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Thank you for always providing concise, thorough, highly detailed reviews. I always look for your input and read top to bottom before purchasing an aircraft from the XP Store. Furthermore, I appreciate how you always try to point out the positive, even when a release may have drawbacks you do an excellent job of including points of how the plane shines and can still be enjoyed which overshadows the issues in some cases. It looks like the developer addressed most (if not all) of the issues you pointed out in this review and I'm waiting for the next sale to pick it up. Thanks again for your contributions to the X-Plane community, they are greatly appreciated! -P
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NEWS! Aircraft Released : PA-28-181 Piper Archer lll/LX/DX by AeroSphere Aerosphere Simulations have released the Piper Archer lll in a three variant collection, G1000 DX (Diesel), G1000 LX (Avgas), and the classic Steam-Gauge variant. This an X-Plane 12 aircraft, but the original X-Plane 11 version is also available. The PA-28-181 Archer IIl is a Four Seater, fixed landing gear aircraft with a Lycoming O-360-A4M engine of 180 hp (134 kW), gross weight 2,550 lb (1,157 kg). The Archer lll was first certified on 30 August 1994. The DX has a different engine configuration, with a turbocharged Continental CD-155 diesel engine of 155 hp (116 kW). Introduced at AERO Friedrichshafen in April 2014. The compression-ignition engine is more simpler to operate in also avoiding starting difficulties, carburetor icing or propeller and mixture controls, and the liquid cooling does not suffer shock cooling in a rapid descent. The LX has the reliable four-cylinder Avgas engine and advanced Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. Key Features: 6 HD Liveries: Includes 4096 x 4096 resolution textures with a plain white base for custom paint schemes. VR Ready: Optimized for virtual reality with intuitive hotspots and click regions. X-Plane 12 Enhancements: Native rain effects and stunning exterior 3D lighting. Dual Cockpit Options: Choose between the classic steam-gauge panel or the advanced G1000 glass cockpit. Advanced Avionics: Garmin G1000, 530, and 430 systems for a realistic flying experience. 3D Gauges & Interactive Cockpit: Fully animated knobs, buttons, and switches, along with functional cabin doors, storm windows, and baggage compartment doors. Customizable Yoke: Easily toggle the yoke on or off for an unobstructed view. Authentic Textures: High-quality textures sourced directly from real aircraft. FMOD Custom Sounds: Immersive audio for a true-to-life experience. Introduced in 2014, the Piper Archer DX was designed to utilize Jet-A fuel, making it a practical choice for regions where Avgas is scarce. Powered by a turbocharged Continental CD-155 diesel engine, this model features a gearbox to optimize propeller performance at subsonic speeds. It comes equipped with a constant-speed MT 3-blade propeller and a streamlined G1000 avionics suite. The DX also includes a single "Power Lever," a hallmark of Jet, Diesel, and FADEC-equipped aircraft. Images and video are courtesy of AeroSphere Simulations Design by AeroSphere Support forum for the Piper Archer XP12 _____________________________________ Yes! - PA-28-181 Piper Archer lll/LX/DX by AeroSphere Solutions is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : PA-28-181 Piper Archer lll/LX/DX Price is only US$35.00 Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) (if you need the XP11 version, get it here) Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB VRAM Minimum. Current version: 1.0 (Feb 13th 2025) ___________________________ NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 14th February 2025 Copyright©2025: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
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I wish I could (under table bracket), but the Ikea desk has a large frame underneath, so it won't fit, or be set too low. Love the idea of a small keyboard to get around the Alpha, interesting. Setting up those default profiles is time consuming, but as you say you can then refine the defaults to a particular aircraft. But back up the profiles, it is a lot of work to replace them, nice set up though...
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Thanks for the review Stephen. I've been using the Bravo setup for over 2 years and love it. I have setup 4 or 5 'generic' planes, I use as a starting point when I install a new plane. I use this starter profile, modify it, then rename it when I've got it perfected. Works like a charm. Looking at your setup, I'd create an undermount bracket for your table. Here's mine...
