Version: 2.0.0. (Flightsim.

to & Official Marketplace)

DISCLAIMER #1
Gliding and Sailplanes are not fully integrated into Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Therefore, Winch Launch, Towplanes, Thermals and various Gliding Aspects are all
Self-Developed In-House. Because of this, our team cannot guarantee a “Bug-Free”
experience. As Asobo adds Official Gliding support to the simulator, this glider will
continue to improve. Our goal is to eventually upgrade all aspects of the Discus-2c
Premium Package to a study-level simulation.

DISCLAIMER #2
Our Experimental Launch Features utilize WASM coding. We are unable to test prior to
releasing this aircraft and we hope that Asobo allows this kind of testing in the future.
We cannot guarantee the following features will work on Xbox:

● Winch Launch (High Probability of Working Feature) (HTML)

● Winch Launch Visuals (Low Probability of Working Feature) (WASM)

● Towplane Connection System (Low Probability of Working Feature) (WASM)

● FES Motor & Low Speed Self-Launch (100% Working Feature) (Built-In Natively)

Introduction
The Discus Glider started out as Jonx's first Microsoft Flight Simulator development effort.
Originally released as an individual project in early 2021, the Discus-2b was the first native
glider to become available for Microsoft Flight Simulator. It was released as freeware and
gained a grand total of over 64,000 downloads during its short lifetime. After the release of the
Gee Bee R3 Special, (Got Friends' first payware aircraft) the team decided to combine their
skills and give the Discus a rebirth. The now Discus-2c was built from the ground up. Fully
remodeled, re-textured, re-coded and re-winged for a more realistic gliding simulation. We
started development in November 2021 by stripping down the original Discus-2b and we are
working hard to make this the most realistic glider in the simulator. After thousands of hours
spent in development, the Discus-2c features ground-breaking firsts in Microsoft Flight
Simulator, from in-game winch launching, multiplayer towplane connectivity and collision
detection to experimental thermal-activated weather presets. We are excited to see the
community reception and especially proud to release the first glider on the Official Marketplace.

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History
The Discus-2c is a single-seat, high-performance sailplane by German glider manufacturer
Schempp-Hirth. The Discus-2c is an evolution and replacement of their renowned Discus
design. The Discus-2c took its first flight in 1997, and is today available in two sizes: 15-meter
(49 feet, 2.5 inch) wingspan and 18-meter (59 feet) wingspan. The sailplane also comes in an
electric motor assist version (FES), and one with internal combustion powered assist (2cT).The
Discus-2c features composite construction, advanced flight control surfaces for precise control,
and a state-of-the-art wing design that maximizes glide performance and aerodynamic
efficiency. The 15-meter variant has a wing aspect ratio of 22.2 and the 18-meter version has a
28.5 aspect ratio. Each has a top speed of 174 miles per hour. One of the most advanced
soaring craft ever developed, the incredible Discus-2c allows aviators to master the heights in
the purest form of flight. Stay aloft in the mountains by riding ridge lift, circle into a cloud base on
thermals, or just glide along silently on laminar air at dawn while you become one with the sky.

Specifications:
Max Permitted All-Up Weight 1,246 lb / 565 kg

Empty Weight 749 lb / 340 kg

CG Limits 32% - 48%

Pax 1 Pilot

Left Ballast Tank 220 lbs / 100 liter (50% Max Limit w/ FES)

Right Ballast Tank 220 lbs / 100 liter (50% Max Limit w/ FES)

Fin Ballast Tank 18 lbs / 8 liter (50% Max Limit w/ FES)

Wingspan 59.06 feet / 18 meter

Wing area 122.28 sq ft / 11.36 sqm

Length 22.24 feet / 6.78 meter

G-Force limits +5.3G, Plus 50% Safety Margin

Trim Available Pitch

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Performance:
Max Permitted Speed 151 knots / 280 kph

Service Ceiling 26,500 feet / 8,077 meter

Max Range Not-Limited

Max Permitted Speeds (IAS):

Max Permitted Speed 151 knots / 280 kph

Speed in Rough Air 103 knots / 190 kph

Maneuvering Speed 103 knots / 190 kph

Speed on Aerotow 97 knots / 180 kph

Speed on Winch Launch 81 knots / 150 kph

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Dashboard:
The cockpit is equipped with a Yaw String, Compass, FLARM, Motor Ventilation Lever,
Variometer (Netto), Airspeed Indicator (6 FMS), Digital V8 Variometer (Netto or Total Energy),
Pitot Heat Switch, Glareshield Light Switch, Navigation Light Switch,Front Electric Sustainer
(FES) Control Unit, AS-92 Radio, LX-Navigation Display, GPS-Navigation Display, Winch
Launch Display, Altimeter, Thermometer, Master Battery Circuit Breaker, AS-21 Transponder,
Rope Release, FES Motor Switch and Master Battery Switch.

