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Aircraft Review : Beechcraft Duchess Model 76 by JustFlight and Thranda With most developers in that they usually keep to a particular category or theme in say all General Aviation, Airliners, Helicopters or the just plain weird. But JustFlight with Thranda tend to jump into any category that produces interesting aircraft, so can you as these developers go then pigeon hole them as what sort of developers they are. So from a review point of view you know that really anything could be next up on the release from JustFlight for a review. In the early releases they tended to follow the Carenado model (before Carenado went all regional and private jet) in other words the staple General Aviation market, of which was covered mostly with their various Archer/Arrows and the odd Cessna.... but all were solely single engined aircraft. So this is JustFlight/Thranda's first twin-engined aircraft and it is the Beechcraft Duchess 76, and the aircraft is developed out of the Beechcraft Musketeer family of single-engined aircraft family line, and at first glance you would be pushed to see any family resemblance, between the model 24 low-wing standard low elevator design to the Series 76 twin engined high T-Tail configuration and all round far larger aircraft in a 32 ft 9 in (9.98 m) to 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m) wingspan and longer fuselage 25 ft 8 in (7.82 m) to the 76's 29 ft 0 1⁄2 in (8.852 m) overall length. But get down into the parts catalogue and you would be amazed on on how many of the same spec are on both aircraft. Its main rival is the Cessna 310 of which there are several including Milviz's T310R and a new 310L that has just been added to the X-PlaneStore. Other references in this category include the PA-30 Twin Comanche and the PA-34 Seneca V. JustFlight are in that top category in another way in quality and price, they cover the upper echelons in all their GA aircraft are priced US$40+, as is this Duchess at US$41.99. So you are expecting a lot for your investment, and on JustFlight's past record and sales then the aircraft must meet such a high criteria and standard. I really liked their last machine PA-28-181 Archer III as it was a gem of a machine, so how would a twin feel, and could it be twice as good? I doubt that, but just as good would still be very nice. Nice detail includes NACA 632A415 airfoil shape, it is well done and shaped to perfection. Wings are bonded here for a cleaner airflow, but overall the detail of the design is first rate and very well recreated. The twin enclosures houses two Lycoming O-360-A1G6D air-cooled flat-four engines, 180 hp(130 kW) each, and through out the full production run 1978-1983 there was no updated or engine revisions, except for one in house turbo development aircraft. All minor detailing is also covered, note the lovely (working) trim and rudder assembly of that high T-Tail structure, and the really nice cabin vents rear fuselage and quality entrance grab handles, so there is not a lot to get picky about here as it is all really well done. All the undercarriage came directly from the Musketeer spare parts bins, so it is exactly the same trailing link layout and structure, all is expertly done in detail and animation, it is a complex gear system but fully realised here. There was a missing texture (and hole) in the left wheel-well, but that has been fixed in the update. Interior After the eccentric Bright Reds, Blues and Salmon colours of past JustFlight GA's this is a very different and sombre cabin of just different shades of greys, bland? well no as the detail in here is very good with the well done fabric creases and stitching, but you don't get the "Bam" in your face factor of the JF other aircraft. In cabin detail it is again all first rate I do however like the factor that the pilot's seat is more forward than the passenger's front seat, that works for me. Overhead the roof trim is a grey molded one piece, with just the speaker and cabin lighting forward... both shades hide two air vents which is nicely done, but the wires don't match to the window whiskey compass (noted again to be fixed). An emergency manual extension (gravity release) gear lever is set in a floor panel that is usable and active, nice touch is the lever in the door pocket. Pitch trim is situated between the seats and is well done, but requires help in key settings in a simulation environment (electric trim is available on the yokes), fuel levers are really nice as is the engine vents that can be opened, closed or set half way.... fuel crossfeed is active and the (working) Carb heat is here as well. Instrument Panel Again like with the other in your face JustFlight GA's the instrument panel doesn't have that 'wham bam, thank you mam" factor... even slightly flat, but look closely and the detail is very well done. Yokes are up close are quite authentic and gloriously faded from their 70's heyday, you can hide them and use the switch electric trim... ... dials are also rusted, dusty and worn out, with plasters even stuck to the panel from past use. Instrument gauges have faded graphics and the lighting studs are also well worn and even rusted from use. Instrument reflections are excellent in the pursuit of realism and overall it reflects a very earlier build of a Duchess than a last off the line aircraft. Panel layout is three layers of dials to create a deep feel of instruments... The Standard Six (SS) flying instruments are front and centre... Airspeed Indicator, Artificial Horizon and the Attitude Indicator are on the top row and the Turn Coordinator, Heading Dial/Course and Vertical Speed Indicators set out directly below. Left of the SS is a clock, backup Attitude Indicator and lower EGT (Exhaust gas temperature) needles. Right of the SS is a twin-needle Manifold pressure and below a twin needle RPM gauges, lower panel centre are two Bendix/King dials ADF (yellow) VOR2 (green) pointers driven by KR 87 ADF/VOR2 and the other is a VOR 2 / ILS indicator driven by KX 165 (NAV 2). Both heading and OBS rear dials/cards are adjustable. Lower panel is a Instrument air (vacuum) gauge and electrical starting and lighting switchgear with the neat gear knob. Top panel left is the label NAV 2 over the clock, very weird? Twin (engine sets) of six rows of gauges are centre panel, with from top: Fuel L&R quantity gauges, Fuel pressure gauges, Oil pressure gauges, Oil temperature gauges, Cylinder temperature gauges and Alternator load meters with Alternator-out under/over voltage warning lights inset (are beautifully done). Top of the gauges sits a DME indicator which displays range, ground speed and time to station for NAV 1 or NAV 2 frequencies. There are no instruments for the right seat pilot/passenger with the equipment stack dominating the area. Avionics stack is the usual Bendix/King KMA 28 TSO radio top which is above the GNS430 below (the Reality XP's GTN 750 unit can also be fitted and windows only, but this is an addon extra and costs you another $49.95) There is a really nice Bendix/King KT 76A transponder unit with a Bendix/King KX 155 COM/NAV 2 radio and Bendix/King KR87 ADF radio receiver bottom. Top far right is the Century IV autopilot which is (speaking to the passenger) "can you press the second button the top row, thanks very much" as far away from the pilot as reachable possible (there is thankfully a pop-up panel), and below is a WX-8 Stormscope. An outside air temperature (digital) matches the manual pressure left window type, and a Hobbs hour meter is far right. The circuit breaker panel is active and can be used and is noted in the twin-bus layout of BUS 1 and BUS 2, it is very good and highly authentic in use. Flap lever and display are below the avionics with 0º - 10º - 20º - DN settings, but the flaps are not section driven but are continuous in operation and so the degree markers are for display only. Twin Throttle levers, Propeller control levers (feathering on both 2-bladed Hartzell 7666A constant speed propellers does work) and Mixture levers are all excellent and well worn and feel nicely authentic to use. Menus The Duchess comes with the usual JustFlight pop-out side left menu, scroll above the arrow to make it less visible. Menus provided are pretty the same standard menu layout of all JustFlight menu options in three rows... There are eighteen menu tiles to use including: Top row : Open/Close pilot's door - Open/Close passenger door - Open/Close rear left baggage door - Toggle window reflections - Toggle Interior glass dynamic reflections - Toggle dome light if the engine is running, or flashlight when starting cold and dark. Middle Row : Toggle autopilot pop-up window - Toggle altimeter between inHg and mb - Toggle GNS 430 GPS pop-up window (or the GTN750 payware add-on by RealityXP) - Toggle fuel refill menu window - Open weight and balance window - Toggle sound volumes window  Bottom row : Select ‘ready for takeoff’ or ‘cold and dark’ state - Toggle checklist pop-up window - Toggle flight computer pop-up window - Toggle logbook pop-up window - Toggle ground handling pop-up window - Toggle chocks, aircraft puller and tie-downs. Static elements are "all for one and one for all", with not much custom choices or no engine covers, tags or pitot covers? Excellent animated pilot however does go home. 2d popup panels include: GNS 430, nice sound volume panel, Century IV autopilot panel... The flight computer panel provides a wealth of information that is very handy in flight with highlights including (time) endurance, range (available) and used fuel flow.... fuel burn can be reset. The Refill Menu allows you to view the fuel and oil status as well as the status of spark plug fouling, and you can recharge the battery if it goes flat, of which it does with regularity. The weight and balance window is very good, with adjustable weights for all four passengers, and baggage, fuel can be set here also as can the change from kg - lbs. A full list of weights, CG and a large graph of your settings are all very helpful into balancing the aircraft. Flying the Duchess 76 You have to prime the engines via a button in the middle of the starter switch before turning the starter switch, but it is a bit of a trick on how long to hold the primer button and not flood the engine, not a lot I believe... engine starts are excellent, but I found several times the No.2 right engine has a tendency to foul it's plugs more than the left one, if it does it is tricky to even hell to restart it again. The Hartzell constant speed propellers are counter-rotating, turning counter clockwise engine left and clockwise engine right, this is to balance the aircraft's thrust and it is very helpful on takeoff. Engine sounds are simply first rate, as they should be in this class... but more so in that they feel authentic and change through a huge range to even a deep gutter throb when close to idle but still under load, I like them very much. A fine bit of throttle while waiting with the engines running stops any stall, and the effects are shown on the EGT needles, you will note that will you use this gauge a lot in this aircraft. Both Attitude Indicators (main and backup) have to have their pressures manually set (yellow arrows above)... you can also set your Artificial Horizon marker to match the intended climb pitch (arrowed below)... Trim central to the takeoff T.O marker and you are ready to go... The Duchess will taxi at a nice speed, there is no fighting the thrust here in braking here and braking there.... so you enjoy the short ride to the runway. With no set flap degrees you can set the angle you want, here I go for 5º to create lift, but as little drag as possible.... the display (arrowed) can be hard to see at this distance, harder to set on landing. Power up and the counter-rotating blades keep you aligned on the runway, but I did find I had to still adjust each throttle (slightly) to absorb the different engine performance... but that felt highly realistic. Around 95 knts and your climbing out. Climb out is around 1000 fpm (Feet Per Minute) and that is a nice number here, officially the rate of climb limit is 1,248 ft/min (6.34 m/s), so you are using the climb to maximum effect, it doesn't feel like there is any strain on the engines or the aircraft. Using the set adjustable artificial horzion marker and your rate of turn instrument, you can get the perfect turn, while still getting the perfect climb... this is a very good tool for beginner learner flyers and to use their instruments to fly the aircraft well and with clean professionalism.... Once in KDAB (Daytona) left circuit departure pattern I leveled off at 2000ft and trimmed the aircraft. The Duchess will trim up very nicely thank you... I as noted still use the manual (keyboard) trim, but you can use the electric trim on the yoke, but to remember to switch on the electric trim version (required also for the autopilot) on the lower panel switch (lower arrow). Once trimmed the Model 76 will sit here all day with just minor adjustments, wind strength allowable. The Century lV autopilot (AP) won't work unless again you switch on the power in the same row of switches as the electric trim.... ALT will hold your current altitude, but to climb or descend you then press ATT and then set your pitch, you click and don't scroll the buttons to change the aircraft's pitch. The ATT setting can also be used just to hold your current pitch if you like that angle or rate of climb, so the AP is again very easy to use... you can really only use the pop-up 2d panel as the real layout is just too distracting a reach in it's too far right panel position. View out is excellent for a twin prop, yes the forward positioned engines do still obscure the view a little, but you seem to sit higher than in other twins so the aspect is still better than most. You go hunting for the EGT needles, the yellow needles represent the best lean to rich mixture for the best fuel flow and hence performance, you adjust both the throttles and the mixture levers to achieve your golden lean setting.... I found on the outbound flight it worked perfectly, but on the inbound flight (here) I couldn't get as close?.... unless I leaned the engines all the way to shutoff and too far. This setting is about right to the setting before, and I found the yellow needles moved back to their central positions the more the fuel burnt off. Cruise speed is 158 kn (182 mph; 293 km/h) at the best at 10,000 ft (3,000 m), Range is VOR busting 780 nmi (898 mi; 1,445 km) and the Service Ceiling is a generous 19,650 ft (5,990 m). Approach to KRSW (Southwest Florida) RWY 24 (rare as it is usually 06) means no airport circuit and a straight in approach from LBV (La Belle VOR). Height is reduced at 1300fpm to do the shorter distance landing. You can easily approach the airport at around 110 knts clean and not lose height or power, but on the final approach you drop it down to 95 knts with the first flap adjustment to 10º... you know instantly the flap drag kicks in with the low thrumming of the engines coming into play, I love the sounds they are brilliant in this phase of the flight, you adjust and the engine drag power sound adjusts to reflect the change.... brilliant. One thing has been renforced during this review of the Model 76 and that this is a nice easy aircraft for learners and it comes with a nice stable platform to practise on, yes the 76 is an easy aircraft to fly, but the pro's will get it as well... and love it as much as there is also a great built in depth in there. 20º flap (more thrumming!) 90 knts.... Full flap (dirty) and 80 knts is nice! Then gradually reduce the power to 75 knts to 73 knts then a slight pitch and you are touching down.... easy. The timing of the final pitch has to be perfect, to early and the 76 will slightly float, if right then a nice easy fall onto the runway and if the trim is right the aircraft is seemless in it's landing operational phase. Stall is 60 knts and a "no go there!" Run off the speed and then head for the parc ferme. Miss those "just chocks" and the non-choice all for one static elements, so I don't use any? Lighting Both internal and external lighting is quite basic... panel has only two adjustments in instruments (noted as "Post Lights") and Instrument flood. But you can find that nice night time flying sweetspot. However the worn graphics engine readouts look like early washed out X-Plane 2d panel, and have no depth, but otherwise the panel looks good. Overhead light (and red torch) selection does not work? (yes it will be fixed) but that also gives you a very unusable dark cabin? External lighting is basic, but very good.... navigation and strobe lights are well done, but there is no beacon. Taxilights and landing lights are situated at each wing outer leading edge, but the taxilights are a bit weak on the ground, in reality you need to use the stronger landing lights to find your way around the taxiways. Liveries Eleven Duchess liveries and a blank white are mostly focused on Europe with a few that are UK registered, The US of A gets one, so does Canada and one for Australia. All are 4K extreme top quality. ___________________________________ Summary The Duchess Model 76 is the first twin-engined General Aviation aircraft by JustFlight/Thranda for X-Plane after a procession of single-engined Arrows and Archers. The price range in the early forties is the same and so is mostly the features and details. First immersion with the aircraft found the Model 76 a bit bland, a grey interior and a flat plate panel tended to make the Duchess feel a little average. But the high quality detail is in there as is the nice wear and tear environment, the panel's authenticity also makes it in the realism stakes, after a while you just get used to it and in time don't find anything really wanting, even later very inviting. Features are the usual JustFlight panel of pop-ups and mixed X-Plane default panels: Autopilot, Door actions, Sounds, Quick Start, Flight Computer Panel, Refill Panel and that excellent Weights and Balance panel... Avionics list is good with Bendix/King KMA 28 TSO, KT 76A transponder, KX 155 COM/NAV 2 radio and Bendix/King KR87 ADF and an excellent Century IV autopilot. Static elements on an aircraft of this price however is a bit wanting? (compare to the AirfoilLab's B350!) and with not only no separate chocks, no engine inlet covers, tags and even something clever like window covers would be nice but really expected at this price range... more creativity is required here. A few missed items in the launch list will be corrected quickly in an update, but no working interior light on release is also a bit rich? But the core of the Duchess 76 is really, really good... on the surface it is a simple aircraft, simple to use and simply to fly, but that is also it's strength in that it is an excellent learner/trainee pilot aircraft, you can see why the flight schools fight to get these Duchess aircraft on to their flightlines to train up pilot's to their multi-engine rating. And this X-Plane version is that same environment in that any new pilot wanting to find their wings in a multi-engine rating environment, then I don't think there is a better aircraft out there to do that this well, and a note to those helpful nice counter-rotating props. The pros won't be disappointed either as the Duchess has all the tools and functionality is in here as well, so the Duchess comes out in the end as a really great all rounder.... Highly Recommended. _______________________________ The Beechcraft Duchess Model 76 by JustFlight and Thranda is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Duchess Model 76 Priced at US$41.99 Special Features MODEL Accurately modeled Duchess Model 76, built using real-world aircraft plans and comprehensive photography of the real aircraft Numerous animations including multi-animation passenger doors that, when open, respond to G-forces and air resistance, baggage door, cockpit window and sun visors Ground equipment including chocks and tie-downs HD textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism Detailed normal mapping for down-to-the-rivet precision of aircraft features COCKPIT A truly 3D virtual cockpit right down to accurately modelled seat belts and screw heads - every instrument is constructed fully in 3D with smooth animations Cockpit textures feature wear and tear based on reference photos taken in the real aircraft to produce an authentic environment Interactive engine start checklist that responds to user inputs and sim variables Interactive checklists for every stage of flight Aircraft configuration system that will allow you to choose between 'cold & dark' or 'ready for take-off' (if aircraft is stationary on the ground) Fully functional and comprehensive IFR capable avionics fit including: KMA 28 audio selector Fully featured X-Plane-native GNS430 (supports procedures out of the box, and supports Navigraph and Aerosoft custom NAV databases) KX 155 COM/NAV 2 radio KR 87 ADF receiver KT 76A transponder unit WX-8 Stormscope Century IV autopilot HSI and ADF gauges Support for Reality GTN750 (sold separately, Windows only) Interactive logbook panel for logging your flight details (X-Plane native) Flight computer panel with useful information such as fuel burn, endurance, speed and wind speed/direction GoodWay compatible Ability to change barometric units from inHg to MB in altimeter adjustment Option to activate flashlight from within pop-up window, to aid in those pitch-black cold and dark starts at night Pop-up autopilot window Option to remove window and instrument reflection effects Animated toe brakes Radio knob animations routed through plugin logic, for optimum movement fidelity and sound synchronisation AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS Custom-coded fuel system with cross-feed Custom-coded electrical system with functional circuit breakers and avionics power circuit. Circuit breaker logic is linked to X-Plane's internal failure logic, so if the plane is set to fail a certain electrical component after a certain number of hours, the circuit breaker for that element will pop out. Realistic landing gear with emergency extension, slow/fast tire rotation animation (blurry when rotating fast), precise shock absorber animation and wheel chocks and tie-downs Functioning carburetor, cowl flap and primer controls Requirements X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 4Gb VRAM Minimum - 8Gb+ VRAM Recommended Download size: 1.3Gb Current and Review version : 1.1 (April 4th 2019) Installation and documents: Download for the Beechcraft Duchess Model 76 is 1.3 Gb and the unzipped file deposited in the aircraft "General Aviation" X-Plane folder at 1.70 GB.  Documentation: There are two manuals provided. The ODM is full of performance graphs and data and the X-Plane Manual is a full detailed manual of the aircraft's systems and layouts, a good if basic tutorial is also included Duchess Model 76 X-Plane manual.pdf Duchess Model 76 ODM X-Plane manual.pdf ChangeLog.rtf A paintkit is also included Duchess Paint Kit ______________________________________________________________________  Aircraft review by Stephen Dutton 26th April 2019 Copyright©2019 : X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this preview 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 11.33 (v11.30 is required for this aircraft) Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 : WorldTraffic 3.0 Plugin - US$29.95 Scenery or Aircraft - KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$24.95 - KDAB - Daytona Beach by Aerosoft / Stairport Sceneries (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$28.99 

NEWS! - Reality Expansion Pack for JustFlight PA28 Arrow III (XP12) Simcoders have released a REP - Reality Expansion Pack for the JustFlight PA28 Arrow III. This is for only the X-Plane 12 version and non-turbo variant. PA-28R ARROW III XP12 you will need this aircraft to use his addon pack. The idea of these "Reality Expansion Pack" REP packs are to bring a bit more of the everyday running of a GA light aircraft to life, and to also add in more functionality and extra features not found in the original package. Basically if you have used one REP pack then they are all the same with just the aircraft they are attached to in being different. Features include: Ultra Realistic Flight & Ground Dynamics** - Realistic stall speeds & behavior - Realistic climb speeds - Realistic cruise speeds - Realistic taxi behavior **Complex Damages System** - Triggered by the pilot actions - Based on real world data - Target every system in the aircraft - Meant to teach you how to correctly manage an airplane **Economic System** - Can be enabled/disabled on the fly - Earn virtual money when you fly - Use virtual money to buy fuel and do maintenance/repairs - Realistic fuel prices around the World - Fully compatible with FSEconomy. - More info at <https://www.simcoders.com/reality-expansion-pack/economy> **Interactive Walkaround** - Cockpit checks - Lights checks - Aileron, rudder, elevator and flaps check - Tire check and choks removal - Tie-down removal - Pitot tube check - Engine cowl check **Interactive towing** - Push, pull and steer using the joystick - Towbar simulation **Realistic Lycoming IO-360-C1C Engine Logic** - 100% Custom engine model - Realistic propeller animations as never seen before on X-Plane - Correct fuel consumption - Oil System: - Realistic oil viscosity - Interchangeable oil type - Oil pump failures - Realistic oil filter - Interchangeable spark plugs: default or fine-wire - Spark plugs fouling - Realistic Lean of Peak and Rich of Peak operations - Injection Fuel System - Realistic fuel pump behavior - Realistic fuel filter - Starter - Realistic startup procedure - Automatic startup procedure to help newbies - Realistic engine temperatures - Fuel Flooding simulation - The engine parts are damaged if not managed correctly **Realistic Landing Gear** - The engine may be warmed up upon start with the provided electrical heater - Once activated, the electrical heater runs even when you close the simulator - A winterization kit let the airplane to operate at very cold temperatures **Developed with love** - Coded by real pilots **Electrical & Avionics System** - Realistic Battery - The avionics are damaged if on when the engine starts/shuts down **Native Virtual Reality Support** - Complete support of new X-Plane SDK 3.0 - Menu visible in VR - Windows visible in VR **Learn with the in-flight tips** - A non invasive tip with a suggestion about the conduct of the flight is shown when you are not flying the airplane properly - A non invasive tip with a suggestion on how to recover the problem is shown when you damage the airplane **Custom simulation of Hypoxia** - Tunnel vision - Hard breathing **Stunning sounds** - Fuselage wind sound - Landing gear wind - Independent touch down sounds **Fuel Management Tool** - Compatible with Justflight's weight and balance tool **Popup Kneeboard** - Complete normal operations checklist - Complete emergency operations checklist - Complete reference tables (speed, fuel consumption etc.) - May be shown/hidden with mouse gestures **Simulation state saving** - Every single switch and lever position is restored when you reload the aircraft - The battery may discharge if you leave it on and then close X-Plane - When X-Plane is launched, the engine and oil temperature are restored basing on the time passed **Maintenance Hangar** - Engine maintenance tab - Electrical systems maintenance tab - Avionics tab - Gauges tab - Landing gear, brakes & tires tab **Very easy on FPS** - Written in C++ with no compromises ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ### Extended features list #### Developed by real pilots The SimCoders.com team is made by real pilots. We code all our own flight experience into REP and try to provide you the most amazing experience in X-Plane. #### Realistic and complex engine logic The engine is meticulously reproduced by enhancing the new PT-6 turbine model introduced by Laminar in X-Plane 11. We started from the base model and override those parts of the engine that needed some pimps to reach perfection. #### Ultra Realistic Flight & Ground Dynamics A custom flight dynamics engine is replacing part of the internal X-Plane engine in order to enhance the realism of the simulation. You will experience realistic speeds and fuel consumptions at every power setting. The correct drag during the landing gear operation is realistically simulated. The aircraft uses the correct distances to takeoff and landing and reaches the correct vertical speed during climb. The ground dynamics are enhanced by a realistic cross wind behavior. #### Damages System If you are a reckless flier you will experience many failures based on the real Pilot's Operating Handbook. #### Interactive pre-flight checklist and walkaround Do your ground pre-flight checks using the interactive walkround module. Check the wheel status, the elevators, the aileron and the rudder. Remove the choks and the tie-downs. #### Popup kneeboard Follow the real Normal Operations Checklists to fly the airplane. Use the Emergency Checklist when you experience a failure. Plan your flight basing on the real performance tables. The popup kneeboard is easy to use and contains all the informations you need to conduct your flight. #### Living Airplane The airplane saves its state and restore it when you restart the simulator. An example? After loading your airplane into X-Plane, it will have a warm engine depending on how much time has passed from the last session. #### HeadShake integration If you install HeadShake v1.5 or higher in your system, it will communicate with REP to extend the simulation realism. #### Maintenance Tool You can perform the maintenance of your aircraft using the included maintenance tool (also called Hangar View). Change the oil, check the cylinders status, recharge the battery and more. #### Realistic sounds set Feel the wind flowing around the fuselage, the landing wheels screech during an hard landing, the brakes squeaking and many more. The included sounds are recorded on-board a real aircraft. #### Custom settings window A settings window allows you to enable or disable some of the software's features. Developed by Simcoders Support forum for the REP JF PA28 Arrow lll The PA-28R ARROW III XP12 is required for this addon to work. No aircraft included Images are courtesy of Simcoders ________________________________________ The Reality Expansion Pack for JustFlight PA28 Arrow lll by Simcoders is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore!... Here: Reality Expansion Pack XP12 JustFlight PA28 Arrow lll Price is US$19.99 Requirements X-Plane 12 Important: The JustFlight Piper Arrow III XP12 is required for this add-on. It will not work on other aircraft Current version: 4.8.7 (August 27th 2024) ________________ News by Stephen Dutton 30th August 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 Right Reserved.

