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Aircraft Review : de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter -300 Series v2 by RW Designs


Stephen

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DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Header.jpg

 

 Aircraft Review : de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter -300 Series v2 by RW Designs   

 

It is just under three years ago in Feb 2015 was when RW Designs first released their version of the DHC-6-300 or the Twin Otter. It was a competent design as we saw in the review : Aircraft Review : de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter -300 Series by RW Designs.

 

The aircraft did however have some traits that divided the purchasers into the "very much like" and the "missing something" divisions, I personally didn't mind it as it was at least a decent Twin Otter to fly. And here now is v2 or the X-Plane11 version of the aircraft and at first glance it looks like the the next update for X-Plane11 for the aircraft.

 

But to think that and you would be wrong, and in fact completely wrong as this Twin Otter is a completely new design from the ground up, and only a few elements have been passed over from the original design. Everything has been completely remodeled, from the actual aircraft, its systems and its features and it is also X-Plane11 tuned and uses X-Plane11 features in its design.

 

So this DHC-6-300 is a full upgrade, not an update. And what you are purchasing here is a completely new aircraft, but there is also a discount for users to update from the original version to this all new v2 aircraft that allows access without the full cost of the purchase price.

 

The overall external design of the original was very good with great detailing of rivets and paneling from the X-Plane "draw per pixel lighting" shading effects and the aircraft body fittings, but there was also a few clunky areas of like the thick rear doors and the average cabin, but overall in the right lighting conditions the original DHC-6 did look very nice.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Head 1.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Head 2.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Head 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Head 4.jpg

 

But that was three years ago, and an eon of ages in X-Plane terms and with all the changes to X-Plane11. It was a smart decision to not to try to and simply adjust the design to this new era, but to create a completely new version directly for the changes. Yes that does create a lot of work, extra work, but it also puts you in a far better position because you will have raised the quality standard at the same time and also the intimate quality of your own work. Yes starting afresh allows you do it better and with a better design and a far better approach than just trying to fix up those poor kinks that would be hard to fix anyway.

 

So looking closely at the v2 aircraft the distinct quality is certainly far better, and the aircraft more far more detailed.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Head 7.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Head 8.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Head 5.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Head 6.jpg

 

Certainly the X-Plane11 PBR features help any developer, but to use them effectively still takes skill, and you see that here on the excellent external area and flying surfaces, and also where it counts and this new aircraft can look spectacular in the right lighting conditions.

 

Here is the original design...

 

DHC6_Twin_Otter_fly 1.jpgDHC6_Twin_Otter_fly 2.jpg

 

...   and the new v2 design. The quality and detailing is quite significantly modeled far better with the specular lighting effects bringing out the quality.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 1.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 2.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 5.jpg

 

Baggage areas (front and rear) are now lined, but we have lost the bags in transit? The cabin window detailing is now excellent and they are a huge difference from the original bulky frame idea.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 6.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 7.jpg

 

And were as the cabin in the original felt like an after thought, the v2 cabin is now excellent. For the insanely beautiful steel floor and the exquisite leather seats.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 8.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 9.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 10.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 11.jpg

 

Now this Twin Otter feels like a complete aircraft.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 12.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Detail 13.jpg

 

Menus

The aircraft also now has menus...  The menus are located in a flight book down in the pilot's door pocket.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Menu 1.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Menu 2.jpg

 

The main menu also opens up three more menus in Radios, Checklist and Weight/Balance

 

The main contents include a flashlight (X-Plane native) opening the front and rear baggage doors, external power supply and GTN 750 Support...  but no menu options to open the main cockpit and cabin doors, of with which with the rear doors being hard to move to every time you want to open/close them is a bit of a side head scratching moment.

 

Lower menu is four cockpit colour options...  In Green, Blue, White and Black.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Menu Green.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Menu Blue.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Menu White.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Menu Black.jpg

 

Green is green, but the Blue feels like very light Grey, White feels Grey and Black feels light brown. Only the cockpit colours change and not the cabin textures including the seats, which would have been a nice touch.

 

The Checklist is excellent and covers all aspects of operation from start up to shut down, and the binder is moveable and scalable for ease of use.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Menu Checklist.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Menu W&B.jpg

 

There is a very good "Weights&Balances" menu as well. You can set the fuel in kg's and the weights of baggage and passengers (Payload). Your aim is to keep the CoG (Centre of Gravity) around 30% of MAC. The full Empty Weight and Total Weights are all shown.

 

Nose versions

There are both the "Long" and "Short" nose versions available. They are switched via the liveries with "LN" denoting the Long Nose and "SN" denoting the Short Nose.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Nose Long.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Nose Short.jpg

 

Besides the Standard wheel version there are three other variants in Float, Ski and Tundra tyres.

 

Float

The float version is well done and the undercarriage can be raised up into the float via the undercarriage lever, but there are no rear float rudders for water steering to raise or lower...

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Float 1.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Float 2.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Float 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Float 4.jpg

 

...  the aircraft handles nicely on the water (without a high swell) and with the opening rear doors, they both open out and not down for exit and entrance.

 

Ski

The ski's are fastened on tight, as some developers make them raise or lower below the wheels. Overall the quality is very good.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Ski 1.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Ski 2.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Ski 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Ski 4.jpg

 

Tundra

The huge balloon Tundra tyres are very well done here, and you don't get that bouncy floaty movement on landing but a nice grounded feel.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Tundra 1.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Tundra 2.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Tundra 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Tundra 4.jpg

 

Flying the DHC-6 Twin Otter v2

The early morning service today is the from EGPH (Edinburgh) to EGPD (Aberdeen) a simple hop of 93nm.

 

Aircraft was set up with 611kg of fuel and 1380kg of payload (passengers and baggage), for a gross weight of 6147kg.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 1.jpg

 

You need a bit of thrust to get the aircraft mobile, but once moving you can mostly keep it back in the idle position, and contain any speed with the brakes.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 4.jpg

 

Flaps are set at 10º and the indicator is on the centre windscreen bar. A final check and it is power up or power forward with the twin overhead drop down levers.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 5.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 10.jpg

 

Rotation is around 95kt to 100kts depending on the wind direction, but the aircraft is nice in the pitch and then the bank...

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 11.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 12.jpg

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 13LG.jpg

 

....  The differences with the X-Plane11 performance is quite considerable. The original was not in performance as close as it should have been, certainly in the handling as this Twin Otter feels far much better as of the simulator changes. As with a lot of moving over to XP11 style flying, you need a short time to adjust to different feel and reaction, so any first flights won't give you the feeling you would expect from the aircraft straight away, but it does come in time and then and only you start to really love what you then have to fly, and after a few flights you will really understand what I mean.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 6.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 7.jpg

 

In the original DHC-6 we were a little confused by the Collins AP106 system and as you will notice there is no V/S (Vertical Speed) button or V/S climb or descend knob? Only an Altitude (ALT) and Heading (HDG) buttons. As the Collins system does not use that type of system to climb or descend.

 

The AP106 is tricky to still use, but as the actual aircraft performance is better, then it works better in here now as well. The trick is to find the right speed in your throttle position and then lock that speed in via the IAS button. The system works by then adjusting the throttle to climb or descend. You aim or goal is for a speed of around 105kts to 110knts and a climb rate of around 1000fpm as noted here for the best of both worlds, and the specified climb rate is around 1600fpm. To descend you do the reverse in reducing and locking in the speed around 80knts and descend around the same 1000fpm. This is a big change over the original version as the aircraft wouldn't descend at all unless you went to extreme measures like even setting the throttle to idle and then even feathering the propellers to go down, which was ludicrous.

 

ALT ALERT button is really the altitude hold button for the selected required altitude, and it works in both modes of ALT and IAS disconnect when the set altitude is attained, but it can be tricky to set sometimes. A note on to have the trim correctly set is now important, not only for the initial takeoff but for the AP106 interaction...  if the trim is out, then the AP106 will do silly things like climb or descend too quickly. so a set trim and a level aircraft helps in AP106 transition. An item to note is that you have to manually disconnect the AP106 by both the buttons and the switch. If you use a key or in my case a joystick button to disconnect the autopilot then here it doesn't deactivate the AP.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 8.jpg

 

Debatable is the sound package on the aircraft. It is a FMOD setup and has 3d surround sounds and good variation in sound. The package uses a professional PT6A soundpack, which is noted as one of the best for the Twin Otter. And in most areas like start up, idle and takeoff power the sound is very good, but the in flight internally sounds are very buzzy, light and don't have much depth or even drone and the sound pitches don't change much with any throttle changes. The sounds do come well regarded and so I am going to put the aural question out there as some aircraft like the Twin Otter do have a particular feel and sound, so feedback is welcome, but they did grow on me.

 

Another point to make is that the RW Design's Twin Otter doesn't like the xEnviro weather plugin very much in the visual stakes, the view from the cockpit is fine, but if you look at the propellers at any time they show the real scenery through the movement. This of course an X-Plane/xEnviro issue and not the developer's issue, but it is currently not the best external view with xEnviro active and the normal X-Plane weather is used here in this review.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Flying 9 LG.jpg

 

Although a few of the original elements like instruments have been moved over and updated, in context this is a completely new cockpit and instrument panel.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 1.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 2.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 4.jpg

 

The main panel does feel slightly duller and flat, than the lighter smoother approach on the original, but the quality is far, far higher and detailed. We are used now to excellent metal style instrument panels, but here it is authentic to the flat grey used on the aircraft. The excellent glareshield is really well modeled and textured, so overall it works very well. The classic dual yoke is well reproduced, but it can't be hidden.

 

The iconic Twin Otter overhead panel (OHP) is excellent, fully featured and really well produced.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 5.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 6.jpg

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 7 LG.jpg

 

The OHP was good before, but this complete redesign is now even more authentic and realistic, but you do have to set a key "quickview" to get a quick upside down view of the rear of the panel if you want to access the switchgear, overall it is all really well done.

 

Under the panel and floor is also very well completed and realistic, with lovely crafted DHC rudder pedals, centre upright fuse panel with built in fuel gauges. And note the great Brake Temperature display panel.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 8.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 9.jpg

 

Cockpit quality and seats are as good as the cabin, and the only noticeable point is the cockpit/cabin divider is not a clean arch. The excellent trim controls on the pilot's right seat arm, are however beautifully created and authentic and very nice to use..

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 10.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 11.jpg

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 12.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 13.jpg

 

The Instrument panel layout has had a few changes. First up is the completely new BendixKing electronic Artificial Horizon, replacing the flat (awful) design of the original on both sides is a huge improvement there. The Collins AP106 system's button panel has been moved from the right-centre instrument panel to the pilot's side for easier use, and there is now both a VOR(2) and ADF dial bottom left (only a single ADF dial before). The Course Deviation Indicator (OBS) looks like it was moved, but in fact it is still in the same place, as the Radar altitude has been moved below it to allow the fitting of the AP106 button panel above.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 14 LG.jpg

 

The equipment avionics stack is different as well. The KMA 28 audio panel is top, with the GNS 530 below. The radios are more basic, but also more realistic with two KX 155As for COMM1/VOR1 and COMM2/VOR2 receivers. A KR 87 is your ADF and centre below is a KT 70 BenedixKing Transponder.

You can if you have purchased the (expensive) RealityXP GTN 750 or GTN 530, use them in the aircraft and replacing the native GNS 530.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 16.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Cockpit 15.jpg

 

The GNS 530 and the radio panels all pop-out for ease of use. All instrument and radio panels have nice reflections, real, but not overly done. Panel lighting is indirect, but looks great even in the daytime.