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Aircraft Review : Tecnam P2002 JF Sierra XP12 by Dmax3D If asked "What is the best beginner aircraft to learn to fly in X-Plane", Obviously you would recommend the Cessna 172SP. This aircraft has all the basics and controls in place to understand the main dynamics of flying. But what is you wanted something even easier, simple, simple, even set below the 172SP, well you can have that... with the Tecnam P2002 JF. This Tecnam is a "Simple Simon" aircraft, simple to set up, and very simple to fly, my advice is "If you can't fly the P2002, then give Simulation away, do something else like gardening". The aircraft is so easy in every aspect, easy to balance, easy to trim, easy to fly. The Tecnam P2002 Sierra is a two-seat, low-wing, light aircraft designed and constructed by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam. Introduced during the early 2000s. It was developed for compliance with both the very light aircraft (VLA) regulations present in Europe and light sport aircraft (LSA) regulations used in the United States. Under the rules of either area, the aircraft does not need to be provided with a recovery parachute. However, primarily as a consequence of its maximum weight (in a standard configuration) of 580 kg, the Sierra cannot be operated as a LSA in either Australia or Canada due to their lower weight limitation of 550 kg present on LSA. Its construction principally comprises conventional aluminium, and enables the aircraft to withstand the maximum load limits of +4/-2g.[2] The wing of the Sierra, consisting of a relatively straightforward planform albeit with stall strips present on the leading edges and gently upturned fairings at the tips, was designed in-house by Tecnam. The wing also accommodates a pair of integral tanks that provides a maximum fuel capacity of 110 litres, that gives the Tecnam a range of 1,092 km (679 mi, 590 nmi). The aircraft features conventional flight controls, using pushrods and cables that connect with the ailerons, all-moving horizontal stabiliser and rudder. These controls include an electrically actuated pitch trim function, which is operated via two separate buttons on top of each control column for raising and lowering the nose. Each aircraft is typically powered by a single Rotax 912 S2 engine, capable of 100 hp (75 kW). In a standard configuration, the engine drives a three-blade fixed-pitch propeller; various alternative propellers can be installed, including both fixed-pitch and variable-pitch models along with two and three-bladed models. A major market for the Sierra is the flight training sector; accordingly, its design and several of its major features, such as the use of a low-mounted wing and a bubble canopy, result in the aircraft being particularly well-suited to use as a trainer, and is well known for it's relatively gentle handling qualities.... the easy bit we were talking about. It may look like the original P2002 from DMAX, but the modeling is completely different for X-Plane 12 (as in completely remodeled). Get in close and you can see the higher quality of the design, much more realistic and the Tecnam now has that better X-Plane 12 look and feel, it is a really sweet nice aircraft. The external details are more realistic, rivets, wing design and panels, all now in Hi-Def PBR textures, it is certainly a big level jump in quality up from the X-Plane 11 version. Fixed tricycle undercarriage (designated by JF) is really well modeled, it is a simple arrangement, just spars, hubs and wheels (explained in the manual), but the detailing here is top notch. There are nice wheel fairings, but by pressing the wing logo on the central instrument panel you can hide them, but watch-out for the increased drag, it is noticeable in your power settings and higher fuel consumption. Wing profile and up-swept tip is really well modeled, as is the working leading edge "Stall Indicator". Cockpit canopy is absolutely first rate, it has excellent glass with wear and tear glazing and perfect reflections, you won't find better. Internally the P2002 is finely crafted. The Tecnam is only a two-seater sports aircraft, but it is nicely fitted out and not at all basic in look or feel. It feels high quality in here, Italian quality with lovely seats, and glider style seat belts, rear is a baggage net, and a few items are on the rear shelf, (Window breaker, first aid box and ELT (Emergency locator transmitter)). Twin styled sticks come from out of the front leather white seats. The Trim adjustment buttons don't work, so you will have to use a keyboard command setting, which I have anyway. Note only the two levers lower instrument panel, a throttle and a carburettor heat. No mixture or PROP levers, again it's all very simple. Under the canopy it is a very nice place to be, the view in almost every direction is open and clear, great for trainee flying. The instrument panel for a small aircraft like the P2002 is quite comprehensive, and a nice layout. Setup is... yes simple! Flying instruments left and engine gauges right, centre is the avionics stack. Lower is switchgear and a Flappy flap switch, then a very small console has only the Throttle and Carb heat. There are seven Instruments, the Standard Six lower; Airspeed, Artificial Horizon, Altimeter, Rate of Turn Indicator, Compass and V/S (Vertical Speed). Top left is your Electric Trim Indicator, and right is a CDI with a OBS (Omni Bearing Selector) knob, it is not its own instrument. The knob allows the selection (via the outer ring) of the radial (course) you wish to track from a VOR ground station. I love the blank (T) were there is no instrument, a nice detailed touch. You can switch the Airspeed from Knots to Km/h by touching the Instrument, noted here as an "Aneometer" Like with the OBS, the Compass is revolving (adjustable), so make sure you align it before flight. Right panel has top row; RPM Gauge and Flap indicator... flaps are electrically operated flaps with three selectable positions: • 0° (Up) – Used for normal cruise flight. • 15° (Takeoff/Approach) – Used for takeoff and approach, providing additional lift. • 40° (Landing/Full Down) – Used for landing, offering high drag and lift for a steep approach. But the Flappy Switch is a variable flap setting, so you can position the flaps