Feature

Specially selected freeware and videos of flight sims reviewed in the March/April 2020 issue.

Issue 126 Online Contents Full Download As requested by our readers, the complete file set accompanying Issue 126 can now be downloaded as a single zip file. The videos are supplied as links to YouTube links, we are unable to include them in the file due to limitations with file size. If you are on a low-bandwidth connection, we recommend you download the files individually in the sections below.

Movies

Aerosoft A330 professional In this video, the beautifully rendered PBR texturing of this A330 release from Aerosoft becomes immediately apparent as the camera pans around the realistic-looking cockpit. Shots of the night lighting add additional atmosphere, while the sleek external lines of the A330 are also shown off to good effect. (Reviewed on pages 20-22).

Aerosoft CRJ professional Opening with a wide shot of the CRJ’s cockpit, this video highlights the sharply rendered details therein. Moving to the exterior view, the opportunity is taken to pan around the aircraft to highlight the attention to detail that has been lavished on the CRJ’s exterior. From some angles, the aircraft looks almost photorealistic. (Reviewed on pages 24-26.)

Just Flight Robin DR400 This video makes a point at the outset of initially using close-up views to highlight the attention to detail that has been paid to the exterior rendering of Just Flight’s DR400. This includes things such as chipped paintwork on the propeller blades and nicely created panels that have depth to them. Internally, the 3D quality of the detailed instruments is shown off to good effect. (Reviewed on pages 40-42.)

DCS: Deka Ironwork Simulations JF-17 Thunder You know you’re in for a treat when a video opens with a close-up view of the aircraft’s external panel lines and rivets. This video showcases the almost ‘insane’ level of detail that has been incorporated into this DCS release. Every shot is a close-up of pin-sharp detailing, most notable of which is in the cockpit area. The JF-17’s full inventory of weapons is also put on display. Finally, the aircraft’s awesome agility is showcased. (Reviewed on pages 68-71.)

vFlyteAir Simulations’ Cessna 150 As this video attests, for such a small aircraft, vFlyteAir has crammed a lot into this package. Features shown in this presentation include: animated rain effects, a kneeboard with interactive weight and balance and checklists, the pre-flight walk-around, visual fuel check, the ability to choose between male and female pilot, and trainer or commuter panels, plus a sample of the 14 included liveries. (Reviewed on pages 44-46.)

Tutorials Boeing 747 50th Anniversary Flight Adventure As usual, the download link below contains a full list of where to get the SSG 747, scenery used in the accompanying screenshots, flight plans, as well as some other aircraft and scenery suggestions for FSX/P3D. Boeing 747 50th Anniversary Flight Adventure Download Back to Basics - We fly across northern California and learn some new navigation tips The San Francisco and Klamath Falls Sectional Charts along with the S2L9 flight planner spreadsheet are available from the downloads link below. As an added bonus, the zip file also includes the A2A C182 performance charts and pilot's manual. Back to Basics Issue 126 Download

Freeware Files Once again, we have a collection of high-quality freeware files for you to enjoy. These aircraft, scenery and utilities easily compare with many commercial products but don’t forget, if you’ve enjoyed a particular file, please let the author know, it’s their only payback. By the same token, we’re always interested to hear from you if you’ve downloaded or designed a file that you think is worth sharing. By Joe Lavery Permission

Although the authors of these files have very kindly given us their permission to include them on our website, they still remain the property and copyright of the authors. You are free to enjoy them for your own use but they must not in any circumstances be distributed, copied, uploaded to any other websites or disassembled in any way whatsoever. Library files

Most X-Plane users will know that many freeware airport designers make use of Library files to enhance their creations. Consequently, it’s important to read the documentation within each airport to find out which libraries have been used. These libraries need to be installed in order to experience these airports as the authors intended.

