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Aircraft Update : Carenado v3.2 X-Plane Fleet Overview


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Aircraft Update : Carenado v3.2 X-Plane Fleet Overview
 
Carenado updated their X-Plane Fleet of aircraft to v3.0 in early 2015 to cover the X-Plane version update of v10.30 which included the new GNS430/530 GPS systems. With the release of X-Plane v10.40 (which is officially still in progress to date at v10.45) Carenado have done another quieter version update to v3.1 since late October 2015 and then another to v3.2 early in this 2016 New Year to bring all the aircraft relevant and currently up to date with X-Plane.
 
On the surface there was no really big changes like with v10.30 turnover, but their was a lot of small fine-tuning details done to aircraft in the Laminar Research update below the surface. These are incorporated in this v3.2 fine tune with .2 update covering the SASL v2.4 plugin changes that affected Apple's "El Capitan" system software, but more importantly there was of a lot of internal housekeeping done to make the series overall more compatible with one another (in older released aircraft they were updated to current standards).
 
v9 aircraft was finally removed from all Carenado aircraft, dds texture files were also removed and all were replaced with .png files that give far higher quality and give much more better framerate and also removed the poor transparency issues that have been slightly annoying right across the Carenado range, if you know where to look all the v3.2 aircraft are all round better performers in texture quality and framerate performance. The new halo lighting was adjusted to current standards and sounds were better synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure. Most notable throughout the v3.2 changes has been the standardization of the manipulators to two versions, one the scroll wheel version with a switch off in the menu and the Christmas Tree version known as "SuperManipulator" that is scrollable in every direction.
 
But overall there was more going other than the obvious changes noted when you refly the v3.2 aircraft. That became very obvious as I sorted through my list to update the aircraft over the Christmas/New Year break. I had a good barometer as I had around Aug/Sept 2015 done a bit of nostalgic flying with just wanting to catchup with some old favorites. You become not very aware of how much change is really taking place around you in X-Plane until when you pop yourself under the yoke of an older (but at the time of release excellent) aircraft. Two in question were the wonderful dual-tail C337 Skymaster and the V-Tailed V35 Bonanza. Both were awful and felt really dated.
 
So when the C337 and the V35 were updated to v3.2 I wanted to assess the differences. The results are huge and the aircraft are very much now in context with the current standards. My current favorite the excellent F33A Bonanza also feels a worthy difference in all areas, from quality (textures), sounds, flight characteristics and the aircraft feels genuinely tighter. Bonus REP (Reality Expansion Packages) are also now available from Simcoders for the F33A and the CT210 Centurion II with more to follow.
 
The biggest noted changes are to the more older aircraft of the Carenado fleet, nothing will bring them totally up to date as they were designed and textured in another era, but what can be revised has been done so, so they feel far better than they have a right to do so.
 
No doubt that most changes listed here were in v3.0 last year, but it is the cohesion and intergration of all the changes that is significant in the v3.2 releases across all the fleet of aircraft that is to be noted.
 
So here are the current lineup aircraft with v3.2 changes. Officially Carenado have not noted the v3.2 listed, as there is still a few aircraft to the New Year 2016 that have not been released, I will note them here when they are updated. If they are not listed then there is no v3.2 update for that aircraft, v3.2 update is for compatibility with Apple's "El Capitan" MACos compatibility, but both v3.1 and v3.2 change logs are noted below because v3.2 does have extra version changes on some aircraft as noted.
 
If you already have any aircraft in the list then go to your X-Plane.OrgStore or Carenado account and update the aircraft to the v3.2 version (Just check the v3.2 aircraft has been updated).
 
Mooney M20J
 
Mooney_M20J_Ex.thumb.jpg.15e5290f509cb03Mooney_M20J_Int.thumb.jpg.1ff8c4364ee40d
 
As noted the older the aircraft the more significant the feel of the changes in v3.2. The Mooney is the oldest of the lot, and v3.2 has brought the old girl back to life. For the pilots who lived with the aircraft in their heyday, they will fall in love with the aircraft all over again.
 
v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
 
v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
 
Mooney M20J US$26.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore
 
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Saratoga PA32R
 
Saratoga_PA32_Ex.thumb.jpg.d12fc1e08a9e1Saratoga_PA32_Int.thumb.jpg.43497f63b10f
 
A big bruiser of a single-engined aircraft is the PA32R, with no autopilot aids to help you fly the aircraft either. The PA32 is another very early release from Carenado that has benefited from an upgrade.
 