Aircraft Review : PA28R Piper Arrow III XP12 by Just Flight-Thranda JustFlight arrived with the original Piper PA28R Arrow lll for X-Plane 11 nearly seven years ago. back then the Piper added in another quality General Aviation developer into the mix, with vFlyteAir, Carenado and Airfoillabs. But you could never want for more in the GA category aircraft. Jump forward those six plus years and the X-Plane world has changed from those days of when General Aviation totally dominated X-Plane for aircraft sales and choice. With Carenado now gone, it is only vFlyeAir that is carrying the GA banner, Airfoillabs do of course still present their C172, but other wise it is down Aerosphere to fill in the gaps, but they are not set in that higher category of ultra quality and features. JustFlight in co-operation with Thranda Design however have delivered some very nice General Aviation aircraft for the X-Plane Simulator in those six years, but although there was some conversions to the release of X-Plane 12, they were not what you would call to the XP12 standards, just a revamp to align the aircraft with the new Simulator version. But here now is the release of the X-Plane 12 JustFlight Arrow lll conversion, this is the full comprehensive revision and complete realignment with X-Plane 12. The Arrow is a part of the PA28 Cherokee family, but in this latest more modern reincarnation as it is a four-seater that includes a five inch fuselage extension, span increase with a semi-tapered wing, a larger horizontal tail, gross weight increase and other minor changes over the earlier Cherokee. The Series III here also introduced the retractable landing gear arrangement. It also had enhanced performance and better handling characteristics compared to earlier Arrow models. Thranda use a system to enhance the PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with their real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism, 8K textures are now also used, twice the density, but highlights the detail and quality to a far better compounding degree. It shows off easily the highlights of the superb quality of the surfaces and the exquisite detailing on the PA28. But the process also creates unwanted shadows, and dull areas, if you look at the model in certain lighting conditions. It is a Thranda phenomenon, it can also create darker areas were their isn't any, so in the X-Plane 12 lighting, it can be shaded in cases were there shouldn't be any effects. But the detailing is excellent, best in class. Glass is simply exceptional, perfect in thickness, tint and reflections. The three point landing gear has had a "Hard, Hard" life, with in being worn, oxidised and painted rusted springs... this is an aircraft that has had a lot of flights in hard conditions over decades of use. Gear detail is also really well conceived and done here by JustFlight, as the landing gear system comes with an intricate retraction animation, slow/fast tyre rotation animation (blurry when rotating fast), and the precise shock absorber animation with multiple linkages are animated accurately. The "R" in the name designation means "Retractable". The performance of the Arrow lll is not what you call spell binding, not average either... Maximum Speed is 148 knots (170 mph, 274 km/h), with a Cruise Speed of around 137 knots (158 mph, 254 km/h). The range is 880 nautical miles (1,630 km) with a service ceiling of 16,200 ft (4,938 m). Rate of Climb is 1,000 ft/min (5.08 m/s), but you would usually only do around 800 ft/min. The Arrow here is powered by a Lycoming IO-360-C1C6 engine of 200 hp (149 kW), all up gross weight is 2,750 lb (1,247 kg). The realism extends to the flight dynamics, which are based on real-world performance and handling data, and input from Arrow pilots. Lets us be frank, the PA28 Cherokee series is the saloon car of the aviation world. It is a steady handling, doing the chores sort of aircraft. It is not a sporty machine (unless you go for the Turbo), or dynamic in it's flight envelope. But it is very solid, reliable and even handed machine. It's not boring to fly, as you have those X-Plane 12 dynamics, which are now very well fine tuned. So if a word summed up this aircraft, it is "Classic". The Arrow trims quite nicely, but requires re-trimming with any power changes, which you can use also to climb or descend as well. Bank and you will need a bit of back pressure to keep the nose up, also flying straight and narrow requires a fair bit of right yoke to keep it in line, to counter the asymmetric thrust (there is a rudder trim, but hard to access)... so you work in here to keep the Piper on an even keel, you trim and then keep on trimming to get it perfect. That is not to say I don't like it, as the PA28 gives you a lot of feedback... the best sort of Simulation. In a landing configuration you get a lot of drag, not only from flaps at 10º, but set 25º the Intermediate setting (used during approach and landing), and the 40º which is the Full flap setting (used for landing). The gear creates havoc with your nice clean approach, so be aware of when you drop it down. Otherwise when fully configured for landing it is all about the throttle control, in adjusting your height, a bad cross wind (12 knts) didn't help either, but otherwise it was a nice clean if easy landing. Note, the PA34 is a bit shimmy on takeoff, so fine rudder control is needed so it doesn't become a problem, overall you need careful control and slow up throttle movement to get the best clean track. I love it when things are done properly... I love the door on the Arrow, yes I love a door, you may think that is just plain weird or whatever, but I do... It takes more actions to open or close it than what they use on the Apollo capsule. There are two catches to open, one set on the roof and a big catch set forward in the door, then you can use the outside latch to open it. Other doors (and windows) include a very large baggage hatch set right rear, and the opening paper window on the pilot's side. Note the nice metal window surrounding plates. Two other ground options include, Chocks on all three wheels, and wing tie-downs... but there are no flags or inlet covers. Notable also on the exterior is the opening oil hatch top, and the excellent detailed exhaust system. The Hartzell Scimitar 74 inch Three-Blade Propeller is a variable-pitch, but not demonstrated here. Cabin materials can be divisive here... they are first and foremost excellent, but bright red. You will either love this cabin or totally hate it, myself I adore it, even if it sorts of dates the interior. It feels like that brushed velvet, and red Faux Leather trim, there is even the chrome fittings as well... the beige curtains, or window shades are really well done. The rest of the cabin and roof is beige and cream, again very 70's. The roof has a massive air ducting module, that makes the cabin tight and even claustrophobic, but again quite authentic, if even fancy... The internal textures have had the same treatment as the exterior, better PBR effects and Ambient Occlusion, so it has that X-Plane 12 highlight sheen, that gives the aircraft a big "wow" factor. Yes it is the same cabin as the X-Plane 11 version, but it now feels so very different in it's better feel and look. Instrument Panel In the X-Plane 11 Arrow version you had two panel options, as I noted "loved and cared for" and "worn" or unloved and scruffy". Here JustFlight have reverted to just one design, the older 70's padded look. Panel design is absolutely first rate, beautiful detail and with all the sheer realism you can get in simulation today, a highlight is the lovely glareshield with it's realistic stitching... you can just feel and touch it, or is that a caress for the sheer ownership of it all. The aircraft's registration still also changes with the different liveries on the panel which is a nice touch. The yokes are still really outstanding, the left different to the right with the Piper logo. The left yoke is fitted with a digital chronometer. The mode button allows you to toggle between either the clock mode or the timer mode. On top of the yoke but very hard to see is a black electric trim button with down (forward) and up (rearwards) adjustments. You can have both yokes visible, or one each side, or hide both together... very flexible. The instrument panel layout is exactly the same as the earlier X-Plane 11 in features... Instrument panel is set out with the Standard Six instruments that are centred in line of sight of the flying pilot with the Airspeed Indicator, Artificial Horizon and the Attitude Indicator on the top row and the Turn Coordinator, Heading Dial and Vertical Speed Indicators set out directly below. Left of the six pack top is the Gyro Suction dial with the Bendix/King ADF indicator set below. On the right top is a Garmin OBS VOR indicator (VOR1) and the same OBS VOR indicator (VOR2) below. I prefer the pointer VOR needle than this version as it is better for circuits and runway lineup (that is if the VOR is placed close to the runway). All the main dials are older black/white in design and not with the coloured Artificial Horizon that you could also have in this aircraft. Mid-left panel gauges are standard Cherokee with Oil Press, Oil Temp and Alt Amp on the left side and Left Fuel tank, Cyl Head Temp and Right Fuel tank on the right of the yoke. Lower-left panel has a basic Piper "AutoControl IIIB" Autopilot, which we will cover in more in detail later, the start key and a Manifold Pressure (inHG) and Fuel Flow gauge (Gallons per hour). Another gauge here is a Tachometer/RPM dial with built in Hobb's meter. Avionics in the Arrow are very old, the only modern gadget is the centre stack mounted X-Plane default Garmin GNS530, and yes of course it pops out. There is also the provision to install Reality XP's GTN 750 unit, but this is an addon extra and it costs you another $49.95. Lower right panel is an Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) indicator and you can rotate the screw to control the position of the red (maximum value) needle and left of the EGT is a comprehensive set of active circuit breakers. There is a fan switch and heating controls as well. The only instrument on the right side is a standby Altimeter and spare hobbs meter. Custom-coded electrical system comes with functional circuit breakers. Circuit breaker logic is linked to X-Plane's internal failure logic, so if the plane is set to fail a certain electrical component after a certain number of hours, the circuit breaker for that element will pop out. The audio panel is a very early model Bendix/King KMA T20 TSO which is above the GNS530, below bottom is the Benedix/King 76A transponder. The right side stack has a Bendix/King KX 175B radio for VOR in COM2 and VOR2 (COM1 and VOR1 is set via the GNS530). Then below is a Bendix/King KN 62A DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) set, the Benedix/King KR 85 ADF radio is set out below the KN 62A. There are a set of rocker switches mid lower panel for (L to R) Power (Battery & Alternator), Fuel pump, Landing Light, Anti-Collision Lights in rotating and navigation and Pitot Heat. Either end of the switch panel are two scroll wheels for Avionic brightness and Instrument brightness. The centre mini-pedestal has the familiar Throttle, Propeller and Mixture levers, but also a mixture lever lock on the side that restricts the mixture lever from moving below a 40% setting. The levers are a bit odd in that you have to move your movement upwards to move the levers down and vise-versa and in busy traffic conditions it can be annoying in the actions being the wrong way around. Also you have to use your switch gear before moving the Propeller and Mixture levers to the full forward position as they cover the avionics lighting scroll wheel, main power switches and fuel pump switch. I love the chunky T throttle handle. Below the mini-pedestal is your aileron trim wheel and park brake lever. Between the front seats is your beautiful elevator trim and flap handle, there is an emergency gravity assist gear drop lever here as well that works. Left lower wall panel is the Fuel Selector, with a Fire Extinguisher set beneath your thighs. Gotta love those filthy, worn, dirt strewn red carpets, detailing 101... metal foot plates are gorgeous. Authentic "Piper" branded rudder pedals are worth your gaze as well. Lighting The Arrow III's lighting here is quite basic, but it is very good in what it does. The panel is really very sepia and black/white in its design, but it does make for a very readable panel in the dark or in low lighting conditions. The instruments are backlit, but show the aircraft's age. Cockpit lighting is done via an overhead red lamp, it is quite bright, but the rear cabin is dark. The external lighting is the same in just being the basic lighting, with a strobe on the tail and navigation lights (or noted here as "anti-collision") There is a very strong nose landing light and the bright flashes of strobe lighting that don't strobe together which is interesting, in that you get the left wing and then the right wing in multiple flashes on each side. All external lights are very different in colour and in the more modern LED halogen bright than X-Plane dull, you get the brilliant star feel (new X-Plane 12 halo) effect as well. Sounds At this level you expect really good sounds. And the JustFlight Arrow does really deliver here with custom sounds for; switches, doors, gear warnings and far more, it features accurate location placement of sounds in the stereo spectrum, 3D audio effects, atmospheric effects, adaptive Doppler, and the exterior sounds spill in when window or door(s) are opened, there are the different sound characteristics depending on your viewing angle and distance from the sound source. It is all FMOD 2 in quality as well. Menu The JustFlight Menu system is all changed for X-Plane 12 as noted in the Duchess Model 76, that was released early March. Gone is the generally average looking dated tab menu. Here it is replaced by an iPad style tablet, stuck to the left window, or bring the tablet up in the screen by clicking the arrow tab top left (you can also popup the main tablet menu by pressing the left side of the window tablet)... But you do have other options, as the tablet can also be placed on either yoke and right side windscreen by clicking the bottom of the tablet... The pop-up tablet can also be scaled, or moved anywhere on your screen. The tablet is also adjustable (movable) via the hot-spot, top frame. But because of it's size and shape, the view-point is not ever really square or set head on, the yoke position is usually better, but now also situated far lower in your eyesight. The earlier X-Plane 11 version had eighteen tiles for selection, here it has been reduced down to twelve... Top row : Aircraft Options, Weight & Balance, Instr Options, Engine Config, and Static Liveries Middle Row : Configuration, Log Book, Checklist, Ground Handling and Dynamic Liveries Bottom row : Flight Computer and Avitab (Plugin required) Aircraft Options: Covers the two doors; CoPilot, Baggage Door and Pilot Window (Open /Close), Window and Instrument Reflections, Cockpit Lights, Swap Pilots, Altimeter (IN.HG/MB) and Ground Equipment (Left/Right Tie Downs, Nose, Right and Left Chocks). We have seen the opening doors and pilot window, also the Tie Downs and chocks. Dan Klaue and his wife turn up as your pilots, and basically they are same two fully animated pilots as in Thranda Aircraft, by this menu option, you can swap the seating position of the pilots. Weight & Balance: The weight and balance window is very good, if basic to look at (it is the original W&B window). It comes with adjustable weights for all four passengers, and baggage, fuel can be set here also as can the change from kg - lbs. There is the option to load the Aircraft "Half" or "Full" tanks. A full list of weights, CG and a large graph of your settings are all very helpful into balancing the aircraft. Press "Save Configuration" to save your preferred load setup, and "Load Configuration" to set up the aircraft. Lowering the Co-Pilot weight usually will make Him/Her disappear, but not in this aircraft.... there are there no passengers either if the weight added in the rear, or any bags if added to the baggage area, such is shrinkflation today. You can open most pages into a "Window" via the arrow logo right top. Instr Options (Instrument Options) includes two pop-ups for the GNS 430 and the Century IV (autopilot). The "AutoControl IIIB" has only two functions in holding the heading and roll L&R. You can adjust the heading (thankfully) via the Heading instrument knob, or switch off the heading on the AP and roll the aircraft to your new heading. There is a hidden function to hold your altitude (not on the real system) by pressing the "Piper" text above the coupler knob on the left part of the panel, It is hard to find and almost half-hidden but you do get a manipulator hand or finger to say it is actually there and but not when activated? It does work very well but the aircraft has to be perfectly trimmed before pressing it on... it deactivates with a kick as well when or if you adjust the trim wheel, so be ready for that. Another point is that because if you don't use the altitude hold function, you can adjust the trim without disconnecting the AP, so it is quite easy to hold an altitude by setting the trim finely. The old "Refill Menu" has been changed here to the Engine Options; this allows you to view the fuel and oil status as well as the status of spark plug fouling and Vapour Lock, and you can also recharge the battery if it goes flat, of which it does with regularity. There is also an "Imbalance" indicator for the Fuel Weight, you can do a "Refill" here of the fuel