 

On the lighting theme, the cockpit is very good, in a black and white way. But the dials are very clear and concise for night landings. All instrument lighting is adjustable and the cockpit is lit by only one light above your head.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Lighting 1.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Lighting 2.jpg

 

The cabin is sensational with pairs of spot lights for each set of seats...

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Lighting 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Lighting 6.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Lighting 5.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Lighting 4.jpg

 

...  The seatbelt and no-smoking sign is nice touch.

 

External lighting is very good, with a single front strut taxi light and two wing mounted landing lights, standard tail-beacon and navigation lights and excellent strobes. Landing light throw is very good as is the powerful single centre taxi light.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Lighting 7.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Lighting 8.jpg

 

Aberdeen is waking up as we arrive at Dyce.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 1.jpg

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 2.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 6.jpg

 

After doing the controlled descent, with the IAS set at 80knts and around 1000fpm to 1500ft. You set the approach speed with 20º flap and just in the green zone at 90knts. Remember this is a STOL (Short TakeOff and Landing) machine, so those flaps act like barn doors when lowered, but give you super slow control.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 3.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 4.jpg

 

Full flap at 40º will give you a slow speed of around 70knts, but if the sea breeze is strong you have to work the rudders hard to keep the runway alignment as that large DHC tail works for you and against you at the same time.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 5.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 7.jpg

 

I took me a few landings to get the feel just right...

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 8.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 9.jpg

 

...  it is an aircraft to get into the right groove with, but once there you are really into the aircraft and it comes to you.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 10.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 11.jpg

 

Landing speeds can border on the 60knt stall, but you seem to hold it fine to gently touch down, the speed is so slow you can just roll the speed off more, but if you need it then there is reserve prop thrust by setting the "Full reverse thrust" setting, but I never did.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 12.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 13.jpg

 

As the propellers wind down, you notice the animated feathering of the blades, they are really well done...

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 14.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 15.jpg

 

...  but is quickly time to load up and return to Edinburgh, not a bad way to make a living is it...

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Landing 16 LG.jpg

 

Liveries

There are nine liveries with two as the short nose version with a very nice RWDesign logo (default) and a Kenn Borek Air

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery RWD.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery Kenn.jpg

 

The rest of the liveries are all long nose and every livery works with every variant in Float, Ski and Tundra. All are excellent Hi-Def quality with the lovely Air Seychelles a highlight.

 

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery Air Seychelles.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery Tara Air.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery Loganair.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery Skybus.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery Fuerza Argentina.jpgDHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery Fuerza Chile.jpg

DHC6_TwinOtter v2_Livery Winair.jpg

 

Summary

First glance is that the Twin Otter from RW Design's is just an update, but this aircraft is very, very different from that fact. This is a complete rebuild of the aircraft and only a few of the original elements are actually present. This comprehensive upgrade is really an all new aircraft and with the excellent quality to match the better detailing.

 

Highlights are many with an excellent cabin with lovely well done textures and realistic metal flooring, and luminescent lighting. A menu system that can change the cockpit colours and an easy to use Weights&Balance page, Checklists and pop-up radios. The depth of the quality grows with every flight.

 

X-Plane11 features have made the aircraft far more dynamic, not only in the way the aircraft uses the PBR, but with the better X-Plane11 performance dynamics, something in performance was missing on the original release aircraft, but fully restored here and the images here in this review don't lie as the aircraft looks brilliant in great lighting.

 

Four variants with the Standard Wheels, Float, Ski's and Tundra tyres is a value four aircraft, with also Short and Long Nose versions available.

 

Overall this is an outstanding upgrade, but I question the sounds, and they are FMOD great, and they do actually grow on you, but can be tiring over long distances. More menu options would be a nice option and certainly for opening all the doors (the rears can be hard to reach), hiding the Yoke, static elements and making the change of the colour scheme to cover the cabin as well as the cockpit. A cargo version with that metal floor would be nice as well.

 

Currently if you own the original version v1 then you can get an upgrade to this excellent v2 for 50% off, which is great deal, so be quick.