between all the noted positions. Second row is CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature), Oil Temperature and BAR ((Barometric instrument). Third row has Fuel Pressure and Fuel Quantity in each tank (55 liters (14.5 US gallons) per wing tank, giving a total usable fuel capacity of 110 liters (29 US gallons). and Fuel Temperature Gauge. Lower row is Electrical, in Volts and Amps... all instruments are nicely Italian branded Orlini Instruments. Centre Avionics stack is the standard arrangement. Top a Garmin GMA 340 Audio Panel, Garmin GNS 530 GPS, GTX 345 Transponder and lower the S-TEC 55X, all are Laminar branded. Top row are three warning lights Stall/Alt/Blank, and lighting knobs. It is all a nice bit of kit for a basic training aircraft, nothing more, but nothing less than you need. But overall it is the quality of all the fittings that stands out. What is the P2002 like to fly? Well easy... Push up the throttle and you move smartly off the line, 80 knts and the nose will clear easily. There is not much asymmetric thrust to the left, a touch, but you can counter that aspect with not much effort. The Rotax 912 S2 engine pushes out 100 hp (75 kW), it feels more, as the aircraft is brisk, even climbing, it can go up at around 1,000 fpm, but on average about 600 fpm to 700 fpm is fine, and still the aircraft will willingly pull upwards without much stress. I am messing about with my new Honeycomb Bravo trim wheel, and it works fine with the Electric Trim, in green slots upper left panel. The Tecnam responds well to trimming, and will level out quite smoothly, the joystick has a rudder trim, but unless you set on the keyboard, there is no way to access it, however it's not really needed, a touch on takeoff maybe, and maybe a touch in flight to keep the tiddler straight hands off. The view out is excellent... Tight turns give you only limited slip (if trimmed correctly), even as high as 60º, so it is riskless in manoeuvres, unless you do something really stupid. It is a "go with the flow" aircraft, easy on the stick and you just turn or flow with the manoeuvre. Hands off flying is easy (trimmed), but the S-Tec 55X Autopilot can make it even easier if you want to take your eyes off the instruments. Sounds are excellent, internally and externally, it sounds like a Rotex, a very light plane engine in the nose, nothing heavy or drumming to the ear, very nice. Lighting as expected is basic. Three knobs control the; Cabin, Instruments and LEDs. The cabin light is set above and to the rear. Single left wing landing light has a lovely flare, and is quite effective. Navigation and single bright tail strobe is all of the external lighting. Effects are great, the Tecnam leaves a long exhaust trail in the sky, not very environmentally friendly, but looks great. I did a flap notch on the Flappy lever, but it only moved slightly and not to the T/O 15º setting, this very short flap movement unsettled the Tecnam, even though I was well inside in the (white band) flap zone, so I pulled back on the power and held the flappy lever down until I had 40º flap, and settled on a 50 knt (36,000 RPM) approach speed. In this state I had now a solid platform to make my landing. Note the huge "Barn Door" flaps, and they create a lot of drag, but they also balance and keep the P2002 very steady for the approach... 43 knts for a nice descent slope, just a slow sink, and the platform is rock smooth steady, anyone can do this... Touch your throttle slightly to go up or down, even with a slight nose up flare, the Tecnam will just sit there obeying your commands. Closer you get to 40 knts, the aircraft will aim for the runway boundary. You can hover in the air waiting for the right moment, then to simply lower the throttle off the power... ... totally in control, "Hey anyone can do this!" It is just a very sweet aircraft to fly... In taxi mode, it the P2002 is very nice, but the line between fast and slow is very fine throttle wise, here you don't have the Mixture (lean) to find a more relaxed taxi speed, so the Tecnam can in some instances taxi too fast, and will require consistent braking. No Mixture also means no way of switching off the engine, the only way to do so, is to switch off the fuel. The Tecnam comes with just a single blade fixed propeller. The Tecnam has two locks for the canopy, one above and one on the left side, but you only have to press one or the other to open the canopy rearwards. Features We have seen the nice pilot, adjust the "Weight and Balance" and you get another (Female) passenger, both of their heads, arms and legs are nicely animated, but not to the controls. Same with the rear baggage, adjust the baggage slider to get more bags in the rear. Adjusting for both an extra passenger and a full load of baggage, does put you very close to the Gross weight of the P2002. So the weight difference is very significant in this aspect, as it changes the dynamics of this 580 kg light aircraft. Want to look at the Four-Stroke Rotax 912 S2 engine, well you can as both the engine cowlings can be opened, revealing the power plant, it is really well done in detail. You can also open the Battery store, and inspect both wing tank Fuel Caps. Other options include; Tiedowns, Wheel Chocks and Pitot cover with tag, note if you don't remove the pitot cover it affects the Airspeed instrument! This is a nice and comprehensive "Walk around" or Pre-Flight inspection, you can even test the fuel and Oil inspection, with a "burp" if you rotate the Prop. There is finally a "Load Sheet", stored in the right side pocket. All Weights & Balances are shown, with a nice Centre of Gravity (CoG) graph, and all the numbers will update as you change the weights or use the fuel. There is no Menu here, just the touch hotspots to access the features here, you don't need a heavy menu here anyway, so it feels right. Liveries There is a White blank, and Five liveries provided, all have the same Italian Registration I-SIRA, some are partly coloured and others are New and Old designs. ______________ Summary Learning the basics of flying an aircraft is your first adventure into Simulation. There are credited aircraft to get you started, say a Cessna 172SP, or the smaller C160, they are about as basic as you can get. But here is the Tecnam P2002 JF from Italy. Another