here as well. Static Liveries; You can rotate through all the six liveries with the Arrow lll via the "Static Liveries" menu. An option here (new) is that you can adjust the Dirt (dirtiness) between 0-100%. Very Thranda. Configuration: Here you can change the aircraft configuration, and there are three options; Engines Running (power up to flying mode), DynaFeel and the tablet (screen) Brightness. DynaFeel" is a system that dynamically adjusts the rate at which the controls deflect. It is based on airspeed and how much the control is deflected. This means the controls will feel light and responsive at low speeds and with small deflections, but will get progressively heavier as the airspeed increases. If you fly Thranda Aircraft, then you will be familiar with the system. Logbook: This icon brings up the X-Plane standard Logbook. Checklist: There is a 31 page checklist that you can tick off... very good, but even though there is a "End of the Checklist" tickable box, it doesn't oddly reset all the boxes to a reset... that is a return through of 31 pages, and an average of twelve boxes per page to untick, so you do the maths... Ground Handling: All JustFlight menus have odd useless tools, here is one... the X-Plane "Ground Handling" tool, for "Pushback" and "Request Ground Service"? It's a GA, not a Boeing 737. Dynamic Liveries: Here is another Thranda feature now available on the JustFlight Series. Thranda introduced a clever feature of a way to design your own livery called DYNAMIC LIVERIES. You have a menu to select on the right that can colour a certain part of the aircraft, like the Roof, Wing, Tail or Wing tips. Select which one you want and then adjust the three RGB colours for that certain area, and the selected colour (here seagrass) is shown in the square. You can also separately change the aircraft's registration number, the Piper logo can be added as well. Another option is that changes can also be made to the Metal or Rough surfaces, this can be applied to any of the liveries. When done you can "SAVE" or ADD the livery to the index and then "APPLY" it to the aircraft. The conversion takes a few minutes with some weird screen changes, but the results are excellent and now the Piper Arrow is in your own nice livery design... the results are found under the "DynamicLiveryResources" in the liveries. Flight Computer: The flight computer panel provides a wealth of information that is very handy in flight, with highlights including OAT (Outside Air Temperature), GS (Ground Speed), Endurance (time), Range (available), NMPG (Nautical Miles Per Gallon)/ SMPG (Standard Miles Per Gallon), Altitude (Density and Pressure), TAS (True Airspeed) and FF and used fuel flow, Winds (Headwind and Crosswind).... fuel burn can be reset. Units can also be changed from Metric to Imperial.. AviTab: The AviTab tool can also be used, and with Navigraph charts if you have an account. There is no tablet rotation from landscape to portrait, and to get back to the main menu, you press the right centre section of the frame. I found that for using charts, it is best setting them up in the side window, before opening up the main Pop-up, otherwise it just goes to a window setting. _____________ Liveries There are six (Painted Liveries) liveries plus the two of the system liveries are noted as "DynamicLiveryResources" and "ZZTEMPLATELIVERY", these are the currently selected "DYNAMIC LIVERIES". Summary The Arrow is a part of the PA28 Cherokee family, but in this latest more modern reincarnation it is a four-seater that includes a five inch fuselage extension, span increase with a semi-tapered wing, a larger horizontal tail, gross weight increase and other minor changes over the earlier Cherokee. The Series III here also introduced the retractable landing gear arrangement. It also had enhanced performance and better handling characteristics compared to earlier Arrow models. Here the Arrow lll has been extensively upgraded to X-Plane 12 by JustFlight/Thranda, note this is an upgrade, and earlier purchasers of the Arrow lll XP11 can get 10% discount off the new Piper X-Plane 12 aircraft. The X-Plane 11 version was an excellent aircraft. But this rejuvenated version for X-Plane 12 is far, far better again, Highlights of the changes are the new 8K textures, and the far better PBR effects, and this creates a far more quality exterior and interior. First glances say, old and tired, but on a closer inspection, it will cry out with "Classic" authenticity and it all comes to a very high quality. The Arrow comes alive in X-Plane 12, highly realistic and it gives you a very high quality PA28 for X-Plane 12. There is also a new menu system, as replacing an old tab system, and it is a quality iPad/tablet, that can be positioned in four different places. Besides a few of the original tabs and pages, there are also three new added features directly from the Thranda Design stable, with now the "PAINTED LIVERIES" function, the build your own livery feature of "DYNAMIC LIVERIES" and the "Dynafeel" tool. Performance, physics and handling have also been highly improved to X-Plane 12 standards, based on real-world performance and handling data, Sounds are totally upgraded, with a full stereo spectrum, 3D audio effects, atmospheric effects and adaptive Doppler, and the feature list is very long. But the odd quirks oddly remain? The Static Objects in being separated here are better, but there are very few of them. Lighting is basic, and you still get the very odd tab and useless elements like the X-Plane Ground Handling? and Logbook?... fillers only. The checklist is another oddity, with 31 pages of checks, that you can't uncheck in one operation. Priced in that high price range of US$40+, you expect a lot for your money. Thankfully you get that aspect here, but now even more so in the X-Plane 12 environment. It is an aircraft to spend time with to understand it's depth, the more you use it, then the more you find what you really like about it... depth in design is the words here. JustFlight/Thranda create excellent, lovely aircraft, that even the most novice pilot can fly and enjoy... overwhelmingly the main thing about the Arrow lll is that it brings back that deepness required, that seems to be lost in the more modern environment. So it's like going back ten years but still having all the mod-cons, the effects and dynamics that X-Plane 12 provides as well are part of the deal, the JustFlight Duchess had this same feeling, as does the Arrow lll here, it is a brilliant combination of the very best of both worlds.... Highly Recommended. ___________________ Yes! the PA28R Piper Arrow III XP12 by JustFlight Thranda is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : PA28R Piper Arrow III XP12 On sale: US$42.99 Requirements: X-Plane 12 (not for xp11) Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.0 (July 1st 2024) * Customers who own the PA-28R ARROW III XP11 by JustFlight can get 10% off this new XP12 model. Coupon code can be found in the original PA-28R ARROW III XP11 Invoice Installed in your X-Plane Aircraft folder 2.47 Gb. Installation 2.65 GB, Authorization on startup is required. AviTab Plugin is required for this aircraft Documents ChangeLog.rtf EULAstandardcommercialandacademic2024.pdf GA Fleet X-Plane 12 EFB.pdf PA-28R Arrow III ODM X-Plane 12 manual.pdf PA-28R Arrow III X-Plane 12 manual.pdf Design by JustFlight/Thranda Design Support forum: JustFlight Arrow lll _____________________ 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 12.1.0rc2 (This is a Release Candidate review). Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 Scenery or Aircraft - EGHI Southampton Airport by PilotPlus+ (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.95 ___________________________ Review by Stephen Dutton 4th July 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

Aircraft Review : BAe Systems Hawk T1/A Trainer by JustFlight - Thranda Design The Folland Gnat T.1 was the mainstay of RAF jet training onwards from 1959. The aircraft was a nimble and extremely good training aircraft for pilots moving into military jet aircraft and then moving on upwards to the heavier Hawker Hunters and English Electric Lightings. But in the early 70's the RAF realised that the next generation of jet fighters would require a more advanced trainer and a two-seater to accommodate the Sepecat Jaguar and the Panavia Tornado. The result was the Hawker Siddeley Hawk T1 (Trainer Mk1). In reality the relationship of the Hawk to it's predecessor the Gnat is actually very close and highly related. Hawker Siddeley had bought out Folland in 1959, as British Aerospace Systems (BAe) would also merge with Hawker Siddeley in 1977, however the Hawk was built and still assembled in Hamble at the old Folland factory where the Gnat had also been produced. The Hawk also followed the Gnat in being the mainstay of the RAF British Aerobatic Team, known as the "Red Arrows" and still holds that coveted position today. JustFlight - Thranda Design It is just under a year in that the partnership of JustFlight and Thranda Design released their first aircraft for X-Plane11, that was the PA28R Piper Arrow III and since then there has also been the PA28R Turbo Piper Arrow III/IV in February and the TB10 Tobago & TB20 Trinidad in May and finally the excellent Cessna 152 ll in June. All aircraft I thought brought far more to X-Plane in features and to the general aviation category, but more so in the highly realistic handing of the aircraft. They are not cheap aircraft and all sit on the top of the scale in price for general aviation aircraft, but they also do deliver in another level in quality as well. This is JustFlight's and Thranda's next release with the BAe Systems Hawk T1. First it is a radical change from the usual general aviation style of aircraft and it also took a long time to get released? The aircraft was initially first announced back in February earlier this year, then another promotion in the middle of the year sent our heart's a flutter again but then it all went very quiet, this time it is actually here... so was it worth the wait? That is what reviews are for, so let us see. BAe Systems Hawk T1/A Trainer We have come to now expect a very high quality aircraft from JustFlight/Thranda, as it should be in this price range as that is what you are paying for, in high very high quality and for loads of features. There is no doubt the Hawk stands out there in the quality stakes, the level here is extremely high, if the best fighter/trainer now in in X-Plane11. To be fair there is not a lot of competition to compare the Hawk with as very few modern fighters have yet made the transition from X-Plane10, coming and in the same category is X-Trident's Harrier AV8B, so that aircraft will be a better benchmark. Would this aircraft pass the Airshow walkaround test? you know the one where you walkaround the aircraft noting it's details and equipment points, take a few pictures to remind you of the aircraft... in this case yes. The quality of the detailing is phenomenal, and I am set at a lower resolution setting. Another level of detail again for X-Plane? If not then it is close... aircraft modelling is absolutely first rate, perfection, not a 3d bump out of place. In realism you have glass and reflections that really deliver (note the explosive cord for seat ejection on the canopy glass)... again are you looking into a real jet at an airshow? if not then you are pretty well close to it. It is the smaller details that create a believable realism, note the slightly worn landing light nose glass and wingtip lighting enclosures, the tail leading edge material and the correct accurate layout of rivets and paneling. As a note, the Hawk uses the Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca "Adour 151" non-afterburning turbofan with 2,360 kilograms (5,200 pounds) thrust. It is a more expensive engine, but also more economical to use; like the Specate Jaguar it also uses the "102" version of the Adour in a twin-engine installation. The engine drops down out of the Hawk's belly just behind the wings for service, and in principle can be replaced in one and a half hours. The Hawk is built with ease of serviceability in mind, and almost a third of the aircraft's surface is covered by access panels. There is a "Microturbo 047 Mark 2 Gas Turbine Starter/Auxiliary Power Unit (GTS/APU)" that is installed above the engine to permit self-starting, and to assist in relights after an in-flight flameout. If the aircraft loses power in flight, a ram-air turbine can also automatically pop up in front of the vertical tailplane to provide emergency electrical power and the RAM is featured here and works realistically on the aircraft. The Hawk has two main and one forward strut trailing link undercarriage assemblies... .... detailing is the very best as you would expect in this class, but even more so. Every joint, component, hydraulic line, hydraulic piston, nut and bolt is here, even the strut labels and markings are also correctly applied. Animations in ground movement and retraction/extraction are perfect, even more so as the trailing link assembly can give the taxiing of the aircraft a feel that is quite different from normal, but perfectly authentic. Back to the airshow... usually you stand in line, and usually for a long wait. But your turn does come and you have a fleeting few moments... ... you can look of course but can't touch! but what would you give to sit in there? "sit in the real jet"... The aim of the ultimate in simulation is break down that barrier, and to be able to not only sit in the aircraft but to actually flying this expensive complex machine as well, to live the dream. But for to that to work in simulation then the detail must above and beyond, you thought what was excellent even a few years ago, but here with this Hawk you see the level go higher again, and in a few years it will go even higher... but for now this is the best of the best current standard. First glance inside the Hawk cockpit is the usual overwhelming complexity. But usually as you decipher and break the detail up and work it all out it all comes to make sense... Panels are grouped as: Left console – throttle, engine starting, electrical and flying control systems Left main panel – weapon selection and radio Centre main panel – flight instruments and weapon sighting Right main panel – engine instruments Right console – avionics equipment You can't expect every switch or button and knob to work in the cockpit, but I would guess the number is still very high in here at around 90%. In the rear seat that percentage is around 70%, not bad, but you still miss a few things you would like to control. Cockpit detail is to the extreme. Many fighter cockpit have been exceptional in detail, but don't convey that realism factor, but that is not the case here, it is about as real as it gets, every seat belt, material stitching, pipe, metal panel, screw, nut and bolt is visible and all have highly realistic textures... ... the highlight is the instrument panel glareshields, they have that dusty, not touched since installed look about them, you just want to move your fingers in the dust to create a mark, perfection. Menu/Features The menu is fully featured and positioned via the usual JustFlight left screen side arrow, scrolling on the arrow will make it transparent. This menu layout is far better than the earlier menus, as they had just a red transparency when selected and they looked very dated. This version has coloured items for selection and looks the business. There are 21 selections and features to choose from, and not in any order we will start with the pilots. There are two animated realistic pilots that you can select via the menu, you can also select if you want their visors up or down... ... one note is that if you put the front seat pilot's visor down the screen image goes slightly darker, but the rear visor does not create the same effect? also the pilots selection is only external, so if you are seated in the front or rear seat, then the other seat internally is empty, which is a bit odd as you can select if you want this feature or not? (arrowed) Why not show the internal pilot if you so wish for realism? Overall the pilots are excellent in detail. Selections include static elements like: chocks (rear wheels), tags and pitot and engine inlet/outlet covers, and a very nice work maintenance step frame... ... another ingress option is the aircraft's built in steps, or pop out extensions that are well done (arrowed above). Options include the external diesel tank carried by display aircraft, or the M61A1-Vulcan 6,000 rounds per minute centre mounted cannon... Four armament racks allow a variety of weapons, that are selected via the X-Plane "Weapons" menu, here we have the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM120-AMRAAM, but bombs can be carried as well, but just watch their excessive weight are balanced! Nice detailing on the armament racks that will change to the correctly selected armament. Forward locker opens to reveal the avionic equipment racks. There are two Hawk versions to choose from in the T1 or the T1a. This is noted via the extension over the exhaust outlet... ... but in reality it is a bit useless? The difference between the T1 and T1a versions is that the T1 is the trainer, and the T1a is the armed or fighter version? so why not use the selection to denote the different types by having the armament off for the T1 and the aircraft armed for the T1a version? Menu options internally include the aiming gunsight, and two left and right flip up frequency display panels... ... they don't actually display any frequencies? but there is a fix by MatthewM that adds in the frequencies via an texture file. The same display fix is also in the Red