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Aircraft Review : Airbus A320-271N NEO by ToLiSS


Stephen

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Aircraft Review : Airbus A320-271N NEO by ToLiSS

 

Just over a decade ago, aircraft in X-Plane mostly consisted of Boeings or American based machines. The problem facing developers was that any Airbus aircraft were extremely complicated, what with their Flight Control Laws, and automated cockpits. You couldn't really create a realistic Simulation in PlaneMaker of these very of European based technology aircraft.

 

Then came a collaboration between QPAC (QualityPark AviationCenter) and Torsten Liesk, a Canadian based developer who wanted to create an Airbus A320 for training purposes. The result was the first authentic X-Plane A320 aircraft in the QPAC A320-323, that project release was back in 2009, with 2d screens and for the first time X-Plane users had access to quality Airbus flying systems, as plugin systems were now available in X-Plane (10) and QPAC took total advantage of the technology.

 

Crude certainly by today's study aircraft, but the core design was correct, and it was very advanced for it's time, if you want a glance at that past, here is the X-PlaneReviews announcement for aircraft; Aircraft Development and Announcement : QPAC A320-232 v2. In May 2014 there was a significant update to v2.02, and it is again well worth browsing the details. Aircraft Update : Airbus A320-232 v2.0.2 Basic by QPAC. The QPAC project was then cancelled in October 2017, but it also left a significant legacy in Simulation for Airbus aircraft, and in X-Plane at that time in being the forefront of Electronic systems and cockpits.

 

Torsten Liesk however went on to create ToLiSS, with the new foundation the developer's fame then rose through Airbus aircraft releases like the A319-112, the A321-231 and lastly the Airbus A340-600. But oddly there was no original redesign of the A320, and the highest selling airliner in the world.

 

The surprise was a announcement of an ToLiSS Airbus A320 back earlier in this year (2023), but the aircraft released is the variant of the A320-271N... or the NEO (New Engine Option), with two engines types provided in the Pratt&Whitney PW1127G (fan - 206 cm),and the CFM-LEAP 1A26 (fan - 198 cm). both engines are GTF "Geared Turbofan", for better performance and fuel economy. There will be no CEO (Current Engine Option), for that you will have go to either to the JARDesign A320, or the FlightFactor A320 Ultimate.

 

Honestly if you are already familiar with both the A319 and the longer A321, then a lot here in the A320neo that is going to be the same, even with the same engines, which can be both added to the A321 via the A321 NEO Upgrade. So cross-cockpit functionality is very easy, certainly from the A321neo version.

 

In 2006 Airbus started the A320 Enhanced (A320E) programme as a series of improvements targeting a 4–5% efficiency gain with large winglets (2%), aerodynamic refinements (1%), weight savings and a new aircraft cabin.

 

Renamed NEO (neo being Greek for "new", as well as an initialism for "new engine option") and re-engined with CFM LEAP scaled-down GEnx engine or the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and fitted with sharklets as standard. The NEO is 15% to 20% more fuel efficient than prior models, It was launched on 1 December 2010, made its first flight on 25 September 2014 and was introduced into service by Lufthansa on 25 January 2016.

 

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Outwardly the ToLiSS A320neo is nicely modeled. Earlier or first addition ToLiSS modeling was good, but far from the best in class, but since swapping modelers a few years back then the quality and detail has slowly climbed with each release, the A340-600 was excellent, and slowly the rest of the fleet have all been refined to be the quality products they all are. The NEO is obviously visually more oddly balanced, with those monstrously oversized scaled-down version of GEnx/GTF engines....

 

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Someone will always pick over the detail of a A320, mostly the unique nose style, but what we have here is good, solid and well done modeling and detail, everything you want in detail is present and correct, this is of course an Airbus Official licensed product so it has to pass a certain grade of quality.

 

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Wing and forward edge detail is very good. Every developer has their own style, not the extreme of say Rotate, but still quality work you can admire. Flap complexity is also first rate, but you get a clean aircraft..   no heavy dirt or wear and tear here, which is okay on this aircraft.

 

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Undercarriage in detail is excellent, perfectly formed for all the assembly and links. Tyres are however not as round as they should be, you see the movement when taxiing or when the gear is retracting, as there are too many slabsides to the round. Tyre detail could be better as well.  Interior strut assemblies are however excellent, with great detail of Oleo cylinder, axle beam and hydraulic systems.

 

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Ditto the complex nosegear, detail and assembles are excellent. All the detail you can admire and look at while doing the walkaround check.

 

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Doors cover 1R, 2R, 1L (service) and 2L (service), Front and rear main cargo and small rear bulk cargo doors all open.

 

All doors are animated in the three modes, AUTO, OPEN and CLOSED, with still the AUTO as default. Not my favorite ToLiSS feature as they open when you want closed, or closed when you want open, so you have to go around the menu to reset every door to manual, then they flip back to AUTO again? your always at war with your doors?

 

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There are three new external features! First are animated baggage loaders for the front and rear main holds...

 

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...  Second are the new animated Catering Trucks, on doors 1R and 2R, DOORS have to be set to OPEN for them to work.

 

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...   third new feature are the amazing DE-ICING trucks. These animated De-icers spray first the main wings and control surfaces, then move to the tail to do the rear control surfaces and even the rudder, beautifully animated, they are an excellent fun detail to use in cold clime's. I would expect all three of these features to be added to the A319/A321 and the A346 aircraft.

 

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Oddly there are no forward stairs, of which you really miss, but ToLiSS has noted they are coming soon. There are no visible external GPU and the supplied Air pressure units (High and Low) available on the menu either, there are however chocks.

 

Cabin

In reality it is the standard ToLiSS cabin fitout you use on the A319/A321, no really big surprise there. It is nicely done, if a bit bland in colours, the painters can probably help out here with some Airline flavour. There are a few Airline cabins to be seen later in the review.

