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Found 6 results

  1. Aircraft Review : Embraer E-190 by Flight Procedures Simulation In July 2023, Flight Procedures Simulation released the Embraer E-195 for the X-Plane 12 Simulator. This aircraft although all new for X-Plane 12, also has a historical connection to the SSG Supercritical Simulations Group E-Jets version, but now called under another name in "Flight Procedures Simulation" (FPS), it is in many ways related to the same aircraft that was earlier released by SSG in X-Plane 11. SSG had released both the E195 and the E190 variants of the Embraer E-Jet, so as the E195 is already available, then the smaller E190 was expected to follow... here it is, and in many ways it is the same aircraft as the E195, but with a few new extra features added into the aircraft. Notable is that the same new features released in the E190, will also be cross-updated to the E195 if you own that aircraft. Actually the E190 variant is the pick of the E-Jet Series, E 170 - E 175 - E 190 - E 195. As it has the best of both worlds, it has a high passenger load (114 seats) as in being slightly shorter (36.25 m (118 ft 11 in), but also comes with a longer range in 2,450 nmi (4,537 km; 2,820 mi) and being able to fly an extra 150 nm than the E195 (124 Seats). The E195 feels long, even tube like, but the E190 is the more better and proportioned aircraft. One of the highlights of the E-195 by FPS, was the very good value price to features and quality, in being set in the mid-$50 price range. In other words you get a lot of quality aircraft for your money. The SSG/FPS also had great value to the featured systems provided, even right back to the early days, then there was a authentic FMS (Flight Management System) as part of the price... most deliver the same now, but that is just to highlight the point of the early advanced features from SSG that other developers didn't provide. The FPS E-190 is obviously almost identical to the earlier E-195, just a little shorter airframe. Both aircraft have been totally revised for X-plane 12. It shows in the quality of the modeling and detailing, that X-Plane 12 "shine" or aura is very evident. Same nice tinted glass and reflections.... the detail is nice, landing light surrounds and lovely flared winglets are also well carved and designed. All wings have the more variable Wing Flex animation for more realism. One area I thought on the E-195 that was clunky, were the internal mechanisms for the leading edge, still the same here sadly, so I disappointed it wasn't attended to... it's just feels a generation behind the current formula of detail in these current intricate leading edge, flap and airbrake combos... as which it is from the earlier SSG E-Jet Series. Undercarriage is very well conceived with highly detailed strut body and pistons, all hydraulic lines are well detailed, as are the scissors.... The side strut, although well done, is still left hanging in the wheel bay with no upper connection, as again on the E-195... this connection should have certainly been fixed by now (on both aircraft)... worse it is so highly visible from many visual angles, certainly on the approach/landing. Engines are the GE CF34-10E with 20,000 lbf (89 kN) thrust, compared to the 8E on the lower E-170/175 Series with only 14,200 lbf (63 kN), both engines are equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Engine pod detail is again excellent, great intake and the exhaust detailing is very well done. External features include all opening doors, Passenger left forward and aft, right Forward Service door, two Baggage holds and rear Service door. There is a nice GPU (Ground Power Unit) and you have wheel chocks on all wheels. Internal Cabin The E-Jet cabin for X-Plane 12 (E-195) was totally redone, or modernised. It's the same cabin here in the E-190, but it is a nice cabin with some really nice detailing. Seats are modern, as is the upper luggage bins are all also the new style with working Seatbelt/No Smoking signs and lit EXIT signs. Only niggle again are the differently set window shades from open to closed, still something I don't like?... same also is you have these excellent seat-back screens with the Airline logo, a highlight is that the seat colours/logo can also change with different liveries. Front and rear galleys are well done, but not overly meticulously detailed, a bonus for framerate. Cockpit In the cockpit, you could be in the E-195... It's exactly the same, great for your type rating! Both pilot chairs were all new on the E-195, they came with better sheepskin covers and hard-back rears, sadly the armrests are still fixed. (another area I thought would be updated for the E-190). The rear bulkhead was also completely different, and so is the entrance/door, and a modeled (non-working) jump seat on the bulkhead. Overall all the cockpit fixtures and textures have been totally redone with the same colour. Note the nice stitching, and netting rear on the pilot seats. EFB Tablet The Tablet EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) is also the same as the one in the E-195. One tablet each side for the Captain and First Officer and both are not changed in their detail. The Tablet menu screen on the left side is a huge step forward and it is easy to use. When turned off you can then use it as an AviTab, via the button top right of the screen. (plugin required) The Tablets can be added or removed on both the pilot's and the First Officer right side, but you have to select (On/Off) EFB or AviTab from only the left side tablet, but once the mode is selected it works on both as the tablets mirror each other. There are ten icon options across the top of the tablet... The first three options cover the GPU, Chocks and Cabin Lighting selections. The Circular arrows icon is the INIT page that has three options; "Unpowered Cold & Dark", "Powered at the Gate" and "Unpowered And Parked". You select the flight state, then press the green button left to activate that state.... it works well. Fifth Icon is the External options page has two options... "Doors" and "Pushback". You can open and close all six doors noted, but only from here in the Tablet and not manually. The Pushback mode is a bit limited... There is only the option shown to pushback in reverse or forward, brakes have to be off to activate and there is a procedure to follow to turn. Sixth icon is the Payload page... here you can add in your Passenger, Cargo weights... It is a single entry (Payload) entered via the keys 1K/100/10 then you load the aircraft (or compute the load)... you can change from Kgs to Lbs in the lower centre icon. Seventh Icon is Fuel. Basically the same as the payload page, you enter your Block Fuel load, then on pressing Fuel/Defuel it will load/unload the aircraft, the page will also display your fuel trip prediction (but only when you have programmed the FMCU. Eighth icon is the Takeoff Speeds. Here you select the Takeoff mode, or derated power setting (T01/T02/T03) then flap position. It will insert the current (airport) outside Temperature º and the set Gross Weight, then compute the V Speeds, CofG (Centre of Gravity) and Trim position ready to insert into the MCDU Takeoff page. All three set up pages (Payload-Fuel-Takeoff Speeds) are extremely easy and fast to do, so setting up the aircraft isn't going to take ages if you just want to fly. Ninth icon is the Sound page. Seven sliders cover three areas of Engines, Flight Deck and Environment, with a Master slider right. Final and tenth icon is the Options page, divided into "View Options"; Hide Yoke Captain side, Hide Yoke First Officers side, Hide Outside Pilot Figures and Show F.O. Side Tablet. "System" Options include; Link Baro Instrument Settings and Pause 10 NM to TD, again the Weights from KG to Lbs can also be changed here. Obviously the Tablet is a huge change from the fiddly X-Plane 11 window idea, far better for access and for setting up the aircraft... it is simple but also well done to use and mirrors the E-195 tablet as well. Systems Power on via the Battery power and the systems show the "Backup Mode". Only when you add in the direct power (GPU/APU/Engines) that you get the fully loaded system. Most of the Systems are a carbon-copy of the E-195 instrument layout and functionality, so a lot is repeated here as described in the E-195 Review. The Embraer E-Jets systems use the Honeywell Primus "Epic", Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) glass cockpit. It is very nicely done, the system CAS (Crew Alert System) messages, Aural warnings, Takeoff configuration warning, Stall protection system, Windshear detection and escape guidance, Non-normal operations are all represented. The SSG/PFP E-Jet basic systems has evolved over many years, improved and is now quite substantial, I was very impressed by the CAS warnings and alerts. Five displays across, with outer main displays PFD (Primary Flight Display), MFD (Multi-Functional Display) and in the middle EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System), they all pop-out via the left corner screw, are scalable, also home cockpit ready. The PFD displays information such as airspeed indicator, altitude