Arrows display livery by Christophe, and here you also get with the livery the lovely Red (Arrows) flying suits as well! With the external diesel tank attached you get a double panel of a set of coloured lights on top of the glareshield (yellow arrows), but there are no notes on if they work, or why? There is a good kneeboard for checklists that pops up. It can be moved around the screen, but it is not scalable, which makes it a bit of a blocking visual distraction in the air (as you can't see anything forward!) as the menu itself is also locked to the left side of the screen and again not scalable.... joysicks front and rear can be hidden and note the "Rudder Lock" (arrowed) Final menu options include a "Cold and Dark" to ready (electrical on/off) and a full engine start up that starts the engines and configures hydraulic and electrical systems so that you are ready to taxi feature, you could call it a "Scramble mode!". There is a feature that configures the aircraft so that weapons are live (ready to fire) and you can select/change the livery from the menu. Instrument panels Power up and the Hawk comes to life. Panel lighting is excellent and adjustable for the left, right and main instrument panels. Annunciator warning panel (CWS - Central Warning System) can be tested. Main cluster of flying instruments covers clockwise... Turn-and-slip indicator, Main Artificial Horizon, Backup Artificial Horizon. Main Altimeter, Vertical speed indicator (VSI), Horizontal situation indicator (HSI) or heading indicator, Directional gyro indicator (DGI), Combined speed indicator (CSI)... top centre left is the Accelerometer. Right front panel is clockwise: Standby altimeter, Cabin Altimeter, Oxygen supply contents, Fuel gauge, TGT indicator (Turbine Gas Temperature), Engine LP shaft rotation indicator/RPM indicator. The Oxygen flow indicator will flip on and off if the oxygen is flowing correctly. lower right is the electrical switchgear and panel lighting adjustment knobs. Depending on if the Hawk is armed or not (T1a) then the firing panel is located upper left... The Lock/Live switch is upper right (magenta arrow). Pylon (rack) selection and armament selection is on the Weapon Control panel, but don't for "heaven's sake" fire it off on the ground like I did... ... as it is not pretty and I suppose that is what the "Safety" is for! The Hawk has a CCS or Communications Control System which provides overall control of the elements of the communications system. The CCS integrates the VHF transmit facilities and the audio signals from this equipment and from the ILS and TACAN receivers. It also integrates the audio tone of the tone generator in the Central Warning System. The radio below the weapons panel is the UHF radio set, but with X-Plane11 you can't access UHF, so the Hawk uses regular VHF frequencies. This radio will control the COM 1 frequencies. It is very nicely done anyway, and super easy to set and use. There are also 20 preset frequencies you can use and if you want a certain frequency, it can be set via the ‘manifest.json’ file with a text editor. Right Console Right panel has the other radio set and this unit is again a UHF unit, but set to the regular VHF (X-Plane) frequencies. This radio controls the COM 2 frequencies. Again the radio can be preset to frequencies and details on the correct insert order (‘manifest.json’) can be found in the manual. The radio panel layout and detail here really good and quite authentic (to a point with X-Plane restrictions). An ILS installation is comprised of a localiser and glideslope receiver and a marker receiver, there is no autopilot, so the ILS is a visual reference only. The Hawk is fitted with an IFF/SSR (Identification Friend or Foe/Secondary Surveillance Radar) system which provides identification facilities and IFF, and civil SSR including ‘Mode S’. The system provides facilities for an IFF or SSR ground radar station to interrogate the aircraft and for the aircraft to rapidly and automatically transmit an identifying reply. The system replies to Mode 1, 2, 3/A, 4, C and S interrogations, including civil and military emergency interrogations. The IFF/SSR control display unit (CDU) is used to control the operation of the IFF/SSR transponders. It works in this aircraft in the MODE 4 interrogations 4A and 4B and for civilian M3/A or auto selection. Note the oxygen valve (yellow arrow above right). Lower panel known as the "Leg" panel is on the upper panel is the AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) control unit, and the lower is the ISIS control unit (Ferranti ISIS Century Series Gunsight). The AHRS is used to calibrate the artificial horizon or align, and if the balls (both main and standby) are lazy then you haven't done this before flying the aircraft. The Ferranti ISIS Century gunsight is adjusted via the left and right knobs (arrowed above right), but I can't see any brightness adjustment, so the sight is quite hard to see? Mode selections include: GA – for air-to-air firing, G – this mode is for air-to-ground gun attacks. With G selected, the aiming mark is then depressed to cater for the gravity drop of the shell, R – same as G, but drift control will adjust the horizontal position of the sight, B – when B is selected, the sight is initially depressed, but can still be moved with the depression control. S – same as B, but the sight is not initially depressed. M - air-to-air missile attack mode is not available. Left Console On the left the console covers the aircraft's throttle, engine starting, electrical and flying control systems. Note first the rearward and slightly hidden main fuel cock lever. Engine start and aircraft (electric) trim switches are rear panel. The lovely stubby throttle is excellent, but note the catch? (arrowed), to move the throttle and the catch needs to set in the up position, but be careful if you hit the catch in flight to click down, as then if you go back to idle the throttle will then lock, unless you release the catch again to up... not the best idea to do if you are on an approach? A set of five gauges cover: No. 1 and No. 2 hydraulic system pressure, Brakes supply pressure and Left and right brake pressures. Left lower main panel are buttons to raise and lower the undercarriage, "UP" is retraction, and "DOWN" is extraction, very different from the usual lever... a manual gear release for both the nosewheel and main gear is here as well. More unusual is a switch (arrowed above right) to lower the flaps between: Up - Mid - Down. and confusing is the flap setting of 0 -5 x10 (degrees). The battery "Volts" gauge is on this side panel as well. Rear position has a few items removed... ... with the ISIS Gunsight panel which is missing and AHRS is disconnected, and the left upper armament panel (T1a) shows the weapon activity, but there is no access to the switchgear.... side consoles lose the IFF/SSR panel right and the engine startup panel left. Overall I think the aircraft finds the right balance on providing a realistic immersion in the cockpit, without that overkill of the minute of details. Flying the BAe Hawk T1a Back to the airshow... you know when the air display is going to start, and everyone runs to the fence by the runway. Usually I go the other way and run to the parc fermé, as there is nothing, I mean nothing like a jet aircraft or helicopter starting up it's engine(s). (hint turn up your sound volume a little) Starting up the Hawk is actually quite easy. The T1 has a Microturbo 047 Mark 2 Gas Turbine Starter/Auxiliary Power Unit (GTS/APU) installed above the engine to permit ground self-starting and to assist in relights after an in-flight flameout. So there is no ground power cart (GPU). The system is comprised of a gas turbine air producer and a free turbine starter motor. The air producer (GTS) is at the top of the fuselage, forward of the ram air turbine. It supplies air via a solenoid-operated start valve, and when the dump valve is closed it supplies air to the starter motor which is fitted to the engine external gearbox and drives the HP shaft through the gearbox. It is really a bleed system, but a sort of that it builds up the pressure and then blows it into the starter motor, and that then turns the engine. The GTS also automatically supplies fuel to the nozzles in the combustion chamber containing two igniter plugs, then when you light the match.. oh, ignite the fuel it starts up the Adour jet engine. So fuel cock off, and switch on the fuel pump... Then you press the Start/Relight button forward on the throttle, which is a sort of primer button, but it is building up the air pressure ready to flow it into the turbine starter, and priming the fuel into the engine. When ready or primed you get a green light GTS lit up ready on the right panel... Then you just flick the start switch to "Start". The Adour's startup sounds and start sequence is amazing, highly realistic and the sort of a grin of ear to ear of excitement! Loud, keep it loud... bugger the neighbours sort of loud. Engine LP shaft rotation indicator and RPM indicator wizz around into action... then you get a "Rotation" light come on! At this point you need to nudge the throttle slightly forward, and you get the same sort of fire up that you get in an airliner when you turn on the fuel switches at around 18-20 N2, but then the Adour powers up to full power. The CWS will show HYD and AC (1-3) warnings so you have to reset them on the upper left panel by pressing the buttons (arrows upper right). And you are good to go... remember there is an easy start feature in the menu that does all this for you, but in reality it isn't that hard... If you get the start sequence wrong though it is 3 min wait to retry for another engine start. Remember to turn on the oxygen (switch right middle console), if working correctly the flow is seen via a flicking on/off flow meter upper right panel... however the rear seat oxygen switch and flow meter does not work? Ready to fly... The parkbrake lever is hard to access (or find) far right down by the seat. When moving then be aware of the front nosewheel. First it has a very long trailing link, but it can be very flickery as well (It flickers badly even when standing still?), and so it is very easy for it to go quickly at an odd angle... it works and works fine, but you have to get used to it when taxiing, it is a bit like the A320's remote tiller feel. Sounds when taxiing are excellent, with all that turbine power but whistle flow aural. Note the mirror reflections of the explosive cord. Usually I find these internal mirrors are quite poor, but in here they are the opposite and have very good and realistic reflections. Flaps are set to "Mid" for takeoff, and required if you are carrying a lot of fuel and full armaments. Your forward view is quite restricted at the normal FOV setting (73º), you could make it higher, but that is not realistic either, but it is hard to look forward and read the lower instruments at the same time at this FOV... ... throttle up and you give the aircraft about 80% RPM, not too much to make sure at first the front gear is tracking correctly... gradually to 90% then a third down the runway you give the Hawk the full 100% thrust. You want to feel that punch in the back, you certainly get the thrust but it is more slower building up speed than you would think it would be... ... I found 160 knts to rotate (officially JF note 190 knts?), and you quickly need to get the flaps to zero 0º (500 ft!) and the gear up, so I flick both switches at the same time, but remember to counter the flap lift loss! Ground and air gear animations are excellent, aural retraction (and extraction) gear sounds are also top notch, and the aircraft's excellent FMOD 360º sound externally and in the cockpit is as expected at this level are extremely good.... and yes the hairs on you neck will stand up and get quickly prickly. The Hawk's feel depends on the weight, you feel the extra weight of the T1a fully loaded compared to the far lighter T1 trainer, and although you felt it a bit sluggish on the ground the aircraft will accelerate very quickly to 300 knts in the air, and even while climbing set at 90% thrust. The T1 can climb at a whopping usual 9,300 fpm and one aircraft was known to climb at 11,800 feet per minute, light of course, but that is still phenomenal. Other statistics are still overwhelming with a maximum speed of 1,040 Kph 658 Mph/572 Knts and a service ceiling of 50,000ft and a range of (with only internal fuel) 2,400 kilometers 1,490 MI/1,295 NMI. That acceleration can deceive you, if you don't watch your artificial horizon, as with a quick glance at the Vertical speed indicator it will surprise you, for when you think you are flying nice and level as but the Hawk is still actually climbing easily upwards, so you will need to be aware of the aircraft's tendency to keep on lifting even when you want level flight and the required need adjust to that flight pitch angle and thrust requirement. There are no helpers in here to fly the aircraft for you, so this is all stick and rudder flying. To make it a bit more easy than relaxing then adjust the trim... ... the main tailplane trim is hidden under a safety cover rear left console (arrowed) and it is tricky to use as it is electric, but to be honest I have struggled with all JustFlight trims as the Arrow lll was a nightmare to trim easily. The far back position makes it hard to use as well visually (Any keyboard/joystick trim ideas are even worse), but if you do finally get the vertical trim set then the Hawk feel nicely balanced and requires only slight adjustments to it's flight path, but still watch those wide vertical speed swings with any adjustment of thrust (certainly more power). This is an aircraft to fly in the focus and fine movements as than the chucking it all around the sky, although it is a lovely almost aerobatic machine. If you want to fulfill your Airshow fantasies then this is the best aircraft into doing so... Approaching EGOV (RAF - Valley) RWY 14, you keep the Hawk at 170 knts and 200 ft off the deck, and don't forget to wave as you flypast, then just power up and climb away at 2000fpm, yes it is all as good as you thought it would be! Getting the speed down can be tricky though. You do have a two-stage airbrake far rear under the fuselage, but remember if the wheels are down, it doesn't activate? So any serious rub off of speed has to be done before you extend the gear. The aircraft systems included here are very comprehensive. Most of the major systems are covered including... Fuel system, Electrical systems, Central Warning systems (CWS), Hydraulic systems, Flight Control systems, Communications Control System (CCS), Air-Conditioning systems and Oxygen systems, Engine systems (Including the comprehensive start up system) and all systems have built in failures, and in most cases more than one system can fail at a single time. Full details of each system are well detailed in the manual. Lighting Internal cockpit lighting is excellent, as three knobs adjust the main panel and the two side consoles front and rear... ... there is "Emergy" panel dim switch, but in reality you adjust the panel lighting down anyway from the very bright full panel setting. Note the great night glass canopy reflections and to also note the reflections on the instruments and glass cannot be switched off, which may annoy a few fliers. External has both (the same) taxi and landing light in the nose, that X-Plane wise is highly visible, navigation lights and selectable Anti-Collision red or white strobes. The white flashing strobes at night are highly visible in the cockpit, but realistic. Landing Time to land... fighter jets can be tricky to land, as they are built for the extremes of speed and manoeuvrability and not the basic areas of flying. 