Featured Download Aermacchi AMX-1A Ghibli Our featured file for this issue is a little unusual in that it was originally a payware aircraft from a company many of you will remember called Lago Srl. It depicts the AMX-1A Ghibli, built with the collaboration of two Italian firms, Aeritalia and Aermacchi, and the Brazilian firm Embraer. It was seen as a replacement for the ageing fleet of Lockheed’s F-104 Starfighter. This update to FSX/P3D was created by Ed Wells and Henk Schuitemaker. They made contact with the original author Francesco Missarino, who was excited to think that his first ‘baby’ would be flown again after all these years. So with the permission of Francesco and Alberto Sangalli, the work began to convert the AMX Ghibli from the original FS9 model to FSX. Updating the aircraft was started by Sim-Outhouse (SOH) member Bluebear (Ulrich), who did the initial conversion to native FSX. Henk Schuitemaker then did some additional modelling, creating new coding and animations, reworked some of the old FS9 gauges and produced the configuration manager that allows you to add a variety of bombs, missiles and fuel tanks to the external pylons. The result is a very professional little jet fighter that looks nothing like the original FS9 product. It’s great to fly and has a cockpit in which the majority of the displays and switches are operational. The addition of a full 3D cockpit has given it a lot more usability; it’s altogether a brilliant job! Authors: Original Copyright: Lago Srl Artwork updates: Ed Wells and Henk Schuitemaker FSX/P3D conversion: Ulrich (Bluebear) and Henk Schuitemaker Platform: FSX/P3D Aermacchi AMX-1A Ghibli Download

Star Performers from the Internet Air Canada Airbus A220-300 This Camsim Airbus A220-300 includes new V6 animations, static displays and multi-ple animation effects. The cockpit features a new 2D panel; it’s another accurately modelled and painted aircraft from Camil Valiquette. Author: Camil Valiquette Platform: FSX/FS2004 Air Canada Airbus A220-300 Download The Republic Experimental Project Milton Shupe and his team have created three variants of the Republic XP Thunder-bolt series of fighter bombers: the XP-47J, XP-47H and the XP-72, which were experi-mental developments of the Thunderbolt that never went beyond the prototypes. Authors: Milton Shupe, Tom Falley, Steve Bryant, Scott Thomas, and Nigel Richards; Pilot figures by Jan Visser Platform: FSX/P3D XP-47J Download XP-47H Download XP-72 Download Red Sands Fort Maunsell Army Forts were designed and built for anti-aircraft defence. They comprised seven interconnected steel platforms. Red Sands Fort (U6) is at the mouth of the Thames Estuary, created here for X-Plane 11 by John Bray. Author: John Bray Platform: X-Plane 11 Red Sands Fort Download Daegu International Airport Daegu International Airport (RKTN) is a medium-sized regional airport in South Korea. It is half commercial and half military used by and home of T-Way Airlines. This very nice design for FS2004 is by David Kolas. Author: David Kolas Platform: FS2004 Daegu International Airport Download De Havilland (Bombardier) Dash 8-Q202 The de Havilland (Bombardier) Dash 8-Q202 is a development of the earlier Dash 8-100, powered by two uprated PW123D engines and with Anti Noise and Vibration Sys-tem (ANVS). The model here is updated for FSX/P3D by Premier Aircraft Design. Author: Premier Aircraft Design Platform: FSX/FS2004 Dash 8-Q202 Download Fairey Fulmar The Fairey Fulmar was a British carrier-borne fighter aircraft that served with the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) during World War Two. This is a native FSX/P3D model designed by the prolific AF Scrub. Author: AF Scrub Platform: FSX/P3D v3-4 Fairey Fulmar Download Reno Tahoe International Here we have the latest Reno–Tahoe International Airport (IATA: RNO, ICAO: KRNO). It’s a public/military airport three miles (6km) southeast of downtown Reno, in Washoe County, Nevada, designed here by Flyfree Productions. Author: Flyfree Productions Platform: X-Plane 11 Reno Tahoe International Download Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole Charles Macelli created this very nice aerodrome for X-Plane. It’s a mainly general avi-ation field located 21km southwest of Paris, in the town of Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole, France. Charles has done a good job of the field, with plenty of detail to bring it to life. Author: Charles Macelli Platform: X-Plane 11 Saint- Cyr-l’Ecole Download

Reviews - Screenshot Galleries To help give our readers a better appreciation of the products reviewed in this issue, we have compiled the screenshots accompanying some of the articles into a series of galleries.