indicator, ADI, HSI, vertical speed indicator, radio aids, autopilot, flight director and radio altitude data. In the event of a display failure, information will be automatically presented in the MFD. The display controller portion of the guidance panel allows the selection of PFD HSI formats, navigation sources, weather display, and bearing pointer selection. The MFD presents map and plan navigation formats and various systems synoptic formats that are all selectable. The MFD provides redundancy to display both the PFD and EICAS formats based upon reversion. It also has the ability to display maintenance information. The MFD consists of menu softkeys, on the top and bottom of the screen, which are used to select formats and to control the various systems. Note the lower screen "Vertical Profile Display", SSG was one of the first to include the feature on their aircraft, and it is very good here. There are three option menus; Map, Plan and Systems... And six system displays; Status, Flight Ctrl (Controls), Hydraulics, Fuel, Electrical, ECS and Anti-Ice. The EICAS displays engine and system parameters such as flap, gear, spoilers and trim positions, total fuel quantity, APU and environmental information. The EICAS also displays warning, caution, advisory, and status messages. In case of failure in the EICAS display, its information may be presented in the MFD by appropriately setting the reversionary panel. An automatic mode de-clutters the EICAS after takeoff. De cluttering occurs 30 seconds after landing gear and flap/slat retraction. The Advanced Advisory System CAS logic has more than 100 messages in logic, comprehensive, and I love the block alert system flashing it is very visually authentic. Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU) The FPS E-190 uses the same FJCC UFMC by Javier Cortes, again the same as installed in the E-195. Also refined over the years, it is pretty solid now. Based on the EPIC Load 27 FMS it is easy to use and has also quite a lot of functionality built in... both left and right UFMC units are individual and can be used separately by both pilots. The MCDU allows FMS control, radio tuning, PFD radio tuning display setup, manual engine rating selection, engine takeoff data set and avionics display setup and test. There is also a UFMC pop-up, activated by the F8 key, there is no pop-up for the right hand display. If you haven't used the FJCC FMS before, then you have to install the UFMC data (folder). This is stored in the X-Plane12/Custom Data folder... FPS supplies a full AIRAC-2303 set of data, in the "Documentation" folder, and the full contents are all to be put in the said Custom Data folder... notable is that if you use Navigaph or Aerosoft data, then a separate update link is required to this folder to update the monthly AIRAC. Note- If you already have the UFMC installed and updated to the current AIRAC, then there is no need to do this step. Also notable is that the Flightplans for the E-190 are stored here as well, again if you use the Simbrief Downloader, an address link is required to direct the file to the right flightplan folder. The Flightplans also use a unique .ufmc lauguage, so you have to specific with the flightplan. The colourful FMS Flightplan requires THE full insert of TAKEOFF REFERENCE DATA (3 pages). There is a reason for filling in the FMC data to the full extent as we shall see later, and it requires every i dotted and T crossed. PERFORMANCE PLAN pages (5) show fuel predictions for each waypoint, CLIMB/CRUISE/DESENT/LANDING pages show full flight performance and detail, including vRef landing speeds... PROG (Progress) page is highly detailed as well. The flight system provides Full TOGA/VNAV/LNAV/RNAV/LOC/GS/Missed APPR functions. SPEEDS with CLIMB/CRZ/DESC come with a custom Autothrottle system. All speeds thoughout the flight phases can also be changed into the flight plan and on the performance pages. Overhead OHP is the same/identical to the E-195, so there is no need to relearn anything... X-Plane 12 brings a different feel into the cockpit, provides more feel and depth to the controls and instruments... Centre console was also retextured, and still you have those lovely ceramic throttle levers, you can feel them, the smoothness of the surface, and the Auto-Throttle disconnect is built in... works as well. The lovely Ram Horn yokes are also still perfectly nice. They come with built in (working) Trim switches and a working PTT button. Lighting First lighting impressions are excellent. You have a lot of adjustment via five knobs at each end of the glareshield, and three (MAIN PNL/OVHD PNL/PEDESTAL) knobs on the OHP, plus the standard DOME switch. DOME lighting is very effective via two (bright) lights in the roof rear. Each pilot also get a MAP light which is also very good... ... so you can also tone everything down to just the instruments, or just to find a little down-light to see the console switch gear, perfect for night landings or takeoff phases... its all very good, and have a very nice place to fly in at night as well. If you remember the E195 cabin lighting was a bit unfinished, as in being only half way completed... In the E190 it is done, but the light spreads don't match up to the light source on the fixed rear zone? A shame as it looks great. You switch on the cabin lighting via the button on the Tablet, off and you get only the floor light strips. More so is that both galleys are connected to the cabin lighting, so all ON or OFF, they should be separated for better illumination. Another small annoyance is the red beacon still flashes in the cabin like on the E-195? Externally it is very good. All lighting is the X-Plane 12 lighting, so it is more XP12 LED in feel... notable is that the lighting will be updated in the next X-Plane 12.1.0. release by Laminar Research, so what is seen here could be even more refined. Navigation, Strobes and beacons all look good, as does the Tail lighting. There are runway turnoff lights, three landing lights that covers both wing and nosewheel positions. There are very effective Wing/Ice lights (here noted as "Inspection", which are great for cabin views at night. Flying the Flight Procedures Simulation E-190 Yes we are in Brazil... this flight is from SBGL (Galeao-Antonio Carlos Jobim In, Rio) to SBSV (Dep L E Magalhaes Intl, Salvador). Starting the E-Jet 190 is Simple Simon, no bleeds to worry about here, as the start is fully AUTO, once you have turned or selected each engine switch. Then watch the ITT (N2) kick off and start the start procedure, which is very long here and takes around a minute per engine, as you hear all the separate processes come in and the fans starting to twirl, its all very, very good and very authentic in realism, as you see the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) in operation. Startup sounds are excellent, thankfully with those engines sounds with their many startup stages that are recorded from real GE CF34-10E engines. That explains the perfect if long start up procedure, as they are timed into the soundtrack of the real thing, and it is very good aurally to listen into the full startup experience. The adjustment of the sounds is excellent as well with the great sound control (tablet) to get the right external, internal feel. The "Pushback" system is a little tricky until you work it out, devilish simple when you do... Release the brakes activates the Pushback mode, then press the pushback option... the tricky part is having the tiller selection up, to steer the aircraft yaw (Joystick), if not you can't steer. Select to Pushback in reverse, or when you are ready to pull forward, then use the other arrow... centre selection is STOP. Just using the park-brake will disable the pushback... you will soon get to like it. Betterpushback is however not an option here as the plugin does not work with this built in system, and thankfully the old silly stick pushback on the X-Plane 11 version is gone, of which I really didn't like at all. Note that to switch the Tiller back to normal to steer with the Yaw. On the E-195 I wasn't very happy with the touchy yaw steering (joystick), so I adjusted the yaw sensitivity way down to give me more leverage on my yaw axis. Here I found I had more rudder travel in the steering, so I didn't adjust the sensitivity this time around, but you do use a lot of rudder movement in the fine tuning of the centring, but now more evenly than using the sharper joystick (yaw). So what is new compared to the E-195 on the E-190? Well the E-190 has a completely new LNAV/VNAV alghoritm, that is different from the earlier version. So the note made earlier on making sure the FMS input data is completely done and correct is important, as the E-190 will follow this data absolutely, certainly the VNAV profiles that are all shown in the "Vertical Profile Display". Also new to the E-190 are the RNP departures (Required Navigation Performance). RNP is a family of navigation specifications under Performance Based Navigation (PBN) which permit the operation of aircraft along a precise flight path with a high level of accuracy and the ability to determine aircraft position with both accuracy and integrity. It is well worth studying