The Navigation Unit and Lower Circuit Breakers host a variety of cockpit customization options:
● Display Brightness (Top-Left Knob)
● Unit of Measurement (Top-Left Button)
● Winch/Navigation Swap (Top-Center Button)
● Connect to Towplane (Top-Right Button)
● Digital MacCready Calibration (Top-Right Knob)
● Glareshield Lighting Adjustment (Bottom-Left Knob)
● Canopy Tint Selection (Bottom-Left Button #1)
● Oxygen Availability (Bottom-Left Button #2)
● Navigation Lights Availability (Bottom-Right Button #2)
● Canopy Cover (Bottom-Right Button #1)
● Ballast Tank Management System (Bottom-Right Knob)

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Customization Breakers:
There are 4 Customization Breakers on the Lower Console that provide additional Cockpit
Customization Options. You will find the following:

● Display/Hide Pilot
● Display/Hide Compass
● Display/Hide FLARM
● Display/Hide GoPro

Yaw String:
The yaw string, also known as a slip string, is a simple device for indicating a slip or skid in an
aircraft in flight. It performs the same function as the slip-skid indicator ball, but is more
sensitive, and does not require the pilot to look down at the instrument panel. Technically, it
measures sideslip angle, not yaw angle, but this indicates how the aircraft must be yawed to
return the sideslip angle to zero.

If you slip in a right turn:

● The top of the string will move to the left.
● The corrective action called for is more right rudder.

String to the left causes the bottom of the string to point to your right foot. The string is a pointer,
pointing to the rudder pedal that needs more pressure. It is this difference that makes it difficult
for some pilots accustomed to using a slip/skid ball to use the yaw string. But with practice, the
yaw string is by far the better instrument, and it weighs nothing.

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FLARM (Flight & Alarm):
FLARM obtains its position and altitude readings from an internal GPS and a barometric sensor
and then broadcasts this together with forecast data about the future 3D flight track. At the same
time, its receiver listens for other FLARM devices within range and processes the information
received. Advanced motion prediction algorithms predict potential conflicts for up to 50 other
aircraft and alert the pilot using visual and aural warnings. FLARM has an integrated obstacle
collision warning system together with an obstacle database. The database includes both point
and segmented obstacles, such as split power lines and cableways.

CLICK TO ENABLE FLARM (REQUIRES BATTERY)

If FLARM determines you are at risk of colliding with another aircraft or an obstacle:
● The unit warns you of the greatest danger at that moment.
● The warning is given by a whistle sound (beep) and bright light emitting diodes (LED).
● The display also gives indication of the threat level (flash speed)
● The horizontal bearing to the threat.
● The vertical bearing to the threat.

Variometer - Netto:
Variometer designs directly measure the static pressure of the atmosphere using a pressure
sensor and detects changes in altitude directly from the change in air pressure instead of by
measuring air flow. The term "vertical speed indicator" or "VSI" is most often used for the
instrument when it is installed in a powered aircraft. The term "variometer" is most often used
when the instrument is installed in a glider or sailplane. Netto variometers adjust for the intrinsic
sink rate of the glider at a given speed (the polar curve) adjusted for the wing loading due to
water ballast. The Netto variometer will always read zero in still air. This provides the pilot with
the accurate measurement of air mass vertical movement critical for final glides.

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MacCready Ring(s):
The MacCready ring is an indispensable aid in cross country flying. The ring is rotatable and is
marked with speeds and a white triangle. The chief use of the MacCready ring is to achieve the
highest possible cruising speed (average cross-country flying speed) on thermal cross-country
flights. This involves setting the white arrow to the anticipated rate of climb for the next
upcurrent. Optimum flight performance is assured when the airspeed indicated by the airspeed
indicator corresponds to the pre-selected flying speed to which the MacCready ring has been
set. There is also a digital MacCready Ring on the V8 Digital Variometer and you can
adjust that ring separately using the Digital MacCready Ring Adjustment Knob on the LX
Display Unit.

