Jump to content

Leaderboard

Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 12/27/22 in all areas

  1. Aircraft Review : Boeing 767-400ER by FlightFactor Aero/SteptoSky Here is another variant and upgrade package from FlightFactor for their Boeing 767 product line. FlightFactor produce both 767/757 Twins in a load of variants and avionics packages, here the focus this time is on the Boeing 767, which is currently available in -200ER and -300ER/F variants. This significant new variant is a very minor series version in the Boeing 767-400ER (Extended Range), as only 37 767-400ERs were delivered to the variant's only two airline customers, Continental Airlines (now merged with United Airlines) and Delta Air Lines. The -400 type features a 21.1-foot (6.43-metre) stretch over the 767-300, for a total length of 201.25 feet (61.3 m). The wingspan is also increased by 14.3 feet (4.36 m) through with the the addition of raked wingtips. The 767-400ER has a range of 5,625 nautical miles (10,418 km), just slightly less than previous extended-range 767s at 5,980 nmi (11,070 km), because of restraints of the fuel capacity. The exit configuration uses six main cabin doors and two smaller exit doors behind the wings, similar to certain 767-300ERs. Other differences include an updated cockpit, redesigned landing gear, and 777-style Signature Interior. Power is provided by the uprated General Electric CF6 engines. Most in service use the FAA granted approval to operate 180-minute ETOPS flights and even used for transatlantic services, for which the aircraft is ideal. The size difference of the -300 to the larger -400 is highly noticeable, it feels a far more bulky aircraft As we can see the aircraft is a bit of a "Frankenstein" in design, and not a major part of current airline fleets. The benefit of course is the far higher payload for the same operating range, but the biggest attraction is in the cockpit... First is what we currently have. FlightFactor in the 767 Series have created two cockpit EFIS variations, the "Standard"... basically the original B767 cockpit layout. Second variation is the "FPDS" or "Flat Panel Display System" or commonly known as a glass cockpit conversion. This FPDS was a conversion of the avionics to the IS&S - Innovative Solutions & Support’s display units, this layout is very similar to the ProLine 21 system and in the Boeing 737-800 but with four displays covering both pilots PFD and MAP/NAV. A full review of the FPDS system can be read here: Aircraft Upgrade : Boeing 767 Pro Avionics FPDS by FlightFactor/SteptoSky The Boeing 767-400ER is however far more unique because the aircraft has the modern avionics of the Boeing 777. In other words the cockpit is a retro fitted layout of the Boeing 777 in a Boeing 767. And very, very nice it is. Although it feels like a Boeing 767 cockpit FlightFactor style, there still the look and feel of a more modern textures and the more updated modeling, so it feels fresher and looks to the future of FlightFactor design, notable was that FlightFactor were always a little heavy-handed in their designs and modeling. So it will be interesting to see the fresher new designs of the coming Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 in this aspect. There is no doubt the 777 avionics brings a far more modern feel, and the feeling of space and less clutter to the instrument panel. It is a six panel display. PFD (Primary Flight Displays) each end, MAP/NAV displays inner, Engine and Crew Alert Displays (upper) and MFD (Multifunctional Display) (lower). All screens have adjustable glow and dirt effects, like on the other FlightFactor B767s. You can switch easily from a B777 to this B767 hybrid, but notable is that a lot of the functions available on the B777 facia are blanked out here, mostly on the upper/lower central monitoring displays, in fact on the lower MFD there are only five selections; ENG, STAT, GEAR, FCTL and NAV. And displays are switchable. Through the EFB (Electronic Flight Bag), you now also access Navigraph charts. Access is via selecting Charts, then the OPTIONS (lower left pop-out box) then filling out your Navigraph login and password details, then a confirmation from Navigraph, will allow you to access your account and use the charts... very nice. Cabin in textures and design are exactly the same as the -300, now only longer to match the new layout of 40 Seats. 28 Seats. 178 Seats for each class, there are no suites here. It is actually a very, very nice cabin, and the lighting (adjustable) has been thankfully toned down. But still the EXIT lights don't work? Externally the Boeing 767-400 the modeling and textures has been revised, it looks certainly far better, but not that much different in retrospect as it still has that Boeing 767 feel. On the -400, Boeing had to upgrade the undercarriage to carry and take the extra forces of the extra weight and payload. So the gear is significantly different, and here also FlightFactor have redesigned it from scratch, and they have done an excellent job. Note the fine nosewheel tyre detail. Detail, Wear and Tear as shown here is impeccable. All the gear components are highly visible and expertly modeled, impressed... The aircraft comes with only the uprated General Electric CF6-80C2B7F1 with an output of 62,100lb (276.2kN). The design and fit of the GE CF6s on the airframe is excellent, they are well and beautifully modeled and look simply brilliant. The raked winglets are unusual as well, they include creating