the differences between RNP and RNAV procedures. Before you start the takeoff roll... you set the LNAV and VNAV modes ready. Power up and put the throttles to the full (takeoff) position, now once moving and the PFD will show the system is active... ... it doesn't matter into regulating the thrust power, for as one you have set that in the FMCU, and so two, the FADEC system will keep the engine thrust within the limits or 92.0% (TO.1). The CF-34 wail is nicely heard in the cockpit, a totally different sound as it is in the cabin, but highly realistic, and all sounds are doppler and 3D. There is a full "Custom Fly By Wire" system that provides flight protection limiting and control laws according with the FMS Protection System logic, again all very Airbus. The flight model performance has also been revised from the E-195 to the E-190, and yes it handles even far better and it feels now very good. I found the E-190 more refined, certainly from the earlier E-195 climb, and this time with no engine surging... "Thank you very much, I will take that one". Once in the "Positive Climb", now select the AP (Autopilot) and both the LNAV and VNAV modes become active... note the VNAV now goes into the FLCH (Flight Level Change) mode and then chases to your VNAV set altitude. (LNAV will follow the Flightplan route) Even if you break the profile and level out at say 15,000ft. Just reclick the VNAV button for the aircraft to resume the profile. When in the VNAV mode. The ALT (Altitude) will change from green to magenta, not only will the aircraft follow the vertical profile, but it will also select the Flightplan set speed (m.65) and adjust were required, like say TOC (Top of Climb). But you have to be aware of the Airspeed - Mach switchover point. You need to check the fightplan of the point it changes over from IAS to Mach, and to physically do the switch, or the VNAV speed gets confused on the wrong setting, same going back from Mach to IAS. Note the excellent rate of turn indicator when in the "Bank" mode. In X-Plane 12 the FPS E-190 looks amazing in the right lighting conditions, high in the FL330 cruise level, you are purring along, sounds are really good and authentic... the FPS E-190 looks excellent against the real time cloud formations. Max. speed / Ceiling Mach .82 @ 41,000 ft (12,000 m), Cruise Mach .78 (447 kn; 829 km/h)... It is also a very nice feel on the E-190 flightdeck, and the great thing about flying in the cruise, is that you can just stop sometimes, just look at the world around you. TOD (Top of Descent) and you watching the VNAV (PATH) to see if it will perform the action of going into the descent phase... it does, but I found you still have to control the speed, if not the steep descent will runaway with the speed as the descent vertical speed is steep at around 2600 fpm? The system will also alert you that you will also have to reset to the landing altitude (here 2,000ft), if not the system will recapture the altitude and not descend correctly... so you will need to do this altitude reset before reaching the TOD point. The initial descent angle I found a little too steep, but it levels off around the approach phase... I like a descent speed of around 2200 fpm, but here like noted it is around 2600 fpm, so the cause of the excessive speed. But like I mentioned in controlling that speed, certainly if you have the correct velocity in the final approach turns, it IS important, as you will then have better control in the approach phase... You can now use RNAV approaches (and their charts) with the FPS E-Jet Series, in so making for tighter arrival procedures. Autoland 1 and Autoland 2 and CAT I, CATII approaches are also now all available, but Autoland 2 is only active at FULL flap with the ILS APP selected. Great immersion on the final approach phase, a good simulation is when everything is working together, sound, instruments, control feedback... your in there! The E-190 has a very low final approach speed (Full Flap) of 120 knts, 115 is the absolute minimum, or below the stall speed. Disengage the Auto-Throttle at 500 ft and cruise into a slightly higher final flare. Spoilers activate automatically with pressure on the wheels, then retract again when the wheel speed is below 45 kts for at least 5 seconds. Reverser sounds are really excellent, as you can hear them roar from the cockpit, and they are very effective as well. Autobraking was set to "Low" as I like a lot of foot braking control in the final landing phase, this aspect also worked very well, with a nice braking feel. Note the great view from the cabin of the spoiler rear internal detail. Again rudder steering comes into action on the ground, don't touch the joystick yaw though... it is too touchy. And we are in Salvador. Liveries There are a couple of liveries from the older X-Plane 11 batch, namely the Alitaila and Air France HOP!, KLM and LOT (Polish). Missing again however is the nice Dolomiti. Some new ones provided as well, Azul, British Airways and Breeze all part of the download pack... more have also been added by FPS to the X-Plane.Org, these liveries include JAL, Lufthansa Regional, Alliance (Australia) and two Jet Blues __________________ Summary This E-190 is the follow up aircraft from Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG Supercritical Simulations Group) of their released the Embraer E-195 for the X-Plane 12 Simulator in June 2023. SSG released both the E-195 and the E-190, so this release is the shorter, but the more potent in the E-Jet Series of the E-190. The E-190 has a higher passenger load (114 seats) as in being slightly shorter (36.25 m (118 ft 11 in), but also comes with a longer range in 2,450 nmi (4,537 km; 2,820 mi) and being able to fly an extra 150 nm than the E195 (124 Seats). The E195 feels long, even tube like, but the E190 is the more better and proportioned aircraft. In most cases there is not much difference at all between the E-195 release and this E-190. The Systems and cockpit layout is exactly the same between both, so that is great for your cross type rating. Obviously the cabin is shorter with less seats, but the E-195 updated cabin and those lovely (logo) seat back screens are also moved over. The cabin lighting has also been fixed, well sort of. SSG provided one of the first and best E-Jet FMS systems, the same has had consistent updates over the years and is now very good and stable here. Notable is that study and a complete install of flight data is required for the use of the completely new LNAV/VNAV alghoritms behind the systems, it is again very good, but speed control is required on the descent. RNP departures and RNAV approaches are also now possible. Autoland 1 and Autoland 2 CAT I,CATII landings are also available. Externally the modeling was again updated from the SSG version to X-Plane 12, and the aircraft looks and feels very good in X-Plane. But a few areas like the leading edge tracks and gear support are dated or not connected, these niggles were still passed over to the E-190 from the E-195. The Tablet and it's features are very good in not being over complicated, and the in-built pushback tool is really very clever. The biggest benefit of these E-Jets in both the E-195 and this newer E-190 is the value price to the feature and quality ratio. You get a lot of aircraft for you money, and a great E-Jet as well with all the trimmings. If have purchased the E-195, you can also get the E-190 with US$10 off the price... so another saving there. So the Flight Procedures Simulation E-190 like the E-195 are both a great investment all round. __________________ Yes! - the Embraer E-190 X-Plane 12 by Flight Procedures Simulation is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : FPS Embraer E-190 Price is US$55.00 Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or Mac (not compatible with Linux) 8GB + VRAM Minimum Download Size: 626 MB Current version : 1.0 (April 20th 2024) Owners of the E195 by FPS can get the E190 for $10 off. Coupon can be found in the original E190 invoice Designed by Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG) Support forum for the FPS 190 Download The FPS E-190 is a 626.00MB download with an installation size of 2.34Gb, in your X-Plane Aircraft folder, this is an X-Plane 12 aircraft only. All updates are via the built-in Skunkcrafts Updater Notable for new users, is you have to install the FJCC FMS data in the Custom Data folder, install instructions are provided and so is a more up to date current 2303 AIRAC data pack. Documentation There is excellent full coverage documentation and installation details for the FPS E-190, including; AIRAC_2303_manual_install.zip Custom_Commands.txt FPS EMB 190_Checklist.txt FPS EMB 190 - Lights and Switches v1.0.pdf Installing the FPS EMB 190.pdf FPSEmbraer_190_Changelog.txt Installing the FPS EMB 190.pdf Normal_Procedures_EMB190.pdf _____________________ Review System Specifications:  Windows - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD Software: - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane Version 12.05r1 Plugins: JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99 Scenery or Aircraft - SBGL- Rio de Janeiro International v2 by Globallart (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$29.95 - SBSV - Salvador/Bahia International Airport by Globallart (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.95 Review by Stephen Dutton 24th April 2024 Copyright©2024: 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 Rights Reserved
