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Aircraft Update : BAe 146 Professional v1.2.1 by Just Flight


Stephen

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JF_BAe_146_v121_Header.jpg

 

Aircraft Update : BAe 146 Professional v1.2.1 by Just Flight

 

In May 2021, JustFlight released for the X-Plane11 Simulator, the regional BAe 146 airliner in three variants -100/-200/-300. On top of that you also got Passenger/Freight/Combi versions as well. That is a pretty big spread of types for just one airliner. The equivalent later Avro variants were the RJ70, RJ85 and RJ100, plus the QT "Quiet Trader" and QC "Quick Change" variant.

 

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As noted in X-PlaneReviews comprehensive review...  Aircraft Review : British Aerospace 146 Professional by JustFlight The BAe146 is an outstanding simulation, with real depth and that 80's classic dial and clockwork cockpit...

 

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...  modeling and detail is absolutely excellent, you want that extreme quality, then here it is by JustFlight with a conversion by Thranda Design.

Notable is that there is an earlier release on the Prepar3D platform format, but the (X-Plane) Thranda version adds in more features and detail...  but one aspect on the P3D release BAe146 that was not on the formal release of the X-Plane version was a fully working FMS (Flight Management System) or as it is sometimes called the FMC. The reason was that the X-Plane FMS had to be rebuilt from the ground up, as the P3D to X-Plane conversion was not possible. So the FMS was replaced by the default X-Plane FMC in the release version.

 

BAe 146 Professional v1.2.1

This extensive update is mostly to update the BAe146 with that better UFMC (Universal Flight Management Computer). It is not the same unit as in the P3D aircraft version as that uses the UNS-1Lw SBAS-Flight Management System or UNS-1, here it is still a Universal system but with the long facia plate, that makes it look more of a default FMS than it actually really is. As a side note, releasing in X-Plane12 is the Honeywell Primus FMC, which has a very similar layout and facia plate to the UNS-1, so maybe that facia unit will come as an option later.

 

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First is that each (left/right) CDU unit is individual, either can be changed or inputted separately, and that shows a depth of a good system. Both units have pop-outs for again individual use and are noted as either LEFT/RIGHT.

 

Only on the pop-outs is the feature to type in directly from the keyboard. This is done by clicking on the left MESSAGE pad and the symbol "K" comes up...  now you can directly key data into the CDU unit via the "Scratchpad".

 

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From the first look, it is obvious this is a comprehensive FMS system, the layout and data is very well detailed, and the system has a lot of depth...  on the IDENT page you get the full data of the Aircraft and Engines, JF v121 version and date/co data, and of course the AIRAC (Aeronautical Information Regulation And Control) cycle. The POS INIT (Position) is also very good in that if you input your ICAO airport code (EKCH) - Kalstrop, and the Gate, the CDU will recognise both inputs (most FMSs, will allow the inputs, but are not actually active, but here the inputs are) with even the current Lat/Long position displayed.

 

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The BAe146 uses the FJCC system, so the required (AIRAC) data folder goes into the X-Plane’s ‘Custom Data/UFMC/’ folder. I have one already as using the SSG Aircraft which uses the same navigation data, but if it does not yet exist, then you need to create a "UFMC" folder in the Custom Data folder, and JustFlight provides a AIRAC_2009_UFMC_Installer.exe in the BAe_146/Plugins folder to do that insert. A AIRAC_2009_UFMC.pkg for Mac's and Linux is also provided. All data can be updated each AIRAC (monthly) cycle via a Navigraph or Aerosoft NavDataPro subscription.

 

ROUTES

You can use two flightplans (RTE 1/RTE 2) on the ROUTE Page...  You can then access the route assembly (AIRWAYS) via pressing the "NEXT PAGE" key, noted via the upper right page number, to go back to the ROUTE Page you then press the RTE key.

 

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Route waypoint data is easily inserted, with DIRECT (next Waypoint) that is added in automatically...  overall route construction is very easy.

 

Both DEP/ARR data is very good, with RUNWAY/SID/STARS/TRANS commands all provided.

 

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I always mostly edit my Arrival (ARR) route, and in most cases the best data for doing that is using the RNAV approach (chart/data) for that runway. Sadly there is no PLAN mode on the BAe146 to visually see the created route, so you have to make sure the data is correct on when entered.