 

Overall this is a comprehensive upgrade to a classic aircraft, in reality it is completely different design in every area, but a very good one. It is also a significant upgrade of quality and design from RW Designs, who was good before, but design is now at that much more a higher level...  It was a brave thing to do to completely redesign an aircraft in time and dedication, but that has paid off in spades here...  and that is in making this DHC-6 Twin Otter -300 v2 an excellent aircraft to own, fly and use.

 

______________________________________________________________________

 

X-Plane Store logo sm.jpg

 

Yes! the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter -300 Series v2 by RW Designs  is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :


DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 Series v2

 

Price is US$29.95

 

Note  - If you have already purchased the DHC-6 Twin Otter v1 you can purchase this new v2 Twin Otter for 50% off. Find your coupon code under your DHC-6 Twin Otter invoice at the store (doesn't apply to Twin Otters from other designers).

 

Features

Four versions included in the package !
  • Standard
  • Tundra
  • Floats (with the ability to remove gear entirely)
  • Skis
All of which work with both short and long nose variants!
 
High Resolution 3D Model
  • Brand new model built from scratch for X-Plane 11
  • X-Plane 11 specular lighting
  • Detailed exterior model
  • New high resolution 4K textures
  • Interactive night-lighting
  • Choose interior color
  • Rain effects
Superior Interaction
  • New scroll manipulators for finer tuning of interaction
  • New menu's allowing extended interaction and choice of aircraft parameters
  • Radio pop-up with improved 3D input methods.
  • Mutli-phase checklist
  • Real-time weight and balance manager
Improved Sounds
  • FMOD Powered
  • 3D sound
  • High quality source files recorded from the real Twin Otters
High fidelity flight model
  • Custom airfoils
  • Developed in conjunction with Twin Otter pilots
Custom Systems
  • Custom electrical and anti-ice systems
  • Programmed radios
RealityXP Compatible
  • GNS 530
  • GTN 750
AutoUpdater
  • Always fly the recent aircraft version!
  • AutoUpdater Licensed from STMA

 

 

Requirements

X-Plane 11+
Windows, Mac Linux
2Gb VRAM Minimum - 4Gb+ VRAM Recommended
Current version: 2.0 (January 20th 2018)

 

Installation
Download of the DHC-6 Twin Otter -300 Series v2 is a huge 547mb and it is installed in your Aircraft Folder as a 671mb folder. There are four different aircraft files in the aircraft menu to access depending on the variant that you want to fly in :  Standard Wheels, Float, Ski's and Tundra
 
Documents
Documentation is excellent with a AOM (Aircraft Operating Manual), Aircraft performance charts and Flight Tutorial included:
 
  • AOM.pdf
  • Charts.pdf
  • Flight Tutorial.pdf

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Review by Stephen Dutton
20th 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:  XPRealistic Pro v1.0.9  effects US$19.95

Scenery or Aircraft

- EGPH - Edinburgh Airport UK 1.0.1 by tdg (X-Plane.Org) - Free

- EGPD - Aberdeen Dyce for XP10 4.1 by anthony_d (X-Plane.Org) - Free

- Forth River Crossings 1.2.2 by  John M D (X-Plane.Org) - Free

 

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Hi Stephen,

 

An excellent review, so thorough. Your articles are always a delight to read.

 

You can hide the yoke with the X-Plane keyboard command.

 

As a result of your reviews, I have started flying from Aberdeen to Shetland!

 

I must say, having just got this, it is an absolutely fantastic airplane model.

 

All the best from Down Under!

 

Andrew

Melbourne, Australia

 

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Good review. I agree with you about the sounds - something funny going on there. They don't seem that good and don't seem to change much. You perhaps overlooked one big thing that I really see as an improvement over V1 - this time you can map the mixture/fuel levers to your hardware (like every other aircraft). In V1 you had to use your mouse, and it was one reason I gave the aircraft away.

