Airfile versus model file

[camg]

On a freeware FS2004 Cessna pressurized 210 (P210) I downloaded, I noticed that when the gear is lowered, the airspeed does not change at all. I've done several tests and also checked it against the Baron--which slows from 160 to 135 knots.

The .air file shows "type=1" for retractable gear, and also shows a coefficient of drag for the gear (in file 1101 Primary Aerodynamics). The "name" in the .air file says "Cessna Skylane 172S" so it appears that the designer used either the 172 or 182 .air file to create this one for the P210.

Is there any setting or flag in the .air or .cfg file that might have been missed? The model DOES show gear extension and retraction, but its drag is not recognized.

Alternatively, I thought of renaming the Mooney Bravo airfile--which IS a retractable model to see if this works. Is that a possibility, or would the airplane fail when loaded?

Thanks for any ideas!
Cam

[Allen Peterson]

Hi Cam,
Check to see if the .air file for your P210 has a 1540 record. If so, that will override the gear drag value in the 1101 record. You would need to change it to be the same as the 1101 record. It probably should be about the same as the gear drag in the Baron.
Allen

[camg]

Allen:

You were right on! Thanks.

I checked the .air files of several planes, and most do not have a 1540 file. And 1540-series files are labeled "FS2K2-derivatives", so I expected to see it on the FS2002 aircraft.

My airfile manager program describes some of the many parameters and files, but others remain a mystery. I'm glad you and others like Tom G. have explored the .air files and deciphered their meaning.

Regards,
Cam