mentioned so then the question of if it was modeled or not came to mind. Good to know......Thanks

[Spades]

  Icing can be rendered on some planes in FS. Off the top of my head the Samdim Tu-114 has an icing windshield that will completely freeze over at high altitudes unless you can find the de-ice switch (especially hard as everything is in Cyrillic, I believe that its on the post between the windshields if I remmeber correctly.)
  Also, a Grumman Goose package (I forget whose, the one with the Cutters Goose and navy flights) has very excellent icing modeling, the plane will ice up almost instantly if taken off from water on a cold day and in all other icing conditions. The nose section will get sheeted in ice, the windshield and windows will be covered in ice spray, and the engines will become covered in very well done clear ice. This also disappears instanly once you hit the de-icers.
  Also also, the HJG's 707s have icing detectors, though I have never checked for actual modeled icing, as for some reason all of my flights in them have been at night. In almost all of these planes, icing definitely effects climb rates, speed, and, in some cases can even kill the engines if not monitored closely (always, even if for practice, use the carb heat on single engine planes when flying through icing conditions) Icing is one of the most dangerous things to aviation (an ultralight pilot was killed in one of my neighbor's back yard due to it) and it is wise to be cautious of it, even when simming. Plus, it gives you something to do on those long, boring flights.
  Anyways, im rambling so I think Im gonna go.
                       -Spades

[Brett_Henderson]

Yeah.. I've seen a few ice models too. I suppose it would just be a visibilty-tag thing with an XML gauge that gets checks for icing conditions and the "state" of a de-ice switch.

[Fozzer]

...well I don't know...

One of my everlasting gripes in FS 2004 was/is the lack of realistic icing effects upon Carburettors.

Whenever I reduce the Throttle setting on my little piston/carburettor engined Cessnas prior to landing, I ALWAYS apply carburettor heat to prevent Carb icing in the Venturi tube/butterfly therefore restricting the airflow, and affecting the correct petrol/air mixture strength, resulting in a failed engine... ....
....(A common effect on Motorcycles in the early days)......!

Unfortunately, I have never experienced this effect in FS '98/2000/2002/2004...!

The correct application of Carburettor Heat under certain conditions is covered in the Pilot Owners Handbook for each aircraft...

In REAL LIFE, your life, and your passengers lives, depends upon applying this knowledge....trust me......!

Paul....Cessna 150/152.... 8-)...!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carburetor_icing

[Brett_Henderson]

Yes, alas.. there is no carb-icing in FS9..

To me, that's as important to realism, as P-factor..

Maybe by FSXI, they'll have it..

[JBaymore]

Yes, alas.. there is no carb-icing in FS9..

To me, that's as important to realism, as P-factor..

Maybe by FSXI, they'll have it..

Couldn't this factor be designed into a gauge that under the right conditions simulated carb icing?  I would THINK so.  A project for some XML junkie  ;)

best,

........john

[Brett_Henderson]

Yeah.. I pondered that. Something that would compare the difference between temp/dewpoint, manifold-pressure, and whether or not carb-heat is on.. and then either shut the fuel off or fully lean the mixture (in a loop that can't be over-ridden)..

[Fozzer]

Yes, alas.. there is no carb-icing in FS9..

To me, that's as important to realism, as P-factor..

Maybe by FSXI, they'll have it..

Couldn't this factor be designed into a gauge that under the right conditions simulated carb icing?  I would THINK so.  A project for some XML junkie  ;)

best,

........john

Excellent suggestion, John...
...long awaited...!

When the throttle opening is reduced there is a strong atmospheric depression created within the engine cylinders creating an increase in the speed of the airflow through the restricted space withing the venturi tube in the carburettor.
This creates a sudden temperature drop in the venturi and chilling the carburettor body, and if water/moisture is present in the air it will settle in the venturi tube and butterfly valve causing ice build-up and blanking off all air progress through the Venturi tube...
... without applying heated air to the Carburettor to melt the ice, the engine will fail through lack of the correct petrol/air mix to maintain combustion.

Fozz has spoken...LOL... ...!

Paul...Hoping someone will come up with a realistic "Ice" cure for the Flight Sim... ...!
 
I have had actual experience of this effect in my 1932 twin-carburettored Brooklands Riley Nine racing car under cold, Winter, foggy, moisture-ladened air conditions... with disasterous results........!