In the flight characteristics and performance data manual, there is a chart on page 18 titled "Critical Field Length."  I understand how to use this chart, however I do not understand where to get my "Take Off Factor," nor do I know what it is.  So, as of right now I don't know how long the runway needs to be for me to take off, and I'm just guessing in the dark...

i'd just try shorter and shorter runways.  fuel quantity will change it too.

Thanks Capt Obvious.  :D  I don't like guessing in the dark.  I like to choose where I'll fly from, then to, and I want to know my max takeoff weight for the takeoff runway length, and my max landing weight for the landing runway length.

Hi ..... go here  http://www.kc130.com/Flight%20Manuals.htm and download Manual One.  It is a pdf file of the performance manual.  Take-off factor is described starting on page 34 and the performance curves start on page 47.  I haven't studied it yet, so I'm not an expert.  Maybe you can teach us all!

If you decide to download the 650 page flight manual (Manual Two), I have created a table of contents in a little zip file that I can send you ... will save a lot of hunting since the pages are numbered by chapter rather than consecutively.

Good luck!

krswen

Well, I read through the performance manual today.  Take-off factor seems to be an adjustment for density altitude that allows you to use standard day curves and makes allowances for non-standard conditions.  The last section on mission planning is a good summary if you like to fly a disciplined and realistic simulation.

Have you downloaded a TOLD calculator?  Try Googling C-130 TOLD.  There's one based on an Excel spreadsheet.  I've also got one from "shazapis", but I can't remember where I downloaded it.

Ken

Ahhh, here it is ....    http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/file?rk=c4jhj039&fm=main&cm=LISTFILES&rp=/cgi/kds%3Fc4jhj039=main/search.htm

Ken

Thanks alot krswen, I really appreciate it.