 

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It is very tasteful, but basic. Both forward and rear galleys are well fitted out, and the cabin lighting is controlled by the IACP (Interactive Audio Control Panel), but it is thankfully only standard lighting and not the new rainbow liTeMood® LED cabin lighting with all its bright colours. Window detail is very basic, with no inner surrounds or double perspex windows? as are the passenger upper panels with no lighting of the "Seatbelt", "No Smoking" signs. But overall it is a good cabin.

 

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Cockpit - Cold

The cockpit is the traditional Airbus blue. Basically it is the standard A320 cockpit, the seats are the same from the A319/A321 with no changes, and both have the animated armrests.

 

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The panel texture feel is excellent, there is a nice worn/wear effect throughout all the instrument assemblies, all new here, and redone for the A320neo. You notice this effect a lot while flying and it creates a very good ambience in the cockpit, it does however feel more early airbus, than the newer cleaner surfaces you would find on a latest NEO variant.

 

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Cabin - Powered (Hot)

Turn on the battery power supply and you get a "Test" evaluation for 40 secs, then you can set the IRS Alignment. Small details, but very authentic. Mostly you would keep the aircraft in turnaround mode, or here APU+ADIRU ON.

 

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System depth here is enormous, basically mostly all the A320's systems are simulated, so yes it is a study aircraft, maybe even a bit deeper than that, more importantly the systems are totally authentic. In other words everything is by the book or the Airbus manuals, you feel it, and thankfully ToLiSS provided a lot of information and a flight based tutorial. System depth is highlighted here by being on ground power but the battery supply is switched off, perfectly simulated, "Study" obviously.

 

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To a point we take a lot of the system detail now for granted, not understanding the complexity and the work to bring us these perfectly tuned machines, dig into the systems and then you realise how really good they are today, we literally have everything at our (mouse) fingertips.

 

Instrument layout is the standard Airbus T Five across One down, or PFD, NAV/MAP each side and the two stacked ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor) displays in the centre.

 

Centre Panel has the Backup Instruments, Timer, Brake pressure and Gear lever/indicators. But the lower screens are the CPDLC displays which stands for “Controller Pilot DataLink Connection”.

 

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The CPDLC system does actually work in the ToLiSS aircraft, but used mainly for On-Line Flying. You require a "Hoppie ID" to use it and to access the ACARS function (Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System). Also there is the function to print out CPDLC messages and weather reports

 

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OHP (OverHead Panel) is standard A320 Airbus in layout, as is the central Console. Glareshield Autopilot system - Auto-Flight-System Control-Panel (AFS CP), is again the standard Airbus twin-engine fitout, nothing special, but the system depth is hidden by the basics, and I do like the single dot (push) and twin dot (pull) and mouse scroll manipulator system. 

 

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The iconic A320 stubby throttles are really well done, as is the now famous Side-Stick "Mon âme", the soul of the A320 aircraft.

 

Early ToLiSS aircraft didn't have a lot of smaller features, which I called "Toys", or things to play with, and you really missed them...

 

...   slowly they are being added in to the ToLiSS fleet, one (or the two here) are the pullout drawers for documents...

 

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...  second and a new feature for ToLiSS are opening side windows, the small catch (arrowed) allows you to close them again.

 

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The window blinds, front and side however still don't work, a needed feature, but the open window it is a great step forward.

 

ToLiSS ISCS - Interactive Simulation Control System

The Menu system is a bit more in depth than for just selecting SETTINGS, it is the heart of the ToLiSS way of flying and using the aircraft.

 

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You can access the ISCS via the banner "Plugins", menu, the other setting option is "Resume from last flight", we will look at that soon. I set the ISCS menu on a key command (key S), this makes it far more accessible and quickly, plus the same command works on any ToLiSS aircraft.

 

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First surprise is that the ISCS here on the A320neo is different, not the light green shades of before, but now the variations of blue colours. Tabs and layout are however the same as the earlier version, but the colour is far, far better (yes I like the ISCS a lot more), and the menu is also scalable in size, also available in a pop-out Window format.

 

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There are seven ISCS tabs available covering: Situations A/C Config, Loading Perfo, Ground Services, Faults Scenerios, Addons, Sound/Actions, Joystick and the General Settings Actions.

 

Situations A/C Config

The Config page is used to set up the aircraft with three sections, "Load/Save Situations", "Aircraft Configuration" and "Performance Adjustments"

 

Load/Save Situations is an absolute gem of a tool, basically it is "Save" tool, but it saves EVERYTHING including the important FMS settings and your route, and better still it gives you a backup "Auto-Saving" feature in case X-PLANE does a nasty CTD (Crash to Desktop) or a freeze on you, all the saves are held in the X-Plane Plugin's Folder and not in the A320neo Aircraft folder...  

 

Simply years better than any other save tool in X-Plane it is simply golden to set up or to have your aircraft ready at a certain state of "ready to Flight", helpful if you just want to come back and just fly, then you can save the aircraft situation ready that way...  it is just simply brilliant. The saved situations can be "Filtered" to find certain saved situations if the list is long. AUTO-SAVING time can be set from 1 Min to 30 Min, but every 5 Min is the best compromise. ONE of the biggest features on the aircraft, other developers take note...  WE WANT THIS FEATURE.

 

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Aircraft Configuration section covers engine selection (AUTO, PW1127G-JM  and CFM-LEAP 1A26), the Auto setting is used with the codes on the liveries (PWG) or (LEA) to automatically set the correct engine type to the livery. Other options include - Use Imperial Units, SATCOM Antenna, ERudder Config, Multi-Functional RWY LT (Switch from standard to wingbox arrangement), Auto NAV on GA (Activates NAV function on Go-Around).

 

Performance Adjustments  cover "Aircraft Age", Engine Age" from NEW to OLD. Note: all the set page settings have to be saved before use.