style of training aircraft, but this modern version compared to a Cessna is a more polished design. It covers every aspect of easy flight, beautifully balanced, quite powerful for it's size, easy to manoeuvre and still do a snail's pace landing that would satisfy any instructor, and it has only really one lever to worry about, a throttle lever. This lovely Tecnam P2002 fixed wheel two-seat aircraft is also a great polished Simulation from Dmax. Completely redesigned for X-Plane 12 (the X-Plane 11 version is part of the package). It comes with a better high quality sheen and detail you look for in a value price. It is beautifully done in detail, inside and out. Features are also excellent, that are are usually only found on more expensive aircraft, including "Walk Arounds", Chocks, Tie-Downs, Weight&Balance sheet, Pitot covers, Fuel and Oil samplers, fuel cocks and a detailed Rotax 912 S2 engine. Weights can add in a passenger and extra baggage in the rear. Great sound package. So the Tecnam P2002 is a quality training aircraft, perfect for the beginner, but also even a qualified pilot would really enjoy this lovely machine, it is a great little aircraft with brilliant dynamics and features... you can't ask for more really, can you. 👍 Really excellent quality in design, modeling and aerodynamics, super easy and great to fly, loads of features 👎 Can't find anything negative? __________________ Yes! the Tecnam P2002 JF Sierra XP12 by Dmax3D is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Tecnam P2002 JF Sierra XP12 Price is US$27.95 Requirements X-Plane 12 X-Plane 11 - The older XP11 version is still included as a bonus Windows, Mac or Linux 8GB VRAM recommended Current version: XP12 12.01 - Jan 21st 2025 ________________ Installation and documents: the download for the Tecnam P2002 JF is 95.9Mb, and is deposited in the "General Aviation" X-Plane folder. Full Installation is 158Mb Documents supplied are: POH_documentation.pdf (70 pages) There are a huge amount of Documentation provided here, with a complete POH, Checklist, Emergency Procedures, Features and a guide for installation. Designed by DMAX3D _____________________ Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton 13th February 2025 Copyright©2025: X-Plane Reviews Review System Specifications: Windows - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD Software: - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.3 Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 Scenery or Aircraft -- KHAF - Half Moon Bay by Rising Dawn Studios (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.00 (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
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NEWS! - Mango Studios releases Toliss A320neo sound pack On 14th January 2025, Mango Studios released a sound package for the ToLiss A321 Series. So it was only a matter of time before the A320neo version was released as well, and here it is... ToLiss A320neo sound pack. The pack covers authentic real-world sounds for all the aircraft systems, including exterior and interior sounds. These sounds cover the aircraft’s APU, PTU, fuel pumps, hydraulic pumps, flaps, slats, and packs. As well as real-world recorded sounds for mechanical switches, buttons, selector knobs, and rotary dials for the cockpit overhead, pedestal, and FCU panel. Also new PA announcements are available via the plugin. Both CFM International LEAP 1-A engine and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100 engines are also covered, with the more modern dynamics. The Leap 1-has a higher bypass ratio (~11:1) and advanced materials for efficiency, in creating a very different soundscape than a standard High-Bypass aero engine, the different soundscape is also highly noticeable in the P&W 1100G, as it is GTF (Geared Turbofan) design. Both CEO (Current Engine Option) CFM 56/IAE2500 and NEO (New Engine Option) PW1100G/Leap 1-A sounds are provided in the package. Sound highlights include... Cockpit: High-quality sounds for blowers, packs, changes in electrical busses, and wipers, with pitch and volume changing depending on wiper speed. High-quality master warning, master caution, radar altitude callouts, EGPWS aural warnings, TCAS aural warnings, inner, middle, and outer marker aural warnings, mechanical horn inside and outside, and emergency evacuation horn for the cabin and cockpit. Cabin Real-world recorded sounds for hydraulic pumps, fuel pumps, flaps, slats, PTU, and APU. Passenger effects are also included and can be toggled on and off using our Mango Studios Sounds Plug-in. Miscellaneous Effects Ultra-realistic environmental effects for the entire aircraft, both inside and outside. These include rotate effect, gear roll, rattling effects, gear retraction/extension, gear, flap, and spoiler drag sounds. Soft, medium, and hard touchdown effects for the main gear, and touchdown sound effect for the nose gear. Tire sounds for the exterior of the aircraft on touchdown, as well as interior/exterior rain effects. Engine Sounds Inside and outside sounds for the CFM International LEAP 1-A engine and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100s. Real-world recorded interior/exterior start-up and shutdown sounds. Completely authentic engine sounds from idle to spool, inside and outside the aircraft. Custom exhaust sounds behind the engines and surround sounds when activating engine reversers. Installation instructions are provided to make the process more manageable, along with a manual to help you customize your volume settings in the volume menu. The package also comes at a value price for the excellent addon. __________________ Yes!... Toliss A320neo sound pack by Mango Studios is now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Mango Studios Toliss A320neo sound pack Price is: US$10.99 Requirements This is a Sound pack. The Toliss A320neo is required for this sound pack Current version 1.0 (February 10th 2025) ___________________________ NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 11th February 2025 Copyright©2025: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
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By Marco Corradi · Posted
Many thanks Stephen! Cheers Marco -
The Etsy version has already sold out, but there is the Mimics3d version, cheaper too...