150 knts is a nice approach speed clean, but once the flaps are down full and the gear is extended then your goal is 130 knts, but be aware of the fall in performance below the 130 knt zone as it is severe... .... I have found several times at this point in the approach the aircraft will start to behave oddly, of which I call the "Wobbles", power percentage is critical in staying out of the zone, because if the aircraft starts doing the "wobble" then in over correcting, you can lose it... more power or stopping the stall doesn't really fix it either, but helps, so the best way to get out of it is just to abandon the landing, go around and get it better and cleaner in the next approach and not in trying to fight it. It is groove thing in that when you get the aircraft into that fine groove of approach and then controlling the speed, then it can all come clean... power off to around 110knts and let the Hawk sink down, but be aware that the final stall speed is around 106 knts which is very close to the 110 knts required. Flare and touchdown has to be smooth as the gear is very supple, get it wrong or hit the tarmac to quickly or too hard and the T1 will bounce, so there is a fair bit of skill required to land the Hawk smoothly and professionally, but then again this aircraft is not for the average flier. Liveries There is a bonanza of liveries available. Twelve are provided with the aircraft package, and another twelve are available as a separate livery pack. Focus is totally on the RAF and RAF Valley, with a few international airforce users, but no Australian livery version, which is an odd one? Blank is default... The free Christophe Red Arrows "Flag" is noted here (below right) as it is a great livery. _________________________________________________ Livery pack has some excellent RAF celebration and production factory designs... Summary X-Plane has had some very good fighters or military aircraft of this category, the best is the AMX jet, FA-18F Super Hornet, X-Trident Panavia Tornado and MiG-29. But all fall short mostly now, as in most cases they are still all X-Plane10 (or with minor X-Plane11 modifications) aircraft and in reality all are very dated, only the GR4 Tornado is really what you would call modern... also they are all not in this price range or quality class, so that leaves this Hawk T.1 all in a category on it's own. The price in the mid-40's of US Dollars is to be considered in this summary. Again no fighter has cost this much, so you are expecting a high level of quality and a load of features. Yes you get both, as the quality here is exceptional and there is a realism with the cockpit from the external and internal views that is certainly a new level of real world reflection and hence the exceptional glass. So the aircraft in design is certainly top notch, and so does the custom sounds live up to their high expectations as well, the start up engine noises are simply the best yet for a small jet engine. Features are very good as well, with the expected static elements, quick engine starts, aircraft stands, opening canopy and equipment bay and yes the animated pilots are also highly lifelike and can be inserted or not, and you can also have their visors up or down, shame you can't have one in the other seat while you are flying in the front or the rear. Also the menus are good, and better than the earlier JustFlight/Thranda menus, but are not movable or scalable. The version change from T1 to the T1a is a bit of an odd one, where as the T1 is the trainer, the T1a is the armed version, the menu option just adds on a small tail extension? So there are a few quirks with the aircraft, but all are rather minor. Aircraft dynamics are excellent, but require skill and focus, but that is what you need when flying a fast small jet, and it is all physical manual flying as well... the aim here is to out fly yourself, and fly the aircraft to the best of your ability to do so, then the rewards will come. It would have been or even will become even more interesting when the aircraft acquires the X-Plane 11.30 new particle effects, as that was one feature that really kept on coming back to me as I reviewed the aircraft.. I hope we don't have to wait too soon for an 11.30 update for the Hawk as those dynamics would be excellent here. The development process for this Hawk was quite long, but the results have been well worth the wait, and the aircraft is certainly more highly refined for that wait, and overall JustFlight/Thranda are bringing a very much more highly refined and detailed aircraft to X-Plane, yes they cost more, but to have this level of quality and design, then that is also required in the new higher level of simulation that is now available to X-Plane, and it is a level we only dreamed of a few years ago, and more so. So to that person who stood looking at an aircraft and wonders what is it REALLY like to sit in that display aircraft at an airshow, and to actually fly it... well now and here with this excellent JustFlight/Thranda Hawk Trainer you now finally have that answer... Highly Recommended. _____________________________________________________________________________________ The BAe Systems Hawk T1/A Trainer by JustFlight - Thranda Design is a new release for X-Plane11 and NOW available here at the X-Plane.OrgStore BAe Systems Hawk T1/A Trainer Price is US$44.95 Hawk T1/A Advanced Trainer Livery Pack is also available... Price is US$14.99 This aircraft is a noted aircraft for X-Plane11 only.  The aircraft is directly available from JustFlight as well. Features Model Accurately modelled Hawk T1 and T1A, built using real-world aircraft plans Numerous animations including a storage hatch, ram air turbine (RAT), canopy and crew ladder Ground equipment including chocks, access steps and engine intake covers 4096 x 4096 textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism Detailed normal mapping for down-to-the-rivet precision of aircraft features Cockpit A truly 3D virtual cockpit right down to accurately modelled ejector seats and screw heads - every instrument is constructed fully in 3D with smooth animations Cockpit textures feature wear and tear based on reference photos taken in the real aircraft to produce an authentic environment Interactive checklists for every stage of flight Aircraft configuration system that will allow you to choose between 'cold & dark' or 'ready for take-off' (if aircraft is stationary on the ground) Fully functional and comprehensive IFR-capable avionics fit, including AN/ARC 164 UHF radio, plus a retrofitted modern AN/ARC-232 UHF/VHF unit and TACAN/ILS radio units Authentic head-up display (HUD) Interactive logbook panel for logging your flight details (X-Plane native) GoodWay compatible Adjustable canopy mirrors with real-time reflections of the environment Animated toe brakes Radio knob animations routed through plug-in logic, for optimum movement fidelity and sound synchronisation Aircraft systems Custom-coded electrical system with AC and DC resets and loads Realistic landing gear with slow/fast tyre rotation animation (blurry when rotating fast), precise shock absorber animation and wheel chocks Custom-coded hydraulic systems, including functioning RAT Realistic lighting system with rheostat controls Custom external light logic with custom strobe light pattern and custom light halos for added realism Capable of loading and firing X-Plane's default weapons. The currently selected loadout is automatically saved for the next flight. Requirements: X-Plane 11 CPU: Intel Core i5 6600K at 3.5GHz or faster 8GB RAM or more DirectX 12-capable graphics card from nVidia, AMD or Intel with at least 4GB VRAM (GeForce GTX 1070 or better or similar from AMD) Windows 10 / 7 / Vista / XP, MAC OS 10.10 (or higher) or Linux 2GB hard drive space _____________________________________________________________________________________ Installation: Download for the BAe Systems Hawk T1/A Trainer is 629.40mb and the unzipped file is deposited in the "General Aviation" X-Plane folder at 1.12gb (including all 24 liveries) Key authorisation and a restart is required. Documents: Highly detailed manual covers installation and all instrument notes, systems details, panel and menu guides and a basic tutorial flight. Hawk X-Plane manual (93 pages) ____________________________________________________________________________________  Review by Stephen Dutton  29th September 2018 Copyright©2018: X-PlaneReviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)  Review System Specifications: Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.25 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini Environment Engine by xEnviro v1.07 US$69.90 : XPRealistic Pro v1.0.9 effects US$19.95 Scenery or Aircraft- EGOV - RAF Valley for X-Plane 11 1.0.0 by RCMarple (X-Plane.Org) - Free! 

Aircraft Upgraded to X-Plane 12 : Beechcraft Duchess Model 76 by JustFlight Thranda If you want to fill a void that has been left by Carenado, then the best place to look to is JustFlight, the British based developers. Who work in conjunction with Thranda Design, and ironically also Thranda that used to do the X-Plane development for Carenado. This was in recreating a market for nice and authentic single prop, and twin-engined General Aviation aircraft. Covered by JustFlight/Thranda has been the Archer TX/LX, Archer lll, Warrior ll and the Arrow lll/lV. A few in the Archer TX and Archer lll have already been converted to X-Plane 12, but a lot of the JustFlight stable are only still X-Plane 11. A Twin-Engined aircraft that was released for X-Plane 11 in April 2019, was the Beechcraft Duchess Model 76. It was a very nice twin, and now here it has been extensively upgraded to X-Plane 12, note this is an upgrade, and earlier purchasers of the Duchess XP11 can get 10% discount off the new Duchess X-Plane 12 aircraft. The aircraft is developed out of the Beechcraft Musketeer family of single-engined aircraft family line, and at first glance you would be pushed to see any family resemblance, between the model 24 low-wing standard low elevator design to the Series 76 twin-engined high T-Tail configuration, and an all round far larger aircraft in a 32 ft 9 in (9.98 m) to 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m) wingspan and longer fuselage 25 ft 8 in (7.82 m) to the 76's 29 ft 0 1⁄2 in (8.852 m) overall length. But get down into the parts catalogue and you would be amazed on how many of the same spec are on both aircraft. Its main rival is the Cessna 310 and other references in this category include the PA-30 Twin Comanche and the PA-34 Seneca V. The original Duchess looked really great in X-Plane 11, but the Model 76 now jumps out at you far more with the X-Plane 12 lighting effects, you never get used to it, it has that extremely visible realism factor in the better PBR lighting. Also notable here are that the textures both external and internal are now 8K, and used here to produce a far higher texture clarity, and you notice the difference immediately... vibrantly. Note the newer 8K textures actually use less framerate than the old double 4K textures, in the way they are produced and used here, a Thranda development speciality. Modeling and detail was also good, but again it is all the more highlighted here (that lighting thing!) the feel is actually Carenado, not Thranda... as with their other Cessnas and what not, that is not a bad thing, as that was Carenado's major attraction with the worn (if sometimes heavy) feel of their aircraft, or authenticity. Get in close and you won't at all be disappointed, it's perfection here with the aircraft skin and rivets, love that wing camber at a NACA 632A415 airfoil shape, so smooth and really well done... At this US40+ price your expecting a lot of high end quality, and yes it delivers here in buckets, as the detailing is very professionally and expertly done, as is the excellent glass, thickly tinted and lovely to look at, it all reflects with perfection (you can turn off the reflections, but why would you). The engine pods are also beautifully modeled, again those smooth curves scream out quality. They house two Lycoming O-360-A1G6D air-cooled flat-four engines, 180 hp(130 kW) each, and right through out the full production run 1978-1983 there was no updated or engine revisions, except for one in house turbo development aircraft. All the undercarriage came directly from the Musketeer spare parts bins, so it is exactly the same trailing link layout and structure, all the craftwork is expertly done in detail and animation, it is a complex gear system but fully realised here, with all the components highly visible. Two cabin doors open, and there is a rear baggage door, really nicely done with both external and internal door latches that work. Internally the layout is the same, but the materials are all very different. The X-Plane 11 Duchess had a very all grey (dull) interior design, here it is a dark blue cloth with slightly darker blue wall and door trimmings, roof is a weave texture mocha brown, with light grey walls... lovely in style and depth of an older period... the layout panels are actually very Carenado Bonanza, of which I love... classy! Instrument Panel The instrument panel doesn't have that 'wham bam, thank you mam" factor. that you are expecting... even if at first looking slightly flat, but get in and look at it all more closely, and the detail is extremely very well done. Dials are rusted, dusty and worn out, with plasters even stuck to the panel from past use. Instrument gauges all have faded graphics, and the lighting studs are also well worn and even rusted from use. As noted, if you are Carenado man (or woman), then this is heaven, a trip back into the glory days. Yokes up close are quite authentic and gloriously faded from their 70's heyday, you can hide them individually, and can also use the switch electric trim... Panel layout is in three layers of dials to create a deep feel of instruments... The Standard Six (SS) flying instruments are front and centre... Airspeed Indicator, Artificial Horizon and the Attitude Indicator are on the top row and the Turn Coordinator, Heading Dial/Course and Vertical Speed Indicators set out directly below. Left of the SS is a clock, backup Attitude Indicator and lower EGT (Exhaust gas temperature) needles. Right of the SS is a twin-needle Manifold pressure and below a twin needle RPM gauges, lower panel centre are two Bendix/King dials ADF (yellow) VOR2 (green) pointers driven by KR 87 ADF/VOR2 and the other is a VOR 2 / ILS indicator driven by KX 165 (NAV 2). Both heading and OBS rear dials/cards are adjustable. Lower panel is a Instrument air (vacuum) gauge and electrical starting and lighting switchgear with the neat gear knob. Top panel left is the label NAV 2 over the clock, very weird? Twin (engine sets) of six rows of gauges are centre panel, with from top: Fuel L&R quantity gauges, Fuel pressure gauges, Oil pressure gauges, Oil temperature gauges, Cylinder temperature gauges and Alternator load meters with Alternator-out under/over voltage warning lights inset (are beautifully done). Top of the gauges sits a DME indicator which displays range, ground speed and time to station for NAV 1 or NAV 2 frequencies. An outside air temperature (digital) matches the manual pressure left window type, and a Hobbs hour meter is far right. The circuit breaker panel is active and can be used and is noted in the twin-bus layout of BUS 1 and BUS 2, it is very good and highly authentic in use. Flap lever and display are below the avionics with 0º - 10º - 20º - DN settings, but the flaps are not section driven, but are continuous in operation and so the degree markers are for display only. There are no instruments for the right seat pilot/passenger with the equipment stack dominating the area. Avionics stack is the usual Bendix/King KMA 28 TSO radio top which is above the GNS430 below (the Reality XP's GTN 750 unit can also be fitted, but this is an addon extra and costs you another $49.95) There is a really nice Bendix/King KT 76A transponder unit with a Bendix/King KX 155 COM/NAV 2 radio and Bendix/King KR87 ADF radio receiver bottom. Top far right is the Century IV autopilot which is (speaking to the passenger) "can you press the second button the top row, thanks very much" as it is located pretty in being well as far away from the pilot as reachable possible (there is thankfully a pop-up panel), and below is a WX-8 Stormscope. Twin Throttle levers, Propeller control levers (feathering on both 2-bladed Hartzell 7666A constant speed propellers does work) and Mixture levers are all excellent and well worn and feel nicely authentic to use. Note... unless there is power on, the feathering won't work. Pitch trim is situated between the seats and is well done, but requires help in key settings in a simulation environment (electric trim is available on the yokes), fuel levers are really nice as are the engine vents that can be opened, closed or set half way.... fuel crossfeed is active and the (working) Carb heat is here as well. Note how the passenger seat is offset to the pilot's, a nice authentic touch. Internal Lighting Both internal and external lighting is still quite basic... panel has only two adjustments for instruments (noted as "Post Lights") and Instrument flood. But you can find that nice night time flying lighting sweetspot. However the worn graphics engine readouts look like early washed out X-Plane 2d panel, and they have no depth, but otherwise the panel looks good. Overhead light (and red torch) selection STILL does NOT work? so that gives you a very unusable dark cabin? External lighting Again very basic, even poor. The main wing and taxi lights are dull, and are missing their usual Thranda sparkle. Navigation lights (Red, Green and rear White) are fine, as are the wing strobes. Menu The Menu system is all changed for X-Plane 12. Gone are the side tab and the generally average looking tab menu. Here it is replaced by an iPad style tablet, stuck to the left window... But you do have options, as the tablet can also be placed on either yoke and windscreen right... You can pop-out the screen as a window as well... ... the tablet is also adjustable (movable) via the hot-spot, top frame. But because of it's size and shape, the view-point is not really square or head on, the yoke position is better, but now also situated lower in your eyesight. It's too far away as well for any detailed inspection and use. But the new layout and art does look far more modern, making it far nicer to use than the old version. The earlier version had eighteen tiles for selection, here it has been reduced down to twelve... Top row : Aircraft Options, Weight & Balance, Instr Options, Engine Config, and Static Liveries Middle Row : Configuration, Log Book, Checklist, Ground Handling and Dynamic Liveries Bottom row : Flight Computer and Avitab (Plugin required) Aircraft Options: Covers the three doors; Pilot, CoPilot and Baggage Door (Open /Close), Window and Instrument Reflections, Cockpit Lights, Ground Equipment, Swap Pilots and Altimeter (IN.HG/MB) Open (close) doors are as seen before... Cockpit lights, just turns full on the Instrument Lighting? but could have been more useful if used for the (missing) cabin light? Ground Equipment is as terrible as the earlier set up. A single option to add in a ground puller on the front wheel, chocks, tie-downs and to hide the pilot, it still does not work? The puller does not work (neither do the tie-downs) if you just want to park the aircraft after a flight. No tags or flags and engine inlet covers are here either, and even a windscreen cover would be nice? Dan Klaue and his wife turn up as your pilots, and basically they are same two animated pilots as in the Thranda Aircraft, by the menu