 

Has BUSS Switches; here you can display switches that allow reverting PFDs to the display of the AoA-based backup speed scale and the GPS based backup altitude individually, they are present next to each PFD.

 

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ERudder Config - Airbus has replaced the 7 Flight Control Computers (2 ELAC, 3 SEC, 2 FAC) by 4 new generation computers (2ELAC, 2 SEC). This option allows switching between the two configurations.

 

Loading Perfo

This tab covers the "Aircraft Loading" and "CG-CW", Payload, Passenger, Cargo and Fuel which can be set, then added to the MCDU INIT B page values. Fuel loading can be "Quick" or "Slow" (real Time). CG-GW Diagram gives you your Centre of Gravity and Gross Weight limits on a graph. TO PERFORMANCE settings can also be set here.

 

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Ground Services

This tab covers the external factors on the aircraft. Ground Supplies provides options for "External Power" (GPU) and "High and Low pressure air" to start the engines and provide ventilation/air-conditioning while on the ground. But as noted there are no external physical units, Chocks however are shown.

 

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But there is a built in PUSHBACK feature...  The pushback is quite basic in look and to use in auto or manual modes. However I always use the excellent BetterPushBack Truck as an alternative. The ToliSS A32oneo has been configured correctly for the BetterPushBack use, so it works extremely well here. Note in watching the pushback operation on the ECAM!

 

New on the right is DEICING...  You can do a "Quick" De-Ice, or use the animated De-Ice Trucks as seen earlier.

 

AIRCRAFT DOORS  have three selections with Auto (default) Close and Open. The auto will open the doors when the park brake is set and the engines are off. But they do have a tendency to be a bit uncontrollable in opening/closing at the wrong times or not opening when you need them to be open. So the manual "Close" is my preference to control them. There is no save selection either and so every time you open the aircraft you have to then (constantly and annoyingly) reset all the doors back to your AUTO preference state, as the default auto setting will always switch and will always have the front left and the two cargo doors open every time you load up the aircraft? Not a fan?

 

New bottom are the two animated "Baggage Loaders" and the two "Catering Trucks", (note the DOOR 1R/2R has to be set to OPEN, for the Catering Trucks to work?).

 

Faults Scenerios

The A320neo has a great failure system, or fault Scenarios. These failures can be set up on the ISCS Panel. This feature is listed under the "FAULT SCENERIOS" tab.

 

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You can have a total random setting that covers a wide range of 90 faults over twelve systems in "less" or "more" than "100 Flights", or you can set your own failure with the options including: NOW, AT TIME (set time in Seconds from now), AT IAS (Speed), AT ALT (set altitude) or RANDOM, New is the point of failure in Take-Off, Climb, Cruise, Desent, Landing and Flight...    and you can set as many failures as you like.

 

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Sound/Addon/Accounts

There has been three areas now combined into the one Sound/Addon/Accounts Tab

 

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Sound Settings; Turbine Sound Studios (TSS) provides the sounds for ToLiSS aircraft, but you can default back to the X-Plane default sound volumes if you wish in controlling a MASTER, INTERNAL and EXTERNAL volume, 3D Sound Fading will silence the PTU and Flap sounds in the cockpit.

 

No ADDONS here, usually for Engine variants, but the standard engine default is you get the GTF versions with the aircraft,

 

ACCOUNT IDS; New are accounts for your SimBrief ID and HOPPIE CPDLC Logon,

 

If you want to use the ACARS function for flight plan download, you can put your SimBrief pilot ID into the field “SimBrief ID”. Important note: This is a pure number, not your SimBrief Email address. You can find this number on the Simbrief Website, under “Dispatch / Account settings” and then in the Simbrief data tab under “Pilot ID”.

 

  • Ignore AIRAC/AC Type mismatch: If this option is OFF, the flight plan download will fail if the active AIRAC cycle in the FMGS does not match the AIRAC cycle used by Simbrief for planning.

  • Set Payload + Fuel to Simbrief: If you select this option, the cargo, payload and fuel on board in the ISCS will be set immediately to the Simbrief values.
  • Always use SimBrief winds: If this option is selected, any wind request in the FMGS will take the wind data from the Simbrief plan

 

HOPPIE option

  • The option Auto Execute handoversallows to switch to the next ATC station automatically upon receiving the handovercommand from your current ATC station without having to notify the new ATC station.

 

Joystick Actions; Joystick Configuration selections options cover the "Primary Joystick", control of NWS (NoseWheel Steering) on/off, Enable Second Joystick (For custom setups like home built panels or training as it supports the use of two sidesticks (pilot and co-pilot side), A dual input and priority logic are also available as on the real aircraft), Tiller Assignment (with Tiller centre setting). (Rudder) Pedal Brakes Assignment with brake strength, Smart Park Brake, Allow Brake on One Pedal, keys F1/F2 Toggle reversers (I use joystick trigger!), "Smart THR Idle Lock" and "Rev on Same Axis"

 

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Detent calibration; The fields on the right side of this screen are designed to allow quick alignement between hardware detents and software detents. Simply place the hardware thrust levers into the detent that you want to calibrate and read the results.

 

Actions; Include "ADIRU Quick Align", or "Jump to next Waypoint" (Jumps the aircraft a maximunm of 200nm or the next waypoint) "You don't do you!"

 

Clever is the new AUTO-PAUSE

This feature allows the user to leave the computer during a flight and make sure that the simulation pauses automatically if something happens that requires user interaction. The feature allows automatic pausing of the simulation, if:

  • A master warning is triggered (e.g. due to AP disconnect)
  • A master warning or a master caution are triggered. (Any system fault)
  • A master warning or caution is triggered, or the aircraft has passed the T/D, i.e. has entered the DESCENT phase.

 

General Settings; The General Settings tab has five sections in: "Product Info", "Visual Settings", "Startup Behaviour", "User Interface" and "Miscellaneous".