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Airspeed Indicator (6 FMS):
Developed especially for gliding, the 6 FMS instrument shows airspeed on a 510° spiral scale.
The instrument works by measurement of the pitot pressure, by means of an open diaphragm
cell, as the difference between total pressure and static pressure.

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Digital Variometer:
(Netto, Auto or Total Energy)
Digital Variometers generate a sound pitch and rhythm depending on the instrument reading.
Typically the audio tone increases in frequency as the variometer shows a higher rate of climb
and decreases in frequency towards a deep groan as the variometer shows a faster rate of
descent. When the variometer is showing a climb, the tone is often chopped and the rate of
chopping may be increased as the climb rate increases, while during a descent the tone is not
chopped. This audio signal allows the pilot to concentrate on the external view instead of having
to watch the instruments, thus improving safety and also giving the pilot more opportunity to
search for promising looking clouds and other signs of lift. This type of audible tone is known as
a "variometer".

Netto Mode adjusts for the intrinsic sink rate of the glider at a given speed (the polar curve)
adjusted for the wing loading due to water ballast. The Netto variometer will always read zero in
still air. This provides the pilot with the most accurate measurement of air mass vertical
movement critical for final glides.

Total-Energy is electronically compensated. The membrane compensator is an elastic

membrane, which flexes according to the total pressure (pitot plus static) from airspeed. Thus,
airspeed effects cancel out an increase in sink, due to acceleration, or a decrease in sink, due
to deceleration. The venturi compensator supplies a speed-dependent negative pressure, so
that the pressure reduces as speed increases, compensating for the increased static pressure
due to sink.

Needles
● Orange: Average Vario (Netto or Total Energy)
● Red: Instantaneous Vario
● Blue: MacCready Needle
● Yellow Bar: Projected Gains/Loss

Black Arrow: Wind Indicator

● N,S,E,W positional
● Wind Strength (Number Display)

NOTE
Keep in mind we are working on a more advanced V8/80 that will add functionality to this
variometer once incorporated in a later update after Official Glider support.

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Compass:
A magnetic compass aboard an aircraft displays the current magnetic heading of the aircraft,
i.e., the aircraft's directional orientation relative to the Earth's geomagnetic field, which has a
roughly north-south orientation. The compass can be used in turns to verify the aircraft is
traveling in the desired direction at the conclusion of a turn. The nature of the instrument and
the alignment of the magnetic pole of the earth cause the magnetic compass to have several
significant limitations when used for navigation. A pilot aware of those limitations can use the
compass effectively for navigation.

Altimeter:
On an altimeter, the sea-level reference pressure can be adjusted with a setting knob. The
reference pressure, in inches of mercury in Canada and the United States, and hectopascals
(previously millibars) elsewhere, is displayed in the small Kollsman window, on the back-face of
the aircraft altimeter. This is necessary, since sea level reference atmospheric pressure at a
given location varies over time with temperature and the movement of pressure systems in the
atmosphere.

Thermometer:
A thermometer is a device that measures a temperature gradient.

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Winch Launch Display:
The Discus-2c is the first aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator to have a fully capable in-game
Winch Launch. We coded a physically accurate winch cable simulation. Although not perfect, we
are constantly working on improvements. BE AWARE, Asobo is currently working on official
glider incorporation. Therefore, we will not be spending considerable time towards furthering this
feature unless critically needed in the future. It works for what it was intended, as it gets your
glider in the air independently, at the most realistic launch possible. This system also includes a
visual cable. The math calculates an actual cable, real physics, tension, winch speeds, and
automatic cable release when the cable’s vector exceeds 70 degrees in any direction. Before
launch, the UI displays cable length and launch speed selections. The in-launch UI displays
actual cable length remaining and cable angle. Winch acceleration is also accurate, meaning
you’ll be ready for take-off in about 3.5 seconds. We’ve also added a 3 second countdown, and
leveling off of the wings once a launch is initiated.

How to use the in-game Winch Launch:

Prior to Launch:
● The Winch Launch Module should be displayed by default on Runway Spawn.
● Hit Connect to connect the cable to the Discus-2c.
● You should now see a visible cable and winch vehicle up to 500m in front of your glider.
● Select your desired cable length. (Take airfield length into consideration)
● Select your desired launch speed.
● When ready, click on launch.
● Your winch vehicle and cable will now adjust to that selected length.
● Your In-Launch Phase will begin.