  2. NEWS! - Aircraft Updated : FPS Embraer E-195 v1.2.3 Renamed (from Supercritical Simulations Group) Flight Procedures Simulation, have released an update to their excellent Embraer E-Jet 195. This is version 1.2.3 (not one hard to forget). This is a comprehensive update that covers a lot of adjustments and bug changes that followed on with the aircraft on it's release in July 2023... the changelog is quite long! v1.2.3 Changelog - Improved Sasl code for best performance in FPS - Improved Cockpit, External, PBR and material gloss textures - Improved Speedbrake system that now works with the default X-Plane and/or custom FPS speedbrake command - Improved Pushback that now removes the chocks when engaged - Improved Flight dynamics and airfoil data (new lift model) - Improved Taxing behavior and land nose gear concerns - Improved Engine model with new Ram compression - Improved Navigation vertical patch drawing - Improved Navigation Display that only show runways above 3400 feet now - Improved FMA RNAV(non precision approach) RNP APP indicators fixed to meet exact the real ones. - Improved Engine TO-1,TO-2, and TO-3 with ALT/TEMP new calculation for FLEX power - Improved FMC landing speed calculation that now uses the landing weight prediction and can be called from tablet while in the ground - Improved Flight Director TAKEOFF that now respects the altitude waypoint speed/turn transition - Improved FMOD sounds like engines, internal cockpit, cabin and external, winds and air cond - Fixed Cabin Differential pressure and ADV message with a differential value - Fixed Altitude alert sound not working when hit 1000ft to the altitude dailled - Fixed Ice Condition synoptic indicator that was always visible - Added Chocks object to the external model - Added Thermal textures and cockpit windsheld temp. The full X-PlaneReviews release review of the FPS E-195 is here: Aircraft Review : Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation Owners of the previous E-Jets by SSG (only the SSG version) can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off. Please find the discount code in your original E-Jets Invoice. So overall if you want a thoroughly decent E-Jet, without the extreme price, then you can't go past this significantly upgraded E-Jet 195 from Flight Procedures Simulations. You could say it is proven and tested, certainly for the older users of the SSG version, who will quickly settle in and be comfortable in their newer updated surroundings. It is great if a clever update to already a good aircraft, and older purchasers of the previous E-Jets by SSG can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off, and that is a great value deal to upgrade the aircraft to X-Plane 12, and all it's modern features. So the E-195 is highly recommended for that great value price, without sacrificing the quality. ___________________________ Yes! - the Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation v1.2.3 is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : FPS Embraer E-195 Price is On Sale... US$55.00 Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or Mac (not compatible with Linux) 8GB + VRAM Minimum Download Size: 718 MB Current version : 1.2.3 (March 1st 2024)) Owners of the previous E-Jets by SSG (only the SSG version) can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off. Please find the discount code in your original E-Jets Invoice. Designed by Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG) Support forum for the FPS 195 News by Stephen Dutton 8th March 2024 Copyright©2023: 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 Rights Reserved
  3. NEWS! - FPS updates Embraer E-Jet 195 to v1.2 "Flight Procedures Simulation" (FPS) once Supercritical Simulations Group has released an update to their excellent E-Jet 195 to v1.2 The aircraft is a fully upgraded aircraft of the original SSG E195 from X-Plane 11 to X-Plane 12, and this was not just a simple conversion from one Simulator version to another. It was basically a full rebuild of the original aircraft, but some areas were not covered in the rebuild, and this update v1.2 release it is mostly focused on those areas. The full X-PlaneReviews FPS X-Plane 12 review is here: Aircraft Review : Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation Areas covered in the update includes: External textures. There are no detailed notes on the changes, but the windscreen surrounds look lighter, and more realistic, and there is a far better sheen to the aircraft as well. Internal cockpit textures have also been heavily revised. GE CF34-10E FMOD engine sounds are now with a full 360º sounds, and dynamically far better. Wingflex has also been improved with more movement Like most aircraft lately, the E195 has also been updated to the newer Improved flight model and dynamics for the XP v12.07 version. Cabin lighting has been marginally improved (all the roof lights now work), but still missing the sidewall lighting and reflective roof lighting, the EMER EXIT signs are still also a WIP. A lot of the original X-Plane 11 liveries were not presented with the upgraded X-Plane 12 FPS E-Jet. But that aspect has been rectified with this release, with an extra twelve liveries that can now be downloaded. Some like the Air Dolomiti, Austrian, Air France HOP! and South American Azul are now included, and nice choices are the new "Breeze", Airlink, Helvetic which are different and fun, and the excellent AeroMexico Connect. So overall if you want a thoroughly decent E-Jet, without the extreme price, then you can't go past this significantly upgraded E-Jet 195 from Flight Procedures Simulations. You could say it is proven and tested, certainly for the older users of the SSG version, who will quickly settle in and be comfortable in their newer updated surroundings. It is great if a clever update to already a good aircraft, and older purchasers of the previous E-Jets by SSG can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off, and that is a great value deal to upgrade the aircraft to X-Plane 12, and all it's modern features. So the E-195 is highly recommended for that great value price, without sacrificing the quality. ___________________________ Yes! - the Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : FPS Embraer E-195 Price is US$55.00 Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or Mac (not compatible with Linux) 8GB + VRAM Minimum Download Size: 718 MB Current version : 1.2 (October 30th 2023) v1.2 update is currently only available via the SkunkCrafts Updater Owners of the previous E-Jets by SSG (only the SSG version) can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off. Please find the discount code in your original E-Jets Invoice. Designed by Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG) Support forum for the FPS 195 News by Stephen Dutton 30th October 2023 Copyright©2023: 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 Rights Reserved
  4. Aircraft Review : Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation X-Plane over the years has had quite a few parallel developments. The same airport, or aircraft, or even plugins from different developers. One such double up was from Supercritical Simulations Group and X-Crafts with the Embraer E-Jet. In context they were both very, very similar. But the X-Crafts didn't have a custom FMS (hybrid Tekton), so the balance went over to the SSG version to be more authentic with a working more authentic Flight Management System system UFMC by Javier Cortes installed... this was X-Plane 10/11. Coming now to X-Plane 12, and both developers are again releasing Embraer aircraft E-Jets. X-Crafts was the first only a month ago with their X-Craft E-Jet Family for X-Plane 12. Here is the Supercritical Simulations Group version, but now called under another name "Flight Procedures Simulation" (FPS), it is in many ways the same aircraft that was earlier released by SSG in X-Plane 11. However in X-Plane 12, both are also very unlike in their earlier X-Plane 10/11 releases. As there are significant changes to both developments. X-Crafts have notably gone upmarket with their E-Jets... both with quality, systems and price, as their E-Jet Family is all brand new from the ground up, expensive as well, but well worth the investment. The SSG aircraft now FPS, is also a totally different animal, or should I say basically the same aircraft, but just highly upgraded to X-Plane 12. Don't get me wrong, there has been a very big significant upgrade here, as we shall see, so it is not all just a quick flick makeover to convert the E-195 over to X-Plane 12, but notably the aircraft still stays in the same price range of the middle-fifties, making it a more attractive investment. So if you were baulked at the X-Crafts price barrier, but still wanted a nice E-Jet to fly then here is a great option. So that is the aim of this review, is it a cheaper, a good option to the