 

Product Info (Information) covers the current build number and version (very Airbus), and License ID

 

Visual Settings include Display (Instrument) reflections, Window Reflections and Screen background Glow. Windshield (Librain) effects and Particle Effects. "Refresh PDF every X Cycles" This is an option for the weak graphic card users, in that instead of the heavy use every cycle to refresh the system displays, you can set the cycles to be redrawn either every 2nd or 4th cycle.

 

Startup Behaviour sets the aircraft to a certain startup situation (known as Cold or Hot), options include: OVHD XP Start. Cold Start Type in COLD+DARK, EXT POWER (connected) and really all on with APU+ADIRU ON. Default Baro in either HPA or InHG (note you can also have the choice to SYNC or adjust manually the separate PFD Baros). Finally you can set your own default "Transition Altitude".

 

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User Interface is options on how you interact with the aircraft. Options include: Use Mouse wheel, Sync Baro Settings, Pop-out windows for Pop-ups and you can save your set Pop-Up configuration (Cockpit builders) on Quit.

 

Miscellaneous

ILS auto align is a feature that if the custom scenery that rotates the runway; for these cases the ILS and the runway are not aligned anymore. The ToLiSs A320 plugin thereby contains a feature that detects if there is such custom scenery installed and then realigns the ILS in the internal database with the new runway heading.

 

XPDR Compatiblility Mode, is the use of different transponder modes. Cache Routes only on Startup, prevents the plugin from checking for changes to your fms flight plan files during the flight.

 

Enable AviTab Tablet, The AviTab tablet is installed on the lower left of the Pilot and usable if you have the AviTab plugin set in your plugin folder and acts like the EFB (Electronic Flight Bag).

 

Again remember you have to save any Settings and Default values for them to be effective and in some instances a restart is required to activate a setting.

 

Avitab- EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)

There are two Avitabs situated on the sills on both sides of the cockpit...  if you have a Navigraph account, you can access the Navigraph Charts, tools and other features on the A320neo.

 

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Besides the AviTab EFB there are now four new other tab options...   WGT-BALANCE, TO PERF, LDG (Landing), PERF and CHECKLIST

 

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There is a lot of performance data here to be used, and all are at your finger tips, includes; Weight summary, Take-off weight and the landing weight with CG, landing performance calculator and a very good tick (Green) Checklist.

 

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Interactive Audio Control Panel (IACP)

There is another menu access system situated on the Radio Panel, called the "Interactive Audio Control Panel" (IACP). This feature gives you finger access to an item in a more pop-up accessible form...  two options are MECH or five ground communication tabs; SERVICES, PUSHBACK, FUEL/DEFUEL, CARGO HANDLING and DEICING. 

 

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Second IACP option is ATT selection covers Cabin interaction; DOORS, PASSENGERS and CABIN LIGHTING...

 

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....   Cabin Lighting adjustment is great because it gives you control over the brightness of the cabin lighting, I really don't like bright cabins, and worst with no way to tone them down.

 

ACARS - Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System

ToLiSS aircraft comes with the ACARS function, used as noted earlier with the CPDLC. But it has another function here in the ability to download the FlightPlan from Navigraph's Simbrief. The tool was introduced on the ToLiSS Airbus A340-600 v1.1, since then also updated to the rest of the ToLiSS fleet (A319/A321) and so it is a big feature in the A320neo as well. A full tutorial in how to use it was covered in Airbus A340-600 v1.1 by ToLiSS...  but we will do a brief overview here to see how it works.

 

SimBrief

Remember that you have to complete your SimBrief Pilot ID in the ISCS (SOUND/ADDON/ACCOUNTS). Then the "Data" link has to be opened by pressing the COMMS VHF 3 button the Radio panel. Also important is to set the "Set Payload + Fuel to Simbrief", option ON, if not you will have to set up the aircraft fuel and weight options separately.

 

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Then complete and generate your SimBrief flight profile, note you use the Aircraft Type A20N, for NEO, not the A320-200. Our route today is easyjet EC453 from LEBL (Barcelona) to LCLK (Larnaca, Cyprus).

 

Select INIT REQUEST (Make sure the asterisk is showing that the data link is live), then the Simbrief Flight Briefing should load into the MCDU, It does two loads, so don't close it to quickly, as it takes real time to load, when data is uploading it will say "PERF DATA UPLINK".

 

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Next is to set your Departure RWY/SID/VIA and Arrival RWY/STAR/VIA . When done you can then set the TO-PERFORMANCE data via the TO-DATA REQUEST, sometimes it is best to do it manually as it is far quicker and more accurate, the data is found on the ISCS (TO PERFORMANCE) option.

 

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Brilliant isn't it, makes aircraft set up and ready for flight a very easy job, but mostly it saves tons of time, your flying time. 

 

The New option on the EFB can give you your now set WGT - BALANCE situation, and also available is your TO-PERF data, you press the ""COMPUTE" button to set out the TakeOff data, including your V markers set out on a runway map....  all so fantastic isn't it.

 

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And your all ready to go.

 

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________________

Flying the ToLiSS A320neo

Pushback from Stand 222 Barcelona, notable is that I'm using the BetterPushBack plugin, the ToLiSS aircraft does have a built in PUSHBACK feature, but the BPB is better and has even been refined by ToLiSS for use in the A320neo, note the N/W STEERING alert on the lower ECAM display while the pushback is in operation.

 

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Pushback completed, I got an "Alert Warning", my Trim was not set correctly? or in Airbus speak "F/CTL PITCH TRIM/MCDU/CG DISAGREE",

 

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This alert shows the depth of the system detail in ToLiSS aircraft, yes as noted it is a "Study", aircraft, so it is best to study up on the details, and in how to fix alerts such as this one. And this alert only came up after the engines were powering the systems. I can't even begin to cover all the systems here, but only to note on how extensive and authentic they are.