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By Marco Corradi · Posted
Hi Stephen, many thanks for your detailed review and unboxing of the Bravo Throttle Quadrant. You also mentionned "You can get a PC12 set, and even a Dash 8". I fly the Dash 8, unfortunately I could not find the possibility to order in the Honeycomb Shop the Dash 8 set. I wondered if you could indicate me where to buy it? Cheers and many thanks for any information! Marco from Cesena Italy -
Hardware Unboxing : Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Sadly we don't do a lot of hardware reviews on X-PlaneReviews. The reason is we don't have a lot changing in that world to cover the new equipment, but I do admit, we should do more gear reviews. But our tools that we use are important, as they are our interaction with the Simulator on a physical level. The last review was when I bought the Saitek Pro Flight x56 Rhino HOTAS package of a Joystick and throttle, this was back late April 2017, or seven and a half years ago. That system replaced a Saitek x52 Pro Flight H.O.T.A.S. System which broke, the x56 Pro Flight is now quite worn. On the face of it, you can't really complain about seven and a half years of heavy review work, before starting to feel the pressure of consistent wear and tear, but from the start, the x56 as noted in the above review, was plagued with the same problems that the x52 was also known for, as the metal disk would drag badly up and down the centre shaft, no matter what you did. I used (a lot) of petroleum jelly or vaseline to keep it lubricated. the x56 has the same problem, but worse in that the centre shaft here is plastic and not metal, I thought the different springs would help, but it still drags (sticks) badly even on the lightest spring, it works better with no springs, but then the stick flops around all over the place, in times of desperation (mostly for Helicopter Reviews) I will take the spring off to fly the aircraft. But the consistent annoyance has been the x56 throttle hardware. Yes I love the solid switches, and why I kept it for so long. But a few years ago, it started to have USB issues, first with bad ghosting, then losing the data from the right side throttle lever. If you removed the USB and reinserted it, it worked, until it didn't again, even putting on the most powerful USB port, even buying a powered USB board, it consistently failed. The throttle levers were also not very effective in being draggy and heavy, even with the adjustment knob set in the lowest setting, so adjustment inputs were not very clean, messing you up trying to fly (again) Helicopters that required fine collective adjustments, or the fine ruined approach power adjustments that drove me to swear words. When the first lever started to do what the second one did a year or so ago, it was time to replace the system, enough was enough, I didn't want another full year swearing at it all the time. The Honeycomb Bravo Throttle system is not cheap, it is $300 American Dollars, that is just the throttle alone. Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls Yoke & Switch Panel is another US$300 for the full system, but quality comes with a price as we shall see. Another point is that if you buy the Alpha and Beta combination set together, they are very, very large units, and they take up an immense amount of desk space, unless you build a frame for them, space is also required as you still need the use of a keyboard for access to the simulator. This size issue was a consideration of why I was reluctant to buy the Bravo earlier, high price aside. I don't think I would buy the Alpha for this space use alone, I love the idea and the quality of the Yoke (if going by the Bravo) as it is very high, so would probably stay with the Joystick arrangement, if a new one later in the year. So let us look at the Bravo Throttle... It came in a very big, BIG cardboard box? That unboxed to another very BIG box at 46.2cm x 32.7 cm x 25.5cm at 5.5 kg I love the quality of the packaging, it feels and looks very professional... the outer cover slipped off to reveal, yes another box... when opened, it was full of more little boxes! The two boxes are labeled "General Aviation" and "Commercial". Lift them out and remove the foam cover to reveal the huge Throttle Assembly below. Also inside is a large connection plate and a Manual. Lower in the box are two desk clamps and a USB Cable. The Throttle Assembly is massive and quite heavy, but all the components and boxes are of very high quality, very well made and again heavy in feel (plate/clamps). You certainly get a lot of components for your money, if it hurt at the checkout, you certainly won't feel that way with what you are delivered. Now lets look at my old Saitek layout, the x56 Joystick and Throttle, if anything it was a very nice setup, one that I liked a lot, it didn't get in the way either when you were not flying, as the Throttle component could be pushed back and out of the way between the two keyboards. The plate is positioned and held in position via the two clamps, very easy to do, and the clamps will take in a fair depth of the bench if you have a homemade bench. You can also use the sticky contact patch on the rear of the plate if you don't want to use the clamps, but once used (attached) then the contact patch can't be used again? note on how much the screw knobs hang down, and you can easily glaze a knee or two if you are not careful. The Throttle Assembly is then attached to the plate via the central pin, and tightened down via two scroll wheels at the rear, once tight the unit is very locked in and solid. To note that if you want your desk space back, then you can just disconnect the cable, then loosen the rear scroll wheels and slip the Throttle assembly back off the plate, it is only a very short disconnect and removable operation. I put it safe in a wardrobe if not required. Another small note... it gets very dusty, and the Bravo is very hard to clean with the slots, so when not being used it needs to be covered. The USB cable is then connected via the rear of the assembly to your computer. My Windows Computer is not positioned that very far away, only down the side of the desk on the floor. But the USB cable is only a meter long? very, very short for these sort of setups, it reached, but it is stretched tight across the desk, a two meter or longer cable is really required here, I don't like extension cables as they can come loose or do not connect correctly, so I found this short cable a bit odd. It is a USB-type C (to USB Type A) so a longer cable should be easy to replace. So here is the complete Throttle Assembly set up, and those two boxes have the sets (GA and Commercial) levers inside, this is a really nice bit of kit, it looks incredible in quality and detail. Top row on the facia are two knobs each end, left; ALT (Altitude), VS (Vertical