 

Here the approach to Zurich is via RILAX (STAR), going into RWY 34 (RILAX 28 34 RNAV)... the set CDU set STAR RILAX1A, is a bit ambiguous, so I am taking control of the arrival route. RILAX1A creates two nasty "ROUTE DISCONTINUITY' errors with LAMAX and AMIKI separated, worse is that the LAMAX and AMIKI waypoints go the long, long way around to the runway...

 

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RILAX 34.jpg

RILAX 28 34 RNAV (navigraph)

 

Far quicker is the inner route via the waypoints RILAX-ZH364 to ZH370 + ZH340 to the final approach waypoints of UTIXI and MILNI...

 

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Starting after RILAX I then added in the series of numbered waypoints ZH364 to ZH370 + ZH340 then moved UTIXI into the first "ROUTE DISCONTINUITY' box to edit out both LAMAX and AMIKI waypoints and create the same approach RNAV route as on the above RILAX 34 chart.

 

The point here was that the route editing was excellent, however you do need to "EXEC" (Execute) every single time if you need to remove or change a wrongly inserted waypoint or DELETE a waypoint, it won't accept the action otherwise. Notable was the CDU was willing to accept numbered waypoints as well as the IACO five letter waypoints. So route building and editing on this Universal CDU is excellent. But shame you don't have a visual (even a pop-up) layout of the route to verify your data it is a noticeable omission.

 

PERF INIT (Performance)

The PERF INIT page is also very good...  this sets up the performance of the aircraft in flight, and is actually required to add in the VNAV calculations.

 

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Press LK1 (Left Key 1) to set up the ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight) and GW (Gross Weight) that are both noted on the tablet...

 

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Odd thought is the PLAN fuel entry? In most cases you add in the BLOCK fuel amount (9162 kgs), but it only gives you a INVALID FORMAT error message?

 

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To set the PLAN amount you have to enter the COST INDEX (opposite), in a COST INDEX number (from 0000 to 9999)... the PLAN number shown is the TRIP fuel amount and not the BLOCK fuel (Block fuel is the 9.2 CALC), this is not the usual way of setting the PLAN fuel performance number? Notable is the setting of the STEP SIZE right lower.

 

JF_BAe_146_v121_FMS 23.jpg

 

TAKEOFF REF leads on from the PERF INIT page...   Here you can manage take-off performance. Take-off flap setting and V-speeds can be entered and verified. T/O flap position will give you your takeoff speeds v1, VR V2 of which you can select and set via the right side keys. (note you have to set the bugs yourself?). APPROACH REF can also be set.

 

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ECON CLB, ECON CRZ (Cruise) and ECON 285 are all available via the VNAV button?

 

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Notable is that you only have the TAKEOFF REFS on the ground as the page is whited out (above right).

 

HOLDS

A huge feature on this FMS, is that it has a very good HOLD function. There are two separate HOLD functions, a "No Holding Fix" and a "Holding Fix" in the route.  Press the HOLD button to access the hold options.

 

JF_BAe_146_v121_FMS 30.jpgJF_BAe_146_v121_FMS 31.jpg

 

On the left is the five ICAO box input and on the right is the PPCS. In reality a "No Holding Fix" will create a racetrack course at any point around a Lat/Long fix... so pressing the PPCS will create the current Lat/Long fix (Image below left) and start the HOLD position.

 

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The "Holding Fix" is selected via a ICAO waypoint, then inserted into the box input to select of which waypoint you want the hold to start, this is noted on the waypoint as "HOLD AT" and the waypoint is noted on the HOLD page via the HOLD button. You can edit it out anytime via doing a DIRECT-TO (DIR-TO).

There is no actual DIRECT-TO button on this CDU, so you select your next (DIRECT) waypoint (into the scratchpad) and then insert it at the top of the route list with the LK1 key, to get out of the HOLD you do the same DIRECT-TO action. All actions require the EXEC (Execute) action.

 

There are different HOLD entry procedures (direct, parallel and teardrop) which are computed automatically by the FMS. Distance Legs between turns is noted in minutes in 1.0 minutes below 14,000 feet and 1.5 minutes above 14,000 feet. Leg Times can be adjusted, but are calculated with airspeed and wind variables.

 

Pretty good isn't it...  You can't cover every feature here, but the provided manual and details is excellent. If you wish you can also now also replace this FMS with the 3rd party RealityXP GTN750 in the 3D cockpit

________________

 

Physical changes in v1.2.1 include a very nice GPU (Ground Power Unit), of which I complained about that was missing. And if you press the weather radar screen for it comes up now as a 2D pop-up window, (quicker than using the menu).