additional wing span, so you get better and increased takeoff weight capability. They work by increasing the effective wing aspect ratio and diminish wingtip vortices, decreasing lift-induced drag. In testing by Boeing and NASA, they reduce drag by as much as 5.5%, compared to 3.5% to 4.5% for conventional winglets. The new 777X has the same theory. Liveries There are seven -400 liveries as part of the standalone and upgrade packages. In; Air Canada, China Eastern, China Southern,Delta, FlightFactor House, Turkish Airlines and United. In the air You basically have the best of two worlds. One is the Study aspect of a fully system aircraft directly from the Boeing specifications (the aircraft is officially licensed by the Boeing © Corporation). Two it is actually quite easy to fly when you know the aircraft and it's systems. The beauty is you can swap 767 versions and variants and feel right at home in everyone of them. The slightly different 777 layout was also very easy to adopt to. A quick flight from KATL (Atlanta) to KIAD (Washington DC), and I was right at home from the moment of throttles up. Instantly long routes beckoned, and the routing over the Atlantic suddenly became a "Must do". "ER" stands for "Extended Range", so why not, as you feel very comfortable in this environment, and the aircraft performs well. The -400 is a very interesting size, should the aircraft have been far more successful that it is? it is a big question as it fills in an important niche in the market, my guess is that 2nd hand -400 aircraft will be very popular. Sounds are again a professional sound pack by BSS Studios, with several hundred custom sounds, including In flight cabin announcements. and Interactive communication with the cabin crew. Landing at Dulles is trouble free and easy, should it be like that, yes when everything comes together and works this well. To note that this B767-400ER release is a "Public Beta", so you are buying an aircraft that is in development and so bugs are in there, and also you will get aircraft changes as the beta progresses. FlightFactor do have a complicated packages system, but basically it works like this, a Standard package of the aircraft, and then the addon Avionics or Variant versions, and there is also the choice to buy an all in one "Global" package. This order will now separate the 767-family into two base packages with the 767-300ER and 767-400ER respectively, which can be upgraded into a joined "pair", or to any combination of 3 possible upgrades. Like with the FPDS upgrade, the 767-400ER, will be offered not only as a standalone package, but also as an upgrade to any previously bought 767 package. The 767-400ER standalone package which is on sale at US$69.00 for the period until XP12 is released (then it goes up to US$79.00). And the "400" upgrade package will be available for US$30.00 as an addition to any previously bought package of the 767-family. If you want all three, ORIGINAL, FPDS and 400ER then that is called the "global PLUS". ________________ Summary Here is another FlightFactor extension package for the FlightFactor 767 Series. Already there is the Boeing -200ER, -300ER and F-Freighter variants, and this new aircraft is the larger 767-400ER variant. It comes with a larger payload, a 21.1-foot (6.43-metre) stretch, but with the same range. Besides the longer length, there is also the unique fitting of a Boeing 777 style six panel EFIS into the -400 aircraft, so it has the more modern avionics than the other 767s. Also a remodeled landing gear, raked winglets and remodeled CF6-80C2B7F1 engines. FlightFactor have also redone the fuselage modeling, and updated the texture quality. Navigraph charts are available on the EFB, systems and features are also as high a quality as before. Notably this release is a "Public Beta", so there are still a few bugs and issues to be covered, but FlightFactor are reacting quickly and v1.5.1 is now released and the minimum version you should use. All updates and downloads of the 767 aircraft is via the X-Updater application. Personally I would like, a Global "Save" option, complicated aircraft require better saving features. Your choice of a quality Boeing approved 767 has just got larger, well a lot larger with the -400 variant, and the rest of the quality from FlightFactor is still all here, and even improved. I like the FlightFactor 767s, and yes this one is their best yet, and went straight to the top of my fleet usage list, it fills in a great category, and it is nice big aircraft, but a quality twin as well, and I love big heavy aircraft. It is really not hard to like and I totally recommend the aircraft, as a standalone, or as an $30 addon to your existing FlightFactor 767 fleet... nice one FlightFactor! ___________________________________ Yes! the Boeing 767-400ER Professional by FlightFactor/StepToSky is NOW! Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 767-400 ER Professional Price is US$69.00 (will increase to US$79.00 on the release of X-Plane12) Boeing 767-400 UPGRADE Existing 767 customers will automatically get the US$30 upgrade at checkout. Boeing 767 Global Plus+ Price is US$145.00 The Global Plus Package Includes: 767-200ER (PW+GE) 767-300ER (PW+RR+GE) 767-300F (PW+GE+RR) 767-200SF (Cargo) 767 FPDS Variant 767-400ER Free Updates to X-Plane 12 (when available). This means you get 2 versions: XP11 version now and XP12 version later. More B767 version details are available here; Aircraft Update : Boeing 767 Professional/Extended v1.2.7 by FlightFactor/StepToSky/VMax Requirements X-Plane 11, Will be compatible with X-Plane 12 for free. Windows 7+, Mac OS 10.10+ or Linux 14.04 LTS or compatible, 64 bit mode 8Gb RAM / 3Gb VRAM Minimum, 16-24Gb+ RAM / 6Gb+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.5.1 (14/06/2022) _________________________________ Review by Stephen Dutton 14th July 2022 Copyright©2022: 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 -S1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU / 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo M2 2TB SSD - Sound : Yamaha Speakers YST-M200SP Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.55 Plugins: Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99 : Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 Scenery or Aircraft - KATL - Atlanta International UHD v2 by Nimbus (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$28.95 - KIAD - Washington Dulles International Airport by Nimbus (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$29.95 (Scenery Review : KIAD - Washington Dulles) (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 Rights Reserved
    1 point
  2. 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. 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... ... 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. 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". 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. 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. 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. 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... 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... 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. Press LK1 (Left Key 1) to set up the ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight) and GW (Gross Weight) that are both noted on the tablet... 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? 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. 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. ECON CLB, ECON CRZ (Cruise) and ECON 285 are all available via the VNAV button? 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. 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. 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). 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... ... 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. 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... .... the BAe146 looks and is amazing. PROG (Progress) page is excellent in action with three pages under the PROG button... .... 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. . 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. ___________________ 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. ___________________________________ 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 BAe146 v1.2.1 changelog.txt ________________________________________ 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.
    1 point
  3. Update Review : B 747-8 Inter/8F Anniversary Edition v2.3 by SSG They made a promise, not a rare thing with X-Plane developers, but do they usually keep to their statements, most do, but a lot also fall far short of their high ambitions. One in Supercritical Simulations Group promised to deliver one of the most outstanding Boeing 747 simulations for X-Plane, it was at the time a very, very ambitious statement, and sadly it didn't get off to a very good start. Extremely heavy, buggy avionics and crappy FMC, and even some of the modeling and detail work was a bit naff... the B748 i/F series struggled to find an early audience, oddly again it was the more modern 8i International and 8F freighter, and not the most popular Boeing 747 with the -400 series being the most outstanding version. But that was years ago in 2014, and a things have changed a lot since then... first the original v1 was patched up and sorted, and ended it's term as a final "Legacy" version, which was not too bad in context... SSG however soldered on and totally created a new from the ground up v2 B748i in a "Anniversary Edition" and later followed up with the 8F-Freighter version. Again the aircraft has had a considerable amount of development since the v2 release, including a whole new lower passenger deck (Update Review : B 747-8 Inter Anniversary Edition v2.2.1 by SSG ) and the Freighter, of which the Review is here : (Aircraft Update : Boeing 747-8 Series V1.9.2. by SSG). V2.2.1 was however and still is a breakthough version of this SSG B748 aircraft, and even one to rest your laurels on for now, and this was only released back in January 2021, just a few months ago... but no, SSG still kept on the road of significant development of the B748 aircraft, and here are those changes in another release in v2.3. The biggest change in v2.3 is the one you can't see, but only feel... framerate improvement. Be careful though in what you want to expect here, framerate is a tricky area in saying what you will get, is not what you actually get, and that for everyone it is different. The biggest issue facing your computer are two things with this SSG B748. One is the sheer size and mass of the aircraft in the simulator, nothing I mean nothing is going to make the footprint of the B747-800 any smaller. You are simply stuck with that settings wise. Secondly is the fact that you can't have this presented sort of extreme detail (Including large internal passenger decks) and a low, low framerate, that again is simply