X-Crafts E-Jets in quality, systems for the lower price. This is the E-195 variant, earlier there were two, E-170 Evolution and the E-195 Evolution variants for X-Plane 11 from SSG. The Evolution moniker has been dropped, and the E-170 variant will follow later in a few months. First impression of the FPS X-Plane 12 E-195 is impressive. I will note that X-Plane 12 aircraft all have a very different sheen than the earlier X-Plane versions, so you already expect that visually. Here however the textures have been heavily processed, with a professional texture shader (with a glossy-shader material) and that creates a MSFS like look and feel in X-Plane 12. Its effective here as the E-195 looks very nice in the Munich sunshine. The E-195 is the longest variant in the E-Jet Family, 38.66 m (126 ft 10 in) long, but with a shorter range than the E-190 (150 Nm), but has the larger seating capacity 124@29-31 split. Let us get the question out of the way first. One you are not going to get the same X-Crafts insane detailing and animated features for around US$20 cheaper, but it is still very very good here... But although you still have the earlier SSG modeling, there has been a lot of more attention to the detail done, in that, it lifts this E-195 far higher in quality than what we had before, so it is not just a straight conversion, as for all the higher quality conversion work that has been done here, and it is noticeable... for the price here you get great, even exceptional detail value, and that is what we are looking for. Glass is very good, slightly dark, thick, with a nice rainbow effect in the glass. The surround metal is more darker as well, and the rivets are nice highlights, not the double hex screws on the X-Crafts. Side windows are again nicely done, with a nice plexiglass scratching realism on the surface. Metal wing leading edge is nicely done, however extended the detailed internal mechanism is now looking a bit clunky... ... that is not to say it is good, because it is, it's just a generation behind the current formula of detail, in these Intricate leading edge, flap and airbrake combos... underwing access panels are nicely done, as are all the discharge wicks. Flared winglets are also well carved and designed. All wings has new more variable Wing Flex animation for more realism. Engines are the GE CF34-10E with 20,000 lbf (89 kN) thrust, compared to the 8E on the lower E-170/175 with only 14,200 lbf (63 kN), both engines are equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Here the pods are great, certainly the mawl of the inlets with twin, high-bypass blades that block out that see-through effect (in other words well done). Rear exhausts have the required chevrons around the heat effected exhaust cone. The engine overall look and the feel is all very well done. Undercarriage is the original, very good then, very good now... Well conceived with highly detailed strut body and piston, all hydraulic lines are well detailed, as are the scissors.... the side strut, although well done, is still left hanging in the wheel bay with no upper connection... this connection should have been fixed by now... worse it is highly visible from many visual angles. Tyres and hubs are well done, but all very sparkly clean for an exposed wheel (à la B737), internal wheel bay is very good in detail. Nose gear is more completed and fully detailed, probably the highlight of the detailing. All doors open, Entry 1 and 2 left side, and Service doors 1 and 2 on the right. Both cargo doors (Fwd/Aft) are well represented as well. However the opening handles are more clunky in detail, but still pop-up and the vent flap moves as well... Sadly missing here was that original lovely airline branded boarding stair? can we have it back please! Chocks are noted, but not represented on the wheels, a nice Ground Power Unit (GPU) is also supplied. Cabin Cabin is all new... The earlier XP11 version of the E-175 cabin was a bit awful, not very nice at all, so thankfully it has had a big overhaul in here, with the cabin itself being new in XP12 as are the seats. Chairs are all new with a metal base and arms, upper luggage bins are all also new with working Seatbelt/No Smoking signs and lit EXIT signs. Only niggle are the differently set window shades from open to closed, I like to choose my view out of the cabin, and this aspect restricts my choice to only a few (open shade) window views? Highlight here are the excellent seat back screens, they change logos with the livery change, as does the different airline seating colours, all very effective in the cabin... ... Front and rear galleys are basic, but still very well done, modern in detail. Overall it is a huge improvement than the earlier version. Cockpit First observation in the cockpit that it is the same one as in XP11. But actually it has been totally remodeled and detailed, when you compare the differences, they are actually quite different. Even the earlier ugly rusted glareshield feature has been removed. So it all now doesn't feel so dated at all, but fresh and X-Plane 12 modern. Both pilot chairs are all new, with better sheepskin covers and hard-back rears, sadly the armrests are still fixed. The rear bulkhead is also completely different, and so is the entrance/door, and a modeled (non-working) jump seat on the bulkhead, overall all the cockpit fixtures and textures have been totally redone with the same colour, you feel it is the same until you look closely at the detail, then you realise it is very far removed and of a far better quality cockpit than before. Note the nice stitching, and netting rear on the pilot seats. EFB Tablet One thing you DO notice is the new tablet EFB (Electronic Flight Bag). Before all options (doors, weights, settings etc) were on the Central column "Adjustments Display", I was not a big fan of the idea, hard to use (very small text) and placed mid-screen, I didn't like it at all. The new Tablet menu screen on the left side is a huge step forward and it is easy to use. When turned off you can then use it as an AviTab, via the button top right of the screen. (plugin required) The Tablet can be added or removed on the First Officer right side, but you have to select (On/Off) EFB or AviTab from only the left side tablet, but once the mode is selected it works or the tablets mirror each other. You have the option to hide the right hand side tablet as well. There are ten icon options across the top of the tablet... The first three options cover the GPU, Chocks and Cabin Lighting selections. The Circular arrows icon is the INIT page that has three options; "Unpowered Cold & Dark", "Powered at the Gate" and "Unpowered And Parked". You select the flight state, then press the green button left to activate that state.... it works well. Fifth Icon is the External options page has two options... "Doors" and "Pushback". You can open and close all six doors noted, but only from here in the Tablet and not manually. The Pushback mode is a bit limited... There is only the option shown to pushback in reverse or forward, brakes have to be off to activate and there is a procedure to follow to turn. Sixth icon is the Payload page... here you can add in your Passenger, Cargo weights... It is a single entry (Payload) entered via the keys 1K/100/10 then you load the aircraft (or compute the load)... you can change from Kgs to Lbs in the lower centre icon. Seventh Icon is Fuel. Basically the same as the payload page, you enter your Block Fuel load, then on pressing Fuel/Defuel it will load/unload the aircraft, the page will also display your fuel trip prediction (but only when you have programmed the FMCU. Eighth icon is the Takeoff Speeds. Here you select the Takeoff mode, or derated power setting (T01/T02/T03) then flap position. It will insert the current (airport) outside Temperature º and the set Gross Weight, then compute the V Speeds, CofG (Centre of Gravity) and Trim position ready to insert into the MCDU Takeoff page. All three set up pages (Payload-Fuel-Takeoff Speeds) are extremely easy and fast to do, so setting up the aircraft isn't going to take ages if you just want to fly. Ninth icon is the Sound page. Seven sliders cover three areas of Engines, Flight Deck and Environment, with a Master slider right. Final and tenth icon is the Options page, divided into "View Options"; Hide Yoke Captain side, Hide Yoke First Officers side, Hide Outside Pilot Figures and Show F.O. Side Tablet. "System" Options include; Link Baro Instrument Settings and Pause 10 NM to TD, again the Weights from KG to Lbs can also be changed here. Obviously the Tablet is a huge change from the fiddly window idea, far better for access and for setting up the aircraft... it is simple but also well done to use. Systems The SSG X-Plane 11 E-Jet series had already some very comprehensive built in systems. So all of that aspect is still in here as well, in fact there was not much to add as it was already in place. Power on via Battery power and the systems show the "Backup Mode". Only when you add in the direct power (GPU/APU/Engines) that you get the fully loaded system. The Embraer E-Jets systems use the Honeywell Primus "Epic", Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) glass