In-Launch:
● The glider will automatically level the wings. (Simulates real-world crew conditions)
● You will have a 3-Second countdown timer displayed to prepare for launch.
● Reaching launch speed takes an average of 3.5 seconds.
● While in launch, maintain a low percentage of cable deviation.
○ Use the 2D deviation tracker to maintain glider track while in launch.
● If you exceed 70 degrees deviation from the cable, you will automatically disconnect.
● To manually release cable, click on release OR click on the yellow release handle.
● Otherwise, if you reach the end of the cable length, you will automatically disconnect.

DISCLAIMER:
Visual Cables and Winch Vehicles are WASM Based and may not work on Xbox.

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Navigation Display (LX & GPS):
The Discus-2c comes equipped with an LX navigation display and a GPS navigation display.
The LX navigational module includes World View, Mouse Drag, Zoom In, Zoom Out, Checkpoint
Display, Checkpoint Browsing, Checkpoint Data, Sink/Gain Rate Tracker, and Re-Center
functionalities. The GPS navigation module includes Checkpoint Display, Checkpoint Positional
Indicators, Current Altitude, and Checkpoint Distance. The navigational unit as a whole allows
you to select one or two divided views. At the top of the unit, you can select between GPS-NAV
and LX-NAV navigation. At the bottom of the unit, you can select a digital Attitude Gauge or a
Status Screen. The attitude gauge and status screen may be divided into the navigational
display for quick viewing or selected as solo viewing by clicking on either the attitude or status
buttons and then clicking on the GPS-NAV or LX-NAV buttons.

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Towplane Connection System:
The Discus-2c is the first aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator to have a fully capable in-game
Towplane Connection System. Although not perfect, we are constantly working on
improvements. BE AWARE, Asobo is currently working on official glider incorporation.
Therefore, we will not be spending considerable time towards furthering this feature unless
critically needed in the future. This system also includes a visual cable. When hitting the
connection button, your glider will scan your surroundings for the nearest Aircraft, Vehicle or
Object within a 100m x 200m scan box in front of the glider. If you connect to the wrong object,
simply disconnect, reposition yourself or your towplane and try again. Your glider will only
connect to aircraft/vehicles that use the in-game Pilot Model System. After a successful
connection, you will see a “Visible Cable” hanging to the left side of your cockpit. Once
connected you can enjoy your flight and disconnect when desired. We have simulated tension
and cable breaking. As such, pulling your glider with an unreasonable aircraft will more than
likely result in a breakage. This feature works on Multiplayer controlled aircraft/vehicles as well
as AI controlled aircraft/vehicles. If you’re playing multiplayer, your partner in the towplane
DOES NOT need to own the Discus-2c Premium Package. They will see you being towed
behind their aircraft but will not see the visual linkage via the cable. For maximum engagement,
we highly recommend any tow-player to download the Discus-2c Freeware Package so
they can see a physical glider being towed vs the standard Bonanza.

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FES FCU:
The FES Control Unit (FCU) displays the electric-motor running data and live-system status.
The FCU requires the Main FCU On/Off Switch to be in the On position in order to use the unit.
The FES Motor requires the Motor Switch to be in the On position in order to apply electrical
torque and power to the 2-bladed propeller system. You can find the FES Motor Switch on the
lower console to the left of the Master Battery Switch. If you turn Off the Fes Motor Switch or
FCU Power Switch during motorized flight, the motor will shut off and properly stow the FES
system. If you lower your power to 0% on the FES Control Unit, the motor will shut off and
properly stow the FES system.

The FES System is custom built to realistically simulate an electric-driven motor within Microsoft
Flight Simulator. This includes a complex power system and thermal dynamic protection system.
You may see periodic errors displayed on your FCU if you are running the motor too hot. Please
follow the on-screen prompts for corrective actions.

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Left Side of Cockpit:
The left side of the cockpit has a Sliding Glass Door (Small & Large), Canopy Handle, Air-Brake
Handle, and a Trim Adjustment Lever (Spring).

