Featured Addon History - 2008

This month we feature Piaggio P-149 by Mario Noriega, Johann Stollenwerk and Leonardo De Bruin. This fine 4 paint scheme package represents the Piaggio P-149D, a trainer-liaison aircraft. The 149 is a development of the P-148 model, with increased seat capacity, tricycle retractable landing gear and a more powerful engine, featuring a three-bladed constant speed propeller. It was mainly used by German Luftwaffe as a training aircraft

This GMAX model features 3-D virtual cockpit and cabin with advanced night lighting and custom special effects, plus a sound package recorded from the real thing. All systems onboard the real aircraft are simulated with complete panel instructions. Flight dynamics were built using only real data.

The P.149 was developed as a four-seat touring variant of the earlier P.148. The P.149 is an all-metal low-wing cantilever monoplane with a retractable tricycle landing landing gear with room for four or five occupants. (Source: Wikipedia.)

This month we feature Beech D-18 Amphibian by Milton Shupe, Scott Thomas, André Folkers, and Urs Burkhardt. This highly realistic rendition of Beech's veritable Beech D-18 amphibian includes 2 incredible paint schemes, a 2D panel with many sub-panels and a fully working virtual cockpit that is equally stunning.

This GMAX model features animated control surfaces, lights, passenger door, suspension parts, rudders, rolling wheels and tires, moving pilot head, hand-flyer flight dynamics, detailed texture work, night lighting, specular effects, landing lights, fully functional virtual cockpit with backlit gauges and full documentation.

The Beech 18 prototype first flew on 15 January 1937 and ended in 1970 with the last, a Model H18, going to Japan Airlines. Beechcraft set a record that still stands today for longest continuous production of a piston engine aircraft. hrough the years, 32 variations of the basic design had flown, over 200 improvement modification kits were developed. (Source: Wikipedia.)

This month we feature Cessna 310 by Brett Henderson and Alejandro Rojas Lucena. This model is intended to be flown from the virtual cockpit (though a Baron 2D cockpit is available). It was created with GMAX with ultra high resolution textures for extra precise detail. The flight dynamics are pilot tested. Custom gauges for accurate and realistic operation. Two paint schemes are offered: white/blue stripes and green/gold stripes.

The 310 first flew on January 3, 1953 with deliveries starting in late 1954. The sleek modern lines of the new twin were backed up by innovative features such as engine exhaust thrust augmenter tubes and the storage of all fuel in tip tanks in early models. The 310Q: take-off weight increased to 5,300 lb and detailed changes, from the 401st aircraft fitted with a bulged rear cabin roof with rear view window, 1160 built. (Source: Wikipedia.)

This month we feature Beechcraft B1900D Regional Airliner by Barry Blaisdell, Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, Danny Crance and Kevin Pardy of Premier Aircraft Design. This model has full animation, dynamic shine effects and reflective texture work. You get a 2D cockpit and virtual cockpit with passenger cabin. There's an opening passenger door with stair, cargo doors and custom sound files. This is the 1900D 19-seater of Air Labrador, Newfoundland, Canada.

The 1900 entered service in February 1984, with the first ExecLiner corporate version delivered in 1985. A total of 695 Beechcraft 1900 aircraft were built, making the airliner the best-selling 19-passenger airliner in history. The 1900D was designed to remedy this by providing a "stand-up cabin," which would allow most passengers to walk upright. It is the only 19-seat airliner with this feature. The 1900D is the most popular version of the airliner, with 438 of the 1900D built. (Source: Wikipedia.)

This month we feature Lockheed-Boeing YF-22A Raptor formerly a commercial release from DSB Design and Iris Flight Simulation Software. There are over a dozen paint schemes ranging from the prototype to leading USAF squadrons. This model should work fine with both Flight Simulator 2004 and FSX and includes animated surfaces and parts along with excellent instrumentation and a great virtual cockpit. Thorough documentation and checklist and reference sheets round out this package.

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It is primarily an air superiority fighter, but has multiple capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. ... The F-22 is claimed by multiple sources to be the world’s most effective air superiority fighter. (Source: Wikipedia.)

This month we feature French Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000N by Roland Laborie. This model should work fine with both Flight Simulator 2004 and FSX and includes a full assortment of animated surfaces and parts along with robust instrumentation and a slick virtual cockpit. This aircraft is from 2/4 squadron, Luxeuil of the French Air Force.

The Mirage 2000 is a French-built multi-role fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation. Designed in the late seventies as a lightweight fighter for the Armée de l'Air, it evolved into a successful mult-irole aircraft now in service in 9 countries with more than 600 Mirages built. The Mirage 2000N is the nuclear strike variant which was intended to carry the Aerospatiale Air-Sol Moyenne Portee (ASMP) nuclear stand-off missile and 75 exist today. (Source: Wikipedia.)

This month we feature Hawker Raytheon 125-800XP by Alejandro Rojas. This model works with Flight Simulator X with SP2 and was created with GMAX. This package sports a mostly accurate and functional virtual cockpit along with 7 attractive paint schemes. Full moving parts are included along with animated leading edge flaps and passenger door.