Speed), HDG (Heading), CRS (Course) and IAS (Speed), right side is; DECR (Decrease) and INCR (Increase). Center are the seven selection rubber buttons; HDG, NAV, APR (Approach), ALT, VS and IAS. Far right is the AUTO PILOT button. lower is left the Landing Gear Toggle with three (Red/Green) lights, and lower far right is the Flap switch There are Seven Multi-Use switches centre, and lower a very nice 14 light Annunciator panel, with; Master Warning, Engine Fire, Low Oil Pressure, Low Fuel Pressure, Anti-Ice, APU, Master Caution, Vacuum, Low Hyd Pressure, Aux Fuel Pump, Parking Brake, Low Volts and Door. For over the lever slots you are provided with six rubber covers, that slot in to keep out the dust and to protect the contacts. Left of the lever slots is a very nice Trim Wheel, right is a lever tensioner knob. You have six levers, some have internal contacts, a few don't. These levers can be selected with the comprehensive range of levers provided in the "General Aviation" and "Commercial" boxes. Quality of the levers are simply outstanding, in both categories. You just push the levers on to connect. But they can be tight to come back off, but here are also new. Standard layout on Commercial is Speedbrake lever left, Four Throttles and the Flap Lever right. Note the excellent pop-up reverse thrust levers. There is an indent to stop you going into reverse mode, but as a lot of users have complained, it's not a heavy indent, so it is quite easy to flip over it, while you are only setting the throttles back to idle, like most I wish it was a tougher stronger stop gap The combinations are endless. Mostly with commercial you will use only two throttle levers (A320/B737/A350/B777), so you blank out the other two slots. Honeycomb recommend using the left two slots, but I hated that layout, and wanted the two levers in the centre of the pedestal, but in this position the TOGO (TakeOff - GoAround) red button on lever 1 doesn't work, but a guess says it just needs setting up, as the contacts are on the stub. Note on the third lever, you can rotate the handle to show either the number 2 or 3, just to work in this two lever arrangement as you are using lever slot 3, very clever. We have the four lever arrangement (B747/A340/Concorde) above, but you can also set up a three throttle lever set for the TriJets (MD11F/MD11P), and this is a brilliant set up. So this shows how versatile the system is. The Bravo can also be used with 3rd party throttle kits. Admittedly they are not cheap, as some kits cost more than the Bravo itself, but hunt around and there are cheaper options. Boeing 737 and Boeing 777 sets are excellent with gated flap runners... and Airbus A320/A380 also comes with pop-up Arming Speedbrakes. You can get a PC12 set, and even a Dash 8. But you would need to be a seriously rich Simmer to use these custom kits, me, I'd like all of them! The General Aviation set gives you six levers, Two Throttle, Two PROP and Two Mixture. These can be positioned to cover Single or Twin engined aircraft. If required you can set just the single Throttle and Mixture levers. You now realise on how very clever X-Plane as a product it really is. The Settings for the Honeycomb Bravo is via the "Joystick" Menu. Here you can assign any lever, button or switch. The "Joystick" menu moves and selects the correct format for you, selecting five different categories to choose from; Switches and AutoPilot, GA Throttles, Commercial 4 Engine Throttles, Commercial 2 Engine Throttles and Other Controls. Note, just because it says "Switches and AutoPilot", it doesn't mean that simply selecting from the XP menu that the Bravo unit will automatically work, as we shall see, it doesn't completely work that way? But command assignments can be made for buttons, switches, reverse selections and lever lower positions in the X-Plane menu. The work here is creating all the different lever layouts for the universal selection of aircraft. So you will at first create "User Profiles" for default settings, say "GA Single" and "GA Dual", or "4 Engine" or "2 Engine". These profiles can then be assigned to the different aircraft layouts, then refined for that particular aircraft. It is time consuming stuff, it can take days to do, to get the right profiles, then each set to be assigned to an aircraft. Note if you want the Twin throttle levers in the centre position, then you to set them up via the 4 Engine setup, to access the central 3 lever. But even after doing this profile assignments, the Bravo system is still not completely working? You also have to use something called a "HB Configurator Tool" (Config Tool). Were as the hardware throttle connects to your X-Plane settings, the Config Tool does the opposite in allowing X-Plane to talk to the throttle, in Annunciators and using the Autopilot switches and knobs. Thankfully when you start the HB Config Tool, it has a load of defaults that cover the basic default settings. You can download the HB Config Tool from both HoneyComb Aeronautical (Don't Google HB Config Tool, as you won't find it there?), or use Aerosoft, this option is better for configured profiles. Once you have downloaded the software, you then run the .exe file to install the software. (Options for a MAC install is included). When installed you have the "Honeycomb Configurator" Application available to open. Running the application, allows you to make "Profiles"... with a "Profile Editor" . First is "Actions"... Here you can; Create (a new profile), Activate (a current profile), Delete (a Current Profile), Change Selected Device, Open X-Plane Variable List, Download Profiles, Open Settings and Exit (Configurator) You can select a certain button or switch and create a "Press-Event" in two modes, Buttons/Switches or LED (lighting) selections. The Config Tool is complicated to use?? with coding skills required, however there are videos to learn how to create and insert these profiles - How to use Datarefs and Commands, this is a good one as well in Configuring for X-Plane. With the Config download, you do also get a default XP11 profile (works with XP12), so basically the system will now work, and the system is now active with RED/Green Gear Indicators, Red Annunciators and bright white Autopilot lighting. It is VERY nice! As noted you can download "Custom Profiles" and import them into the Config via the "Actions/Settings". These can be seen and selected in the "Profiles" Tab (also need to be made active via the settings menu). You can also "create" a new Profile if required. Lower Config panel is noted the current loaded profile : Default-Throttle. When you start up X-Plane, the Config will show the currently selected Profile for about 10 secs So here is the Honeycomb Bravo layout, it is very different than earlier, and notice on how far outwards the Bravo levers are compared to the x56 layout. To a point I am twisting in my chair to reach