v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Spool-up time from idle to full throttle more accurate.
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
 
v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
 
Saratoga PA32R US$26.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore
 
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Piper PA28 181 Archer II
 
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The very popular trainer and weekender aircraft the Piper Archer ll is a very popular machine with 32,000 aircraft produced, another great upgrade here in v3.2 with a lot of extensive changes and a hidden autopilot added (via keyboard shortcut). If in the air although I needed a lot of trim (nose down) to keep the aircraft level, but once trimmed the Archer ll was a nice aircraft to fly. 
 
 
v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Added option to make windows 100% transparent (in Options menu)
-Tweaked Startup Procedure
-Tweaked stall characteristics and stall horn
-Added Autopilot as hidden pop-up (activatable via keyboard short cut: xap/panels/3)
 
v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-Fixed internal startup engine sounds.
-Set glass parts to hide correctly
 
Piper PA28 181 Archer II US$26.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore
 
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Cessna 152 II

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A development of the late 1950's C150, the C152 ll is one of the most basic trainers flying. v3.2 has seen a huge improvement in this aircraft in handling (great before) but overall the upgraded quality also shows. newly installed hidden autopilot is not really needed on the tiddler C152 but welcome.

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Spool-up time from idle to full throttle more accurate.
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Added Autopilot as hidden pop-up (activatable via keyboard short cut: xap/panels/3)

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
 
Cessna 152 II US$24.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore
 
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Cessna 172 IIN Skyhawk
 
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43,000 C172 Skyhawks have been built and Cessna are still churning them out like no tomorrow. Like the baby C152 it is a simple basic trainer aircraft, but you get a float version included to add in for more versatility. Another aircraft that has benefited from the 3.2 update is the C172ll, which feels, looks and flies far better than the earlier C172 versions. Now the C172 has the added hidden autopilot via the keyboard.
 
v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Startup procedure, now won’t add mixture and will also require a little throttle for engine to start
-Nose gear contact point
-Spool-up time from idle to full throttle more accurate.
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Added option to make windows 100% transparent (in Options menu)
-Added Autopilot as hidden pop-up (activatable via keyboard short cut: xap/panels/3)
 
v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
 
Cessna 172N II Skyhawk $24.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore
 
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Next are a trio of Beechcraft Bonanzas...
 
F33A Bonanza
 
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The F33A is my General Aviation go to aircraft, if there is a better single-engine cruiser GA in X-Plane then I have yet to see one. Avionics are comprehensive and versatile. My first run in the earlier upgraded v3.1 version made me smile for days, totally brilliant...  it was great before, just overwhelming now and now "El Capitan" compatible as well in v3.2. Add in the new optional SimCoder REP package to further enhance the aircraft.
 
v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Spool-up time from idle to full throttle more accurate.
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
 
v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-Tweaked Hobbs meter 1/10th Hr. ring
-Tweaked HPa baro ring to turn over in sync with larger numbers.
 
F33A Bonanza US$26.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore - SimCoder REP Package $US19.95
 
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V35 Bonanza
 
Car_Bonanza_V36_Ext.thumb.jpg.3702569f37Car_Bonanza_V36_Int.thumb.jpg.43424c69d1
 
The V stands for V-Tail in this variant of the Bonanza series. Unusual to fly (in other words tricky) but rewarding. The V35 is very different than the F33A from the pilots point of view, single yoke and reduced avionics kit makes the V35 feel more old-fashioned. v3.2 update has thankfully transformed the aircraft to the same quality and flying standards as the other two Bonanzas. 
 
v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Spool-up time from idle to full throttle more accurate.
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
 
v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
 
V35 Bonanza US$26.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore
 
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A36 Bonanza
 
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The A36 is quite a significantly different aircraft than the other two Bonanzas. First it is longer by 10 inches (extra windows) has more power in 300 hp (224 kW) (the F33A has 285hp) but the biggest differences are in the cockpit. Both yokes are now separated (not mounted on a central crossbar) and there is the comprehensive Aspen Avionics EFD1000 PRO PFD avionics suite. In feel and flying it is a very different style of Bonanza aircraft, but the A36 is still an excellent single-engined GA.
 