option, you can swap the seat position of the pilots. Weight & Balance: The weight and balance window is very good, if basic to look at (it is the original W&B window). It comes with adjustable weights for all four passengers, and baggage, fuel can be set here also as can the change from kg - lbs. There is the option to load the Aircraft "Half" or "Full" tanks. A full list of weights, CG and a large graph of your settings are all very helpful into balancing the aircraft. Press "Save Configuration" to save your preferred load setup, and "Load Configuration" to set up the aircraft. Lowering the Co-Pilot weight will make Him/Her disappear, but there are no passengers if weight added in the rear, or any bags added to the baggage area, such is shrinkflation today. You can open most pages into a "Window" via the arrow logo right top. Instr Options (Instrument Options) include two pop-ups for the GNS 430 and the Century IV (autopilot). The old "Refill Menu" has been changed here to the Engine Options; this allows you to view the fuel and oil status as well as the status of spark plug fouling and Vapour Lock, and you can also recharge the battery if it goes flat, of which it does with regularity. Static Liveries; You can rotate through all the liveries with the Model 76 via the Static Liveries menu. An option here (new) is that you can adjust the Dirt (dirtiness) between 0-100%. Configuration: Here you can change the aircraft configuration, and there are three options; Engines Running (power up to flying mode), DynaFeel and the tablet (screen) Brightness. "DynaFeel" is a system that dynamically adjusts the rate at which the controls deflect. It is based on airspeed and how much the control is deflected. This means the controls will feel light and responsive at low speeds and with small deflections, but will get progressively heavier as the airspeed increases. If you fly Thranda Aircraft, then you will be familiar with the system. Logbook: This icon brings up the X-Plane standard Logbook. Checklist: There is a 27 page checklist that you can tick off... very good, but even though there is a "End of the Checklist" tickable box, it doesn't oddly reset all the boxes to a reset... that is a return of 27 pages and an average of twelve boxes per page to untick, so you do the maths... Ground Handling: All JustFlight menus have odd useless tools, here is one... the X-Plane "Ground Handling" tool, for "Pushback" and "Request Ground Service"? It's a GA, not a Boeing 737. Dynamic Liveries: Here is another Thranda feature now available on the JustFlight Series. Thranda introduced a clever feature of a way to design your own livery called DYNAMIC LIVERIES. You have a menu to select on the right that can colour a certain part of the aircraft, like the Roof, Wing, Tail or Wing tips. Select which one you want and then adjust the three RGB colours for that certain area, and the selected colour (here blue) is shown in the square. You can also separately change the aircraft registration number, the Beechcraft logo can be added as well. Another option is that changes can also be made to the Metal or Rough surfaces, this can be applied to any of the liveries. When done you can "SAVE" or ADD the livery and then "APPLY" it to the aircraft. The conversion takes a few minutes with some weird screen changes, but the results are excellent and now the Beechcraft is in your own nice livery design... Flight Computer: The flight computer panel provides a wealth of information that is very handy in flight, with highlights including OAT (Outside Air Temperature), GS (Ground Speed), range (available), endurance (time), and FF and used fuel flow, Winds.... fuel burn can be reset. Units can also be changed from Metric to Imperial.. AviTab: The AviTab tool can also be used, and with Navigraph charts, if you have an account. There is no tablet rotation from landscape to portrait, and to get back to the main menu, you press the right centre section of the frame. Missing from the earlier options are the Sound Panel and the Flashlight. ____________ Flying the X-Plane 12 Duchess Model 76 You have to prime the engines via a button in the middle of the starter switch before turning the starter switch, but it is a bit of a trick on how long to hold the primer button and not to flood the engine, not a lot I believe... engine starts are excellent. But I found several times the No.2 right engine has a tendency to foul it's plugs far more than the left one, if it does it is tricky to even hell to restart it again. The Model 76 taxi's like an older Carenado as well... You have to adjust both the Propeller and Mixture right low to get yourself a lower taxi speed, if not, even on idle the taxi rate is too fast. I'm used to this caper by now, but I don't remember the X-Plane 11 version having such a high throttle idle? The Hartzell constant speed propellers are counter-rotating, turning counter clockwise engine left and clockwise engine right, this is to balance the aircraft's thrust and it is very helpful on takeoff, keeping you clean on the centreline. With no set flap degrees you can set the angle that you want, here I go for 5º to create lift, but with as little drag as possible.... the flap display can be hard to see at this distance, harder to see and set on landing. You do adjust each throttle (slightly) to absorb the different engine performance... but that felt highly realistic. Around 95 knts and your climbing out. Climb out is around 1000 fpm (Feet Per Minute) and that is a nice number here, officially the rate of climb limit is 1,248 ft/min (6.34 m/s), so you are using the climb to maximum effect, it doesn't feel like there is any strain on the engines or the aircraft. The memories come flooding back... this is such a smooth Twin, super-smooth with tons of power. First climb is to 6,000ft, then Trim out... nice to trim and settle the aircraft. The electric Trim won't work unless you turn it on, on the panel behind the Yoke. Then you get the two up/down arrows on the Yoke trimmer button for trim adjustment. Same with the Autopilot, there is another panel switch for power, then another on switch on the Century IV panel... it's very hard to read (certainly with the bright daylight), so the AP pop-up is the recommended tool to use it most of the time... ALT will hold your current altitude, but to climb or descend you then press ATT and then set your pitch, you click and don't scroll the buttons to change the aircraft's pitch. The ATT setting can also be used just to hold your current pitch if you like that angle or rate of climb, so the AP is again very easy to use. Now we settle-in for the 2h 30m flight to Portland, if any aircraft is very capable, it is the Duchess. The Beechcraft looks extremely nice in the air, certainly in it's X-Plane 12 guise, realism 101... checkout ot the underside, fabulously done, remind you of anything? yes those dirty Carenados. Then then also remember to use the EGT needles, the yellow needles represent the best lean to rich mixture for the best fuel flow and hence performance, so you adjust both the throttles and the mixture levers to achieve your golden lean setting.... it works fabulously, and I learn't a lot back in the time on how to "Lean for Speed". Here the mixture levers are really well far back, almost at the engine cut-off point, but the speed is good, and you feel no loss of power. Cruise speed is 158 kn (182 mph; 293 km/h) at the best at 10,000 ft (3,000 m), Range is VOR busting 780 nmi (898 mi; 1,445 km) and the Service Ceiling is a generous 19,650 ft (5,990 m).... I need that height here as well? what is it if you fly North on the West Coast of California, as you always seem to be climbing, I'm finding I'm already up to 9,000ft, but those ridges are still close? It is a nice place to be in is the Duchess, the quality environment is absolutely first rate, a genuine feel. Now descending into Portland, I checkout the Flight Computer numbers, very handy and informative... good tools are always a help. One thing has been enforced during this newer review of the Model 76, and that this is a nice easy aircraft for learners and it comes with a nice stable platform to practise on, yes the 76 is an easy aircraft to fly, but the pro's will get it as well... and love it as much as there is also a great built in depth in there, certainly even better now in X-Plane 12. Sounds are excellent, they should be at this price, but overall and right through the engine ranges, startup and shut down, you will not be disappointed. The sounds cover the full stereo spectrum, 3D audio effects, atmospheric effects, adaptive Doppler, exterior sounds spill, and different sound characteristics depending on viewing angle... It's a very noisy aircraft as they are first rate and also upgraded to FMOD2. Set up and went into the approach of Portland Intl Rwy 10R. Tricky into getting right is the Flap setting... The JustFlight Duchess as noted uses a continuous movement flap selection... It's hard, because of the angle and distance of the flap dial, worse on this approach as the flat glass on the instrument was washed out, so the setting was a bit of a guess, or feel. Secondly it takes ages to get to the full 30º (DN) setting, extending and retracting, so you think you are there, then look and see it is only half-extended? They are seriously noisy as well, thrumming high noise in the aircraft. With the gear down you can see the excellent lower detail, it's impressive is this JustFlight. 90 knts full flap is a nice approach and losing height of around 200 fpm speed. You have to be careful not to get too nose down on the approach, so the right trim setting and throttle position is vital. Pitch adjustments via the throttle is excellent, but also sedate, so you have to anticipate where you want your speed and pitch angle before you get there... it's a bit of a trick, but it comes to you with the regular flying of the Model 76. Final approach is 80 knts, then you need to get that nose up to flare. The trick (there is always a trick), is to find that throttle sweet spot, so the Duchess has a slow speed landing, but not a lot of loss of lift, the margin is small, but findable, so doable. The timing of the final pitch still however has to be perfect in the flare, to early and the 76 will slightly float... Once all down, it should be at around 73 knts, then you just run out the speed down to the taxi speed, again the right propeller and mixture lever settings are important to get right before you land, to get the transition to taxiing correct. Stall is 60 knts and lethal, you will just fall out of the air because of that high T-Tail effect! Liveries There are seven liveries provided (PAINTED LIVERIES) (down from eleven), and two of the liveries are noted as "DynamicLiveryResources" and "ZZTEMPLATELIVERY", these are the currently selected "DYNAMIC LIVERIES". ___________________ Summary A Twin-Engined aircraft was released for X-Plane 11 in April 2019 by JustFlight and Thranda Design, this was the Beechcraft Duchess Model 76. It was a very nice twin, and now here it has been extensively upgraded to X-Plane 12, note this is an upgrade, and earlier purchasers of the Duchess XP11 can get 10% discount off the new Duchess X-Plane 12 aircraft. Covered also by JustFlight/Thranda has been the Archer TX/LX, Archer lll, Warrior ll and the Arrow lll/lV, but this Duchess 76, is the only big twin-engined aircraft of the series. The X-Plane 11 version was an excellent aircraft. But this rejuvenated version for X-Plane 12 is far, far better again, but a few quirks still however remain. Highlights of the changes are the new 8K textures, and the far better PBR effects, and this creates a far more quality exterior and interior. First glances say, old and tired, but on a closer inspection, it will cry out authenticity and a very high quality. The aircraft comes alive in X-Plane 12, highly realistic and gives you a very high quality twin for X-Plane 12. There is also a new menu system, as replacing an old tab system, and it is a quality iPad/tablet, that can be positioned in four different places. Besides a few of the original tabs and pages, there are also three new added features directly from the Thranda Design stable, with now the "PAINTED LIVERIES" function, the build your own livery feature of "DYNAMIC LIVERIES" and the "Dynafeel" tool. Performance, physics and handling have also been highly improved to X-Plane 12 standards, based on real-world performance and handling data (two real aircraft G-BZRT and G-GCCL were used as collation). But the odd quirks oddly remain? The poor Static Objects are still a one click nothing. No cabin lighting is still another odd omission, and the external taxi/landing lights are non-existent in brightness and feel, and you still get the very odd tab and useless elements like the X-Plane Ground Handling? and Logbook?... fillers only. The checklist is another oddity, with 27 pages of checks, you can't uncheck in one operation. When coming back to this JustFlight/Thranda Duchess 76, my thinking was "Why didn't I fly this excellent aircraft more, since the 2019 release as it was so good". In most cases you usually have an easy answer, but not with the Duchess, as it is a very fine aircraft in every area (except for separate chocks and covers). It is also in that high price range of US$40+, and that is fine as the aircraft does deliver exceptional quality, but now even more so in the X-Plane 12 environment. It is excellent, a lovely aircraft, that even the most novice pilot can fly and enjoy... overwhelmingly the main thing about the Duchess 76, is that it brings back into your hangar, something you felt you had lost, Carenado authenticity and feel. So it's like going back ten years but still having all the mod-cons that X-Plane 12 provides as well, a brilliant combination of the very best of both worlds.... Highly Recommended. ___________________ Yes! the Beechcraft Duchess Model 76 by JustFlight Thranda is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Beechcraft Duchess Model 76 On sale: US$42.99 Requirements: X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download size: 2.2 MB Current version : 1.0 (January 31st 2024) Owners of the Duchess XP11 can get 10% the new Duchess XP12. Installed in your X-Plane Aircraft folder 2.44 Gb. Authorization on startup is required. AviTab Plugin is required for this aircraft Documents Duchess Model 76 ODM X-Plane manual.pdf Duchess Model 76 X-Plane manual.pdf EULAstandardcommercialandacademic2019.pdf Design by JustFlight/Thranda Design Support forum: JustFlight Duchess 76 _____________________ 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 12.09rc5 (This is a Release Candidate review). Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 Scenery or Aircraft - KHAF - Half Moon Bay by Rising Dawn Studios (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.00 - KPDX - Portland International Airport 1.5 by Mister X6 (X-Plane.Org) - Free Download ___________________________ Review by Stephen Dutton 4th February 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

NEWS! - Announced : JustFlight brings Beechcraft Duchess M76 to X-Plane-12 JustFlight have announced the update to X-Plane 12 for their Beechcraft Duchess M76, in partnership with Thranda Design. The original X-Plane 11 Duchess had a quick X-Plane 12 conversion back in May 2023. But this coming release is the full X-Plane 12 transition of this very popular aircraft. X-Plane 12 Features Realistic and accurate flight dynamics taking full advantage of the XP12 flight physics, based on real-world performance and handling data, and input from Duchess pilots DynaFeel flight dynamics tweaks, simulating the “strength” of the pilot to over come aerodynamic forces with the control surfaces Authentic sound set, generated using X-Plane's state-of-the-art FMOD sound system Custom sounds for switches, doors, warnings and more, featuring accurate location placement of sounds in the stereo spectrum, 3D audio effects, atmospheric effects, adaptive Doppler, exterior sounds spill in when window or door(s) are opened, different sound characteristics depending on viewing angle etc. Comprehensive manual with panel guide and performance data PSD Paint Kit included so you can create your own paint schemes The Duchess is a four-seater, twin-engine T-tail aircraft equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear, and two 180hp four-cylinder engines fitted with counter-constant-speed propellers. Its IFR-capable avionics suite, excellent handling characteristics and counter-rotating propellers make it an ideal aircraft for multi-engine flight training, and the perfect step up from single-engine aircraft such as the PA28. A cruise speed of 155 knots, a range of 780 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 20,000ft also make it a very capable touring aircraft. Accurately modelled Duchess Model 76, built using real-world aircraft plans and comprehensive photography of the real aircraft Numerous animations including multi-animation passenger doors that, when open, respond to G-forces and air resistance, baggage door, cockpit window and sun visors Ground equipment including chocks and tie-downs 8K interior and exterior textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism Detailed normal mapping for down-to-the-rivet precision of aircraft features Windshield rain effects No actual release date by JustFlight has been announced, but noted as soon. Price will probably be the same as the X-Plane 11 version, which was set at US$45.99. The X-Plane 11 X-PlaneReviews 2019 look at the aircraft review is here: Aircraft Review : Beechcraft Duchess Model 76 by JustFlight and Thranda ________________ News by Stephen Dutton 🎂 16th November 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 Right Reserved.

