Varsity/Viking Query

[Tomliner]

I downloaded both types but have only installed the Varsity so far.Just wondered if there are notes or info regarding rpm setting for take off/cruise etc.I appreciate this this an old model with some limitations but I'm sure they will be fun for an occasional flight.I tried a short flight from Coningsby to EMA yesterday and got there without breaking it! EricT

[DaveB]

Hi Eric

I'm not far from BOD in one so I'll pop back when I'm on the deck
ATB
DaveB

[DaveB]

Hi Eric..

On the deck in Fiumincino/LIRF

OK.. the panels were never fully finished I'm afraid hence no notes. I can't remember if we ever did notes in those days anyway Note that both aircraft are unpressurised so cruise alt would be below 10000ft.. certainly for the Viking, higher for the Varsity as the crew's had oxygen

This for the Viking though some will apply to the Varsity too..
Takeoff.. full throttle and max rpm.
Once establishied in the climb, throttle back to [email protected] boost.
At around 135kts, decrease boost to maintain a steady climb of some 140kias.

The altitudes I usually fly at are 4000ft, 5000ft, 6000ft and 8000ft and the following figures are for these alts in the cruise..
4000ft 2300/1 270kgh/596PPH/99GPH 175kias - 212mph GS
5000ft 2347/1 265kgh/584PPH/97GPH 172kias - 212mph GS
6000ft 2378/1 261kgh/575PPH/95GPH 169kias - 211mph GS
8000ft 2378/1.6 253kgh/559PPH/93GPH 164kias - 212mph GS

At top of descent, throttle back to just above audio warning and push the props to 100% to help control descent speed.. she can get a little quick otherwise I normally sit on finals with legs down and arms out at around 125kias, crossing the threshold at 120ish. The Viking will fall to the ground with ease until you're 20ft or so above the deck when you can get an unwanted 'ground effect'.. it will go down the runway at 20ft! Had this happen at Nicosia a couple of days ago.. ended up running out of runway so had to go around!

Range.. well, it will do the prescribed range at much faster speeds.. I cruise at 210-212mph GS as this was the 'norm'. The Varsity may have gone faster.. her engines were more powerful than the Viking's as were those on the Valetta Takeoff procedure for all would have been similar and max continuous for all Mks of engine would have been 2400rpm

We did have a set of Viking notes when the Viking was made but what bits were available were about as much use as danglies on a bull! I have a set for the Kings Flight aircraft and for the Valetta.. a set for the Varsity and what I hope is an upgraded set for the Viking are on the way also Both the Valetta and KF Viking were a little different in spec from the civvie Viking

This should be enough for you to fuel up and get to where you want to be with the right fuel remaining. If you need anything else, fire away and I'll do my best to furnish you with a meaningful answer

ATB
DaveB

[Tomliner]

Many thanks for that Dave.I'd just done a run from Syerston to Liverpool for the practice when I posted this query.Not at home just now so I'll try it again when I get back.Does the RMI indicator work as normal? I seem to recall that it didn't seem to point towards Trent VOR even though both Nav radios were tuned to 115.7 and I tried various settings for the RMI switches and Nav/GPS switch.ADF and ILS was ok.ATB EricT

[DaveB]

Hi Eric

Funny you mention the RMI.. I looked at it today and thought 'what a waste of space.. I'm gonna bin it' I'll take a look when I get a chance but at the end of the day, a suitable replacement may be necessary This was the early days of XML and Sav was one of the few in the galaxy who had any idea how it worked

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Yo Dave

Is that 120 over the thresh right?

To a peasant like me that seems rather high

[DaveB]

Hello Mate

It is but that's how the FD is. You can go lower of course but you may end up going by road As soon as you let the gas off.. it drifts down to earth rather quickly so actual TD speed is generally a lot less than this

As an aside Eric.. if you're climbing manually, for best climb, hang onto 2400/4.5 keeping close to 140kts in the window and the old girl will get up there in good order

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Ah

I get it

Yes sometime to have to make allowances.

Years since I've flown one

[DaveB]

It's safer on long runways mate. Try 120 over the fence at somewhere like GUE and you might get your feet wet Correct speed for crossing the airfield boundary at all loads should be in the region of 85-90kts.. initial approach some 10-15kts above this. I just don't feel safe crossing the fence at 85kts. Should it go pear shaped.. those Bristols don't spool up particularly quickly (waits for Graham)

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

That's more of the figured I expected a la Bristol Freighter but a little slicker and as you mentioned, but, less eager to slow down especially where gravity was playing a part

Bristol's thoughtfully designed an inbuilt speed-brake with 170 which was actually the airframe and very effective it was too

Easy to float a bit with the Varsity due to the main gear being so short it just about reaches the ground

And there even I managed to make a post without mentioned a pair of big throbbing Bristols