Range?

[FireRescue85]

Hey guys,

I'm just curious: what's the max range of the constellation? I've looked in the manual, online, and used a few other sources and always seem to get wildly varying answers. I've seen everything from 2,800 to over 5,000 miles. I think most of these variations come from online sources not realizing the differences between the L049/749/649/C69.

What's the average max range (max fuel) that you've been getting with the 049?

Thanks,
-Scott

[Paughco]

One way to find out. Recommend "career mode off."

Seeya
ATB

[Oracle427]

Groundspeed * time to reach fuel reserve level at calculated fuel burn rate = range

There are very many factors that affect your groundspeed and fuel level and burn rate. The range can only be determined once one fixes those parameters.

[Hook]

Theory isn't going to be of much help.

Let me give you an example from my longest flight, Tahiti to Easter Island, about 2300 nautical miles.

Distance: 2300 nm
Time: 9.4 hours
Ground Speed: 245 knots (probably some tailwind)
Fuel used: 3279 gallons (4740 max)
Fuel: 348.8 gallons per hour
Medium load
(Numbers aren't exact)

Math: 4740 / 350 = 13.5 hours
Need 10% reserve: 4266 max fuel available
4266 / 350 = about 12 hours
12 hours at 245 knots = 2940 nautical miles

Actual fuel usage and ground speed is dependent on power settings (RPM and manifold pressure), altitude and wind.

I wouldn't plan any trips over 2800 nautical miles until you've figured out how to conserve fuel. By running lower RPM (1550?) and set throttles for just over 100 PSI BMEP you should easily break 300 gph, possibly down to 250. You'll be flying a bit slower, probably 200 knots true so we're talking over 3000 nautical miles range, not that much improvement but it may help in emergency situations.

If in doubt the navigator's log screen will give you expected endurance and range at any given time.

TLDR: Expect about 12 hours of endurance. This will give you a reserve.

Hook

[mgr]

Hiya,

The C-69 = L-049, charts say, max range 4080 nm at max range speed (150-160 kts IAS). Depending on the altitude it takes you 24 to 27 hours to complete...

Marcel

PS for some more normal operations, this kind of chart is used:

[Hook]

My calculations for best range:

4266 (maximum fuel with reserve) / 250 (gallons per hour min cruise power) = 17 (hours endurance * 200 (knots true) = 3400 nautical miles

A more typical maximum range will be 2800 nautical miles. I wouldn't plan any trip legs longer than that. Your mileage may vary

Hook

[FireRescue85]

Awesome!

Thanks for the help guys, it’s appreciated.

-Scott

[jjppxxx]

about 6,000 km at RPM and MP at the parameters indicated for cruise flight and light load configuration (about 14 passengers and 800 lbs of cargo). about 12.5 hours at 317 miles per hour (510 km/h).

wikipedia: "Range: 3,995 mi w/maximum fuel load
2,290 mi w/maximum payload (6,429 km w/maximum fuel load
3,685 km w/maximum payload)"

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_ ... stellation

[FAC257]

These are logged hours and mileage from some of my longer L049 flights. Typically I depart at MTOW. Since time to landing isn't something I aim for during endurance flights, I'll slow her down until she's just about to start wallowing. RPMs down to 2100-2200 and the MP down to the bottom of the green arc. The MP is a given and the RPMs just enough to keep her level in flight.

I am also notorious for dead sticking landings, or running out of fuel when taxing back to parking, when I'm going for max time aloft. Flights to the last drop usually require taking over the fuel balancing duties from the FE when the fuel starts getting to the single digit percentage in order to keep all four engines running as long as possible.

YBRK>VLVT = 15.7 @ 3746
MDPC>SSKS = 15.3 @ 3080
KMCO>SARE = 15.0 @ 3588
SLSU>MUCC = 15.6 @ 2603
SAEZ>TNCM = 16.0 @ 3182
SAME>KMCO = 15.4 @ 3744
KEYW>SAMR = 17.0 @ 3629
NZMO>WADA = 18.2 @ 3451
Average Flight = 16.0 @ 3378