back to the levers, I quickly changed my stance to hold the levers underneath, than trying to operate them from the rear, and it actually felt more cockpit realistic to do it the way real life pilots do the throttle actions the same way. But the layout does take some getting used to I will admit. So some user notes. Oddly my biggest complaint is not with the hardware, or even the software? Honeycomb Aeronautical have done a brilliant job in creating a very high quality product. But seriously lacking is Documentation. There is a Manual (14 pages) repeated in English, German and French. This covers basically the Installation and Setup, which is pretty straightforward anyway. There is nothing on installing or using the HB Configurator Tool? The Honeycomb Aeronautical website is not much better. Your basically on your own to set up and configure the system yourself. Where Honeycomb could help you, they still fail badly. One, there are a series of videos on how to use Datarefs and Commands, but it is boring and not very informative, even complicated. There needs to be a section to explain (Video and Manual) on how the code is represented to use the required command. But worse, although Honeycomb do supply default profiles, they are not very good in operation, as a lot of required profile actions are missing, worse they are still labeled "X-Plane 11", and we have moved on a lot since then folks. They made this suite of tools, but can't be actually bothered to help you out with the basics, in reality it should be an easy drop in and use format. I can't state on how the other platforms fair from the default profiles, but default X-Plane is quite woeful. With something as complicated as the profile system, it should be far better organised. Yes I understand that with the various types of aircraft, there are a lot of different combinations of setups, but the default profiles could be far better in setting you up in the very basics. You get the feeling the programmer himself doesn't know how it works, so can't communicate that aspect in detail to you. This tool was released in 2020, and since that period, Honeycomb have done no manual or software updates, I think with equipment of this price range, they need to come to the table, may even garner them a few extra sales, by just making their product easier to access. Functionality So with poor profiles you get random settings. Some aircraft give you a lot of actions in Autopilot Functions, a lot don't. However mostly on the hardware side, like with the Throttles and Levers as connected by the X-Plane settings, then they do tend to work every time, as long as you set the right configuration for that aircraft's layout. A lot of aircraft however with the default and custom profiles will also work. but again expect limitations. When using the Autopilot, the ALT, HDG and IAS (Speed), then these selections will work fine with the adjustment knob, but the VS (Vertical Speed) and CRS (Course) don't work? a few like the IXEG B737 and Rotate MD-11 Series, you will find everything will work, but the odd MD-11 hardware settings have to be correct. All ToLiss aircraft work fine, but a few lose the VS and CRS options, but the button selections in HDG, NAV... so on, actually do work. Almost all the Laminar default aircraft will work with the "Default Profile", as they all use the basic X-Plane datarefs, but important is that you have the correct X-Plane Profile to match that particular aircraft's layout when using it. So time spent setting up the the different X-Plane Profile configurations... Single Engine, Twin Engine, Jet Twin and Jet Four Engine configuration, so you can match them quickly to the aircraft's particular setup is the way to save yourself a lot of frustration and confusion. That said... If the Autopilot functions work, even with only the three ALT, HDG and IAS selections, then your in for a treat. The Honeycomb Bravo is no replacement for a dedicated Autopilot panel, but it is universally very good to cover most aircraft systems. My first flight with the Bravo was the ToLiss A319, and "wow" this was a lot of fun to use the Honeycomb System, as the selection knob, buttons and adjustment knob works, and when it does, it gives you a very realistic Simulation. Not having to consistently move your forward view to adjust the aircraft's altitude, heading and speed, but to do it by touch and twiddling the knob is feeling like a Captain with four epaulets on your shoulders! Also the levers are far, far better with the pressure adjustment than the x56, lovely actually, as you can find that right feel tension pressure in moving them forwards and rearwards, a longer lever travel is also a bonus for taxi speeds and the more general throttle (thrust) control. Like noted the reverse gate detent, is just too weak to separate the forward to reverse thrust selections, so I was always notching it back up to the central position. So lever manipulation is very realistic, as noted you put your hand under the throttles to move them up, above down. But the very small reverser handles are hard to use from the side angle, but in most cases you will just push the throttle levers past the detent for full reverse thrust, and then back past the detent to disengage the reversers. Nice gear lever, is again very authentic in feel and use, but the Speedbrake lever is tricky to use in being free flowing. I also set the first switch left as the "Arm" command, as the lever won't jack up (It can on a custom 3rd party Airbus Kits), so you use the X-Plane Command "Speedbrake retract one" or "extend one" on the switch to use that function. I quickly got used to the Flap handle, which like the speedbrake is free moving... a lot of the aircraft you fly, have gates anyway to select the right position. But in the Airbuses, You can easily find the right selection slot (it is a feel thing, more than a visual one). I rarely use the Flap switch set higher, but only again with a Flappy switch on the aircraft, but it is handy if you want your flaps at say another detent down. But the Flappy switch can also confuse the Bravo, as if you use the Flappy switch, the Flap lever does not move itself to the correct indent, so the Honeycomb, doesn't know what to do (the flap handle will flicker on screen), so it is always best to use the Flap lever than the switch. The Trim wheel is fine in a manual mode, but you can't use it to set the Centre of Gravity takeoff setting in an airliner. Next was the IXEG B737, not flown the -300 for awhile, but set up with a custom profile(s) (both in a custom profile and an X-Plane custom profile), this aircraft showed how good the Honeycomb Bravo really is, one flight, two flights, three flights, and I just wanted more as almost all the buttons and controls worked perfectly, it was extremely immersive! The one that I was most excited about was the FlightFactor Boeing 777v2. FlightFactor