X-Plane Model

Since X-Plane 8.40, developers have been able to attach components made with 3D design applications to an X-Plane model. This was a tremendous break-through, enabling detail and accuracy that was not possible in the main aircraft, or “ACF” file.

The disadvantage is that increased detail adds to processing overheads, therefore designers are always looking for the most economical approach. For most aircraft, the fuselage and wings can be made perfectly using “Plane Maker”. This has to be done anyway, for the aerodynamic calculations, and doubling up with a 3D object file merely adds to the surfaces that the simulator has to keep track of.

For the Comet, my original approach was to keep the fuselage, wings and tail in the ACF, and only model difficult or detailed components as

object files. However, as I got further into the project, more and more aspects of its design tipped the balance in favour of an object-styled wing.

Flaps

The Comet has plain flaps on the main section of wing, and split flaps under the engine nacelles and wing root. The complexity of the nacelle shape meant I was already resolved to use an object file for these and the split flaps. The plain flaps also incorporate fuel vent pipes, which are large, obvious, and part of the Comet’s character. They hinge with the flaps, and it was impossible to match the axis of rotation of the flap and vent pipes using ACF, miscellaneous body or weapon files without some slippage or separation. The proper solution was to use an animated object file.