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Aircraft Update : Bell 407 Service Pack 1.1 by Dreamfoil Creations


Stephen

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Aircraft Update : Bell 407 Service Pack 1.1 by Dreamfoil Creations

 

Dreamfoil have updated their excellent Bell 407 with a "Service Pack" 1.1. It is really an update for the machine to full X-Plane 10.30 specifications to bring the aircraft right up to date. No doubt the Bell 407 on its release in April 2014 was a huge success in its quality and features, and certainly deserves its position as one of the best helicopters available for X-Plane today.

 

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It is an exceptional helicopter to fly. Easy but highly realistic is the best way to describe the handling and you can even adjust that to your own skill level. But there is no autopilot features on this aircraft, that means you hold the stick and rudder constantly in motion, but at least the controls are light and neutral and the feature of "Rigid cruise" can also hold the aircraft in a sort of cruise mode.

 

So what is in this service pack (A side note is that the pack is noted still as SP1...  when it should be SP1.1)?

 

Service Pack (SP1.1)

 

- Fixed issue with checking multiplayer aircrafts loading causing X-Plane to Crash
- Retro compatibility map light for non HDR users
- Fixed the non correct mouse position for DreamEngine volume window
- Improved accuracy of climb indicator
- Fixed problem with wire cutters displaying when disabled
- Prop Disc will work correctly if coming from another aicraft that override it
- Improved Sling Hook 3D model and included balancing animations
- Improved CineFlex with animations
- Added cursor button to Garmin
- Garmin screen can be clicked to show the popup
- Fixed LIT texture for RPM gauge redline
- Fixed non lighting BATT and HYDR SYS text for overhead LIT texture
- Reversed Garmin 430 controls for zoom/range
- Code improves for Bell 407 plugin and memory leak fix
- Improved Rotor Brake behavior to be compatible with FSEconomy
- Added cockpit resonance/shake when skidding at low speed
- DreamEngine & SmartMenu minor memory leak fix
- Restricted CineFlex to High Skid version due to Height of Low Skid version
- Fixed issue with DreamEngine mouse event catch geometry not updating accordly to window size
- Plugins should now ignore message from 3rd party plugins
 
Mostly the pack is full of tidy ups of details. Service pack 1 released in August 2014 had the new Garmin GNS430 GPS installed and also the new CineFlex feature (a camera on the nose) and here both items have been refined.
 
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The CineFlex moves more smoothly now from its stored position to a forward operation point of view. But there is no screen in the cockpit to see or use it in any capacity? 
 
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The Garmin 430 has had the controls reversed for its zoom function...  GPS system is very handy for short flights and moving map location, it pop-out like every GNS GPS for a bigger screen if you want that. If you don't want the GNS at all then the older radio sets can installed instead.
 
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Panel is one of the best in the business and ooozes quality.
 
The only small issue is the point of view in reading the panel and looking of where you are flying?  It is very tight to get both views in the same picture? Especially if you are navigating. I use an iPad app to get around the problem FSi C172 (instruments), so that works, but it is still tight.
 
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Too many features to list here, but I love the menu system and all the doors open, and I love the short or long window glass option.
 
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There has been two new liveries add quietly as well... Red and PRF (Policia Rodoviaria Federal)
 
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Two other new liveries worth noting are Inaer EC-LBS (Fire Fighting) and N407SE (Army)
 
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Huge feature set!
 

    Cabin, Cockpit and Instruments lights available with great effects.

    Realistic Flight model / Autorotations

    Force Trim available

    Full simulation of all switches and Circuit Breakers

    Hydraulic simulation - Transient Torque

    Fadec & Manual startup simulation

    Extensive commands for assigning with keys or buttons, all overhead switches and circuit breakers are accessible by a custom command

    Persistent fuel quantity for each livery, so each livery act like a different helicopter

    Instrument Exceedance simulation (will record any exceedance on MGT, TRQ and NG)

    Battery + Starter simulation, don't allow your battery voltage to get too low otherwise you'll have problems during the start!

    Hotstart simulation for manual startup

    Switchable console bay allow to use Radios or Garmin 430

    Air Conditioner simulation, including a nice sound that react to vent directions

    Functional Floats can be deployed during flight for emergency landings or practicing over the water.

    Tie downs available to main rotor blades

    Caps for turbine inlet, outlet and pitot

    Fully articulated 3D rotor and Blade flex

    GPU (Ground Power Unit) available

    Pedal stop simulation, the equipment that reduces left pedal authority above 50kts, don't fly without it and push all left pedal, or you'll have troubles!

    Transmission limit simulation, don't push it too far or you can break the transmission.

    Removable rotor shadows - Low and High skids options

 

X-Plane Reviews did a full release review on the Bell 407, So check it out for all the features and equipment details :

 

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The Bell 407 Service Pack 1.1 by Dreamfoil Creations is now available from the New X-Plane.Org Store here : Bell 407 and is priced at only US$34.95

 

If you have already purchased the Bell 407, then go to your X-Plane.OrgStore account and download the updated "1.1" version...  as noted the file does say (SP1) but the check the changelog with the files and that should say 1.1

 

Documents : 1 Manual pdf, Checklist and FAQ

 

Requirements:

Windows, MAC or Linux - X-Plane 10.30 or higher - 32 and 64 bit compatible. Joystick required

1GB VRAM Recommended

Current version: SP1.1, Last updated: February 11th 2015     

updated store#

 

Stephen Dutton

 

13th February 2015

 

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