cockpit, Five displays across with outer main displays PFD, MFD (Multi-Functional Display) and the middle EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System), that all pop-out via the left corner screw, are scalable, also home cockpit ready. The PFD displays information such as airspeed indicator, altitude indicator, ADI, HSI, vertical speed indicator, radio aids, autopilot, flight director and radio altitude data. In the event of a display failure, information will be automatically presented in the MFD. The display controller portion of the guidance panel allows the selection of PFD HSI formats, navigation sources, weather display, and bearing pointer selection. The MFD presents map and plan navigation formats and various systems synoptic formats that are all selectable. The MFD provides redundancy to display both the PFD and EICAS formats based upon reversion. It also has the ability to display maintenance information. The MFD consists of menu softkeys, on the top and bottom of the screen, which are used to select formats and to control the various systems. Note the lower screen "Vertical Profile display", SSG was one of the first to include the feature on their aircraft, and it is very good here. There are three option menus; Map, Plan and Systems... And six system displays; Status, Flight Ctrl (Controls), Hydraulics, Fuel, Electrical, ECS and Anti-Ice. The EICAS displays engine and system parameters such as flap, gear, spoilers and trim positions, total fuel quantity, APU and environmental information. The EICAS also displays warning, caution, advisory, and status messages. In case of failure in the EICAS display, its information may be presented in the MFD by appropriately setting the reversionary panel. An automatic mode de-clutters the EICAS after takeoff. De cluttering occurs 30 seconds after landing gear and flap/slat retraction. The Advanced Advisory System logic has more than 100 messages in logic, comprehensive, and I love the block alert system flashing. Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU) The FPS E-195 uses the same FJCC UFMC by Javier Cortes. Refined over the years, it is pretty solid now. Based on the EPIC Load 27 FMS it is easy to use, but has also quite a lot of functionality built in... both left and right UFMC units are individual and can be used separately by both pilots. The MCDU allows FMS control, radio tuning, PFD radio tuning display setup, manual engine rating selection, engine takeoff data set and avionics display setup and test. There is also a UFMC pop-up, activated by the F8 key, there is none for the right hand display. If you haven't used the FJCC FMS before, then you have to install the UFMC data (folder). This is stored in the X-Plane12/Custom Data folder... FPS supplies a full AIRAC-2303 set of data, in the "Documentation" folder, and the full contents are all to be put in the said Custom Data folder... notable is that if you use Navigaph or Aerosoft data, then a separate update link is required to this folder to update the monthly AIRAC. Also notable is that the Flightplans for the E-175 are stored here as well, again if you use the Simbrief Downloader, an address link is required to direct the file to the right flightplan folder. The Flightplans also use a unique .ufmc lauguage, so you have to specific with the flightplan. PERFORMANCE PLAN pages show fuel predictions for each waypoint, CLIMB/CRUISE/DESENT/LANDING pages show full flight performance and detail, including vRef landing speeds... PROG (Progress) page is highly detailed as well. The flight system provides Full TOGA/VNAV/LNAV/RNAV/LOC/GS/Missed APPR functions. SPEEDS with CLIMB/CRZ/DESC with a custom Autothrottle system, Autoland 1 CATI,II and RNAV (non precision) approaches are also possible. All speeds thoughout the flight phases can also be changed into the flight plan and on the performance pages. Overhead OHP is the same, but textures have been redone, even the roof panels are different in design. So you do have this fresher update feel in the space... Centre console is also retextured, but similar to the original, and still has those lovely ceramic throttle levers, why change what was very good in the first place. The lovely Ram Horn yokes are also still perfectly nice. They come with built in (working) Trim switches and a working PTT button. As noted you can hide one or both Yokes via the Tablet. Overall feeling is that the aircraft, externally has been updated over the original modeling, Internally all of the cabin has been totally redone, and so has the textures and details in the cockpit. Systems have had a revisions, and all the original comprehensive details have been retained.... so the FPS E-!95 is certainly far more than an upgrade to X-Plane 12, in reality it is a very comprehensive overhaul of the original X-Plane 11 version, to a point that was needed as the XP11 version is now over four years old. I doubt that these comprehensive changes will go on to the XP11 version to update it, its too X-Plane 12 in feel and use for that, so the E-195 here does feel nicely fresh and new to move on forward in the newer X-Plane 12 version. Lighting First lighting impressions are excellent. You have a lot of adjustment via five knobs at each end of the glareshield, and three (MAIN PNL/OVHD PNL/PEDESTAL) knobs on the OHP, plus the standard DOME switch. DOME lighting is very effective via two (bright) lights in the roof rear, each pilot also get a MAP light which is also very good in feel. You can also tune everything down to just the instruments, of just find a little down-light to see the console switch gear, perfect for night landings or takeoff phases... its very good, looks very nice at night as well. Cabin lighting feels still a bit of a WIP, were it has been done, it looks good, but the lighting only currently only fills out the centre area of the cabin, both galleys are lit, but not over so... more work is needed here. You switch on the cabin lighting via the button on the Tablet, off and you get only the floor light strips. A small annoyance is the red beacon flashes in the cabin? Externally it is very good. All lighting has been switched to the X-Plane 12 lighting, so it is more XP12 LED in feel than before... Navigation, Strobes and beacons all look good, as does the Tail lighting. There are Runway turnoff lights, and effective Wing/Ice lights. Three landing lights covers both wing and nosewheel positions. ________________________ Flying the Flight Procedures Simulation E-195 Flight today is from Munich (EDDM) to Oslo (ENGM), and we are fully loaded and ready on the ramp... I check the bleeds, but being a E-Jet it is all just a turn of a switch on the upper centre console, odd in a way as you do have a BLEED switch on the OHP far right in the AIR/COND panel, so you have an inclination to press it on, and to shut off the PACK valves, that you would usually do in a say a Boeing... but you don't have to do that here, as a clean blank board is the best way to start the engines. The "Pushback" system is a little tricky until you work it out, devilish simple when you do... Release the brakes activates the Pushback mode, then press the pushback option... the tricky part is having the tiller selection up, to steer the aircraft yaw (Joystick), if not you can't steer. Pushback is a little slow, as there is no speed option, but effective in positioning the aircraft on the line, reverse, turn, then forwards to park Just using the park-brake will disable the pushback... you soon get to like it, betterpushback is however not an option here as the plugin does not work with this built in system and the old silly stick pushback is gone as well, of which I really didn't like at all. Engine start is next, and you flip the cover and turn the switch to START, simples... then watch the ITT (N2) kick off and start the start procedure, which is very long here and takes around a minute per engine, as you hear all the separate processes come in and the fans starting to twirl, its all very, very good and very authentic in realism, as you see the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) in operation. Sounds are important of course... The X-Plane 11 SSG aircraft used the "Dreamengine" sound plugin, and even then the sounds felt older and slightly dated. That plugin has gone here, to be replaced by full suite of FMOD2 Sounds and they are really great, with those engines sounds with the many startup stages that are recorded from real engines. That explains the perfect if long start up procedure, as they are timed in to the real thing, and it is very good aurally to listen in the full startup experience. The adjustment of the sounds is excellent as well, with great sound control, to get the right external, internal feel. Set your TakeOff references (Bugs), Flaps (2), TO.PITCH (0.7) on the trim, again nicely laid out for ease of use. APU off, throttles up and your moving. I'm set at 47,518 Kg at my Takeoff Weight, not totally full but still a fair payload, so a little bit of heft is needed from the engines to move you off the line... ... I'm going to honest with you is that I didn't like the very jiggly tracking, the aircraft struggled to stay straight on the