 

The GTN-750 interface is a bit of a problem - it basically does not work. I am sure that they will fix it, but so far it is not working for me. The autopilot is a bit hit and miss also, as you hinted at. This might be as in RL also, so it is not a big complaint. But I found that it did not always capture an altitude when ascending. Operating the altitude knob was fairly good though.

 

The big thing for me is the night lighting. The overhead panel is much like it was in V1 - unreadable at night. You can see the lettering ok, but you cannot see any of the switches or knobs, which for me at least makes it unflyable. All the other lighting is just great.

 

I wonder sometimes if we are just getting too spoiled. We complain about the smallest of things - when in fact it is a brilliant depiction of a nice aircraft. Hopefully some fixes will come out soon. The Updater issues are already being worked on (it basically does not work).

 

I think the plane would have done well to go to a few beta testers for a week or so before release.

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3 hours ago, kneighbour said:

Good review. I agree with you about the sounds - something funny going on there. They don't seem that good and don't seem to change much. You perhaps overlooked one big thing that I really see as an improvement over V1 - this time you can map the mixture/fuel levers to your hardware (like every other aircraft). In V1 you had to use your mouse, and it was one reason I gave the aircraft away.

 

The GTN-750 interface is a bit of a problem - it basically does not work. I am sure that they will fix it, but so far it is not working for me. The autopilot is a bit hit and miss also, as you hinted at. This might be as in RL also, so it is not a big complaint. But I found that it did not always capture an altitude when ascending. Operating the altitude knob was fairly good though.

 

The big thing for me is the night lighting. The overhead panel is much like it was in V1 - unreadable at night. You can see the lettering ok, but you cannot see any of the switches or knobs, which for me at least makes it unflyable. All the other lighting is just great.

 

I wonder sometimes if we are just getting too spoiled. We complain about the smallest of things - when in fact it is a brilliant depiction of a nice aircraft. Hopefully some fixes will come out soon. The Updater issues are already being worked on (it basically does not work).

 

I think the plane would have done well to go to a few beta testers for a week or so before release.

 

Hi kneighbour

 

I thing the OHP switchgear is like that as you are provided with a torch in the menu? But overall you are spot on with your assessment... 

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  • 6 months later...

Hmm for a gold standard review check out Almost Aviation on YT - especially with respect to the aircraft systems, I suggest you look here.

I read this review and bought the aircraft.  Having seen this video I wonder at my decision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvZXKJVmKBw&t=637s 

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Obviously the guy has a pretty though Twin-Otter set up, so has very intimate details about the aircraft. In most cases the developer will go for a certain version, and will then fine tune the aircraft to a far more detailed version based on details like this provided here. Be interesting to see any update.

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  • 3 months later...

the internal feather sound is horrible, should be to like when the doors are open.

 

miss a bit response of individual prop power,

which according to pilots flying this type in real life is a key experience in the twin otter.

 

Yes, the graphics i do like, it's extremely well nicely and the aircraft type has potential to be a favourite among all.

 

despite my initial critics, i love the work on this plane and i can recommend it for purchase.

 

could not find the windshield wiper though, and i am still testing some of the power parameters, is it not slowing down when it should, and does it speed up when it should.

 

Reverse thrust is hardly noticeable, but it should create tremendous prop noise and shake the frame and get a fast rest. 

 

A paint kit would have been nice or some more liveries like the hawaiian operators.

 

Releasing benchmark planes like the DHC6 means special responsibility and dedication and i think we can be happy with this one.

 

 

overall feedback:

 

graphics great

noise horrifying

physics ok

power managent to look at

 

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Thanks interesting, and I agree...  I note in the review that the sounds are "debatable" I personally was not much taken either, but remember that X-Plane11.30 has very different systems now for engines of this caliber, so the next update should be interesting...  and yes updates could be more frequent. SD

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  • 9 months later...
  • 6 months later...
3 minutes ago, Stephen said:

50% love it and 50% hate it, personally I don't think it is too bad, the core of the issue is that the developer not renowned for doing any updates? so the aircraft tend to drift into disrepair.

rwdesigns is known for doing quite nice aircraft, but the updates are not too common, thats for sure (or at least for their a330, it's quite nice). thanks!