not going to happen. So SSG have done several things here to try to make the aircraft a bit more framerate friendly... one is at the core with a better efficiency with the Vulkan/Metal engine and even improvements in OpenGL (You still really use that... really?), so the complete external model has been revised and many new uv fixes was made, also there is a complete new set of PBR textures covering it all. They certainly look better, but to note it was extremely good before, so it is in the efficiency that the main gains have been made here. Of course the changes also mean that huge list of add-on liveries created for v2, now don't fit or work either, so they will have to all go back to the drawing board, and boy "They are not happy about that" as noted on the dedicated forum, and with 300 liveries to be fixed, it has got them screaming... currently only the default supplied liveries now only work. But it is worth the changes. The undercarriage gear has also had details added, again good before... the updated detail is simply astounding now. The RAT (Ram Air Turbine) now also works, drops down and supplies power to the electrical system when deployed, it is installed inner wing on the right wing (but excuse me for not showing you the RAT in action, I am before a flight, and RATs are notorious to reset to back to normal) There are better and Improved particle systems, including added fuel jettisoning and now the feature of potable water draining (The aircraft drops water onto the apron after a flight!) On the Tablet, several things have been done. SSG have improved the fuel load sequence to match real loading behaviour, certainly the fuel loading is now more realistic for a B747, but I would have liked and even more slower refueling option (say real)... as it is still pretty quick. There is an added cargo light box switches for the Freighter and also added "Cold and Dark" start options on the "Options" page, that will disappear in flight. There are now three Cold and Dark options, in; "Powered and Aligned at Gate", "Not Powered - Normal Cold and Dark" and finally "All switches off". There is a built in pushback system, but I still use the BetterPushback tool... engine start up sequence is excellent, the No 3 Engine issues have now been resolved. Note don't start all engines too early as you already have a heavy aircraft and all that extra thrust to move backwards? The weight and feel of this B748 is astounding, you feel it the movement and it is a great aircraft to taxi, note the low range airport map where available. All the external (and internal) lighting which is extensive, has all been fine tuned and customised in v2.3 , and lighting source now quite minute, but highly effective as it is now all excellent.... more later. Several items have been adjusted on the flight instruments... First there is the improved the FD bars to be more accurate during takeoff and prior to autopilot mode connection, (and I noticed better alignment with the flightplan). Second is that there is a better ND terrain display with automatic terrain detection, the look and feel is very different to the earlier terrain display pattern. (note when closing the terrain tool, you have to reset your WXR bands) You feel the severe power of all those four General Electric GEnx ("General Electric Next-generation") -2B67B engines, generating 66,500 lbf (296 kN) thrust each as you set the throttle levers to the takeoff position, you move very quickly off the line and are soon at the 162 +10 knots takeoff speed, a slight rotation and you are in a positive climb... To be fair I am not very heavy here at a full 278.7 GW, as the sector distance is only a short 1000nm, but still the feel and control is exceptional. The trick to a great simulation is that the aircraft responds to your inputs, but also so does the switchgear and levers, it is perfect here, then it allows you fly the aircraft that much better, as a heavy, then the SSG Boeing 748 is exceptional in both those areas, it is simply a dream to control and fly. Added has been an altitude range arc (green), this is a target point arc of when you reach the assigned altitude, or you can set the Vertical Speed to achieve a certain altitude at a certain distance marker (or waypoint). Very common for descending (to achieve a target lower altitude), but this is the first one (I think) for climbing, but very useful and welcome. Several other points. SSG have fixed the error when autopilot changed from FLCH to V/S mode and vice versa, and the aircraft (pointer) in the MAP which will now follow the route line perfectly, it was off usually center when the Navigation Display (ND) range was set at less than 2.5 miles. You use tricks to get a big aircraft like the Boeing 747 to a high altitude, first a slower speed to get a steeper climb, then faster (first around 290 knts and up to .m75) to climb up at around 1200fpm... again the altitude target arc is a real bonus. Another tool is the improved steps (set at 2000ft per step) here... as displayed on ND in MAP mode. I usually run /burn off 500nm in a B747 or A380 at a full gross weight, before stepping up to a higher altitude. Current airliners fly high, not Concorde 55,000ft high, but in the 38,000ft to 40,000ft range, and here we are... ... with a range of 7,730 nmi (14,320 km), then 13 hour flights are not uncommon in the B748, so you need to go to the toilet... or even have a lie down. In version v2.3 there has been added some comfort for your discomfort... a toilet