Description[]
The XV-40 is an experimental tiltwing VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft powered with four turboprop engines. The XV-40 is loosely based off the LTV XC-142 prototype aircraft, and bears fuselage elements akin to the V-22 Osprey. The XV-40 shares with the PV-40 the title of the fastest aircraft without JATO assistance. This is made possible by its light weight body and powerful engines. In terms of price, the XV-40 is one of the most expensive aircraft available in the game, as it costs players 1000 In-game Credits.
Handling[]
The XV-40 behaves like a part helicopter-part airplane, achieved by manipulating the angle of the wings between 0 to 90 degrees.
When in standard flight configuration (wings angled 0°) the XV-40 behaves as a conventional airplane. The rapid acceleration, deceleration and excellent climb rate allow for very short takeoffs and landings. The engine power allows the player to evade crashing after a stall, and the flight control surfaces are very responsive, enabling harsh manoeuvres, and it even allows the player to take off from water or move around after a belly landing.
When in VTOL mode (wings angled 90°) the XV-40 transitions and exhibits helicopter-like behaviour. The control surfaces still behave the same, but they become much more sensitive, so vertical takeoffs and landings must be performed with little movement, allowing the craft to rise straight up before rolling, pitching or yawing. The VTOL brakes help dampen harsh inputs so that the aircraft does not spin out of control. The propeller diameter increases in this configuration, and the rate of ascent is appreciable, even at 80% throttle. Transition to normal flight must be performed gradually, and atleast 1,000 feet above ground to avoid a subsequent stall and a crash. The VTOL mode is also used when operating the cargo hook.
Intermediate angles between 0-90 degrees can be used to perform aerobatics, recover from stalls, avoid missiles, etc.
Both XV-40 and its transport variant, the PV-40 behave the same. There are no differences in aircraft performance or behaviour.
Trivia[]
- This aircraft, along with the PV-40, is currently the fastest aircraft in the game.
- The XV-40 is also the only plane with an integrated cargo hook inside its bay. Together with its sister PV-40, they are the only aircrafts with hoists for crews.
- In addition, it, alongside it's sister the PV-40, are the only VTOL aircraft currently available in the game.
- The XV-40 is the first ever aircraft in-game to have a unique gear retraction mechanic, wherein the main bogies swivel sideways before retracting into the fuselage.
- The XV-40 is also the first aircraft to have turboprop blades which actively change their length as part of operation.
GALLERY[]
Special Tips[]
- The wings and tails of the XV/PV-40 are quite fragile, so during VTOL landing, the sink rate should be controlled (75%~80% power the best) and should be done at low AOA.
- The XV-40 is till date the only aircraft capable of picking up the PS-26. With enough skill, one can deploy and recover the PS-26 with the cargo hook midflight, with the help of the remote control.