PMDG's 737 NGXu - The reboot of a classic PC Pilot Verdict

At a glance: PMDG has taken the 737 to a new level. The sheer scope of the package combined with in-depth systems modelling promises to keep even veteran flight simulation enthusiasts busy for years to come. Developer: PMDG Simulations

Price: $99.99 (£76 approx)

Website: https://pmdg.com/pmdg-737ngxubase-

package-for-prepar3d-v4/

Flight Model: Excellent

Graphics: Excellent

Documentation: Excellent

Systems: Excellent

PC Pilot Score: 97

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Aerosoft's A330 professional - Great Expectations... PC Pilot Verdict

At a Glance: The era of Airbus long-haul has arrived and it’s a good thing. Aerosoft has done a great job bringing the A330 to P3D v4. Publisher/Developer: Aerosoft

Price: €70 (£60 approx)

Website: www.aerosoft.com

Flight Model: Excellent

Graphics: Excellent

Documentation: Excellent

Systems: Excellent

PC Pilot Score: 95

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Aerosoft's CRJ professional - A true study simulation of the CRJ 550, 700, 900 and 1000 PC Pilot Verdict

At a Glance: A true study simulation of the CRJ 550/700/900/1000 with excellent systems accuracy, superb advanced graphics and an excellent flight model. Developer: Aerosoft / Digital Aviation

Distributor: Aerosoft

Download Price: $70 / €62.98 (£54 approx)

Website: https://www.aerosoft.com/

Flight Model: Excellent

Graphics: Excellent

Documentation: Excellent

Systems: Excellent

PC Pilot Score: 95

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SSG's 747-8i - Anniversary Edition PC Pilot Verdict

At a Glance: From power up to shutdown, the rebuilt and updated SSG 747-8i is totally immersive and the best Boeing 747 airliner currently available for X-Plane. Developer: Supercritical Simulations Group

Price: $65.00 (£49 approx)

Website: https://www.supercriticalsimulation.com

Flight Model: Excellent

Graphics: Excellent

Documentation: Excellent

Systems: Very good

PC Pilot Score: 90

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Orbx’s TrueEarth US Northern California - Orbx continues to refine the US landscape PC Pilot Verdict

At a glance: Orbx continues to super-detail its way across the US with another TrueEarth product, US Northern California. Publisher: Orbx

Developers: Orbx Simulations

Price: HD £36.18, SD £30.49

Website: https://orbxdirect.com/product/usnorcal-hd-xp11

Performance: Overall good but it is obviously directly linked to the available hardware. My system displayed some stuttering over the city of San Francisco.

3D Modelling: Excellent

Graphics: Excellent

Documentation: Very good

PC Pilot Score: 90

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Just Flight’s Traffic Global - Bringing AI life to X-Plane PC Pilot Verdict

At a Glance: Finally a traffic program for X-Plane that’s simple to set up, full of great models and light on the system. Just Flight has done a great job bringing Traffic Global to X-Plane 11. Developer/Publisher: Just Flight

Price: £34.99

Website: www.justflight.com

Ease of use: Excellent

Graphics: Very good

Documentation: Good

PC Pilot Score: 90

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Just Flight's Robin DR400 - Going for a song PC Pilot Verdict

At a glance: This Robin is another superb aircraft from the Just Flight team and represents fantastic value for money. Developer & Publisher: Just Flight

Price: £9.99 by direct download

Website: http://www.justflight.com

3D Modelling: Excellent

Graphics: Very good

Documentation: Excellent

Performance: Very good

PC Pilot Score: 90

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Deka Ironwork Simulations' DCS: JF-17 Thunder - A new lightweight, single-engine, multirole combat aircraft for DCS World PC Pilot Verdict

At a glance: A mature Early Access project with great functionality, systems modelling and weapons inventory. In need of better documentation, training missions and a campaign to reach its full potential. Developer: Deka Ironwork Simulations

Download Price: $79.99 (£61 approx)

Website: www.digitalcombatsimulator.com

Flight Model: Excellent

Graphics: Excellent

Documentation: Poor

Systems: Excellent

PC Pilot Score: 90

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