on the right side and a crew rest room on the left! Both are nicely detailed, and of course very useful. The internal cabins were a bit bland to keep any framerate growth at bay, but some small touches have been done in v2.3.... mostly in first and business seating, which now have large video screens, and "Exit" signs have also been added, and all the galleys now have food carts, not much, but it all helps in filling in all that beige, and with no extra weight on the framerate either. Internal and instrument panel lighting was good, but now even better... There is improved internal lighting and fixed is the CDU and general instrument brightness. Overall I found it excellent, but would have like more control over the rear cockpit lighting (brightness), both the toilet and rest room are lit. It easily passes my landing lighting comfort test, in low overhead lighting with nicely lit instruments and switchgear. External lighting as noted is now also very good in the dark, the smaller focus of the lights are perfect, but the spread is nice and bright. The FMC has also had a large amount of bug fixes and adjustments. Increased the route legs list to 25 page and both RTE 1 and RTE 2 can be used for to add in more waypoints for long routes. A big issue, as for in my last update report in that flying from Singapore (SIN) to Frankfurt (FRA), and I ran out of waypoints and had to edit a lot together to create the full route, but is 25 (up from 20) additions enough... I am not so sure? There is also Improved Navigation Display (ND) data, but still good in the first instance and improved VNAV and LNAV logic. Fixed a bug that when STAR was changed and the LNAV control was negatively affected, which was not also recognised in some situations, but I was never real;ly affected by that action? The fixed airways when entering, was also related to the long route inputs when some waypoints would not enter, again annoying, but now fixed. Fixed some STARs that did not appear in the last DEP/ARR pages, again annoying, but again did not relate to me too often. There is always something new to discover... I found the "Hold" feature on the FMC, and it has been updated in v2.3. Press the "Hold" button and select (if in the flightplan) the hold choice you want to use, then activate it... when the aircraft gets to the hold point, it will simply go into the "Hold" routine and loop around the set hold position until you select the "Hold Exit" button. Selected, when the aircraft reaches again on the loop the starting "Hold" waypoint the aircraft will simply resume it's flightplan, you can also set the FMC to go on to the next "Hold Position", it works brilliantly. Nothing is more exciting (or nervy) than landing a fully loaded Boeing 747, complex and skillful... it keeps you on your toes to get it right, and then have the huge satisfaction every time you do it right... the throttles if TOGA is pressed, now they will advance from their present position to full thrust, as they should do.... and Improved stability during strong crosswinds on landing is very much appreciated... thank you very much. You have gotta love a huge Boeing 747, and this Supercritical Simulations Group, Boeing 748 in both International and Freighter versions is certainly the biggest and best you can get, more updates and now even better than ever... so if you want the full B747 experience, then this is certainly it. ________________________ Summary Supercritical Simulations Group started out with the X-Plane Boeing 748 project, like forever ago. Over the years it has been transformed and expanded into quite an aircraft, in both Passenger (International) and Freighter (F) variants, and both in the same package. This is the completely rebuilt v2 package, a total redevelopment of the original package, with the v2 Freighter added last year... this is also the second serious update this year also, the Jan v2.1.1 update added in the full lower passenger deck (on the International) and a load of bug fixes.... this newer v2.3 version is more focused on reducing the framerate hit, and it comes with (again) totally revised textures and modeling improvements (Old even v2 liveries again don't work with v2.3)... the efforts have been worth it. Other (nice) additions include a toliet (washroom) and a crew rest area, better external and internal lighting and updated terrain display. There is also a full list of fixes and bug repairs to the systems, and again the list is quite comprehensive (v2.3changelog is below), The aircraft uses the Skunkcrafts updater for quick updates and changes directly from the developer. Basically as a simulation the SSG B747-8i and F "Anniversary" aircraft are both quite and very impressive simulations, coming with the huge feature set and it's perfect flying capabilities, yes I would also note it as study grade as well. Certainly the best by far in the only quality Boeing 747 in X-Plane currently, and with the current reduced sale price of only US$48.00 a total bargain to boot as well, but note you do need a quality and powerful computer to run the aircraft... Absolutely Highly Recommended. ________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8 Inter v2.3 Anniversary Edition By Supercritical Simulations Group is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747- 8 Inter Anniversary Edition Price is US$48.00 (You Currently Save:$21.00(30%) Features  EXTERNALS Fuselage closely modeled on the real one with many details. Each door can be opened individually