 

JF_BAe_146_v121_GPU.jpgJF_BAe_146_v121_Extras 3.jpg

 

One of the big features on the JF BAe146 is the Thrust Modulation System (TMS), and the system has had a few significant changes in this v1.2.1 update...

...  now Pressing an active mode or TOGA button will return TMS to standby and freeze actuators in place, blue up-arrows and white down-arrows will correctly show whether the pilot needs to increase or decrease throttles, TMS actuators will now remain centered when the thrust levers are at idle and the TMS actuators movement rate is no longer dependent on frame rate...

 

JF_BAe_146_v121_Extras 2.jpg

 

...   the TMS actuators will now remain centered when the thrust levers are at idle, and the TMS actuators movement rate is no longer dependent on frame rate.

 

The FUEL TRANSFER annunciators, will now properly indicate the center tank transfer valve positions on both the upper OHP and main annunciator panel.

 

JF_BAe_146_v121_Extras 4.jpgJF_BAe_146_v121_Extras 5.jpg

 

Fixed engines #3 and #4 low oil temperatures in flight after a cold-and-dark start, improved Engine Overspeed test: If N1 is between 26 and 40%, this will shut down the engine.  This can be reset by either re-starting the engine, or powering down the ESS DC bus and the Oxygen test now requires the oxygen valve to be open.

____________

 

In Flight...

 

JF_BAe_146_v121_Flight 1.jpgJF_BAe_146_v121_Flight 2.jpgJF_BAe_146_v121_Flight 3.jpgJF_BAe_146_v121_Flight 4.jpgJF_BAe_146_v121_Flight 5.jpg

 

....  the BAe146 looks and is amazing.

 

PROG (Progress) page is excellent in action with three pages under the PROG button...

 

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....  page 1 covers distance and waypoint progress, page 2 covers your Wind, Fuel Used and (current) Fuel Quantity. Page 3 covers RTA data. As both CDUs are separate, then the data pages can be shared between the two CDUs.

.

JF_BAe_146_v121_Flight 9.jpgJF_BAe_146_v121_Flight 8.jpg

 

Not noted in any changelog, is that the cabin lighting has been adjusted for night conditions...  now the cabin is not pitch black, but a really enjoyable place to be when flying at night...  yes I complained about that aspect as well.

 

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JF_BAe_146_v121_Final.jpg

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Summary

The Just Flight/Thranda Design British Aerospace BAe146 was released for the X-Plane Simulator back in May 2021. It is a highly developed simulation, but the release (v1.0) version was missing one main component in a fully working FMS (Flight Management System)

 

This v1.2.1 update fixes that aspect with the installation of a UFMC (Universal Flight Management Computer). It is not the same unit as in the P3D aircraft version UNS-1, but again a more highly developed and deeper Flight Management system for X-Plane.

 

And very good it is, and the system comes with individual CDUs, keyboard input, full editing, numbered and ICAO waypoints, PERF (Performance), PROG (Progress), ECON (Economy), TAKEOFF REFs and an extremely good HOLD system with both Lat/Long and waypoint holds. Navigation data is also provided for the custom FJCC system (or update via Navigraph or Aerosoft NavDataPro subscriptions).

 

The v1.2.1 update (changelog) list is quite long and detailed, but added is a physical GPU (Ground Power Unit) and new quick access pop-up (Weather) panel, RealityXP GTN750 is now optional, reflections have been toned down on instruments and windows. The unique Thrust Modulation System (TMS), has also had a few significant changes... Fuel Transfer annunciators have been adjusted as has the oil temperatures in flight after a cold-and-dark start, and an improved Engine Overspeed test. And the Oxygen test now requires the valve to be opened...  not noted but included is far better night cabin lighting.

 

The inclusion of the Universal UFMC is far more significant than it looks, as it sorts of completes the aircraft and it's system to be a far more and better simulation...  It just now looks and feels as a whole, and not as partly completed as before.

 

The title says "Pro" or Professional, and that is exactly what the BAe146 is. But that means it is study grade as well, so it needs time and study to get the best out of the aircraft, but notable now is the point in that you get the complete context of all the systems in the aircraft now with a fully decent FMS installed...    Highly Recommended.

