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Aircraft Review : Boeing 732 TwinJet v3 by FlyJSim


Stephen

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Aircraft Review : Boeing 732 TwinJet v3 Professional by FlyJSim

 

I have had a strange relationship with FlyJSim's Boeing 737 TwinJet. In reality I shouldn't have because it does everything so well. If you want the most outstanding 60's/70's clockwork dial aircraft in X-Plane you can't go past this Boeing 732 and as an recommendation I gave and further more still do give the aircraft high marks, but somehow I personally just couldn't warm to the aircraft? This is very odd because I totally adore FJS's Boeing 727 package and the FJS Dash Q400 is my absolute favorite prop liner, so why not the B732?

 

So what was missing for me? I totally understand the focus on the pilot and the way the aircraft flies is totally paramount for a simulator and in that area the FJS B732 certainly delivered...  but, and this was a big but. Before leaving the gate you couldn't do anything with the aircraft, you set it up for the flight, but that was it. It was the same scenario when you landed in the fact that after you berthed the aircraft and then shut it down and....  well not much else. At night it flew like a big black hole in the sky, lovely cockpit, but really nothing else. So my overall feeling is that it felt sort of incomplete with nothing but empty space behind the cockpit door, half an aircraft so to speak. A few years ago in X-Plane that was the normal, but is it now after the FlightFactor B757/767 and Rotate's MD-88 when you have absolutely everything and both sides of the cockpit door.

 

732 TwinJet v3 Pro

So here is version three (v3) of the Boeing 737-200 TwinJet from FlyJSim. It has actually been a long time coming (the last update was 15th Aug 2015), but the wait for the changes have been well worth the wait. To note this is not an update, but a completely redesigned aircraft with the only best elements of the original transferred over, it is a completely different aircraft to the original.

 

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First impressions of the v3 are overwhelming, the original was good, but the detail here is staggering. The older B732 liveries in your collection do still work with this v3 aircraft, but they are 2K and not the Hi-Res 4K as seen here, so there is a significant difference close-up and with the totally overwhelming feel of the aircraft.

 

These Hi-Res liveries and all aspects of the higher detail of this v3 aircraft does also significantly impact on your graphic card. Before even keying in to authorise the aircraft (or load it), it is wise to reduce your "texture quality setting" to "High", or you are faced with a 6045mb loading crash, set in "High" that is reduced to 3230mb which is still quite high but now workable with a 4gb graphic card. As you can see in the above images, the lower texture quality setting still allows for the very high detail and quality aircraft to be used, as so you are losing almost nothing in the lower setting.

 

So that very first view is very impressive, and it gets better...

 

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Now the door will open and majestically the built in stairs will unfurl and then allow you to board the aircraft...  There are rear stairs as well which are highly animated for their height above the ground. In fact all the doors for passenger and cargo open...

 

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The native Ground Services also work well with the aircraft, but there is now also a JARDesign Ground Handing set to use with the B732 for more control and livery versatility.

 

The entry up into the cabin look's enticing, but first let us look around the Jet's exterior details.

 

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Most of the detailing is from the original B732 version which was beyond great in the first place, but something more has been translated in the process to the v3 and it is in the sheer quality of those 4K textures in bringing out the intricate design and detail. Note the excellent JT8D's which were in their time the trendsetters of jet engine design, now recreated here and not sitting somewhere in a museum.

 

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The full body and barrel shape of those 60's Boeing is now beautifully highlighted here, it is realism in it's extreme.

 

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There is no doubt that the X-Plane11 lighting effects (PBR) are a huge help here, but there is something else going on to bring out all that colour and detail.

 

There was something bland and flat with the original FJS B732 Southwest livery (top) which contributed to my feelings towards the aircraft, compared to the current v3 Southwest colours (bottom) that now brings the aircraft alive. The reality was that although the aircraft was sensational in the flying aspect, it was dreary in the visual aspect. So the 2K liveries were to the disadvantage of that feel more than anything else.

 

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But there was something even missing again on those liveries, and that was any life beyond the cabin windows....

 

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...  the cockpit was fine, but the rest of the aircraft was dead, because it was as there was really nothing behind the windows. But get up close now as you enter the the aircraft and it all looks that so much more real....  there is now something behind the glass.

 

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Walk on board and you are faced with one of the best Jetliner cabins in X-Plane.

 

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It is so extraordinary good, and so you say "it is cabin, so what!" but it is the space filled out and the aircraft now feels whole, complete. All the textures are astounding with great fabric and seat styling, as with the cabin section separator panels and there is full detail of air-vents and switches above your head, it is as real a cabin as your going to get.

 

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And you have total control over the cabin as well with switches that work to turn on signs and adjust the cabin lighting (more in lighting below)...  and open and close the airstairs by the above door panel (airstair lighting as well!). Rear stairs can also be extended and retracted via the switchboard (arrowed) and the workspace galley lighting can be switched on or off. (note the AC power or APU has to be running to use any opening or closing of the stairs)

 

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All window blinds are individual in that you can manually open and close them (to open (or close) all the shades does take a little time?), and is this a first in X-Plane...  opening overhead luggage bins, yes you can also open and close the bins yourself, totally brilliant.

 

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It is all sensational detailing, but there is only one thought (not a criticism). The cabin colour scheme is a little USA all the way around the Mid-70's, in other words it is very bright and comes with a lot of colour and make no doubt it is a very excellent layout...  but with European liveries like the KLM or Aer Lingus it looks well...  a little too bright and mid-western USA, and it doesn't quite match the more dour European corporate outside to the brighter USofA inside...   It would be nice to have the choice of a more subdue cabin layout for these liveries. 

 

Boeing 732 v3 Menus

FlyJSim pioneered some of the best menu ideas in X-Plane like with their Vcard, Weights & Balance menu. The menu system overall is mostly the same as before but upgraded with extra panels and features and to match the newer X-Plane11 menu style. This layout will also be the new standard throughout all of FJS aircraft.

 

There are six panels accessed by the pop-up tabs on the left side of your screen. The six panels consist of  : Vcard, Weights & Balance, Options, Doors, Maintenance System and Pilot notes (Checklist)

 

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Vcard and Weights & Balance

The Vcard works in association with the Weights & Balance manager so we will look at them together.

 

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The Vcard is your Vspeeds for takeoff and landing. These selections are reflected in the way you load the aircraft via the Weights & Balance panel. The Weights & Balance is powerful but an easy way to set up the aircraft with fuel, passengers and cargo and it notes the aircraft CoG (centre of Gravity). Most functions given are to load the aircraft in three options with F - Full. E - Empty and R - Random, of course you can add or subtract passengers and cargo via the blue containers or set the exact fuel required. To note that the door(s) and cargo doors have to be open to load on passengers or cargo.

 

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Full aircraft weights are shown and as noted reflected on the Vcard that will also set the speed vRef bugs on the Airspeed Indicator. Any weights above the required weights are shown in red.

 

Options

The options panel allows you to select certain general options for the aircraft.

 

On the panel you can :

  • Select the aircraft's time to be local or zulu,
  • Have the Co-Pilot call out vSpeed's for you or not.
  • Yokes (below) can be visible or not.
  • And the HF aerial (cable) can be also visible or not.

 

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  • Weights can be in Pounds or Kilograms
  • Weights & Balance, Enabled or Disabled - This will disconnect the Weights & Balance system for the use of FSE compatibility
  • PAX Sounds, You can have passengers sound coming from the cabin or switch them off.
  • Cockpit Windows can be Dirty or Clean (can be seen later in the review)

 

There is the option to turn on the Ground Power Cart and Engine Start cart. The power can be selected on the "Overhead Panel" (OHP) and registered on the DC Dials...

 

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...   but there are no physical carts sitting outside the aircraft, which is disappointing considering the overall detail and quality of the aircraft?

 

Field of View, Exterior and Interior Sounds can all be adjusted.

 

You can have three settings of options for the FMC (Flight Management Computer) The clear empty panel...

 

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....   and the native X-Plane FMC. The X-FMC option has been dropped, which I think is disappointing as the X-FMC is far more powerful than the native basic version as in the Boeing 727 which I find a little bland.