and is very detailed. Almost all parts that can open/move on the aircraft are modeled. Many external details such as a satellite antenna, tail camera (Intercontinental) and various vents, drains, etc. Cut passenger windows with “glass” panes. Vertical and horizontal stabilizers with added details, such as fuel vent (Intercontinental). Detailed nacelles and engines with many details and animations. Detailed landing gear/gear doors with proper animation. Leading and trailing edge flaps, detailed flap mechanisms and proper animations (such as partial retraction of leading edge flaps during reverse thrust). Speedbrakes/spoilers with accurate function and logic for individual panels. Interiors with seats, galleys, lavatory and crew rest, with stairs to lower deck and some animations. Wing flex and nacelle animations. Separate and animated windshield wipers with accurate timing and rate. Functioning Ram Air Turbine (RAT). Pilot figures (can be hidden). Animated Angle of Attack (AOA) vanes. Fans windmill when engines are off. Several blocked windows on the Intercontinental. Various cargo types on Freighter main deck. Visible fuel vapor during fuel jettisoning. Custom external lights design with realistic width, direction and range. COCKPIT Detailed 3D cockpit with enhanced textures and accurate differences between the Intercontinental and Freighter models. Detailed overhead panel with most buttons/switches modeled and working. Accurate forward panel with most buttons/switches modeled and working. Detailed pedestal with most buttons/switches/handles working. Detailed side panels and window frames. Detailed cockpit seats. Option to set up various panel states from “cold and dark” to “through flight”. SYSTEMS Flight dynamics tested by real 747 pilots and mechanics. Custom brake system with autobrake and antiskid, and hydraulic system dependency. Tailstrike protection. Gear system with sensed tire pressure, wheel temperature and associated advisory messages . Realistic warning/caution system with advisory messages at all 3 message levels with over 120 Messages. Hydraulics with system pressures simulated on all 4 systems plus brakes. Fuel system with opening/closing pump valves. FUEL TANK/ENG logic and warning, as well as fuel imbalance warning, and many others. Engines with fire bottle discharges simulated that empty when used. Fuel dump system. EICAS decluttering function. 3 radio consoles that can be used with any left or right channel COMM 1 / COMM 2 plus custom transponder panel. High resolution displays. Minimum callouts based on radio altimeter or barometric altimeter Display manager like in the real aircraft that shows over 10 synoptic pages in any MFD side and lower EICAS with electronic normal checklist. Lights switch test and dim implemented. Display brightness is controllable. Custom cockpit lights. External sounds (3D localized sounds) using the DreamEngine plugin. Fuel system with accurate tank loading. Detailed EGPWS implementation and displays. Realistic AUTOSTART and RUNNING indicators on engine displays. Realistic air conditioning system and logic. Detailed Navigation Display (ND) with many accurate functions like Airport Map, TCAS and Weather radar (default XP). Clock and chronometer display on ND. Detailed electrical system logic and switching. Realistic baro pressure switch logic (STD, preselected, transition altitude). Inertial Reference System (IRS) implemented with alignment function. FMC FMCs are modeled closely after the real 747-8 ones with most menus and functions implemented. Captain and First Officer CDUs. RNAV approaches (non-precision) implemented. FMC FIX page implemented. FMC Route 2 function implemented. FMC Diversion function implemented. Custom navigation data supported by Navigraph and Simbref. Tablet with extra functions, such as: Realistic fuel loader with FMC fuel prediction. Payload options page. Ground service and door control page. Wheel chocks are selectable. Sound control page. Pushback function that permits joystick control. Cargo main deck light control (Freighter). Requirements: X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac . (Linux not supported) 4 GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current and Review version : 2.3 (June 23rd 2021) NOTE: Framerate requires a decent graphic card, minimum of 8gb is RECOMMENDED, so I would also recommend a power machine as standard.  Installation : Download is 1.52gb which is unzipped and is inserted in your Heavy Aircraft folder as: 1.72gb  Key authorisation is required.  WebFMC Pro and "Ground Handling Deluxe" Plugin by JARDesign is highly recommended with this aircraft. Documentation : includes  SSG License Agreement.txt V2.2.1 Change Log.txt SSGCUSTOMLIST.TXT librain license.txt SSG 747-8 V2 Quick Start Guide.pdf SSG 747-8 V2 FCOM.pdf Changelog v2.3 SSG_B748-changelog v2.3.txt _____________________________________________________________________  Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton  28th June 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)   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 11.53 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini  Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 : Traffic GLobal Plugin - US$52.99 : BetterPushBack - Free : Ground Handling Deluxe Plugin by JARDesign US$14.95 : WebFMC Pro US$19.99 Scenery or Aircraft - EDDB - Berlin-Brandenburg V2 XP by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$29.99   
    1 point
×
×
  • Create New...