taxiway until I changed the yaw sensitivity way down to give me more leverage on my yaw axis, then it felt fine and was easy(ier) to track down EDDM's long taxiways. Note the impressive wing flex as you taxi from the cabin windows. The idea of these E-Jets is to be very easy in all operations, to load, to set up, to start and to fly, in reality they are a true Airbus... but from Brazil. Power up and throttles to the full position, it doesn't matter to regulate the power as one, you have set that in the FMCU, and two, the FADEC system will keep the engine thrust within the limits or 92.0% (TO.1). The CF-34 wail is nicely heard in the cockpit, a totally different sound as it is in the cabin, but highly realistic, so all sounds are doppler and 3d. Tracking is down the middle, better with the sensitive yaw adjusted, and callouts "V1" and "V2.. Rotate", at 147+10 Knts, and you pull cleanly away from the runway into a "positive climb". Nice gear sounds as they retract. The flight model is an upgrade of the earlier E-Jets Evolution Series, yes it has been revised for X-Plane 12 and yes it handles and feels very good, because it always was. There is a full "Custom Fly By Wire" system that provides flight protection limiting and control laws according with the FMS Protection System logic, again very Airbus. So refined is the word here... but of the few older foibles have however sneaked through. Climbrate can be as high as 2,000fpm, but your going to set it around 1,600fpm, at this setting the engines do surge a lot in the climb phase under the Autothrust, never really hitting the speed marker? I climbed to FL340 (34,000ft), then increased the speed to m78. In doing so increasing the speed, the aircraft also climbed again at 1,000 fpm? above the set FL340, I arrested it at 35,000ft, were as the aircraft dropped back to it's earlier height of FL340? so a bumpy ride for the passengers... I do remember this aspect from the SSG X-Plane 11 version, and it has not been tuned out here either. So if you are well versed in the older aircraft then you will either feel right at home, or want a more stable platform, depends on your nature, but once at FL360, at m78, the aircraft settled down with no throttle hunting and held the set settings. Max. speed / Ceiling Mach .82 @ 41,000 ft (12,000 m), Cruise Mach .78 (447 kn; 829 km/h)... the E175 range is 2,300nmi / 4,260 km. Several likes... The Progress strip on the MFD above the Vertical Profile, the Progress info is also available on the MCDU (PROG), The "Bank", is set on the Rate of Turn indicator in the PFD, is another neat detail. The office and the nice cabin... you can go a long way in this aircraft as you cruise along, the sounds help, as they feel very good. TOD, or "Top of Descent". You can descend far faster than your initial climb to the service flight level, here at 2,000fpm, then I'm selecting STAR LUNI4L into RWY 01L ENGM Oslo. Descent is to first around 15,000 ft going into the approach phase, and it is good to follow the height limits on the chart, because there is some hilly terrain around Gardermoen... If you are used to the SSG XP11 version, it will all feel very familiar, but there has been many improvements in the flight dynamics to meet the X-Plane 12 performance, so it all feels a bit sweeter than before. Note the nice route curves if you go down to a very low map range, that aspect is still very SSG (B748), and it's in here as well, and very welcome. Spoilers flip up on turns to help the dynamics, a neat detail, but authentic to the aircraft... down goes the gear on the final turn to 01L (OGRAS), and the wind noise increases. As I enter the beams (110.30 OBW) I'm adjusting the speed.... I'm still on Autothrottle, and as the aircraft goes into the 300 fpm descent, it finds it hard to find a level, first too slow (nose up), then too fast (nose down), even when I set the required speed (133knts) full flap.. so you adjust, and that makes it even more unhappy, as the throttles hunt between too much, and too little... so it's hard to find a clean solid line going down and with slight nose up on the final approach... certainly a manual approach would (and it did as I tested it) be better and you can fine tune or hold the power more steady, than using the Autothrottle in this critical approach phase. So again that hunting from the earlier XP11 aircraft needs a bit more fine tuning. Finally I got the speed to approach descent right at around 127 Knts... over the fence! Thankfully the speed stays solid in the critical flare phase, slightly more nose down than I would like, but still easily arrested with some nice pitch in the flare to get the rear wheels to touch first... Spoilers activate automatically with pressure on the wheels, then retract again when wheel speed is below 45 kts for at least 5 seconds. Reverser sounds are also excellent, you can hear them roar from the cockpit, and they are very effective as well. Autobraking was set to "Low" as I like a lot of foot braking control in the final landing phase, this aspect also worked very well, with a nice braking feel. So you have an odd combination here. A lot of the original feel of the older SSG version is mixed in with the newer dynamics of X-Plane 12, overall it works, certainly to the positive if you are very well used to the older aircraft, but good in another way that it feels different in using the aircraft with the better X-Plane 12 dynamics, as for all the conversions between the two X-Plane 11/12 versions it is felt more here than on any other aircraft, again that is too the positive I must stress. Welcome to Gardermoen! Liveries There are a couple of liveries from the older X-Plane 11 batch, namely the Alitiala and Lufthansa Regional. The rest are new in Delta (fictional), American (why not American Eagle?), KLM, LOT (Polish), TAP and a blank. Missing however is the nice Dolomiti. Another livery that was in the XP11 version but not here, is the JetBlue livery that was originally default, but that one has been added to the X-plane.Org, it is a very nice new version of the JetBlue colours, so it is included here. __________________ Summary You can't avoid the fact that if you wanted to fly an Embraer E-Jet in X-Plane, then the choice was between X-Crafts, which didn't have a custom FMS (but used the hybrid Tekton), so the balance went over to the other SSG version to be more authentic with a more working Flight Management System system UFMC by Javier Cortes installed. Both were good in their various ways. Coming into X-Plane 12 and X-Crafts have notably gone upmarket with their E-Jets... both with quality, systems and price, as their E-Jet Family is all brand new from the ground up, expensive as well, but well worth the investment. With SSG or "Flight Procedures Simulation" (FPS) as they are now called, they have released a variation of the same aircraft that was earlier released by SSG in X-Plane 11, but the cost is basically the same around the middle-fifties in your dollars This is an upgrade to their E-195 (the E-170 will follow in a few months), but it is not just a quick conversion. There has been some very significant attention to the detail here including; better (shiny textures), total revision of the cabin to a far more modern one, new cockpit textures and detail, in fact most of the internal areas are all different and upgraded. kept however is the strongest area of an (well tried and tested) UFMC and excellent deep systems with a fully detailed EICAS, Vertical Profile and Graded Turns. So there is already a lot of system depth here, and it's all been updated and refined for X-Plane 12. Changes also in a new pushback system that is easy to use, but kills betterpushback in operations. Exceptional are the new sounds (now FMOD2, not the older dated "Dreamengine" sound plugin, and a big difference they are in real recordings of the E-175, startup procedures and in flight sounds. Wingflex is also all new, and again very good, on the ground and in the air. All lighting is now X-Plane 12 dynamic, with great highly adjustable cockpit lighting, and external lighting, new cabin is however about half completed, but looks good to date. Yes in some areas the older XP11 SSG E-195 creeps through, older modeling of gear (good! but unconnected arm?) and under wing Slat/Flap detail, and in some areas there is a performance noticeability with hunting throttles, on the climb and in the final approach phases, FPS have also taken away those lovely branded stairs. So overall if you want a thoroughly decent E-Jet, without the extreme price, then you can't go past this significantly upgraded E-Jet 195 from Flight Procedures Simulations. You could say it is proven and tested, certainly for the older users of the SSG version, who will quickly settle in and be comfortable in their newer updated surroundings. It is great if a clever upgrade to already a good aircraft, and older purchasers of the previous E-Jets by SSG can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off, and that is a great value deal to upgrade the aircraft to X-Plane 12, and all it's modern features. So the E-195 is highly recommended for that great value price, without sacrificing the quality. __________________ Yes! - the Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : FPS Embraer E-195 Price is US$55.00 Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or Mac (not compatible with Linux) 8GB + VRAM Minimum Download Size: 718 MB Current version : 1.0 (June 30th 2023) Owners of the previous E-Jets by SSG (only the SSG version) can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off. Please find the discount code in your original E-Jets Invoice. Designed by Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG) Support forum for the FPS 195 Download The FPS E-195 is a 858.17MB download with an installation size of 2.17Gb, in your X-Plane Aircraft folder, this is an X-Plane 12 aircraft only. All updates are via the built-in Skunkcrafts Updater Notable for new users, is you have to install the FJCC FMS data in the Custom Data folder, install instructions are provided and so is a more current 2303 AIRAC data pack. Documentation There is excellent full coverage documentation and installation details for the E-195, including; AIRAC_2303_manual_install.zip Custom_Commands.txt FPS EMB 195 - Lights and Switches v1.0.pdf FPSEmbraer_195_Changelog.txt Installing the FPS EMB 195 .pdf _____________________ Aircraft Upgrade Review by Stephen Dutton 10th July 2023 Copyright©2023: X-Plane Reviews Review System Specifications:  Windows - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD Software: - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane Version 12.05r1 Plugins: JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99 Scenery or Aircraft - EDDM - Munich Airport by ShortFinal Designs (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$26.95 - ENGM - Airport Oslo XP by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$24.95
  5. NEWS! - Aircraft Released : Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation In the E-Jet sphere, then X-Plane had two sources for these iconic Brazilian Embraer Jets. Both basically were released in time with each other, one was from X-Crafts and the second was from the Supercritical Simulations Group. In context they were very similar. But the X-Crafts didn't have a custom FMS, so the balance went over to the SSG version to be more authentic... this was X-Plane 10/11. Moving into X-Plane 12, and a few months ago X-Crafts released their exceptional X-Craft E-Jet Family for X-Plane 12. With this release though and now with a custom FMS installed, the X-Crafts E-Jet Family was moved into a higher, far more significant expensive category. It is certainly worth it as the review confirmed, but with this new release Embraer E-195 from Flight Procedures Simulation (FPS), this is the original SSG E-Jet 195 version upgraded to X-Plane 12. Notable is that Flight Procedures Simulation is now shifted away from Supercritical Simulations Group to form their own design studio, but basically the aircraft is still SSG in feel and form. Important to note is the cost, as noted the X-Crafts are now higher graded into another category, were as this FPS E-Jet is still in the original US$55 dollar category, interesting because if the X-Crafts E-Jets are a bit out of your financial reach, then this E-Jet option will fill in the space in your hangar for an E-Jet, plus it comes with a 20% off offer for previous purchasers of the SSG E-195, makes it another entrance to X-Plane 12 E-Jet flying. Notable is that the aircraft is for X-Plane 12 only, if you want the X-Plane 11 version, then you need to use the older (SSG) version. The feature list is looong This model is a complete X-Plane 12 upgrade from the iconic Ejets Evolution Series from SSG. The Aircraft is modeled as near as real one with many details such as a satellite antenna and various vents, drains, etc. Detailed landing gear/gear doors with proper animation. Opening doors. Wing flex animation. Custom external lights design with realistic width, direction and range. External 3D cockpit and cabin with enhanced graphics and physic based rendering lights. Detailed overhead, pedestal, forward panels with most animated buttons, knobs and switches. Custom Systems description Brake system with autobrake and antiskid. Functional gear steers system. Hydraulic system logic. Electrical system logic. Bleed system Logic. Air Conditioning system logic. Advanced Advisory System logic with more then 100 messages logic. Lights switch test system. Fire test system. Fire dish with bottles system. Display brightness. Wipers with speeds and real recorded sounds. Flight Model The flight model is an upgrade of the iconic Ejets Evolution Series. Custom Fly By Wire system that provides flight protection limiting and control laws acording with the FMS Protection System logic. The advanced and accurate flight performance, engine thrusting, consumption, speeds etc. Flight Management System - FMS Navigraph supported flight plans and AIRACs. High resolution displays and Pop Ups with the real font type. IRS implemented with automatic alignment function. Navigation Display (ND) with accurate functions, TCAS and default XP Weather radar. Complete custom autoflight system management with FMA - Flight Management Annunciators. Primary Flight Display with Pop Up. EICAS Display with Pop Up. Complete synoptics pages with Pop Ups. Aural system advisory and EGPWS implementation. Functional Stby Instrument. Dual integrated Custom MCDU similar as the real one load 25 and/or load 27 with : • Nav page with FIX and HOLD functions • Plan page • Progress Integrated Fmod Sounds Engines sounds with many stages recorded from real engines. Cockpit sounds recorded from real cockpit as rolling and windy stages. Integrated Tablet with option functions and Avitab support. Initialization with 3 states. Ground operations (Doors, pushback truck, Workable GPU, weight mode) Loading (Payload sheet) Fueling (fuel loader with trip prediction) Sound Options integrated with Fmod sounds. Preferences (Pilots outside, Yokes, Tablet, baro, TD) Autosave for Preferences and Sound mixer. Documentation FPS EMB 195 - Lights and Switches Guide v1.0 Installation Guide Commands List Navidata files Liveries with the package American Airlines KLM CityHooper Delta Connection Alitalia Cityliner Lufthansa Regional Additional liveries will be available for download on the forum Designed by Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG) Support forum for the FPS 195 Images courtesy of Flight Procedures Simulation ___________________________ Yes! - the Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : FPS Embraer E-195 Price is US$55.00 Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or Mac (not compatible with Linux) 8GB + VRAM Minimum Download Size: 718 MB Current version : 1.0 (June 30th 2023) Owners of the previous E-Jets by SSG (only the SSG version) can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off. Please find the discount code in your original E-Jets Invoice. ___________________________ News by Stephen Dutton 1st July 2023 Copyright©2023: 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 Rights Reserved
  6. NEWS! - SSG 747-8 Anniversary Edition v2.6 beta for XP12 is now available Flight Procedures Simulation (formally SSG) have released their Mega Boeing 747-800 Anniversary Edition aircraft with now the compatibility to be used and fly in Laminar Research's X-Plane 12. Notable is that it says compatible, this is not a full X-Plane 12 version of the aircraft. So this is only a Beta patch, not a full X-Plane 12 aircraft file. So changes can still happen as can you find bugs in the new simulator beta run. I was looking forward to seeing the Boeing 748I in X-Plane 12. It always looked very good in X-Plane 11, and the "Wow" factor is certainly very strong here. Top is the International (Passenger), lower is the Freighter. You get both variants in the one package. Then there is that aperture, it is huge! Version 2.6b1 New version for XP12 XP 12 compatibility Performance and flight dynamics for XP12 New tiler logic Rain drops New xp hydraulic added New XP bleed added Nextures for new xp12 model New lights model. FMC with a better ND SIDs and STARs representation. It is recommended to download this X-Plane 12 Beta aircraft directly from your X-Plane.Org account as a fresh download, not via the Skunkcraft's updater application... also to note to update (or move to X-Plane 12) the UFMC data in the "Custom Data" folder for X-Plane 12 (see my overview X-Plane 12 - NavData changes). Obviously the X-Plane 11 version is still supported. Support forum for the 747-8 ________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8 Inter v2.6b1 Anniversary Edition By Flight Procedures Simulation (SSG) is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747- 8 Inter Anniversary Edition Retail Price:$69.00 Price is currently US$54.90 (You Save:$14.10(20%) Requirements X-Plane 11 or X-Plane 12 beta Windows , Mac and Linux 4 GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version : XP12: 2.6b1 (September 29th 2022) XP11: 2.5.1 (June 7th 2022) ________________ NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 11th October 2022 Copyright©2022: X-Plane Reviews Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Right Reserved.
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