The 125-800 first flew on May 26 1983 and it introduced a number of improvements over previous models. Aerodynamic changes included a new nose and windscreen, extended fin leading edge, and greater span wing which decreased drag and increased lift and fuel capacity. Range was boosted further by a larger ventral fuel tank. More powerful TFE-731s improved field performance, while a redesigned interior made more efficient use of the space available. The 800 was also the first corporate jet to feature an EFIS cockpit. The 800A was specifically aimed at the US market, the 800B for non US markets. (Source: Wings of the Web.)

This month we feature Eurocopter Ecureuil AS350B3 by Aurélien Terriere and Cyril Pioffet. This model works with Flight Simulator 2004 and FSX and was created with GMAX. A photorealistic yet very functional cockpit along with an attractive visual model and solid flight dynamics make this add-on an attractive addition to your fleet of helicopters. AVSIM's helicopter tutorial by Steve Cartwright is an excellent resource for assistance in flying Flight Simulator helos.

The Eurocopter AS 350 Ecureuil also called the "Squirrel" is part of a family of light helicopters originally manufactured by Aérospatiale which is now part of Eurocopter Group. The AS 350  is the single-engined version, while the AS 355 (TwinStar) uses two engines. On May 14, 2005 a standard-configured Ecureuil AS 350B3 touched down on the top of Mt. Everest, at 8 850 meters (29 035 feet). (Source: Wikipedia and others.)

This month we feature BAC Jet Provost by Nor-Cal Prop Club, Rick Piper, Saverio Maurri, Dave Booker, and Aaron Swindle. This model works with Flight Simulator 2004 and FSX and includes 2 paint schemes. A checklist and reference sheet are included along with a panel manual.

In the 1950s the RAF issued a requirement for a new dedicated jet training aircraft. Hunting developed the Jet Provost. On 26 June 1954, the prototype made its first flight. The Jet Provost proved to be a capable trainer; after successful acceptance trials of the T.1, the RAF formally accepted the type in 1957. With a top speed of 440 mph, excellent maneuverability, mechanical reliability and low operating costs, the Jet Provost was utilized as an aerobatic aircraft, air warfare and tactical weapons training as well as advanced training. (Source: Wikipedia and other)

The scenery shown is Telluride (KTEX) and Silverton Rocky Mountains photorealistic by Gottfried Razek.

This month we feature French Chance Vought F4U-7 Corsair by Guy Hulin, Yves Raymond, Jean-Pierre Langer, Arne Bartels, Jean-Pierre Bourgeois, and Benoit Dubé. This model works both with Flight Simulator 2004 and FSX and includes 4 detailed paint schemes. A traditional 2D panel is included along with a small but functional virtual cockpit that affords an ample view forward.

The Corsair entered service in 1942. The USMC aviators welcomed the Corsair with open arms as its performance was far superior to the contemporary Brewster Buffalo and Grumman F4F-3 and -4 Wildcat. The Corsair was able to outperform the primary Japanese fighter, the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero". While the Zero could out-turn the F4U at low speed, the Corsair was faster and could out-climb and out-dive the A6M.

A total of 94 F4U-7s were built for the French Navy, with the final Corsair ever made rolling out in 1952. The French used their F4U-7s during the end of the First Indochina War. (Source: Wikipedia and other)

This month we feature Savoia Marchetti S.73 by Stefano Meneghini, Manuele Villa, Hauke Keitel, FSAviator, and Bob Rivera. This is an elegant thirties Italian transport aircraft, rebuilt entirely in version 2.0. Main upgrades are: completely new GMax models with improved details, animations and texture realism. A new texture map allowing more flexible repaints. More accurate flight dynamics and reference notes. Original sound package added. New panel w/metric gauges. Historical documentation and handling notes are added.

The package contains six texture sets, each with own model file with four different engine types in flight dynamics files. The documentation includes handling instructions, a very thorough history document, navigation discussion, readme and approach plates.

The Savoia-Marchetti S.73 was an Italian three-engined airliner that flew during the 1930s and early 1940s. It could be used from small airports and had reliable handling controls. It was not too costly. Some of these planes were pressed into military transport duty with Italy and Belgium during WWII. (Source: Wikipedia)

This month we feature Nord 262A-21 Cimber Air Frégate by Barney Bigard, Jean-Pierre Langer, Jean-Pierre Bourgeois, Benoit Dubé and Claus Vendelboe Holmberg. This complete aircraft features an updated 2D panel with working yoke, autopilot and radar showing AI traffic. It includes a virtual cockpit, opening passenger and cargo doors, visible landing lights and many other features and complete documentation. New in FSX are four brand new cycling views from different camera locations inside the cabin.

Eventually, wholly state-owned Nord Aviation (later renamed Aerospatiale) took over the further development of the aircraft. The new changes that Nord brought to the aircraft were a rounded, pressurized cabin and the new name Nord 262. The new cabin design enabled the aircraft to carry between 24-26 passengers. The first prototype since the changes by Nord took to the skies for the first time on 24 December 1962.  Most sales of the initial aircraft were not in the passenger field, but rather the military field. (Source: Wikipedia)