Third party developer Octopus G put up a small development update several days ago (that I previously missed) detailing some work on the DCS: La-7 project that is appearing to be nearing its finishing stages. This one is all about hydraulics and how they affect the flap and gear deployment on the airplane.

The Lavochkin’s hydraulics

This is admittedly not the most action packed topic to discuss but it is interesting from a perspective of even the “unsexy” things need to be developed if you’re going to do a full fidelity aircraft project. More importantly, how these systems work do affect how you fly the airplane as a pilot. Here’s some of what you need to know:

The control valve levers for the landing gear and flaps have three positions: “DEPLOYED,” “NEUTRAL,” “RETRACTED.”

After completing the retraction or deployment of the landing gear and flaps, the pilot must move the lever to the “NEUTRAL” position.

Delaying the return of the lever to the neutral position leads to an increase in pressure in the hydraulic system and premature failure of the hydraulic pump.

It should also be noted that the flap control valve can only operate when the landing gear valve is in the neutral position, as it is connected to the idle circuit.

As you can see, using the aircraft’s hydraulic system requires attention and precision.

Octopus G on Facebook

The short two minute video goes into the same details with an old time video reel format that gives us some good instruction and a pretty good look at the DCS: La-7 itself.

It’s unclear what the release status on this project is, however, this is a project that is looking increasingly complete.

Future plans?

As interesting as the La-7 may be to some, its what Octopus G plans to do after that has me admittedly more intrigued.

If the I-16 and La-7 were stepping stones to something that might have renewed appeal in the current DCS World climate it’s the early work in progress images from a couple of years ago showing off an Su-22 “Fitter” cockpit. More aircraft in the Cold War era would be terrific and I hope that Octopus G’s current projects do offer that stepping stone to this.