___________________________________

 

X-Plane Store logo sm.jpg

 

Yes! the British Aerospace 146 Professional v1.2.1 by JustFlight is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

 

BAe146 Professional - JustFlight

Price is US$74.99

Requirements
  • X-Plane 11
  • Windows, Mac or Linux
  • 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB VRAM Recommended
  • Download Size: 3.8 GB
Current and Review Version: 1.2.1 (September 21st 2021)

 

Note!, you can use the Skunkcrafts updater to update the aircraft to the latest version.

 

Features

Eight variants of the 146 are included:
  • 146-100
  • 146-200
  • 146-300
  • 146-200 QC & QT (cargo)
  • 146-300 QT (cargo)
  • CC.Mk2 (RAF VIP configuration with countermeasure pods)
  • C.Mk3 (RAF cargo configuration with countermeasure pods)
 Accurately modelled using real-world aircraft plans and comprehensive photography of the real aircraft (G-JEAO, ZE701 and ZE708) 
Numerous animations including:
     - Trailing edge flap surfaces
     - Wing-mounted spoilers and tail-mounted airbrake
     - Ailerons and elevators feature servo tabs, and balanced, free-floating control surfaces which are affected not only by oncoming air, but also by turbulence, side winds, up and down drafts etc. during taxi or low-speed ground operations
     - All passenger, service and cargo doors use custom animations and feature extra logic such as the auto-closure of doors above a certain speed
     - Windscreen wipers with individual left/right animations and independent speed controls
     - Distinctive retractable tricycle landing gear featuring complex trailing link shock-absorbing mechanism on the main gear
     - Countermeasure pods, HF aerial and more
Now with Custom FMC 
  • Included UFMC (Custom FMC) support since version 1.2
COCKPIT
  • A truly 3D cockpit environment right down to accurately modelled seat belts and screw heads
  • Cockpit textures feature wear and tear based on reference photos taken in the real aircraft to produce an authentic environment
  • Captain, Co-pilot and jump-seat positions are modelled with hundreds of functional controls, including over 200 buttons, 100 switches and knobs, with smooth animations, easy-to-use clickspots and precision sounds
  • Fully VR compatible
  • Aircraft configuration system that will allow you to choose between 'cold & dark' or 'engines running’. These configurations can be customised via the Manifest.json file.
  • Custom throttle lever logic – fuel latch logic which is compatible with hardware (avoiding jitters due to conflicting throttle positions), cutomisable variation in throttle positions for added realism, clickspot for controlling all four levers simultaneously etc.
  • Functional crank handles on knobs such as the altitude select and rudder trim, which allow for more intuitive, realistic and quicker operation
  • Full support for command assignments, hardware and cockpit builders:
    • All controls can be assigned to commands, with tooltips on every clickspot to indicate which command to use
    • Parameters such as smoothing animation, number of positions, attached dataref, push-button depth, knob rotation multiplier, frame-skip (for optimisation), default position etc. can all be customised via the Manifest.json file, providing great support for hardware and cockpit builders.
    • Default commands for landing and taxi lights, windscreen wipers, panel lights etc. are still respected, despite being implemented with custom functionality
  • Custom features such as ‘hide yokes’ are controllable using default commands (e.g. 'Hide Yoke') as well as via clickspots
  • EFB tablet with door and call-out controls and with AviTab support
TEXTURES AND LIVERIES
  • Physical Based Rendering (PBR) materials produce realistic metallic, plastic and glass surfaces. Certain liveries feature more metallic or more rough finishes to match the real-world materials on a per-livery basis.
  • 4096x4096 textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity (external texture pixel density exceeds 330 pixels/m, very high for an airliner)
  • X-Plane texture quality slider reduces texture dimensions and compresses textures in-sim in real-time, but textures that are crucial for hi-res clarity and legibility are protected from resolution degradation at lower graphic settings
  • Authentic labelling and placards based on those found in the real aircraft
  • The 3D model intelligently re-uses the same parts between aircraft variants, reducing download size and optimising in-sim resource usage.
  • The numerous optimisation measures made to the aircraft’s geometry, such as unloading parts that are not in view, contribute to the aircraft’s FPS-friendly performance (in-house tests consistently yield between 70-135 FPS)
  • Ground vehicles (X-Plane default) available at supporting airports.

 

BAe146 Changelog v1,2.1

________________________________________
 

Aircraft Update Review by Stephen Dutton

2nd October 2021

Copyright©2021: X-Plane Reviews

 

Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Right Reserved.
 

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