Random Payload Weights

[Brent]

Hi Steve
I've noticed that it seems the range of random payload weights IF generates is quite narrow on all of the flights I've had to date.

I did a bit of a check on the PMDG 737-600 and found that IF generated random payload weights within a 17 % range (i.e 63%-90%) of max weight allowed. While the resulting payloads are all different, they seem to mostly cluster within a smaller range than above (7 of the 10 flights I generated were within a 6% range).
I have noticed similar results with other planes that I've tried.

The other thing I noticed when looking at this was that PMDG max payload for this aircraft is 33,775 lb (from the FMC confiurator and IF uses 17,738 lb (from the flight generator). Any comments on why this might be?

I know that many aircraft makers play around with weights in the aircraft.cfg for various reasons but...

Cheers
Brent

[Steve Waite]

thanks Brent

I'll have a look at the random load situation.

The 800NGX gives me 37338Lb at maxload

setting 100% load on a long trip gives:
Payload: 96 Passengers and Luggage, Weight: 31717 Lb @170Lb/passenger
Fuel Weight: 33373 Lb
Looks like the PMDG is working fine. They use the proper FSX settings for payload but their load manager does any translating to actual.

[Brent]

Steve,
Actually I was using the 600 variant which has a PMDG max payload of 33,775 lb (129 pax, plus 11,200 cargo using the PMDG configurator) with IF only generating a max payload of 17,738 lb.

I checked the 800 model and PMDG max was 46850 (174 pax and 16,400 of cargo using the PMDG configurator) with, as you mentioned, IF generating a max payload of 37,338 lb.

IF is quite successful in loading the payload into the PMDG NGX but I think that the maximum loads from IF don't match up with PMDG's max load.

Haven't tried the other models yet (i.e. 700 and 900 variants).

Brent

[Steve Waite]

Yes, if you fly a long route the fuel weight diminishes the available load capacity. IF shows more room once you have shorter routes. But in the end IF can only place loads in the .FLT file and use the setting in the aircraft .CFG for available load and fuel capacities.

RE: the load randomness, with cargo planes you will see even less range of load since they don't fly empty. It is just being realistic, although you set random you don't get 1%-100% come up more like 60%-95%.

I was going to make the random based on limits (so you have random between 20-40%, but it's not really required.

Steve

[Brent]

Yes, if you fly a long route the fuel weight diminishes the available load capacity. IF shows more room once you have shorter routes. But in the end IF can only place loads in the .FLT file and use the setting in the aircraft .CFG for available load and fuel capacities.
..............snip

Steve

Steve,
I do understand the whole payload/fuel dynamic (more fuel=less payload, etc.) but I don't understand the point you're making regarding the max fuel/payload issue I described. I'm getting the same sort of payload figures whether I travel 200 Nm or 3200Nm.

The IF max payload doesn't change whether I fly 3200 Nm or 200 Nm and it isn't equivalent to the PMDG max payload. The IF 17,738 lb payload ceiling for the 737-600 is way too low. I should be able to fly 3200 Nm with 38,700 fuel and 25,000 lb payload with no problem.

Regards,
Brent

[Steve Waite]

these are the max loads specified for the 800NGXw
4550
7000
4550
7200
7200
=====
30500
=====

I'll install the 6700 later and check that out

[Steve Waite]

The IF 17,738 lb payload ceiling for the 737-600 is way too low. I should be able to fly 3200 Nm with 38,700 fuel and 25,000 lb payload with no problem.

these are the load capacities from the 600 .CFG
2625
4025
4725
2800
3300
=====
17475
=====

which means the max load is 17475Lb
?

[Brent]

Steve
I see the dilemma. The image below shows the PMDG payload screen where I've chosen 100% payload:



Here is the FSX payload screen just after selecting 100% payload...also note the for and aft cargo matches up with above.




So how the figures in the cfg related to this I've no idea.

From the cfg, Operational empty weight = 80,200 and max gross weight is 144,000 lb....leaves a lot of room for payload and fuel!!!

Brent

[Steve Waite]

Strange. When I went into the FSX Aircraft fuel and load the loads were the same as those I listed, yours look wrong.

I will have another look later and check again. All IF can go do is refer to the load list in the .cfg.
speak later

[Steve Waite]

this is what I get for the 600: