Stephen Posted August 27 Report Share Posted August 27 Update Review : E-Jet Family v1.1.0 by X-Crafts When it was released in May 2023. X-Crafts E-Jet Family became the first really genuine X-Plane 12 aircraft, a release that showed the potential and even to show off the features of the next installment version of the X-Plane Simulator. It was so overwhelmingly good it easily won X-PlaneReviews aircraft of the year 2023. It would of course be very easy for X-Crafts to rest on their laurels, but in fact they did the opposite in releasing four updates, One in v1.0.1 very quickly, to fix the throttle issues, then three really large and significant updates in June (v1.0.2), October (v1.0.3), then December (v1.0.4). These updates were not just simple affairs, but comprehensive changes to the aircraft in Systems, Autopilot, AutoThrottle, FMS, Sounds and general modeling fixes and refinements. So by the end of the year the E-Jet Family was even more refined and sensational than it was at it's release date. But X-Crafts are not finished yet... here is the next version update in v1.1.0, (this review was created under the "beta" phase). So it is time to climb into the E-Jet cockpit and to see what is new. Coming back to the aircraft is not a simple "get in and fly". Even experienced SimPilot's have to readjust to the aircraft's systems and even the quirks of flying the machine, Marko Mamula the developer of the E-Jet Series calls it "Refresher" and has created a 5-Minute Refresher course (or cheat sheet) to get you back into the groove, for me I call it a "Reorientation" or a quick orientation flight to get back into the groove, and yes I made loads of mistakes until I don't. But this E-Jet Series is a serious aircraft, notable as a "Study" deep Simulation, so you will need to restudy or relearn the details before doing a serious flight, in other words carrying paying passengers. I do recommend to read Marko's cheat sheet, there is a lot of vital tips in there to make it 100% realistic, based of course on flying a real E-Jet aircraft. First a quick reacquaintance with the E-Jet Family, and this is the E-190. In the full family there are the four variants E-170, E-175, E-190 and the long one E-195. A full view of all the variants and the details of the X-Crafts E-Jet Family is in our X-PlaneReviews release review; Aircraft Review : E-Jets Family by X-Crafts. The extra variant still coming in the future is the E 190 Lineage Business Jet. Graphic real, the images show an almost real world photo feel to the aircraft, that is how really good this design is. First thing I noticed were the pilots! I don't remember them in the release review, but they have now been added to this update. They are quite sensational, the most realistic pilots I can remember, animated by head and eyes, shake in turbulence, move with G forces on landing or turn their heads based on the pitch, roll and yaw. They both really do bring in a realism to the aircraft I have never seen before. Back in the cockpit, the wow factor still seriously "WOWS"... it is glorious in here. Honestly, the earlier E-Jets I wasn't crazy about, I flew them now and again, but this is something else... deep almost perfect simulation. But to business... First some Hardware fixes have been done; first fix was the Inability to toggle reverse thrust on TCA Throttles, then the Speed command not going lower than 140kts, and finally the TO CONFIG check will now work fine if flaps have been assigned to an axis in the hardware settings. I found the ROUTE building very easy. The X-Crafts E-Jet uses the standard X-Plane .fms system for the route. For Departure and Arrival PROC (Procedures) the built in system is very good and comprehensive. It looks hard to set up, but it actually isn't, you can do the route and editing in about five minutes, but like I said the results are very comprehensive. Mamula recommends editing to clear any remaining -DISCONTINUITIES - in the flightplan, and I wholly recommend this as the system will insert vectors. You can now also type the exact name of your CO ROUTE file into the scratchpad and then insert it into CO ROUTE field to insert it directly instead of selecting it from the list.some text The name must match the .fms file name exactly, without the file extension. For example, if the flight plan file name is KBOS-KJFK.fms, you should enter KBOS-KJFK into the scratchpad. Performance INIT is easily set up from the Tablet, with helpers "Weights&Balance", Takeoff Pref and Landing Pref. You have to insert most of the data into the FMS, but the info is all easily available. You can import from SimBrief the critical load data or you can manually insert the Payload and ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight). Then use the data to load the aircraft, it is recommended to "Load Aircraft". PERF INIT has three pages, Page 1/3 is Fuel, Page 2/3 covers Cruise Altitude, TO CG (Takeoff Centre of Gravity) Weights and ISA DEV Page 3/3 is the "Speed" page, and the "Default Speed Schedules". In v1.1.0 the E-Jet will now follow these speed stability enhancements very intimately, or their limits being far more focused, so it is now crucial to make sure they are correctly set, you can change all three; Climb Speed, Cruise Speed and Descent Speed via the OR options. There are a lot of other limits, like 10000ft Speed Limit like “250 below 10000”, that is defined on the CLIMB Page, so there are a lot of things to be aware of. All panels now popout, it is noted that ALL pop out, but I found that you could only open one side PFD and MFD (Multi-Functional Display) and the central EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System) at the same time, or the other side. Added now however is that you have scaling of each panel and movement, a separate popout Window option is also now available, a sweet trick will quickly close any popout/window via the right mouse click. Lighting has had some attention. The roof rear DOME lights have been refined and are now far brighter, certainly better in illuminating the cockpit. In power off or cold&dark situations the lighting will now be switched off. The cabin lighting is the same as before, but it feels slightly brighter on the (full) MAX setting. Externally all the lighting now has the XP12.1.0 halo/bloom effects, and they are all very effective. The biggest new feature in v1.1.0 is the "ILS AutoTune". If you wanted to note the most automated aircraft in the world, you would probably go for the Airbus A320 Series, but actually the Embraer Aircraft are even more automated, in fact you will use only a few button pushes from takeoff to landing. We will look at these and other systems soon. But another is the ILS AutoTune. This system will automatically sets the aircraft up for a ILS landing, at the point of 30 NM from the arrival airport. (it will also activate for VOR stations at approximately 150 NM). When you set your arrival NAV 1 ILS Frequency (here 110.90 ILD)... it appears in the PFD (NAV1) box in pink (meaning it is selected), when it turns to green it is then active. The AutoTune selection is also shown in the FMS as "FMS AUTO" in the NAV 1 box. The autopilot will automatically switch from FMS as the source for the AP to V/L (VOR/Localizer) when the lateral deviation of the approach is less than 1 dot. This means that the pilot no longer has to manually tune in the ILS frequency or to switch from FMS to the LOC source manually, as it is now fully automatic. If you do want to set the Freq manually, you can turn the AutoTune off. This is done by selecting the lower frequency (111.15) in the box, and the ON/OFF selection RK5. You can also insert both NAV 1 and NAV 2 frequencies to AutoTune, and at any time also just use the NAV 2 selector for standard VOR/DME selections (with the AutoTune switched off). AutoTuning only works with the Autopilot active, disconnecting the AP will then also disable the AutoTune. If you are like me, it is a bit concerning at first as you are internally programmed to select the ILS (freq) as part of the Approach procedures, in to not do so creates an anxiety... but once flown with the AutoTune working, you will soon adapt to the idea, and it means you only have to press the APP button on this vital phase of the flight. ____________ So let us see these systems in action... Pushback and we are ready for engine start. The process is fully auto (like most on the E-Jets) with no bleeds to set or AirCon blocks. (the Embraer does still actually bleed to start the engines from the APU, but it is an automatic process). notes include that the Ignition has been fixed to happen at the correct N2 value (61.9º) in the update, so the start procedure is even more finely tuned. The T.O. Config (Configuration) is important to be checked, it is set behind the throttles, and that the "Pitch Trim" (1.3UP) is correct on the lower right EICAS. Engine start up sounds and then running was always good, I would like more sounds adjustment than the three current settings, I expected more by now, but they haven't eventuated. However engine buzz has now been added, most notably audible over 85%N1 and in the cabin near the engines. Notable is that Mango Studios have just released an updated X-Crafts E-Jets Family Soundpack, that can extend the range, number and larger adjustment of the E-Jet Family sounds and aural spaces. Cost currently for the soundpack is US$15.99 In the taxiing phase the E-Jet is very nice place to be, a bit of thrust will move the E-190, then you don't need much more throttle to keep a nice speed of around 12kts-15knts. Rio de Janeiro/Galeão is busy today, with tons of traffic. Once on the runway at the hold point, you have to set the TOGA switch on the lower throttles. There is a command selection which helps for your able to use the TOGA with an add on throttle (I use a Saitek X-56) which makes it more realistic. This then sets ready the LNAV and VNAV on the PFD, these are then both auto activated when you select the Autopilot, in then not only in switching you into your programmed flightplan, but also the Vertical and speed flightplan as well. It is also VERY important to select the correct "Speed" selection, before it didn't matter, but the FMS Speed feature is now active in v1.1.0. The selector switch is set below the Speed dial, switching between FMS - MAN, for the selection of the "Default Speed Schedules" as noted earlier. It is important to be aware of the sources and limits on the FMS speeds... First there is the Manual waypoint speed entry (as defined by the user) 10000ft Speed Limit (“250 below 10000”. Defined on the CLIMB Page), the Departure Speed Limit or GO Around Speed Limit (Limiting speeds around airports), and the Flaps Speed limit (Set by the max flaps speed limits). It is also important in having the right FMS-MAN selection ready at T.O. in MAN (in Green) is the "Manual" speed setting if you are not using the AUTO takeoff. If you are in wanting the AUTO flight, then the Speed selection needs to be selected in FMS (in Magenta), which will show you your T.O speed. Now you press the A/T button to arm the system, this is noted as "TO" on the PFD All now set, we are ready to go... all you now have to do is power up the engines, to full TOGA power. The E-Jet is nice to throttle up and then power on down the runway, v1, v2 and then v2 + 10 to rotate... Pitch is around 11º, and hold it very tight as the aircraft goes into a "Positive Climb", as it will tend to droop as it leaves the runway. At over 400ft (I used 500ft) then press the AP (Autopilot) button, this then activates all the systems (LNAV, and VNAV) including the FMS altitude and speed markers, here we switch to 210 knts (magenta) to continue the climb. If the flaps are still out, if so then the system will adhere to the flap limits automatically. Here (Flap 2) the speed limit is set to 225 knts, retract the flap and the speed changes to the next flap limit. Then the aircraft will set to the Climb Rate, here 250 knts all the way up to the transition altitude (16,000ft). Climb performance and TRS limits fine-tuning now also closely matches the real-world figures, for perfect numbers in the climb phase. Once at the transition altitude the E-190 will level off, and will stay at HOLD at this altitude... The FMS has three flight modes; first FLCH for climb and flight level changes, second ALT for Cruise mode, then finally PTH for the descent and approach phases. ... once at the transition altitude the E-190 will level off, and will stay at this altitude until you adjust the Altitude (ALT) to the Cruise Level (FL340), then it automatically will start the climb again. The FMS system will automatically adjust for the best climb speed and Vertical fpm (feet per minute), and in adjusting the climb pitch on the go to get the perfect climb performance... .... when required (here 31,500 ft) it will automatically switch between Speed (Knots) to .MACH number, also around the .MACH number change the system will also go to (Limited BANK) and the limits will be shown on the top of the Artificial Horizon PFD. ... and finally at cruise altitude (TOC), the system will then adjust the speed to the correct Cruise (.M79) speed and show ALT the Cruise mode. All this and every phase of the flight to altitude is computed and automatically done for you... it is a very dynamic aircraft is the E-Jet. As noted if the "ILS AutoTune" is activated, then approximately 150 nm from your destination the vertical and horizontal ILS bars appear, and the aircraft will be ready for the approach phase. When you reach One minute from TOD (Top of Descent), there will be an alert Chime to tell you to adjust the Altitude, plus a note in the FMS (RESET ALT SELECT), and the moment you change the altitude the aircraft will follow the descent path (angle) and you will start to descend. You will mostly set the altitude to 3,000 ft, the start altitude of the ILS beams, but you can also set 10,000ft or even 6,000ft depending on ATC instructions, again you always lower the set altitude to resume the descent. In the descent mode the system will now show PTH (or PATH)... it will follow the "Vert Prof" (Vertical Profile) as you descend with all the set Altitude limits (Restrictions) shown on the VP and MAP screens, the route data is very comprehensive, highly realistic to the E-190 aircraft. It is crucial to make sure you have the correct vRefs set in the Landing PERF page on the FMS, as the system uses these numbers as a guide for the approach and landing phase, if wrong they will give you a very different pitch angle on the approach, so it is always best to recompute them on the Tablet (Landing Perf) before going into the approach phase of the flight. Now into the landing circuit for SBSV / SSA, My speed was still at a 269 kts, a bit too fast for a scary cat like me. Now in reality you need not worry as the system will slow automatically to the correct speeds (I hung on and tested that aspect before). But if you want to artificially lower your approach speeds, then the best way is to use your flaps, or your flap speed limits, so going to say Flap 2 will slow you down to a more relaxing 160 knts Gear down on the turn is very dramatic! Now at Flap 4 I am now at 140 kts, and only one more action to do once I have completed the last º90 turn into approach, is to just press the APP (Approach) button, this will activate the final phase of the system, check the correct ILS Freq and set up the APP system to capture the ILS. Flap 4 and I'm at 140 knts.... then the system locks into the ILS (LOC/FPA) and I am on the descent path, its all a full AutoLanding system. You will see APPR1 or APPR2 on top of the PFD. These selections depend on the BARO minimums type that you are using, say APPR 1 if barometric minimums is used for ILS CAT I Approaches or APPR 2 If radio altimeter minimums is used for ILS CAT II Approaches. Now full flap and 130 kts landing speed... If not very expert in flying then the set vRefs will do you fine, but although the 5º pitch isn't very high, the E-190 felt very nose up to me? So if you wanted to experiment with slightly different approach vrefs (speeds), it might give you a slightly better approach angle. Finals and I'm over the landmass and into the field. Again the E-190 will shout-out your heights then automatically go into a "Flare" mode, to a perfect sweet landing... the rest, reversers, braking is still up to you. I think our two new pilots would be impressed with that landing and roll-out. So all the various flight profiles and procedures are greatly reduced to automatic status, the Embraer does fly itself for most of the flight profile, yes you still have to arm, adjust flaps and select APP functions, but overall the systems are fully automatic. X-Crafts have also built in a safety set of default numbers for the system, so if you miss a vital vRef, then the system will cover for you, but if you want to go pro and do your own numbers then it will follow that aspect, either way get it totally right, and it is totally brilliant. ____________ Summary Released in May 2023, the X-Crafts E-Jet family is a new standard bearer of extreme quality Simulation of this excellent regional Jet Series. It is an award winning design that shows off the best aspects of the X-Plane 12 Simulator. It is the upper echelon of Simulation. X-Crafts have covered three extensive updates in the year or so since the May 2023 release, but here is the first main significant version update in v1.1.0 Most of focus here in v1.10 is on automation, with focus on the VNAV aspects, with a clever "Autotune" system that detects and automates the systems for a ILS landing. So the Auto Speeds and Altitude (VNAV) are now fully functional. The E-Jet is a very automated aircraft (more than any Airbus), so the system will cover you from departure to arrival, with only a few interactions from the pilot flying, these are flap limits, recontinue climb and start descent, with only one operation from approach to roll-out via the APP selection. Manual flying is also still accessible. There have been a few hardware fixes, better lighting with cockpit and external lighting adjusted to X-Plane v12.1.0, better popout panels, improved the wing flex animations, the cabin curtain is no longer transparent from the service door and the Rubber around the door is not visible also from the outside and that nasty green edge on the cabin windows has also been fixed. The highlight is the very best animated pilots in X-Plane are now visual in the cockpit... it's a big update, but most is hidden under the hood with the automation aspect. The X-Crafts E-Jet is an astounding Simulation, now even more so with it's unique sophisticated systems, yes it is a Study style aircraft, and yes learning and application of the systems is required, but X-Crafts do give you tons of information and cheat sheets to understand and use the aircraft. It's highly addictive as well, but overall it is just the sheer absolute quality of everything about this aircraft in the ultimate detailing of everything that consistently astounds you, it is the gold class of Simulation, the best of the best.... Highly Recommended. _____________________ Yes! the Embraer E-Jets Family by X-Crafts is currently available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Embraer E-Jets by X-Crafts Price per single aircraft is US$74.95 Embraer E170 by X-Crafts Embraer E175 by X-Crafts Embraer E190 by X-Crafts Embraer E190 by X-Crafts Purchasers of the E-Jet v2 (X-Plane 11) can get this new XP12 version with a 15% discount Embraer E-Jets Family by X-Crafts Price for the FULL E-Jet Package is US$134.95 Includes every E-Type | E170 | E175 | E190 | E195 Plus + Linaeage 1000 Private jet (When Released) Purchasers of the E-Jet v2 (X-Plane 11) can get this new XP12 version package with a 15% discount Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, MAC or Linux - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.1.0 (September 27th 2024) Download (Package) installed is; 5.56GB. The AviTab plugin is also required to use this aircraft, and it is deposited in your X-Plane Plugins folder. Designed by X-Crafts Support forum for XCrafts Documentation There is excellent full coverage documentation and built in checklists, including; E-Jets Family by X-Crafts - User Manual June 2023.pdf E-Jets Family by X-Crafts - User Manual.pdf _____________________ Aircraft Beta Review by Stephen Dutton 28th September 2024 Copyright©2024: 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 - Bose Quiet comfort Headphones. Software: - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane Version 12.04r3 Plugins: JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 Scenery or Aircraft - SBGL- Rio de Janeiro International v2 by Globallart (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$29.95 - SBSV - Salvador/Bahia International Airport by Globallart (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.95 (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 Kiwiflyer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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