 

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Third option is the for the Delco Carousel IV-A Inertial Navigation System. Nicknamed "CIVA", CIVA Navigation System which is purchased as an add-on for $US10.00 and it is a basic navigation system that can give automatic navigation of up to 9 waypoints. (you can load X-Plane .fms plans) and it can be used in the FlyJSim B727 as well as other aircraft of that 60's/70's era. Well worth the additional cost. (note the CIVA plugin is loaded into the "Aircraft's" Plugin folder and not the X-Plane/Resources/Plugin folder).

 

Doors

Besides the direct activation of opening doors and extending the airstairs, there is a menu option to do the same as well.

 

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The menu covers all doors including passenger and cargo doors and the airstair operations. It is important to note that the doors won't open if the aircraft is still pressurized which is noted in your lower right position of your screen, and so you have to depressurize the aircraft via the switch on the OHP pressure panel from Flight to Ground.

 

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The note system on the bottom of your screen will also tell you various operations and tips for using the aircraft

 

Maintenance System

The aircraft comes with a built in Maintenance System that covers the Airframe, both engines and the APU. If you have used the FJS Maintenance System before you will know it is quite unforgiving and all repairs can only be done on the ground, but it is highly realistic. You can, if you can't handle the surprises then turn the system off.

 

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Pilot Notes

This is in reference a checklist...  or setup helper in both ways. The "Jack is Awesome" is well noted...

 

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Flying the Boeing 737 v3

Turn left on entering and open the cockpit door and your office awaits you. Note the reflective mirror on the crew door.

 

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The original cockpits of both FJS's aircraft in the Boeing 727 series and the Boeing 737 TwinJet set new high standards in quality and detail for X-Plane (this was before the B757/B767 of FlightFactor fame). And still they really deliver in the sheer detailing that is possible in simulation today. 

 

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Long gone now are the days of a 2d panel in X-Plane, now you get immersion 101 in the great era of 60's jet flying. If looking back at the original FJS B732 cockpit and it was and still is very comprehensive, there is still the overwhelming feeling that far more has been added in here and a more completed feel is noted throughout the cockpit.

 

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Certainly the rear circuit breaker panels have been noted to have been redone (but not yet active) but the OHP has had more detailing added as well, and again that overwhelming feeling of completeness is certainly evident throughout this v3 aircraft and so it is here again in the cockpit.

 

FlyJSim noted their last Boeing in the B727 Series as a "Study" sim, or the systems were so complete they can be used as a high grade simulator of that aircraft. This aircraft is not noted as the same "Study" simulation but as a "Professional"... which is in reality the same thing as the system depth on this aircraft is astounding in detail and operation and it is certainly "study" worthy.

 

All the major systems in : Fuel, Fire Protection, Electrical, Pressurization, Air-Conditioning, Oxygen, Air-Bleed, Anti-Ice and Heating, Hydraulics and Radio Equipment are seriously comprehensive in use and operation, yes you need to study the systems in depth to understand them all and the provided manual is a good place to start in explaining the systems, but not confounding you in too much jargon. The use of real Boeing manuals are also very handy as well to understand the systems in theory. This is the depth of the aircraft and to fly it correctly then you are going to have to study it and work at this level of simulation flying...  it is that comprehensive.

 

There is also a feature for PilotEdge (www.pilotedge.net) users , in a audio volume control and transmit/receive light. Which allows you to adjust com volume and monitor communication directly from the center pedestal in the 3D cockpit, for the ultimate experience in online ATC simulation.

 

Route EDDL (Dusseldorf) to ENGM (Oslo)

When this review copy of the B732 v3 came from FlyJSim, it came with a note...  fly the aircraft a lot before reviewing. You need to take heed of that note, even if you have flown this FJS B732 before. The aircraft's basic performance and systems have all been altered quite comprehensively from the original machine. Aside from the very different X-Plane11 dynamics, the aircraft and the systems have been rewrote to be more closer to the correct outputs and workings of the systems areas. FJS was always a very dynamic in a system developer, but this aircraft goes to another level again in detail and operations, and an add-on throttle system is a major benefit when flying this aircraft and is highly recommended.

 

I set up the aircraft at 70% Gross Weight or 102505lbs. The B732 does fly better with a bit of weight on the airframe, not too heavy, but certainly not too light. Once done you can set the Centre of Gravity automatically by pressing the centre of the green area on the trim guide (note don't even think of pressing this green area in flight or your "going down").