(listed also is v3.0 for Aspen EFD1000 changes)

-Added scroll wheel support to knobs, so now knobs have click/drag/scroll functionality all in one (see documentation folder for explanation on how these work).
-Installed X-plane 10.30 GNS430, along with all 3D cockpit manipulators and assets
-Eliminated noise during load with engines running and reduced Doppler-related pitch intensity (noticeable before during fast camera switching)
-Fixed playback issue relating to above sound fix.
-Implemented auto-toe-brake for those without hardware toe brakes. (Automatically senses toe-brake hardware and disables plugin-based system, to avoid conflicts)
-tweaked flight dynamics
-Used new v10.30+ force datarefs to tweak engine torque effects (more future proof and tweakable)
-Pre-compressed livery files to .dds for faster livery load times
-Implemented COM2 Audio out for online use of Com2 radios for broadcasting
-Removed v9-related files
-Fixed Aspen EFD1000 to work in all French areas and airports
-Made Aspen EFD1000 more future-proof by allowing future 5-digit airport codes to be parsed out for use in moving map.

v3.1 changes: 
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Spool-up time from idle to full throttle more accurate.
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
 
v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-Re-programmed clipping (dynamic cropping) for Aspen EFD1000 pop-up window, using SASL 2.4's new
-Re-programmed functionality to save last known Aspen window size and position.
-NOTE: to change default positions and size, please make sure the plane (or plugin) is NOT RUNNING in X-Plane, before editing the "AspenConfig.txt" file.
 
A36 Bonanza US$26.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore
 
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CT210M Centurion II

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The CT210M Centurion is the non-strut turbo version with the 310 hp (231 kW) TSIO-520-R engine. In other words it is a fast sweet little aircraft.

The v3.1 update was basic but worthy, however the SimCoder REP package really enhances the aircraft except for starting the thing which is painful.

Full CT210M and REP review here: Aircraft Update - CT210M Centurion II v3.1 by Carenado + Reality Expansion Pack by SimCoders

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150  (Useful for multi-monitor use, where 120 didn't cut it).
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure (No more detached control over plugin-based audio and X-Plane internal audio. Now, X-Plane's settings transfer to plugin-based sounds).
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
 
Additionally, the CT210 received the following updates:
-Added pop-up autopilot
-Tweaked landing gear sound
-improved panel night lighting

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility

CT210M Centurion II US$29.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore - SimCoder REP Package $US19.95

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CT206H Stationair HD Series

Car_CT206H_Ext.thumb.jpg.a7acb0cf884d06fCar_CT206H_Int.thumb.jpg.6eeb7b8f67d2640568b7f8233d23_CT210G1000.jpg.8565dd84911 

An aircraft I really loved from first (flight) sight. Lovely panel with a large screen GNS 530 GPS looks amazing in flight and in use. The v3.2 update gives the aircraft a nice touchup and all round better feel and better quality. Now the CT206H comes with the new Carenado Garmin G1000 twin-panel display option for more versatility and detail.

Standard panel version review here: Aircraft Review : CT206H Turbo Stationair HD Series by Carenado

v3.1 changes:
-Added SuperManipulator support
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Made spill lights (Taxi and Landing) work with HDR off.

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-Fixed "first load" bug for "C" and "O" popup menus (Standard Panel only)
-Addressed Linux bug (Standard Panel only)

CT206H Stationair HD Series US$29.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore - CT210 G1000 Extension Pack $US14.95

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 CT182T Skylane G1000 HD Series

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The CT182T is Carenado's first fully equipped Garmin G1000 avionics package. Released in September 2015 the CT182T already was v3.1 compliant, so only v3.2 changes are noted.

Exclusive features of the G1000 include:

  • Exclusive Carenado G1000 (PFD and MFD)
  • Terrain Awareness map mode 
  • Different declutter levels
  • Advance menus and cursor with scroll wheel, click/hold or /drag
  • Aux- Trip Planning Window
  • Checklist mode
  • Crisp, vector-based water data
  • Pop-up windows can be resized and moved around the screen
  • Pristine scroll wheel support
  • FPS-friendly terrain map

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility

CT182T Skylane G1000 HD Series US$34.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

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C337 Skymaster HD Series

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Horrified that my beloved C337 Twin-Engined Skymaster was feeling so out of date. The earlier v3.1 update was thankfully very welcome and all the worries were put to rest as the Skymaster soared again. An amazing hybrid of an aircraft is the push-puller C337 and the detailed panel is one of the best in the business.

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Updated engine behaviour for more realism during startup

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility

C337 Skymaster HD Series US$29.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

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Beechcraft type 58 Baron

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A powerful Twin is always a good thing to fly. The Baron B58 is such an aircraft, and has a very nice panel and avionics to suit. Excellent KFC225 Autopilot and two GN430 GPS units give you good systems to fly distances. The v3.1 update covers the basics and brings the aircraft up to date and freshens the B58 into a very good twin.

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Spool-up time from idle to full throttle more accurate.
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
 
v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-Fixed glideslope needle
-Changed ADF1 radio tuner, to not enter negative numbers

B58 Baron US$27.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

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Cessna 340 ll HD Series

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Bigger and a more powerful Twin is the C340 ll. It is pressurised as well which means it can fly higher and faster over distances of 1600 miles.
In v3.1 the aircraft has had quite a bit of an overhaul and it comes out of the changes a much more rounded and usable aircraft. Overall the C340 ll feels far more solid in quality (It wasn't bad in the first place) and detail is now more intricate and the C340 ll is nicer to fly.

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Fixed “divided by zero” error in Fuel Flow meter
-reduced engine side cant, due to anti-torque measures already being taken care of via plugin.

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility

Cessna 340 ll HD Series US$29.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

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PA46 Malibu Mirage 350P HD Series

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The PA46 Mirage is designed to have all the attributes of a light jet without the cost. It is powered by the powerful Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A 350 hp (260 kW) engine with a top speed of 234 kn (269 mph; 433 km/h). The aircraft was released by Carenado in March 2014, not old in X-Plane years. So the aircraft was still very good. The v3.1 update did however do a little fine tuning around the edges and brought the aircraft to the current standard, and yes it feels all the better for the changes and a slightly lighter framerate gain as well.

Release Review: Aircraft Review : Piper PA-46 Malibu Mirage HD Series by Carenado

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Updated engine behaviour for more realism during startup

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-Tweaked V/S scroll manipulator for easier use.

PA46 Malibu Mirage 350P HD Series US$29.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

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Pilatus PC12 HD Series

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Certainly the best Carenado release of the year in 2015. The PC-12 is an extraordinary machine and no one liked it? Lately it has found more and more converts and its future as a classic aircraft will hopefully be finally realised. Overwhelming quality and a challenging machine to fly, the PC-12 is one of my must go to aircraft.

v3.2 changes are extensive and include a full aircraft tuning update. Lighter quality textures help with the framerate as well. Only blotch is the still too bright non-adjustable panel lighting.

Release Review: Aircraft Review : Pilatus PC12 HD Series by Carenado

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Tweaked spinners to look more chrome
-Pedestal night lighting (text) improved under certain weather conditions
-Improved texturing of baggage compartment curtain
-closed off baggage compartment graphical glitch
-Fixed “divided by zero” error in digital Fuel Flow gauge
-improved standby battery logic
-air conditioner/heater logic implemented.
-added Fuel Shutoff lever logic  (Firewall)
-added ECS Shutoff lever logic (Firewall)

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-Implemented autopilot "Up" and "Dn" buttons for use with "IAS" mode. (Increase/decrease target airspeed).
-Fixed looping air conditioning sound thud.
-HSI night illumination with HDR disabled fixed.
-Fixed Door Handle
-improved standby bus light logic

Pilatus PC12 HD Series US$34.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

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C208B Grand Caravan HD Series

C208B_Ext.thumb.jpg.b7b6c657341cbf96c289C208B_Int.thumb.jpg.93f370adb9cb9a33237cCargomaster.jpg.220dfaf98d36e1186119355b

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan is overwhelmingly the largest selling Carenado aircraft in X-Plane, it is hugely popular as well. I call mine "The Mistress" because I always wanted to slip away with her and just have a lot of fun (flying not hanky panky). But I was throughout 2015 feeling the old girl was showing her age, yes the Caravan actually felt tired. With poor manipulators and average performance I was finding the aircraft below par. So like a few other aircraft here the v3.1 update was hopefully the tonic the Caravan needed to continue our love affair, thankfully it was extensive and the aircraft is all the better for the update changes and fine-tuning...  just don't tell the wife!

SuperCargoMaster addon is a must have, but you have to have the main C208B to install it.

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Spool-up time from idle to full throttle more accurate.
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure

-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Plugin-enhanced - FPS-optimized model.
-Night light effects - Prop disc effect
-New plug-in controlled 3D sounds

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility

C208B Grand Caravan HD Series US$29.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore - SuperCargoMaster Expansion Pack $US7.95

_______________________________________________

The King Airs...

C90B King Air HD Series

C90_Ext.thumb.jpg.6e2dede84ef1f2d55b5877C90_Int.thumb.jpg.d703fd553c9fed2d328c90

The Cessna KingAir series of aircraft is one of the great aviation success stories, and Carenado have produced three of the very best for X-Plane. The C90B is smallest of the range, but a very powerful aircraft.

Carenado introduced a chrome feature in 2015, and in the v3.1update the C90B gets the new shiny treatment. All Carenado KingAir's are quite heavy on frameweight, so the redo of textures and efficiency gains are more noticeable on these aircraft, and that quality of fine tuning of textures has seen better changes to the the smaller text detailing (sharper) around the cockpit.

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Tweaked spinners to look more chrome
-Pedestal night lighting (text) improved under certain weather conditions
-Improved texturing of baggage compartment curtain
-closed off baggage compartment graphical glitch
-Fixed “divided by zero” error in digital Fuel Flow gauge 

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility

 C90B King Air HD Series US$34.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

_______________________________________________

Beechcraft  King Air 200 HD Series

B200_King_Air_Ext.thumb.jpg.fbbca8b4ac58B200_King_Air_Int.thumb.jpg.831dd1dcd221

You can't ignore the workhorse B200, it is an awesome machine. Multirole you can find so many variations to fly this aircraft over huge distances (over 2000miles) and living in Australia I have all flying space to spare.

The B200 get the same changes as the B90C in v3.2 with the same results and that makes it a better more solid aircraft all round.

Release Review: Aircraft Review : B200 King Air HD Series by Carenado

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Tweaked spinners to look more chrome
-Pedestal night lighting (text) improved under certain weather conditions
-Improved texturing of baggage compartment curtain
-closed off baggage compartment graphical glitch
-Fixed “divided by zero” error in digital Fuel Flow gauge

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-Tweaked startup auto arm, igniters, fuel in time, and spool up time compared to real videos.

Beechcraft King Air 200 US$34.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

_______________________________________________

Beechcraft 1900 HD Series

B1900D_Ext.thumb.jpg.7a020e16535b239c8a9B1900D_Int.thumb.jpg.7158859f465714d0333

The B1900D is your go to aircraft for short regional point to point flying. X-Plane regional flying is now one of the most comprehensive in the simulator and if you don't have the B1900D you are missing out on the very best aircraft for the segment in history.

v3.2 brings the same fine-tuning as the other KingAirs and it is a far more worthy aircraft for it. Once the King of the below average frameweight machines, the B1900D has progressed to something now as normal with constant work over updates on the heavy early textures, in other words it is now a very flyable and worthy machine.

Release Review: Aircraft Review : Beechcraft 1900D HD Series by Carenado

v3.1 changes:
-Broadened FOV to 150
-Linked volume to internal sound infrastructure
-Created mute button, which is synchronized with X-Plane’s internal sound infrastructure
-Deleted .dds files, due to poor appearance, and some transparency issues.
-Fixed lights to be 10.40+ compliant (Halo size remastered, so it doesn’t look huge on large monitors)
-Flight dynamics tweaked (Removed auto-toe-brake infrastructure, since X-Plane 10.40 now has it built-in, and could cause conflicts with plugin).
-Tweaked spinners to look more chrome
-Pedestal night lighting (text) improved under certain weather conditions
-Improved texturing of baggage compartment curtain
-Fixed “divided by zero” error in digital Fuel Flow gauge

v3.2 changes:
-SASL plugin v2.4 updated for "El Capitan" MACos compatibility
-HSI night illumination with HDR disabled fixed.

Beechcraft 1900D HD Series US$34.95 : X-Plane.OrgStore

_______________________________________________

As noted at the start of this update overview is the main thing that came across during the creation and flying for this update review. Is that all these aircraft are in v3.2 specification very mature and not so varied as before in their differences in quality and performance. In the HD (High-Definition) Series you can expect a very level balance throughout any of the aircraft in quality, performance and operation (simulator and aircraft) and all are very current with the X-Plane v10.40 requirements. And that is no mean feat considering the sheer breadth of the aircraft available for X-Plane from Carenado going into 2016.

Stephen Dutton

12th January 2016 (revised)
 
Copyright©2016: X-PlaneReviews

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