Right Side of Cockpit:

The right side of the cockpit has the Landing Gear Lever, Air Conditioning Vent, Ballast Control
Lever, a Standard Operating Checklist, and a Microphone that opens the Kinetic Assistant
Compatibility Menu. (Must have the Kinetic Assistant Application Installed to Use)

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Oxygen System & GoPro Vision:
Behind your seat, you will find two interactive items: The Oxygen Tank and a GoPro. You can
open the Oxygen Valve in-flight in order to drain your oxygen as simulated. Once on-ground,
your glider will automatically begin servicing the oxygen tank for your next flight. If you click on
the GoPro, your camera will shift to a GoPro Cinematic View that may be desired for a unique
experience.

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Got Friends Glider Club:
Included in the Freeware and Premium Packages is the Got Friends Glider Club. You will find
this to be a wonderful spot to begin your soaring journey. Special thanks to the Flying Hedgehog
(TwoCats) for providing us such a wonderful airfield. There is Kinetic Assistant compatible
thermals and flight plans located in your download folder if you choose to use them.

ICAO: GTFD

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Standard Operating Checklist:
You can find the Standard Operating Checklist in the In-Game Checklist Menu (Top-Bar).

NOTE
The Checklist has been tailored for Microsoft Flight Simulator and should not be a
replacement for Real-Life Discus-2c Operating Procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions/Bugs:

BUG REPORT: I am getting a bad navigation display with crazy numbers and nothing on the
main display is working.

ANSWER: Please update your GTN-750 Addon or remove it completely from your Community
Folder. PMS50 is aware of the compatibility issue and we are working together to ensure this
gets addressed in the future.

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QUESTION: What are the associated Hotkeys and what happens if I click “L” on the Keyboard?

ANSWER: NEVER PRESS “L” ON YOUR KEYBOARD FOR THE DISCUS-2C. The Discus-2c
is using complex multiplayer variables that need to be assigned to various in-game lights in
order to work with multiplayer. Pressing “L” in-flight might make your flight, features, and
experience broken and unflyable.

PART #2: Here are the associated Hotkeys:

Spoiler Axis: Recommend Assigning this to your Throttle for Variable Speed Brake Control.
Throttle Axis: Recommend Assigning this to a Slider or Knob for Realistic FES Control.
Strobe Light: Ballast Valves (Open/Close)
Glareshield Light: Glareshield Light (On/Off)
Panel Light: FES FCU (On/Off)
Pedestal Light: Canopy (Open/Close)
Wing Lights: Winglet Navigation Lights (On/Off)
Cabin Light: Ventilation Lever (Open/Close)
Taxi Light: FLARM (On/Off)
Logo Light: Towplane Connection Switch (Connect/Disconnect)
Pitot Heat: Pitot Heat (On/Off)
Nav Light: Skip/Next Waypoint
Recognition Light: Quick Winch Disconnect
Water Rudder: Kinetic Assistant (Functions/Connections)

Support and Community:

Support is provided at the Got Gravel Discord Server: https://discord.gg/4f3j4YgNm4

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Credits:
Finally, and most importantly, a big thank you from Got Gravel, Jonx, 270 Inc, and Mykrode
for your support and for downloading the standard package of the Discus-2c Glider. We hope
this aircraft is a great addition to your MSFS hangar and is all you expected her to be and
perhaps, a bit more!

This project would also not have been accomplished without the tireless work of these
individuals:

Jonx: XML Coding, Navigation HTML Modifications, Sound, & Weather Presets
Got Gravel: Flight Model, Winch Launch HTML, FCU HTML, and V8 Variometer HTML.
twoseventyinc: Liveries, Launch Vehicle Textures, and Material Effects
Mykrode: Full 3D Modeling (Standard Discus-2c, Discus-2c FES, and Launch Vehicle)
Touching Cloud: WInch Launch Visual Elements, FLARM System, and Towplane System
Ian Lewis (B21): Supporting HTML, Feedback and XML Coding Support
GurtTractor: Custom Sound Design and Professionally Recorded Elements
Flying Hedgehog: Got Friends Gider Club Scenery (Airfield)
Asobo/Microsoft: General Assets & SDK

Additional Downloads (Optional):

Kinetic Assistant (Additional Gliding Features):
Kinetic Assistant - Touching Cloud [OFFICIAL MOD PAGE]
Community Liveries:
Discus-2b Aircraft Liveries for Microsoft Flight Simulator | Flightsim.to
Official Paint Kit:
Discus 2c Glider (Paint Kit) » Microsoft Flight Simulator
Online Flight Manual:
Aircraft | Got Friends (got-friends.com)

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