 

We are now in X-Plane 12r3 (or Release 3). Thankfully the more mature version. One aspect of that is the developers can now fine tune areas that were a bit of mess before. Lighting is a big one. Here the external lighting, Turnoff/Taxi/Landing lighting is now nicely tuned...

 

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...  but there is a choice in external lighting, first the usual underwing landing lights and forward gear turnoff lights, or second with both sets combined on the centre wing box, or "Multi-Functional RWY LT".

 

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Taxiing is being aware of the nose gear having a slower response in movement, something you had to adjust to as far back as the QPAC A320, so you have to anticipate turns to get it right, it soon becomes natural, but you still have to adapt to it.

 

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Ready to go on LEBL Runway 06L (note in X-Plane it will sometimes say 07L, with the magnetic variation, depending on your AIRAC).

 

TakeOff weight is 71,114 Kg, with a fuel load of 13,700 Kg to get me to Cyprus, but my main concern is the east gusty crosswind of 13 kts, straight off the Balearic Sea.

 

Power up to TO/THRUST and your rolling... The CFM-LEAP 1A26 give out 120.64 kN (27,120 lbf) Takeoff thrust, plenty of power and you feel it.

 

A320neo - LEBL 10.jpgA320neo - LEBL 11.jpgA320neo - LEBL 12.jpg

 

v2 (Rotate) is 152 +10, but on clearing the runway I feel that gusty wind, so I'm already crabbing a little with a lot of right foot rudder and a bit less right engine power to keep the aircraft on course...  My point here is the feel, it is so brilliant, you feeeeel this aircraft so well, flying it as per recommendations, or realistically, it is a brilliant simulation of a A320neo.

 

 A320neo - LEBL 13.jpgA320neo - LEBL 14.jpgA320neo - LEBL 15.jpgA320neo - LEBL 16.jpg

 

All Airbus "Flight Control Laws" are in action here, there are four named flight control laws, however alternate law consists of two modes, alternate law 1 and alternate law 2. Each of these modes have different sub modes: ground mode, flight mode and flare, plus a back-up mechanical control.

The flight mode of normal law provides five types of the aircraft's flight envelope protection: pitch attitude, load factor limitations, high speed, high-AOA and bank angle. Flight mode is operational from take-off, until shortly before the aircraft lands, around 100 feet above ground level. It can be lost prematurely as a result of pilot commands or system failures. Loss of normal law as a result of a system failure results in alternate law 1 or 2

 

in normal law vertical side stick movement corresponds to a load factor proportional to stick deflection independent of aircraft speed. When the stick is neutral and the load factor is 1g, the aircraft remains in level flight without the pilot changing the elevator trim.

 

Engine Thrust Management is covered by the engine control law, so you have to follow the SPEED commands, or shift the throttles to the required A/THR detent, or first the CL (Climb detent)...  Set FLEX mode can also be used. It's all an awareness of Airbus system flying.

 

A320neo - LEBL 17.jpgA320neo - LEBL 18.jpg

 

Sounds like mentioned are good, and cover a wide spectrum...  so your not missing anything here on the basics, and the GTF whine is nicely done in flight. However I am very used to the BSS (BlueSkyStar) PRO Packages that is available for the FF Airbus A320 Ulitmate. I mean 500+ sounds, that is hard to emulate, and the package is extremely good, if BSS do release a A320neo pack, then it would be certainly be a good investment.

 

A320neo - In-Flight 1.jpgA320neo - In-Flight 2.jpgA320neo - In-Flight 3.jpg

 

In the air, and in X-Plane 12...  it's a great combination! 

 

A320neo - In-Flight 8.jpg

 

In the pilot's seat, it's a pure A320 environment, everything works and this is the office, only complaint are the non-usable blinds, both the forward and side screens don't work. Yet X-Plane 12 is glaring up here at FL380. 

 

A320neo - In-Flight 4.jpgA320neo - In-Flight 5.jpgA320neo - In-Flight 6.jpgA320neo - In-Flight 7.jpg

 

Lighting

Over the last few months of the X-Plane 12 beta, internal lighting was hard to define, bloated text and dark cockpits were not the best places to live. In the ToLiss A320neo the Instrument panel is glorious, highly adjustable as per Airbus lighting knobs, no bloated text either... all nice and sharply clear.

 

A320neo - Lighting 1.jpgA320neo - Lighting 2.jpgA320neo - Lighting 3.jpg

 

But you are missing the downlights in the daytime, this makes the instrument panel a bit dark in the daylight. The X-Plane 12 Lookup/Lookdown adjustment works well here, but the panel down-lighting would have broken up the gloom a little.

 

A320neo - Lighting 4.jpgA320neo - Lighting 5.jpg

 

DOME lighting has three settings; OFF, DIM and BRT (Bright), all very good...

 

A320neo - Lighting 6.jpgA320neo - Lighting 7.jpgA320neo - Lighting 8.jpg

 

But missing are a few lighting areas...  there are no overhead tray lights, or side lights, the reading light doesn't work either? OHP ANN LT test is excellent, very realistic. Dark Cockpit mode for night TakeOff and Landings is also excellent...  an important one for me, I hate any overhead lighting reflecting on me when I need to see out of the aircraft...  impressed.

 

A320neo - Lighting 9.jpgA320neo - Lighting 10.jpgA320neo - Lighting 19.jpg

 

The cabin lighting is very good, as you have a large adjustment on the IACP of the lighting from OFF (dark) to Full Bright.

 

A320neo - Lighting 11.jpgA320neo - Lighting 12.jpgA320neo - Lighting 13.jpgA320neo - Lighting 14.jpg

 

OFF is BLACK, nothing, and there are no separate galley lighting points either, which would be nicely needed. So you set it around 10% which is a nice low-light cabin ambience.