 

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For some reason, FlyJSim and bleeds and myself never really had a good relationship? Starting both the complicated B727 or god help me the Dash Q400, of which sometimes turned into swearing contests and even mostly downright frustration...

 

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...   but I have (thankfully) not had that frustration here in this B732. Bleed setup from the running APU is easy and engine start is to turn the engine switch to GRD and watch the n2 rise on the dial, when it gets to 20% n2 then click up the fuel lever and you get a "fuel Flow" pressure and an engine start...  easy.

 

I am going am divert a little at this point to mention the sounds. All sounds are FMOD, which is very good, but here FJS has used a Daniela Rodriguez Careri a sound specialist to create this FMOD package. We are now already used to FMOD sound in delivering 3d directional sound and sound in certain zones around the aircraft. But this FMOD package goes far further than that in specializing in sounds in a niche way. These sort of niche sounds are available in BlueSkyStar sound expansion packages, but here they are using the FMOD system to create the same sort of expansive sound package with out the huge cost associated with that sort of detail. So small sounds like clicks, rumbles, system air-conditioning noises and even passenger noise are all here in concert. Engine start is as good (as is engine shutdown) but it is in the smaller minute of sounds that all bind together to create the overall aircraft environment of realism. It is showing now how good the FMOD system really is for the simulator when used professionally, and so in sounds this package ups the game again to new higher level and certainly on par with BlueSkyStar sound expansion packages.

 

Engine no1 start is complete and engine no2 is getting started, so it is time to clean up the OHP with electrics, and heating (window/pitot) and when both engines are running then turn off the bleed and set the Air-Conditioning, and engine power generator source from the APU power.

 

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A small bit great feature is that the No Smoking and Seat Belt signs illuminate, A small thing, but it is a surprise on how many aircraft at this level don't have this feature as standard.

 

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Vcard settings can be adjusted to your flap settings in here  1º, 2º, 5º or 10º I stayed with the 2º setting. Your setting is reflected on the vRef bugs on the Airspeed Indicator.

 

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One feature has however been deleted from the last version...  is the pushback truck. FJS recommends now to use the BetterPushBack Truck as an alternative. The aircraft has been tuned so the BetterPushback works perfectly with the B732. "oh" and yes the operator hates your aircraft lights being on in his face, "sorry" but that is a habit that is hard to break.

A neat feature is that if you press on the OHP the "Ground Call Button" the BetterPushBack truck will answer your call.... great.

 

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The BetterPushBack is well...  far better and more versatile, and you get the thumbs up when your "good to go", yes certainly a good choice.

 

Departure EDDL RWY 05R

Clearance and power up...

 

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You need a fair bit of thrust to get the aircraft moving, but once rolling you pull it back ...  the B732 is very nice and heavy to taxi.

 

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The PITCH CMD is only a guide in setting the pitch as it shows on the Horizontal Situation Indicator. On full power you have to be aware of wear and tear on the JT8D's, in other word's you have to be kind to them. Full thrust is fine, but not for long, and as soon as possible then pull them back into the green zone...   the full takeoff sounds are glorious!. (I will note that I removed the "smoke" file out of X-Plane because it is really too poor at the moment and unrealistic, the aircraft does do the dark sooty smoky trail very well with it installed).

 

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The aircraft is a bit sticky on rotation and if you don't get the positive climb angle correct then the aircraft will not lift away cleanly from the runway, the Boeing needs to be sort of manhandled into the air with a lot of care but still forcefully with the yoke and rudders, once clear of the runway you go from a pull of the pitch backwards to gradually forcing forwards, you really have to fly this machine hard.

 

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It takes a lot of practise to get the pitch just right, when you do, you feel very much in control of the aircraft. Watch then the pitch as the flaps are retracted and don't let the speed runaway from you, as you need to stay in control, or this aircraft will control you.

 

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"Sperry SP-77 (option version)" auto-pilot (A/P) and is not quite the standard layout autopilot system we know today, as say that of the A/P version was fitted to the later B737-200ADV.

