Simfocus Bell 407 Improvement Mod
Enhancing the default MSFS Bell 407 with custom systems, hostarts, persistence and true-to-life flight model.
FREE
Bell 407 improvement mod
Origin Story
With Exil35 we decided to partner up and improve the default MSFS Bell 407. After few weeks of hard work, dealing with MSFS limitations, learning countless new skills and flying countless hours in it we’re ready for release.
This mod isn’t just a flight model, but it also improves a lot of systems, from things like INSTR CHK all the way down to simple things like Pulse Lights
Below you can read exactly what was changed and how
FLIGHT MODEL
Made and tested in accordance with the flight manual and real pilot's experiences
The flight model of the 407 has been pretty much re-done from scratch by exil35, it now respects proper performance in accordance to density altitude, allows for autorotations as well as overall smoothness in all phases of flight, from realistic takeoff all the way to the touchdown.
There were countless hours invested into tweaking the flight model to make it not only “feel right” but also look right when compared against actual performance charts. The helicopter will now indicate you exceedance of it’s limits, no matter the limiting factor, whether it’s NG, TRQ or MGT. It could also catch fire, so watch your gauges!
Systems 1/3
I learned Javascript and XML Coding for this
Talking about limitations, once you exceed any of limits of the helicopter, INSTR CHK light will illuminate on the panel, promting you about the exceedance, and allowing you to check what the exceedance was afterwards.
This and many other features were custom-coded into the Bell 407 to allow for an authentic experience of operating this helicopter.
The twist grip/throttle behaviour was re-written to allow for realistic spool up of the helicopter (transition from IDLE to FLY), while respecting torque limitations. You can now gradually roll up the throttle while keeping the torque below 40% just like the manual says!
With the help of Davux3 from Hype Performance Group we also were able to code in correct behaviour of the Slip-Ball indicator instrument, now allowing you to fly coordinated turns without any trouble
Systems 2/3
Be careful!
The 407 was now fitted with a fully custom coded MGT simulation, meaning that you have to pay attention to the temperatures inside the engine when operating it.
During starter initiation the MGT should not be above 150*C (above 10000ft this number drops to 60*C) to not risk a hot-start. If you need to cool down the engine quickly, you can dry motor it, allowing for more airflow through and cooling it down faster.
If the temperatures exceed limits of the engine it can catch on fire – The 407 has no fire suppression systems on board, so all you can really do is cut all fuel access off, land, disembark and pray.
After shutdown, the engine temperature will not drop immediately. Usually after cooling the helicopter down in IDLE after a flight, the temperature is around 450*C when you move the throttle to OFF position. After that it will gradually cool down, so don’t touch anything while it’s still hot!
Systems 3/3
Stuff that wasn't mentioned before:
– Working Title GNS530W
– Fixes to the HSI
– Fixes to the electrical system
– Fixes to the hydraulic system
– Fixes to the vacuum system
– Custom coded Pulse Lights
– hPa Altimeter variant
CUSTOM IN-FLIGHT BEHAVIOURS
Thanks to GotGravel we were able to incorporate custom coded VRS and RBS
Which allowed us to make the helicopter even more likely to kill you if you aren’t careful – just like in the real world!
Now you have to keep in mind, to not let your descent rate get too high when being in a low-speed situation, because if you do so, you’ll get to meet Mr. Vortex Ring State, and trust me, noone who’s meet him would like to do it again!
Also, you shouldn’t let the helicopter get too fast, because then you’ll get into another not-so-friendly encounter, this time with Retreating Blade Stall, which will happily throw you upside down if you aren’t careful
CUSTOM accessories
In the latest update i managed to include some 3D attachements you can use on your Bell 407
You can choose from a range of accessories, such as WSPS, Cineflex camera, floats, functional transport wheels, or folding rotor blades to store it in tight hangars!
credits
Amazing people who helped with this project:
Huge thanks to everyone who helped in this mod’s development!
Exil35, thanks for extensive help with coding the systems, and for creating the flightmodel (as well as lots of research on performance, equations and putting it all together)
Davux3, thanks for help with coding the MGT and the Slip-ball
GotGravel, thanks for letting us use your VRS/RBS code
MikPyt, thanks for help with coding and tweaking the xml part of things, as well as figuring out needle split
Everyone who participated in beta-testing of the aircraft, thanks for flying it!
Get the improvement mod for FREE
Good things in life come for free. So does this mod! If you would like to leave a donation, you can do that with the button below, but it’s not a must. Simply enter the amount you want to donate into the pay what you want box!
Changelog
Initial Release
BELL 407 MOD V1 CHANGELOG:
– Realistic flight model matching real life performance and behaviors of the helicopter
– Engine simulation with custom MGT simulation (including residual temperature and hotstarts)
– added NR/NP split
– added manual throttle when going from IDLE to FLIGHT
– added hPa Altimeter variant
– added WT GNS530W functionality
– added HSI Functionality (GPS and RNAV)
– added Pulse light
– added engine parameters exeedance logic
– added transient limits logic for exeedances
– added proper relationship between density altitude and weight
– adjusted electrical system as per real helicopter
– adjusted hydraulic and vacuum systems pressures and equipment
– Radio 1 INOP, due to it being in the GNS530W
– fixed incorrect turn coordinator ball logic
– fixed NR overspeed warning
– fixed false FUEL XFER caution light
– fixed ADI showing incorrect attitude
– fixed IAS to match corresponding TRQ values
– fixed intrument light rheostat (beeing off by default now)
– fixed AUTO RELIGHT beeing incorrectly indicated
– fixed CYCLIC CENTERING “zone” beeing too little
– and a lot of smaller tweaks and fixes that we might have forgot about already 😉
COPYWRIGHT:
© SIMFOCUS & EXIL35
– All rights reserved. Any reupload or redistribution of this file without the author’s prior written consent is forbidden. This Microsoft Flight Simulator add-on was created by simfocus and exil35 and shared in https://www.simfocus.com
INSTALLATION:
– simply unzip the file directly into your MSFS “community” folder
CREDITS:
– thanks to GotGravel for allowing us to use his VRS code
– thanks to Davux for helping out with some code issues
– thanks to MikPyt for the NR/NP code and other xml improvements
Update 1
Bell 407 Improvement Mod Update 1
– fixed RPM runaway when in IDLE
– Fixed MGT Gauge showing OAT
– Corrected the flight model in terms of idle N1/N2 parameters
– Corrected PULSE LIGHTS behaviour
– Now possible to cancel out the engine fire by shutting down your engine fully, no need to restart the flight
– Corrected Main and Tail Rotor animation
– Added an EFB for visibility options
– Added emergency pop up floats (toggle via EFB)
– Added a working Cineflex V14 Camera (toggle via EFB)
– Added rear window tint (toggle via EFB)
– Added top and bottom WSPS (toggle via EFB)
– Added transport wheels and rotor fold functionality (toggle via EFB)
Update 2
GNS530 screen fixed
rotor blur fixed
Click the button to get access to Helicopters Readme-Manual document carfeully explaining everything, that will help you get up to speed with flying a new helicopter, making liveries for it etc.
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