Shortage of Medium/Long Range Aircraft in the Early Game (Epic Game Worlds)

[Mike Swaledale]

Hello Sami,

It is very noticeable that within a couple of years of epic games starting in 1950, there are no medium and long range aircarft available on the second hand market and no medium/lomng range aircraft deliverable quickly on the new aircraft market (the shortest wait is around a year for the DC4, but most types the wait is around 2-4 years).

Part of the reason is the absence from the market of older/less efficient types that airlines would have turned to if they couldn't get the latest/more modern types. Notable examples are The Avro York, Avro Tudor, HP Hermes, SNCASE Armagnac, Canadair Argonaut, all of which were in service in the early 1950s, plus some other types which were built but never got orders.

The easiest to add to the game would I think be the HP Hermes - you already have a HP manufacturer category and other types with Bristol Hercules engines. In real life they were still in production in 1950 and BOAC put 29 examples on the secondhand market in 1951.  The best data I can glean are that it had:

A minimum crew of 7 (5 cockpit, 2 attendants), it was a heavy aircraft so only had a maximum payload of about 6,400kg (typpical all economy seating of 72), a maximum payload range of approximately 1,200 nm (the longest route it operated as an airliner was Tripoli-Kano), a maximum ramge with reserves of about 2,500 nm. An economical cruising speed of 230 knts, runway requirement of approximately 1,500 metres, A fuel consumption of approximately 1,800 kg/hour. Cargo capacity is unclear - but probably similar to DC4. Cost probably similar to DC6 as it was a heavy, pressurised airrcaft.

Others may have a better suggestion - but the current lack of medium/long range aircraft in the early 1950s would make it very hard for new players entering the game at that point,

Best wishes and thanks as ever for a good game.

Mike

[KingAirways]

I like your proposal.

Alternatively and/or increase the factory size even further. If Douglas would have had orders for 5 years in 1953, they would have increased their factory sizes.

[11Air]

The biggest problem with the game is the limited types of aircraft available. There's a big step then when you want some longer range aircraft.
says Trev, of Trev Air.  Trying once again to get a decent start in the game.