 

It is split between the F/D (Flight Director) on the left and the A/P (Auto Pilot) on the right. Still very simplistic in nature, it was and is very powerful in operation, but that simplicity can confuse you in that it has more functions to use than it looks. The point is, is not to get confused between the AIL or Roll function for heading and GPS (FMC) use and the ELEV function for pitch changes...

 

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Once activated then the "heading" switch is used to follow the heading and the VOR LOC is used for the FMC, there is another GPS/NAV switch on the panel to activate the FMS that switches the setting from NAV (NAV1) to GPS (FMS).

 

Trickier is using the pitch CMD, turn on ELEV and the aircraft will hold that pitch until it achieves the "Set Altitude" then goes to ALT HOLD. To climb (or Descend) you have to turn "OFF" the ALT HOLD, and adjust the pitch via the Yoke. The tricky bit is moving the yoke to get the right pitch you want, and give it too much movement and you will get squeals of spilled hot liquids from your rear in the cabin. So your trick is finding the right backwards or forward touches to the yoke to find the pitch you want and hope it sticks there.

 

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The Boeing 732 does not have any "AutoThrust" function and so all speed adjustments is just yourself with the throttles. So watch out for over-speed and then falling speeds if climbing, and then over-speed again when you level out at the set altitude. Corrections are required through-out the flight on the throttles as the fuel burns off and you go faster as you are lighter.

Harder is descending...  You need to reduce as much speed as you can before descending, as the aircraft will quickly build up extra speed on the descent, so use the airbrakes to control the speed if required, and just getting the aircraft to go down cleanly and at the right rate of descent can be tricky.

 

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The hardest point is that you don't have any modern tools to help you fly the aircraft. There is no NAV/MAP display and that means you have no line or pointers for TOC (Top of Climb) and TOD (Top of Descent) and or for capturing the flightplan sequence. Working out your descent is an art and you have to use "gasp" a map or charts to get it right. You do need to be at the right altitude for the approach phase as the aircraft in a runaway speed is unforgiving, in other words you need to be at the right altitude and the correct slow speed before commencing your approach.

 

The dirty windows are very authentic, and can make the approach visually tough in certain lighting conditions.

 

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As Oslo's RWY01L shows up your workload is very high, it takes skill to balance the throttle speed to the selection of the flap position and if you are still descending or on the ILS slope and then the speed changes constantly to all these conditions...  and so you react to that, which is the wrong thing to do.

 

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So using the ILS approach is very tricky, as the slope can runway your speed, worse is that as the slope releases the aircraft at the bottom of the ILS beams and then the aircraft actually falls or drops at a stall speed as the thrust is usually too low, and yes you usually crash...

 

There is a trick (always a trick with this aircraft) and that is to have all your speed and flaps set before you go into the ILS beams, no doubt many of you will fly this aircraft totally under a manual (throttle) approach, and most will probably use a much shallower angle down to runway to contain the speed, and yes that will work well, but that speed can and will still need a lot of control with the throttle levers...

 

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The Vcard says at 40º flap to set your speed at 118kts?  But at that set speed my nose is pointing to high skywards, the best speed approach here was 135knts and it felt right. The weather didn't help in landing at Oslo in a snowstorm.

 

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Sliding down the slope and eye-balling the speed dial is the main task...

 

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....   so speed control on the descent is critical and the smoother you adjust the speed the better landing you will have, practise will of course favor the brave in honing up this approach phase, but the aircraft is superbly responsive and feedback is excellent. FJS have added in a few extra details to the X-Plane replay system, to give you better replays with the aircraft that help a lot in reviewing your flying. The replay is an important part of the simulator and many developers don't adjust their work to be replayed cleanly, in the account that the replay will have no flaps set, or the dials are wrong on the instrument panel, of which are of no benefit to the student...  so this a small but very worthy feature in learning the aircraft.

 

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Gauging the flare and letting the aircraft down is another practise require to learn, but you get it right and after a time when you understand how the aircraft reacts. If you used the ILS, then make sure the A/P is disconnected as soon as you are on the runway...  or the aircraft will simply fly again.

 

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You hear the "can's" as they open and the thrust noise as the power is again pushed on for the reverse thrust, it is not as powerful as a modern jet considering the considerable noise they make, but they do work.