 

A320neo - Lighting 15.jpgA320neo - Lighting 16.jpgA320neo - Lighting 17.jpgA320neo - Lighting 18.jpg

 

External lighting is excellent. Navigation and Strobes are perfect, wing(Ice) lights are also well done. Tail light works, but only when the flaps are not set to zero as per Airbus rules.

 

A320neo - Lighting 20.jpgA320neo - Lighting 21.jpgA320neo - Lighting 22.jpgA320neo - Lighting 23.jpg

 

As you can adjust the cabin lighting, you don't get that Ocean Liner effect, so the aircraft looks highly realistic at night.

 

A320neo - Lighting 24.jpg

 

Off the coast of Greece....

 

Performance; Seating is One class 195, Two class 165, with a cargo capacity of 37 m3 (1,300 cu ft) - Cruise: Mach 0.78 (450 kn; 833 km/h), Max.: Mach 0.82 (473 kn; 876 km/h) - Ceiling 39,100–39,800 ft (11,900–12,100 m) - Range 6,500 km / 3,500 nmi

 

A320neo - Greece 1.jpgA320neo - Greece 2.jpgA320neo - Greece 3.jpg

 

There is a New feature from ToLiSS called the EQUI - TIME POINT, found under DATA lower RK6. ETP (Equal Time Point), which is basically the point at which it'll take a shorter time to continue to the next suitable diversion airfield than to turn back to the last one. Mostly used on ETOPS routes and over oceans for diversion actions.

 

Liveries

You basically only get two liveries with the package; ToLiSS House livery, and the official Airbus A320 NEO House livery...

 

A320neo - Liveries ToLiSS.jpgA320neo - Liveries NEO house.jpg

 

But the painters will be taking up their paints very quickly...  Christoph_T, Emma Bentley and Matt Hayward are the main official contributors (Thanks to Matt for the easyjet Livery), Another is a very nice "MakeChange", Austrian Airlines by clemacamelc, and the cabin details show what you can do to hide the bland default cabin (Yes I take a bow for the applause).

 

A320neo - Liveries NEO easyjet.jpgA320neo - Liveries NEO Austrian.jpgA320neo - Liveries NEO Austrian cabin 1.jpgA320neo - Liveries NEO Austrian cabin 2.jpg

 

Let us put it this way, you won't be short of liveries, they can be found at the X-Plane.Org; ToLiss/Aircraft Skins/Liveries, a paintkit is also available here; Paintkit;ToLiSS A320 Neo v1.0

 

A320neo - LCLK 1.jpg

 

Approaching Cyprus from the west, and you set your landing PERF on the MCDU, then you can access the information on EFB (LDG PERF) for a visual and data reference...  yes I like it very much. 

 

A320neo - LCLK 2.jpgA320neo - LCLK 3.jpg

 

Over Cyprus and the weather report is not good, with low cloud to 2,000ft, and yes rain.

 

A320neo - LCLK 4.jpgA320neo - LCLK 5.jpgA320neo - LCLK 6.jpg

 

X-Plane 12 has the Librain effects built in, and they work well here, front and side windows, but you get nothing on the cabin windows, another "but" will come later.

 

A320neo - LCLK 7.jpgA320neo - LCLK 8.jpg

 

ILS S into Runway 22 is a tricky loop, first you overfly Larnaca International (112.80 LCA), then head west to the tight turn into the ILS (ILC-110.30)...

 

A320neo - LCLK 9.jpgA320neo - LCLK 10.jpg

 

...  then you set up the aircraft ready for landing, gear, lights, arm spoilers. The turn is extremely tight at the top...

 

A320neo - LCLK 11.jpgA320neo - LCLK 12.jpg

 

...  X-Plane 12 is literally DAZZLING, brilliant!

 

A320neo - LCLK 13.jpgA320neo - LCLK 14.jpg

 

Coming out of the turn your numbers have to be exactly right, Flap 3, 170 knts and the height perfect around 2,000ft...

 

A320neo - LCLK 15.jpgA320neo - LCLK 16.jpg

 

...  when you come out of the turn and straighten up the vertical ILS diamond is right there on the ILS beams activate line, so you approach height has to be perfect, as does your speed. I get it perfectly right and hit the slope automatically. You can fly an Airbus A320 manually, the normal law allows this, so this approach can be done hands on, which would mostly be the case in real world flying. Up comes the rain again, but the wipers don't clear the streaks, and in the bright sunlight it makes it very hard to see the runway?

 

A320neo - LCLK 17.jpgA320neo - LCLK 18.jpg

 

With the strong headwind I could do a nice 140 kts approach at FULL flap, now you can let the aircraft do the automatic "Autoland" sequence...  airbus style.

 

A320neo - LCLK 19.jpgA320neo - LCLK 20.jpgA320neo - LCLK 21.jpgA320neo - LCLK 22.jpgA320neo - LCLK 23.jpg

 

I'm extremely impressed with X-Plane 12 at the moment, it gives you a great all weather simulation, certainly in the atmosphere and effects, not perfect, but now very good. Airbrakes and  AUTO/BRK (MED) worked very well on touch-down and with a nicely noisy, landing configuration which was very good in detail.

 

A320neo - LCLK 24.jpgA320neo - LCLK 25.jpg

 

Coming into RWY 22 I couldn't see "anything"? then on the ground the wipers suddenly started to clear the water? A Laminar Research issue or a Developer issue?, but you need those wipers working on the final approach!

 

2023414788_A320neo-LCLK26.jpgA320neo - LCLK 27.jpg

 

The adrenalin kick from Simulation flying is when it all goes perfectly correct, your skills interacting with the aircraft....

 

A320neo - LCLK 30.jpgA320neo - LCLK 28.jpgA320neo - LCLK 29.jpg

 

...  more importantly the aircraft doing "exactly" what you are asking it to do, then you get into the flow, then you get the high rush....  Here it all works perfectly, a great simulation, but a brilliant aircraft Interpreting your commands and wishes, you get that and more with this ToLiSS A320 NEO.