have provided the correct HB commands for you to set the Autopilot and Switchgear (the custom commands are in the "Manual") for the Bravo. The command list is below, can take a fair while to set, but worthwhile here as virtually every knob works! So a HB Config profile is not needed. Note to Developers, please consider this option when releasing aircraft as it means you only need the one profile to set (X-Plane) for that particular aircraft. I would recommend to copy the created profile as a backup. If you look at the commands used by FlightFactor, one set is interesting. Here the Flappy switch is reassigned as the Parking Brake (trigger), and the idea works a treat on all Jet aircraft. I have already reassigned most of the airliners to this Flappy switch to Parking Brake action, and it is a clever use of a lever that could confuse the main flap lever's actions. So this is the point, if you do have the correct profiles, it the Honeycomb Bravo is totally brilliant, but a lot of the authenticity is missing if you don't have a working profile, as you are left with only the basics to fly with. Summary So let us sum up the Honeycomb Bravo Throttle System... Expensive, but you get a lot of quality hardware for your money, so I don't regret the purchase one little bit, as it is a very nice piece of kit. It takes up a lot of your desk space, and sticks outwards quite a lot from your desk, so you have to adjust your flying stance a lot to use it. All switches, buttons, levers and controls are of top quality in feel and use. As the multiple, if extremely versatile arrangements and layouts for a wide variety of aircraft is outstanding. Lighting is also outstanding, with Gear lights, AP selection lights and red Annunciators. It is a time consuming system to set up with two sets of profiles, and if like me flying a wide variety of aircraft, so you can spend a lot of time just in getting all the right hardware and profile combinations working together correctly. With the Saitek x56, I rarely changed settings, aircraft to aircraft, except for setting up to fly Helicopters. Certainly a static setup, refined in settings for a certain Simulation is to get the best out of the Bravo. Biggest barrier is the poor information presented for a complex profile setup by Honeycomb, there are a few videos, but you mostly certainly require more documentation on details. Provided default profiles are poor and after four years are still noted as X-Plane 11, and far too few profiles to cover the many simulation platforms and various aircraft out there, certainly an interactive forum would be actually a good idea for a central base of information and help (currently it is Aerosoft doing the hosting). Basically it needs someone to sort out the mess and give users better information and deliver professional profiles that work. USB cable is seriously too short at 1 meter, you would need to purchase a longer cable. If you know me well, you would know that anything that brings the real world aviation feel and interaction to create a higher level of realistic Simulation is going to make me happy. The Honeycomb Bravo Throttle can certainly deliver that aspect to your on-line flying, yes it is complicated to set up, but once configured is an amazing bit of hardware to use, and is totally recommended. _____________ The Honeycomb Bravo Throttle can be purchased at most leading On-Line Flight Simulation stores, for around US$300, but there is always a deal out there. Requirements ✅ PC (Windows 10/11) • Requires a USB-A port • Compatible with major flight simulators: • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS 2020) • X-Plane 11 & 12 • Prepar3D (P3D) • FSX (with some limitations) ✅ Xbox Compatibility • Works with Xbox Series X|S only when paired with a compatible yoke (e.g., Honeycomb Alpha XPC). Software & Drivers • Windows Users: Install the Honeycomb software/drivers from their official website for full configurability. • MSFS 2020 Users: Custom profiles may need to be set up in the simulator’s control settings. • X-Plane Users: Works out of the box but may require minor configuration. Hardware Compatibility • Designed to integrate seamlessly with the Honeycomb Alpha Yoke. • Works with third-party yokes and rudder pedals (e.g., Logitech, Thrustmaster, Turtle Beach). Installation Software needs to be downloaded in the HB Configurator Tool, available from Honeycomb & Aerosoft. Downloading the "X-Plane 11" version is the correct version for X-Plane 12. Documents Manual (14 pages) in English, German and French (Installation) Partner Offers ________________ Hardware Review by Stephen Dutton 7th February 2025 Copyright©2025: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
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NEWS! - Aircraft Release : X-Hangar releases AEA Explorer 750T The AEA Explorer is in the same mold and design as the Cessna 208 Caravan, it is a utility aircraft sometimes called the "Explorer Explorer". The Aeronautical Engineers Australia (AEA) Explorer is a single-engined strut-braced high-wing monoplane with a retractable tricycle landing gear that retracts into under-fuselage sponsons, that is based in Adelaide, Australia. The prototype, designated Explorer 350R first flew in 1998 and was soon exhibited on promotional tours of Australia and the United States. The Explorer is currently being offered in two versions – the turboprop-powered version, the 500T (which first flew in 2000), and a stretched version of the 500T, designated 750T. The 750T is powered by the same Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-135B turboprop, 450 kW (600 shp) as the Cessna Caravan. Features include: Separate .zip files included for both v12 and v11 3D modeled pilot and copilot 3D passengers that load with payload weight Crew and passengers are hidden by default Opening doors with a mouse click Static models intended for preflight Menu for options. G1000 avionics Anti and De-ice systems 2 landing and 2 taxi lights Both red and white interior lighting Opening engine cowling Chocks and preflight flags User manual in .pdf format found in the Docs folder Checklist to use in the sim in .txt format Oxygen system included Avitab display International liveries Stripe and decals for painting Blank livery included for painting The AEA 750T is both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 compatible Images of the Explorer are courtesy of X-Hangar ________________ Yes! AEA Explorer 750T by X-Hangar is Available now from the X-Plane.Org Store here : AEA Explorer 750T Price Is US$24.95 X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB VRAM Minimum Download Size: 525 Mb Last updated Feb 5th 2025 ________________ NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 6th February 2025 Copyright©2025: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
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