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Piper PA32R-300 Lance
AI Model for FS2002 & FS2004 ATC
by Dee Waldron, October 2005
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This model was built with FSDS version 2.24, primarily for use as an AI model in FS2002 and FS2004's ATC traffic. It's simple, low polygon design plus several lower resolution LOD models make it ideal for AI traffic use.

Credits:
Eric Johnson built a Cherokee-Six model for FS5 using the old AF5 design program.
Dana McGee converted Eric's model into a Lance for FS98 using the AF99 design program.
I used Dana's model as a "blueprint" to build this model. It also uses a lot of parts from my PA28R Arrow II model.

The original Piper Lance (PA32R-300) was derived from the fixed gear Cherokee-Six (PA32-260). Using the modified "hershey-bar" wing, a simple electro-hydrulic gear retraction system was installed along with a larger, more powerful engine. The Lance was an instant success. A turbo-charged version (PA32R-300T) was also offered, but wasn't very successful in sales terms. In the early 1980's the Lance design changed to a "T-tail" (PA32RT-300 and -300T turbo model). The Lance finally changed into the Saratoga (PA32RT-301 and PA32RT-301T turbo model) when the modifed "hershey-bar" wing was replaced by the longer span "tapered" wing design. In the late 1980's the "T-tail" design was dropped and the Saratoga went back to the original conventional tail design (PA32R-301 and PA32R-301T turbo model).
The 300 Hp Lance is powered by a single Lycoming IO-540 6-cylinder engine. A turbo-charged version (PA32R-300T) is powered by the Lycoming TIO-540 6-cylinder engine.

General Notes:
This is another one of my "community project" models.
This model continues to be in development and I'll make more updates to it as I get reports from people who use it.
The texture is a basic master, 8-bit, 1024x1024 bitmap. Chrome reflections, and lightmap for night lighting are activated. User is welcome to repaint the model in any scheme(s) desired. Uploads of repainted models are also welcome. No prior permission is required.
The lightmap texture (_L) included with this archive is a simple placeholder file. User must build their own lightmap file for end use.
Flight dynamics are based on default Cessna R182, so it will work as an AI model, but will not operate realistically as a Piper Lance. If anyone makes any improvements to the flight model which lets the AI model fly more realistically as a Piper Lance, please send me a copy and I'll include it in a future update.

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Installation
Unzip the archive directly into your flight simulator's Aircraft folder. It will automatically be setup as a regular, flyable model. To include the model in your ATC traffic, you need to use utilities such as Lee Swordy's "Traffic Tools". This is a freeware utility available at most major flight sim websites.
There is some evidence to suggest that deleting the panel and sound folders from the model will increase frate rate performance. This is recommended if the model is only to be used for AI traffic.

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Legal Stuff:
Copyright 2005, D.E. Waldron. All rights reserved.
This aircraft model is free for private use. No commercial distribution allowed. All repaints, enhancements or modifications are welcome, but must remain free. No exceptions. User accepts all risk of use.

Dee Waldron
d.waldron -at- simufly -dot- com