 

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So landing the Boeing 737-200 is a challenge, and the X-Plane11's new thrust dynamics are of course excellent but require the skill to master in an aircraft of this lower power and vintage. But that is also the challenge of simulation, the good news here is that this aircraft is one of the best in this area, master it and you are then to be in that upper echelons of a skilled pilot.

 

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Aircraft Lighting

The cockpit already had great lighting from the original version, with three sets of overhead lighting with : Off-Dim-Bright (switch is high on the OHP)

 

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Two overhead Spot/Map lights are also available for both the Pilot and Co-Pilot, left and right and are both adjustable in brightness and beam positioning.

 

The panel and OHP is highly adjustable as is the excellent pedestal lighting with another "Flood" feature.

 

FJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 5.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 6.jpg

 

In most cases the rear cabin and its lighting is usually an after-thought, but not here in this FJS B732. This is one of the most spectacular lighted cabins in X-Plane. You can adjust the side lighting on or off, and also set the cabin mood lighting in four ways : Night - Off - Dim and Bright

 

FJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 7.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 9.jpg

FJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 10.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 11.jpg

 

There is also a Ground Service light and Work Area lighting with the Door Entry light are all available from the switch panel by the door.

 

FJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 12.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 13.jpg

 

Rear galley area has the same lighting. If you activate the "Emergency Exit" lighting is is simply superb, highly realistic.

 

FJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting Exit 1.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting Exit 2.jpg

 

Externally the lighting is also very good...  In the dark flying at night the aircraft looks sensational and very alive...

 

FJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 14.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 16.jpg

FJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 19.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 20.jpg

 

Landing lighting is the standard Boeing 732 in two inside lights and two wing drop-down lights. Runway Turn-off, wing and taxi lights are also available.

 

FJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 17.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Lighting 18.jpg

 

On the ground you get great lighting for landing and taxiing to and from the runway. Only comment is the landing lights look a little blobby directly front on and maybe needed to be a little more tighter in radius like on the original version.

 

Liveries

All the nine liveries and the one blank livery are all the same as the original versions, but as noted above they are all also substantially upgraded in detail and to 4K size and quality...  All are mostly retro in use with one a logo FlyJSim and a chrome Lufthansa that I would rather be the standard all white fuselage version, The WestJet is very nice for modern use. A 4K paintkit is available as well from FJS.

 

FJS_732_TwinJet_Livery Blank.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Livery FJS.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Livery Aer Lingus.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Livery Air France.jpg

FJS_732_TwinJet_Livery Aloha.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Livery KLM.jpg

FJS_732_TwinJet_Livery Lufthansa.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Livery Southwest.jpg

FJS_732_TwinJet_Livery United.jpgFJS_732_TwinJet_Livery Westjet.jpg

 

Summary

To a point this aircraft represents the new era in X-Plane. The X-Plane11 era. Yes already there has been some brilliant releases for the simulator in the last year and for X-Plane11, but this aircraft represents something far more. This aircraft takes all the features that X-Plane11 delivered and uses them to their fullest and to a highly significant degree. It is an extraordinary aircraft in some respects and it is hard to believe it is another version that has been released before in X-Plane10, but the two versions or aircraft could not be so much different, and only that original virtual cockpit is in reality the only thing linking the two aircraft as one and the same, and here again this area has also been upgraded to another level.

 

The highlight of the aircraft is actually in most aircraft the most mundane...  the cabin. This cabin for a jetliner is like none other in X-Plane, in both features, ideas and lighting, it is again extraordinary. But its main function is to create a completeness of this aircraft as a total whole. You can board it, fly it and move around the aircraft as if it is as close to the reality of being on an airliner that you can get in simulation. It is functional as well, not with gimmicks, but fully usable features.

 

Systems are certainly "Study" simulator level and are very highly comprehensive and are extremely workable and accessible. All Fuel, Fire Protection, Electrical, Pressurization, Air-Conditioning, Oxygen, Air-Bleed, Anti-Ice and Heating, Hydraulics and Radio Equipment operations are covered and in serious depth, this is certainly the best 60's/70's era jetliner you can fly and understand what aviation was like and why it is still so revered of that great era.

