T-55

T-55
Type	Fixed-Wing
Crew	1 Pilot/Trainee 1 Instructor/WSO
Role	Trainer, Light Strike, Light Fighter
Hardpoints	8 Weapons 1 Utility
Technical Specifications
Gross Weight (kg)	9,158 kg
Length	13.4m
Wingspan	10.4m
Height	5m (Gears down) 4.1m (Gears up)
VTOL	No

"Twin-seat single engine supersonic trainer jet. Capable of equipping all common weapon types for training and combat purposes"

― Aircraft Description

The T-55 "Tyro" is a two-seater, single engine DLC trainer jet designed for multiplayer flight instruction. It was released on the 24th of March 2023, as VTOL VR's second DLC.

Strategy

The T-55 Tyro is primarily used as a trainer plane, with a student pilot taking the forward seat and an instructor in the aft seat. With the flick of a switch, the instructor can take control of the plane from the student to demonstrate a maneuver, or prevent an untimely terrain-related accident.

In a combat role, the T-55 has its place as a light strike or fighter aircraft. A pilot and WSO can split the workload of flying and employing weapons, and performing other administrative tasks.

The low TWR of the Tyro means that energy management is crucial and it should be flown more carefully compared to other, more powerful aircraft. Due to the lack of engine power and the limited carrying capacity of the T-55, it is encouraged to more thoroughly consider an appropriate loadout for specific mission types.

Armament

Main article: T-55 Hardpoints

Avionics

Intercom

The intercom system on the Comms panel allows the two pilots to communicate hands-free without needing to use the radio in Multiplayer. It is voice activated, meaning that speaking will automatically key up the microphone, as indicated by the green light on the aforementioned panel. The intercom volume can be adjusted independently of the radio.

Forward Pilot's Seat

Two new indicators are present in the cockpit: a Flight Control indicator and a two-button Master Arm switch.

• The Flight Control indicator (located right of the RWR) changes color depending on which pilot is controlling the aircraft. The top and bottom light (forward and aft pilot respectively) can show either green, orange, or neither.
  • Green: Pilot is inputting on the stick and in control over the aircraft.
  • Orange: Pilot is inputting on the stick, but has their control overridden by the other pilot.
• The Master Arm panel has two buttons: SAFE and ARM.
  • The green light shows when on SAFE.
  • Red means weapons are armed and you currently have fire authority.
  • Yellow means weapons are armed, and your co-pilot has fire authority.
  • Note that only one pilot is allowed fire authority at a time; you must press the ARM button to regain control over weapons.

Rear Pilot's Seat

This seat appears as "Instructor" in the multiplayer briefing room and has all the same functionality as the forward pilot, with two additions.

• The Control knob (located above the landing gear) dictates how the pilots can control the aircraft.
  • LOCK: Rear pilot has no flight controls; Grabbing the stick only grants control over their SOI. This is the default setting when spawning in.
  • NORM: The first pilot to grab the stick is given flight controls, similar to the AH-94.
  • OVRD: Both pilots are allowed flight controls, but the rear pilot takes priority when they grab the stick.
• The MFD Mirror switch (located to the left of the RWR) allows the rear pilot to view the MFDs of the forward pilot. Once the mirror switch is turned off, the rear MFDs will remain on the same page.

Singleplayer vs. Multiplayer

The Control Knob and MFD Mirror switch are absent in Singleplayer. Instead, there is a "Switch Seat" button on the right panel near the brake lock. Pressing this button allows the player to change seats in flight.

Gallery

• 

  A gray T-55 loaded with four GBU-12s and two AGM-126s quickly rolling.

• 

  A first-person view of the T-55's forward pilot seat in singleplayer.

• 

  A blue and gray T-55 afterburning low above the ground.

• 

  Two players flying the T-55 with an air-to-ground loadout.

• 

  A T-55 firing its M62 Vulcan.

• 

  A T-55 landed on an Aircraft Carrier.

• 

  A T-55 performing a takeoff using its afterburner.

• 

  A first-person view of the T-55's rear (trainer) pilot seat in singleplayer.

Trivia

• The T-55 Tyro was announced on March 14th, 2023 and was released 10 days later on March 24th, alongside the 1.6.0 Update.
• "Tyro" comes from the Latin "tiro", meaning a young soldier or novice.
• It is the second aircraft in VTOL VR to feature Multi-Crew.

External links

• Steam store page
• Youtube trailer
• T-55 Community Flight Manual