________________

 

Summary

ToLiSS was the part of the 2009 original collaboration with QPAC to create the first X-Plane A320 simulation with realistic Airbus Flight Control Laws, and automated cockpits. Since then the developer has gone on to creating the best Airbus aircraft for the X-Plane Simulator, with the A319-112, the A321-231 and lastly the Airbus A340-600. Here is a return to his roots, but with a slight twist with the Airbus A320 NEO, as the release is only with the NEO (New Engine Option) with the two engines types provided in the Pratt&Whitney PW1127G and the CFM-LEAP 1A26. One engine is scaled-down version GEnx engine (LEAP), the PW a GTF "Geared Turbofan", for better performance and fuel economy. No CEO (Current Engine Option) will be offered.

 

Modeling and design is very good, but early ToLiSS didn't have the extensive extreme quality you can now expect in this category, but with a change of a modeller a few years back, now in every area the detail and quality is highly improved, and certainly now matching the high quality Airbus Official systems and for the excellent flying feedback of the aircraft. This ToLiSS is absolutely the best of it's category and class.

 

That said I'm not crazy about the lumpy tyres, and in areas the lighting could be better, with missing tray spotlights, rear reading lights and no separate galley lighting, no window blinds is highly noticeable at altitude, cabin lighting however is highly adjustable.

 

System wise the ToLiSS A320neo is the best in X-Plane (all ToLiSS aircraft are), with all Airbus Flight Laws and Protections highly intergrated, with the authentic engine control laws. If you want to fly the automated Airbus you can, but if you want to dig deeper into the "Study" aspect of Airbus Philosophy. Then that aspect is also very highly available here, so both Pro's and Newcomers to the Airbus way of aviation can be easily satisfied here.

 

Innovation in Simulation is also available with the ToLiSS A320neo. The ToLiSS ISCS - Interactive Simulation Control System is far more than a menu, it provides tools and options that are truly remarkable. The LOAD/SAVE Situation tool is a godsend for any Simmer... saving perfect situations to return ready for flight or even an unexpected simulator crash, I was back up and flying perfectly in minutes after a bad scenery crash, this shows the tool's peerless power. SimBrief intergration can load in the "Full" data brief into the aircraft's systems, another huge time saver. Fault Scenerios are also excellent as are aircraft configurations. AUTO-PAUSE, this feature allows the user to leave the computer during a flight to do a pause in three alert scenerios. Sounds are by Turbine Sound Studios, good but not BSS quality.

 

The ACARS function is fully intergrated with the CPDLC system , but really only available to on-line fliers with the HOPPIE network, but very good it is.

 

New to ToLiSS on the A320neo are ground equipment Baggage Loaders and Catering Trucks, and the sensational animated De-Icing Trucks, but still no stairs (coming) or GPU/AIR. Opening Side Windows and the Electronic FLight Bag EFB tools for WGT-BAL, TO PERF, LDG PERF, and extensive built in CHECKLIST. The "Interactive Audio Control Panel" (IACP) has also been extended to include both Ground and Cabin tabs with excellent cabin lighting adjustment.

 

The list can go on, and on...  but notable is the X-Plane 12 version in using the X-Plane features, an X-Plane 11 version is included in the package, but that would takeaway a lot of the dynamics and the immense fun this aircraft has to offer by using the X-Plane 12 environment.

 

The level required in this category of simulation is very high, but the ToLiSS A320NEO delivers superlative performance in every area, certainly in systems and innovation...  ToLiSS stands for brilliant Simulation, even sets the standards for the X-Plane simulator, and here available for X-Plane 12...    "Hugely Recommended".

_____________________

 

X-Plane Store logo sm.jpg

 

Yes! the Airbus A320 NEO by ToLiSS is NOW currently available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

 

Airbus A320 NEO

Price is US$89.99

 

The feature list is HUGE!