 

There isn't a lot to criticise about here with this FJS B732, and so mostly it is personal preferences. The missing external GPU and Air-Cart is a surprise (again) and it is little thing but a requirement for an aircraft of this category. I would like the option of the X-FMC even if it is dated as it is more functional than the native version, and somehow the main landing lighting needs to be less blobby head on, the lighting is great close up, but not at a distance and the cabin textures are a bit well...   colourful for a European airline, and an so called more sombre option would be nice.

 

Again that whole completeness comes through, from the excellent sounds, to the feel and flying ability, to the depth of the systems you can access, it is all here wrapped up in a beautiful machine that looks amazing just sitting there ready to fly or in the air.

 

This is not an easy machine to fly or operate either, it takes skill and discipline as all Jack Skieczius (FlyJSim) aircraft always are as he is one of the very top notch of developers in X-Plane right now, but the rewards here are exceptional if you master the machine, this is simulation at it's very, very best or even it's extraordinary best...  it is that brilliantly good.

 

______________________________________________________________________

 

X-Plane Store logo sm.jpg

 

Yes! the Boeing 732 TwinJet v3 Professional by FlyJSim is NOW available from the new X-Plane.Org Store here :

 

732 TwinJet v3 Pro

 

Price is US$69.95

 

Note  - If you have already purchased the 732 TwinJet by FlyJSim, you can upgrade this new 732 v3 for 50% off for a limited time. Find your coupon code under your 732 TwinJet invoice at the store. Some users will note the significant upgrade price here, but in reality you are getting far more than double your monies worth in features and details than the original aircraft, this aircraft is now at this price category standard and is priced accordingly, once flown you won't be unhappy with your purchase, it is excellent value.

 

Features:

True-to-Life Exterior

  • Incredible textures in v3.  Rivets, reflections, and surface bumps all add up to give you that extra bit of realism.   A completely accurate replica of the 737-200 Adv, down to the last hand placed rivet.       

  • Detailed animations in v3.  All exterior control surfaces animated accurately to real world behavior and smoothly driven even in replay using the custom replay system.

  • Exterior sounds in v3.  JT8Ds have a roar like no other.    

  • Detailed lighting.  Lighting is based off real 737 data. Landing, taxi, taxi turnoff, strobe, beacon, navigation lights, wing and even logo lights have been faithfully modeled using the real angles and widths of the real 737 lights.  And the lighting looks better than ever as they light up these new v3 liveries.

  • Wing flex.  Of course.  You wouldn’t want them to snap.        

Immersive Interior 

  • Fully interactive and dynamically lit cabin in v3.  Detailed seats, adjustable lighting and interactive doors and air-stairs, movable window blinds, and baggage compartments you could stow away in!

  • Unprecedented cockpit lighting in v3.  All cockpit lights are controllable. These include all indirect lighting on the panels, storm lights under the glare-shield, center console light to shine onto the throttles, dome light to illuminate the entire cockpit at night, and two map lights.  Light spills realistically from annunciators onto nearby switches. Flying at night doesn’t get more fun. Each of the over 300 lights fades in and out like authentic incandescent bulbs.

  • Best in class cockpit manipulators are even better in v3.  The dedication to Intuitive cockpit manipulation that you would expect from a FlyJSim product continues in v3 with mousewheel support added for the knobs you want it on.  Great care has been taken in setting up just how you interact with the switches, knobs, and levers in the cockpit.  Dial in your headings, course, altitude, and radios with ease, even while flying online.    

  • Animations everywhere.  Each switch, lever, knob, and handle is animated. Press to test functionality on annunciators. Standby compass stowable. Both map lights adjustable. (You do have that approach plate onboard, correct?)    

  • Precisely dimensioned 3D cockpit.  Modeled using real dimensions down to the size of the switches.       

  • 3D modeled circuit breakers in v3.  As you go to check out the cabin, be sure to notice these beautiful breakers.  You might spot a couple of surprising system breakers.   

Study Level Systems And Dynamics in v3

  • Advanced flight model utilizing the absolute latest XP11.10 vector based flight dynamics, including refined down-wash and ground effect.

  • SP-77 autopilot modeled including Control Wheel Steering (CWS) modes

  • JT8D-15A engine performance tuned across the full flight envelope

  • Control surfaces driven using fully custom coding, simulating hydraulic pressures, blow-down effects and standby control surface modes in the event of failures.