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i bought it, it's really nice! classical RWDesigns, not 'study level', but really fun and interesting! I'm gonna do some flights to Lukla soon!

 

a side note, but RWDesigns is known to make many variations of planes? like their a330 has 3 engine types (RR/GE/PW), and this twin otter has regular/ski/floats?

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I think that it is worth the price of 30 bucks. It's not too 'study level', as in it's so realistic that you can learn the actual aircraft from using it in the sim. But many functions and features are implemented, sound are not as good, but overall i think that this plane is worth the 30 bucks, if you'd like to have a nice aircraft with around 70-80% of the systems, many features and menus for a cheap price. recommended for the price.

go for it! just the sounds are a bit 'meh'.

 

edit: also the frames  are pretty good, with 1536 mb of vram (not using my external GPU),  I get 20-25 fps in default airport scenery, around 15 fps in heavy freeware sceneries like Mister X.

 

edit again: and you can land at short runways like lukla and tffj.

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Well, I was made reluctant by this from Almdudler wrote above (especially the undelined by me):

last critic is the lack of performance variability on approach. i have flown this plane as a cockpit observer in the caribbean,

and i can tell you: base-to-final approaches are aggressively banky and steepy due to  the special terrian this plane operates.

Short approaches are this plane's thing. 

But this virtual product does not include any of these parameters, it is not slowing down when it should, and it does not speed up when it should.

Plz advise

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Just now, Paulvanuf said:

Well, I was made reluctant by this from Almdudler wrote above (especially the undelined by me):

last critic is the lack of performance variability on approach. i have flown this plane as a cockpit observer in the caribbean,

and i can tell you: base-to-final approaches are aggressively banky and steepy due to  the special terrian this plane operates.

Short approaches are this plane's thing. 

But this virtual product does not include any of these parameters, it is not slowing down when it should, and it does not speed up when it should.

Plz advise

well... i've never flown a real twin otter, so can't be 100% sure. don't know how the plane is in real life, but true, sometimes slowing down is a bit annoying. however, it's still a very cheap payware, only 30 bucks. probably worth it, depends on wether you are looking for 99% systems and fully accurate physics, or just a pretty good plane that has most systems simulated and good for regular ops.

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On 3/30/2020 at 3:54 PM, boby said:

well... i've never flown a real twin otter, so can't be 100% sure. don't know how the plane is in real life, but true, sometimes slowing down is a bit annoying. however, it's still a very cheap payware, only 30 bucks. probably worth it, depends on wether you are looking for 99% systems and fully accurate physics, or just a pretty good plane that has most systems simulated and good for regular ops.

Yes, i think we expect that the main elements are done properly. This is not a down- or upgradable thing, nor should the price relate to whether things are done sloppy or professionally. At least not in X-plane. Just aim for the professional level or keep away from the stores. :)

Most customers have this plane in mind when it comes to steep landings like the world famous St. Bart, which you probably are familiar with. And there is plenty

of similar places most and for all in the caribbean. If you are a developer, and you decide to pick this very special plane, you gotta face this particular expectation 

customers have when they buy it. 

To make sure, i am understood right: The plane is not bad, i like it. But there is these issues i mentioned which to tackle should be have been a next step.

To people who look at it for a potential purchase, yes, i would buy it again. 

I hope the developer - who as Stephen mentioned - had to be hospitalized, is recovering to well, that should be in our all minds. As there is no information on his status, here

My very best wishes and prays.

 

 

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  • 11 months later...

re-discovered this plane, and getting happier and happier about it. 

i think the quality becomes apparent once you try to create a plane ourselves.

it's a hell of a work behind, the more i apprciate RW's fantastic work.

 

At his point i would like to ask whether somebody has the hawaiian livery for me, maybe Mahalo Air as well.

 

I think first person pilots being made visible would be an asset, also put some passengers i would love.

And the passengers should start crying when i dive down on St.Barts final.  

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