Highlights:
  • Brand new cockpit textures optimized for X-Plane 12
  • Choice of 2 engine types: PW1127G-JM and CFM LEAP1A26
  • Custom EFB with Avitab integration, weight and balance computer, take off and landing performance as well as interactive check list
  • ACARS functionality: SimBrief flight plan import directly into the FMGS, TO Performance computations and wind upload.
  • Hoppie CPDLC and PDC functionality including weather download from the Hoppie network
  • Implementation of over 130 circuit breakers to cut power to certain systems.
  • More than 210 failure modes that can be injected, including “resettable” failures.
  • Can still run in X-plane 11 with most of these features, except for the XP12 specific rain effects
  • Reversable back up speed scale (BUSS)
1. Highly complex FMGS:
  • SID/STAR and airways support in a fully custom FMGS backbone supporting all A424 leg types (Arc, course or heading to intercept, Radius to Fix, Holdings, etc.)
  • Active, alternate, 2 temporary as well as secondary flight plans
  • 2 completely independent MCDUs and autopilots
  • Pilot item database for custom fixes, navaids, flight plans and runways
  • Full VNAV guidance with TOC, TOD, Deceleration point, speed limits, fuel prediction, and consideration of speed and altitude constraints etc.
  • Support for go-arounds and diversions
  • Step altitudes
  • Offset function
  • Direct To function including abeam points, radial in and radial out
  • Hold function including computed and database holds as well as pilot defined holds
  • Satellite availability model, including prediction for specific places and times
  • Nav Aid autotuning
  • Flight plan saving via the Pilot routes page
  • Equitime point computation
  • Nearest airports page
  • Airways function including automatic computation of intersection point between two airways
  • Fix info functionality to create reference circles or bearings
  • ACARS function to simulate flight plan, TO Data and Wind upload from ground station using SimBrief data.
  • SLS/GLS and FLS type approaches
  • RNP-AR capability
2. Accurate systems:
  • ToLiss Fly-by-wire and autopilot module, with support for Alternate and Direct Law
  • Unique feature: Control Surface hinge moment modelling allows the surfaces to float to the appropriate position after loss of all actuators on a surface or to not reach full deflection if running on a single actuator.
  • fault injection interface allowing to inject custom selected failures, or randomly selected failure based on fault probabilities with over 210 failure modes available.
  • Custom TCAS with resolution advisory function.
  • Terrain on ND and Weather radar available (WX radar works with default X-plane weather engine)
  • Brake temperature model based on the detailed physics of heat transfer between the individual brake components
  • Hydraulics model with proper hydraulic flow computation as function of surface motion, flap/slat motion, gear extension etc. You will see this by the pressure dropping when flying on RAT
  • Custom engine model for accurate thrust and fuel flow modelling including oil pressure and temperature model as well as many engine failure modes. Thrust and fuel flow modelled for each engine type. Special engine logics, such as dual cooling on the PW1127G engine, are also modelled.
  • Detailed model of each ADIRU including alignment, small pressure sensor differences between the units, switching of sources for PFDs and Aps
  • Quantitative bleed system modelling affecting engine fuel flow
  • Electrical system simulation with correct bus reconfiguration and load distribution, simulated electrical transients as well as emergency generation from the blue hydraulic system.
  • Fire detection simulation for engines and APU
  • Custom radio navigation computations including ability to perform backup RADNAV tuning through the RMPs
  • Custom air conditioning model supporting high altitude operations at airports like Cusco in Peru or La Paz in Bolivia without spurious warnings
  • Flight warning system with ECAM actions supporting numerous system failure scenarios, e.g. engine failures, generator failures, hydraulic failures.
  • Custom indicating system including DMC and SDAC simulation.
  • Choice between Multifunctional runway lights or the classic landing light configuration.
3. Eye- and ear-candy:
  • Detailled 3D cockpit
  • Opening side windows
  • Animated tray tables
  • Moving cockpit seats
  • Animated ground services for refuelling, pushback and deicing as well as cargo baggage loaders
  • 3d exterior model with PWG and LEAP engine
  • Custom sounds from Turbine Sound Studios (TSS) included for all engines
  • Integration of X-plane 12 native rain effects.
4. Useability features:
  • Situation loading and saving. It is possible to save the flight at any point in time and resume it another day. This can also be used, e.g., to save the position just before approach and practice just the approach many times. This feature reinstates the complete aircraft state (except communications with ATC, such as AOC and CPDLC messages or ground service states.)
  • Autosaving allows recovering where you left off, should the X-Plane session end unexpectedly.
  • Jumping waypoint-to-waypoint through the cruise phase: Shorten your flight to focus on the more interesting parts as you like.
  • Integrated takeoff performance calculator supporting the use of flex temperature.
  • 4 different start-up configurations from Cold and Dark to engines running and ready to go
  • In-screen popup displays or use of x-plane windows for popups
  • Interactive audio control panel to change ground services, fuel, loading, passengers etc. without breaking immersion
  • Electronic flight bag on both sides with Avitab integration, weight and balance computation, take-off and landing performance calculator as well as a user customizable interactive checklist.
  • Print function for AOC messages, CPDLC messages and selected FMGS functions

 

Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11
Windows , Mac (requires use of Rosetta on M1/M2 Macs with X-Plane 12)or Linux
4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended
Download Size: 745 MB
Version 1.0 (March 20th 2023)
 
Installation
Download of the Airbus A320 NEO is 705.50mb and it is installed in your Airliner Folder as a 1.19Gb folder. On start up you will have an activation screen presented to enter your Serial Number (Key), and then press the "Activate" bar to authorise the aircraft. I recommend to restart the aircraft from your desktop to realign all your plugins and load the aircraft cleanly.
 
A320neo - Activation.jpg
 
There is extensive full instructions on how to set up the aircraft to your X-Plane settings (commands) and addons (Joysticks/Throttles) and other 3rd Party items in the ToLiSS A320 NEO V1.0_SimulationManual.
 
Documents
There are Three Manuals Included with the package. All are extensive and well laid out with great details
 
  • Simulation manual : Describes installation, and setup of the model as well as usage of the “Interactive Simulation Control System”.
  • Tutorial flight, which provides a step-by-step description of a complete flight from cold & dark to aircraft shut-down after landing. This is the best manual to learn flying the aircraft.
  • Aircraft manual, which is primarily intended as a reference after the tutorial has been completed. It provides a reference for standard operating procedures, as well as a more in- depth look into the different systems of the aircraft.

 

Extra Airbus system information is highly recommended and SMARTCOCKPIT is a great place to start.

_____________________

 

Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton

20th March 2023

Copyright©2023: 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 2133PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD

Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane Version 12.04r3

Plugins: JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99

Scenery or Aircraft

- LEBL - Barcelona XP by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$27.99

- Barcelona City by Logo Projects - (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$26.95

- LCLK - Larnaca International, Cyprus by JustSim (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.90

 

(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 looked at the price and gasped. I sulked that there was no discount but by the end of the day decided to buy it. Wow. Absolutely the new benchmark in XP12 civil aircraft and excellent FPS. Be interesting to see if any Youtuber is up to flying this in competition against the best of MSFS. You may not see your house in XP12 but this might move the dial significantly about which is the better flying simulator.

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Yes it would be interesting with the Fenix, three areas are interesting, ToLiSS has done this development for a decade, more importantly are the amazing tools you get with the aircraft, in performance it is perfect, I can't see MSFS matching all three... they will gush when they have no decent comparison.

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Stephen thanks for the great review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your assessment and am planning to get my copy soon.

 

You may want to verify your statement that the Leap engine has a geared fan.  To my knowledge, this is. Pratt&Whitney technology offering the reduction in fuel burn. The Leap engine makes the use of CMC on the turbine vanes (reducing the need for cooling) in order to achieve the fuel burn savings. 
 

thank you again and looking forward to your next review !

Cheers 

Michel

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