  • Autobrake system modeled to match real world data

  • Every annunciator light is push to test.  Spot the burnt out bulbs during preflight!       

  • Bleed systems and performance physically modeled, and respond to temperature, altitude, wear, and humidity.  Look in the FCOM to find the N2 requirements for a cross-bleed start.

  • Pressurization and environmental cabin control systems faithfully modeled.  Open the doors to let a breeze in, get AC on before loading passengers on a hot day, and watch the cabin temp cool as the sun sets.  Auto, Standby, AC and DC manual modes all faithfully modeled.  Cabin doors are pressure locked.

  • FMC and CIVA units realistically coupled to pilot HSI for improved situational awareness

  • Fully custom hydraulic systems and electrical busses

  • Instrument Comparator

  • GPWS including test functionality

  • Warning systems

  • Fire protection systems   

  • Weather radar   

Comprehensive Menu System

  • Redesigned and Inobtrusive Left-side Menu that dynamically appears only when moused over

  • Weight and Balance Manager provides detailed loading of passengers, cargo and fuel to accurately and dynamically shift the aircraft’s CG

  • V-card popup provides dynamic V-speeds for landing and takeoff including improved flap schedule calculations for user selected takeoff and landing flap config

  • Additional customizable options menu to configure the plane and navigation systems

  • Checklist and notes provided in sime with a 32-page fully customizable window that includes checklists and an overview of the aircraft. Have something you need to reference in the flight? Add it into the notes page!

Maintenance System For Added Challenge in v3

3rd Party Integrations

 

 

 
Requirements
X-Plane 11.10+
Windows, MAC or Linux -
4Gb+ VRAM Recommended
Current version:  V3.1801.1111 -  ( January 12th 2018)

 

Installation
Download of the FJS 732 TwinJet is 543mb and it is installed in your Airliner Folder as a 970mb folder.
 
Important Installation Note: I recommend to start X-Plane and load in another aircraft (native Boeing 738?) and then adjusting your "texture quality setting" to "High" if you have a graphic card of 4GB, even then still do so the same as I had the same issue with a 8gb graphic card. The textures are huge in Gb if the texture settings are set high and will crash the aircraft (or X-Plane) when you come to do the key authorisation. When activated then restart X-Plane from the desktop for a clean plugin and aircraft loading.
 
There is now no pushback truck supplied in the FJS 732 package... recommended is BetterPushBack Truck by Saso Kiselkov. It is installed in your X-Plane/Resources/plugin folder.
 
Documents
Documentation is excellent with three manuals covering the aircraft's features, procedures and systems, with a step checklist which are all included:
 
  • FJS_732_Simplified_Steps__Checklist_v3.pdf
  • FJS_732_TwinJet__Manual.pdf
  • FJS_732_TwinJet__Procedures.pdf
  • FJS_732_TwinJet__Systems.pdf
 
Systems covers all aspects of the location and operation of the aircraft's systems, well worth or required reading.
 
_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Review by Stephen Dutton
13th January 2018
Copyright©2018: X-PlaneReviews
 
(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)
 

Review System Specifications:

Computer System: Windows  - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD 

Software:   - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.05

Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose  Soundlink Mini

Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 : XPRealistic Pro v1.0.9  effects US$19.95 : WorldTraffic 3.0 Plugin - US$29.95 : BetterPushBack - Free

Scenery or Aircraft

- EDDL - Airport Dusseldorf by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$27.53

- ENGM - Airport Oslo XP by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$24.99

 

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In reality the Boeing 727 barrel (fuselage) is the same as the B732, so the elements should transfer over, just B727 is a longer aircraft and has built in rear stairs. The same treatment for the B727 would be outstanding, but Jack Skieczius has noted he many not give the B727 the same cabin treatment, which is in my books is a horrible thought :o

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  • 4 months later...

Hi Stephen,

 

Curious about the feature listed below...

 

Weights & Balance, Enabled or Disabled - This will disconnect the Weights & Balance system for the use of FSE compatibility.

 

I do not see the 732 as a compatible aircraft in FSeconomy. How do you get this aircraft to work with FSEconomy?

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