NEWS! - Air Hauler 2 by Just Flight updated to v3.0.0.13 Aircraft Simulators are great, great for flying, and also great to experience travel to all parts of the globe. But like in life, if you don't have a purpose or focus, then it can in time then slowly become boring. This where a clever tool in Air Hauler comes in. Air Hauler puts you in complete control of your own freight and passenger company - you take charge of operations both in the boardroom and in the cockpit. You can also 'go global' and create your own Virtual Airline and recruit other AH2 pilots to fly for you with attractive payouts, or you can join another pilot’s booming airline and fly for that alongside your own company. In other words your flying online with a the purpose of putting you own aircraft to work. As the pilot charged with delivering the goods or passengers on time, you can decide to fly a job in multiple legs or stop anywhere enroute for refuelling or maintenance. Create your regular passenger routes and look out for special humanitarian missions. Contend with real-world weather conditions if you want the extra challenge and keep a watchful eye on your fuel economy. The level of complexity is also up to you - simply fly jobs between bases and buy or lease aircraft, or carve out a career in the air freight or airline industry by hiring AI pilots and risking everything on loans to fill up your dream hangar. Its fun, and gives you a focus for your everyday flying. The first version of Air Hauler was released June 9th 2020. This is the latest update, or updates as there are two releases with the same v3.0.0.13 on the same day. Obviously the most important aspect of the v3.0.0.13 release is that it is now for X-Plane 12, and Air Hauler is for Windows only. v3.0.0.13 (March 30th 2022) Now supports XP12 (minimum version 11.50+) Fixed issue with UTC time conversion when pushing job to VA Added Pilot & NPC character portraits Added NPC reputation to available mission description Supply missions - removed the From ICAO as it was confusing people, it is now left blank When asked to clear the Pilot log, answering No will now leave it as is Pax config aircraft have a reduction of 30% cargo capacity (to reflect seats etc) Resolved issue which would result in all commodity markets closure if airport missing Export button added to AI Pilot flight log toolbar Fixed issue preventing mission generation Prevented AH2 updating the Aircraft import list after importing an aircraft before closing the window Added pilot/fleet map filter options in Accepted Missions window v3.0.0.13 (March 30th 2022) - Fixed issue whereby the cargo loading screen buttons would not be visible - Fixed issue whereby the "Take out new loan" button would not be visible AIR HAULER 2 FEATURES Cargo jobs – a wide variety of job types, from flying high-tech electronic equipment to potatoes and fruit, with differing rates of pay, from hundreds to hundreds of thousands! Passenger operations – fly single passenger jobs between any airport you choose, or set up a schedule and routes for your airline to fly. You can let your AI pilots fly these routes or you can fly any of them at any time. Missions - take missions from new contacts you meet as you travel to new airports and destinations. Virtual Airlines – create your own Virtual Airline and recruit other AH2 pilots from around the world to fly passenger and cargo jobs! Advertise your airline on the Air Hauler 2 Hiring Bulletin Board. Accept and fly jobs from the Global Job Board and compete with other airlines for the best hauls. Humanitarian missions - respond to real-world disasters by manufacturing and delivering relief supplies to local airports. AI pilot skills tree system – AI pilots can be ‘trained’ in over 18 different skills which bring benefits to your company. As the AI pilots improve, they ‘level up’ in rank which gives them more skill points to spend. There is a skill tree which has five different tracks with individual skills in each and these can be unlocked by spending points. So, for example, an AI pilot who has five points in ‘Bungee Warrior’ will be subject to less in-flight cargo damage as a result of rough handling than one who has less (or no) points in that skill. Other examples are ‘Rocketman’, which provides a more efficient cruise (lower fuel costs), and ‘Short Stripper’ which lowers the runway landing requirements for AI pilots. Take missions from clients at airports – supply them with rare commodities or perform photo recon flights or private charter flights. Commodity trading – buy and sell commodities rather than just move them for clients. Make your own fortune trading between airports! Upgrade your bases – upgrade them with fuel depots and commodity storage facilities, allowing you to hedge fuel prices and store commodities long term. Factories and production – build factories at your bases and use them to produce desirable commodities which can’t be bought on the open market. Find aircraft parts from vendors – find these at larger airports and use them to repair your fleet or build new aircraft yourself rather than buying them! Type rating system – get qualified on aircraft before you or your AI pilots can fly them. Buy and fly aircraft in your personal fleet – you can also transfer money from your company into your own personal account. Buy new aircraft direct from the manufacturer, or buy second hand – have the aircraft shipped to you or go and collect them yourself and fly them home. Map views with great circle routes – several map tile choices are available. Air Hauler 2 is availiable from the X-Plane.OrgStore ________________________________ The Air Hauler 2 by Just Flight is NOW available here at the X-Plane.OrgStore Air Hauler 2 Price is US$49.49 This product is now both X-Plane12 and X-Plane 11 supported Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows only Download Size : 282 MB Current version: v3.0.1.0 (August 4th 2023) ___________________________ News by Stephen Dutton 9th August 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

News! - Aircraft Updated : BAe 146 Professional updated to v1.2.3 Just weeks after the significant update (v1.2.1) that included the UFMC (Universal Flight Management Computer) installation into the JustFlight BAe 146 Professional aircraft, here comes a quick follow up update in v1.2.3. Again the fixes focus on the newly installed UFMC, here is the v1.2.3 changelog... UFMC fixes: -RTE LEGS page number not updating -HDG mode does not work with FPLN loaded -Acceleration altitude missing from FMC. Added to Takeoff REF PAGE #2 -Level off at MCP altitude on GS. On GS engaged the Aircraft levelled off at MCP Altitude -Blocking MCP altitude on RNAV APP. At RNAV approach the MCP altitude was not possible to change -VS/IAS flickering on RNAV approach -IAN approach MCP altitude problem fixed -Distance readout and groundspeed not working after C&D start -Takeoff N1 value. Now N1 At takeoff match the Aircraft value -VNAV Altitude correct behaviour. RNAV mode fixes: -AP will be in RNAV mode if any of the HSI switchover switches (pilot or copilot) is in the RNAV position -LNAV and VNAV only works in RNAV mode -If VNAV or LNAV is engaged, if the HSI switchover is changed to NAV, VNAV and LNAV will disengage -When an RNAV approach is selected on the Approach PAGE, when close to the IAF waypoint, you have to press GS AP button to arm the RNAV approach. The status will change from White to green when it engages the approach. -When a VOR, LOC or GLS approach is selected, when close to the IAF Waypoint, you have to press GS AP button to arm the approach, GS and V/L will arm. Because these approaches uses V/L AP mode (need tune the proper navigation frequency) you have to change the switchover to NAV (both of them) to let the autopilot engage the V/L mode and perform the approach -For ILS approaches you have to change from RNAV to NAV to capture the LOC and GS path I highlighted the "HDG mode does not work with FPLN loaded" bug, because it was seriously annoying... When leaving the runway and moving over to the Autopilot, if you switched over to the "Heading" mode, you couldn't set the actual heading if you had a flightplan in place, this caused me all sorts of pain and anguish in wanting to connect into the flightplan downstream of the airport.... it is fixed thank god, "oh the time and the trauma that one caused". I like the detailed RNAV approaches, and here in v1.2.3 JustFlight have focused a lot of attention on that particular area, but to note that for ILS Approaches you still have to switchover from the RNAV mode to NAV mode to capture the ILS beams, as noted it is always best to read the manual in detail, as the aircraft has very detailed (authentic) systems to be worked through. A full overview of the UFMC Universal installation is here: Aircraft Update : BAe 146 Professional v1.2.1 by Just Flight I found the JustFlight British Aerospace 146 Professional a very detailed simulation, it is an aircraft that does require time and hours on the clock to get the very best return for the simulation, that is the deal... it won't come to you quickly, but that is also the attraction and shows how deep you can now go in X-Plane simulations. ___________________________________ Yes! the British Aerospace 146 Professional v1.2.3 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 Version: Version 1.2.3 (October 13th 2021) Note!, you can use the Skunkcrafts updater to update the aircraft to the latest version, or download the v1.2.3 update directly from your X-Plane.OrgStore account. ________________________________________ News Update by Stephen Dutton 15th 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.

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.

News! - JustFlight shows off BAe146 Pro custom FMC When X-PlaneReviews did the comprehensive review of JustFlight's exceptional BAe146 Professional, there was one glaring exception... a Universal FMC. Instead we had installed in the aircraft the crappy default X-Plane FMC, which is pretty basic, and useless, to the point it only just does the route for you to follow, and it doesn't look authentic either (not a lot of love there is there). Personally I thought the custom FMC would be months away, but no, as on the JustFlight Facebook page they already give us a glimpse of the coming nirvana. Notes are as follows... "The upcoming v1.2 update will include a variety of fixes and changes, including further improvements to the TMS, but most importantly it introduces a several new navigation options to choose from! In addition to the existing X-Plane 11 FMC, you will now be able to choose from custom UFMC (complete with LNAV/VNAV autopilot integration and performance calculations), the always-popular RealityXP GTN or nothing – for those of you who prefer the classic VOR and NDB navigation for which the 146 was originally designed. The v1.2 update is currently undergoing final testing ahead of its release this month. Here are some pics that show off the work to date." As noted there will be three FMC options, Blank Plates, Universal FMC or the XP Realistic GTN in a custom install... no note is if the current default FMC will also be kept. Note that the blank plate option is very realistic as airlines such as Loganair, AirUK, and Jersey/British European had no FMC systems fitted in the aircraft. The Universal Avionics UNS-1E avionics suite was the installed FMC system in all the BAe146/Avro Series. Currently under final testing and the v1.2 release is coming within this month... says it all, Brilliant! JustFlight's Facebook Page is here: JustFlight-Facebook ________________________________________ News! Update by Stephen Dutton 11th 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) All Right Reserved

News! - Aircraft Update : JustFlight updates the BAe146 v1.1.1 It is just the teeny-weenyest of updates, just a few... but v1.1.1 shows that JustFlight (Thranda) are still pursuing the smallest of issues and in wanting to get their BAe146 just about perfect. Changelog v1.1.1 - Beacon flashing pattern made more realistic - OAT gauge now always indicated in degrees C - Fixed geometry aft of weather radar - Improved ASI knob usability (supports click-and-hold) - Increased volume of altitude alert callouts - Added aircraft ICAO code - Pop-up window VR compatibility improved - Fixed engine overspeed annunciator light so that it doesn't get stuck after testing A great simulation the British Aerospace 146 is, but it is a demanding simulation that requires a lot of flightdeck work to get the perfect gate or stand to stand experience out there. Still learning and practising, the aircraft is now coming to me, but boy, get it right and the simulation is excellent. This test flight was from EDDL (Düsseldorf) to EKCH (Copenhagen). The aircraft's ICAO code has (finally) been fixed, a small but annoying issue in that elements wouldn't see the the aircraft, like the GHD or Ground Handling Deluxe and animated gates. Both the latest updates have had a lot of attention on altitude and height callouts, so you can now hear them. OAT gauge now indicates in degrees C, and the VR (Virtual Reality) aspect has also had some refinements. All small but significant adjustments. But sadly there is still no sign of the coming custom FMS noted as the Universal Avionics UNS-1E avionics suite... When it comes to hours on an airframe, for me it has been the IXEG Boeing 737 Classic that has provided the most, and the longest test of my learning skills and patience. Fair enough, but the IXEG demands you learn and fly the aircraft with the uttermost skill set, not only at the controls, but also with the systems and complicated avionics. My feel is that this JF BAe146 is next so called deep dive and learn aircraft. It will take time, even years to perfect (like the IXEG) to get the procedures perfectly correct, know every system and to perfect that stand to stand simulation. A notable fix not noted in the changelogs is the internal views in the Replay mode has been fixed!... yeah! Version to v1.1.1 is available through the SkunkCrafts updater which is installed in your X-Plane/Resources/Plugin folder. To update make sure you don't have the BAe146 aircraft selected and select in the Skunkcrafts updater the "JF_BAe_146 selection", then press the "Updater or repair addon" selection. You can of course download the update from the X-Plane.OrgStore or directly from your JustFlight account. The British Aerospace 146 Professional v1.1.1 by JustFlight is also available from the X-Plane.OrgStore, so now get this excellent updated machine, from the main X-Plane store with it's great service and for a LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL OFFER : Get Triple Reward Points when you purchase this Aircraft. 225 Points ___________________ Yes! the British Aerospace 146 Professional by JustFlight is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : BAe146 Professional - JustFlight Price is US$74.99 Features Include: Highlights 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 featurr 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 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, windsscreen 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 Sounds Studio quality Lycoming ALF-502 engine sounds, recorded from RAF C.Mk3 ZE708 Over 450 flight deck sound effects recorded from RAF CC.Mk2 ZE701 Detailed audio equipment such as the APU, brake fans, electrical circuits, hydraulic equipment and much more Distinctive flap retraction/extension airflow 'howling' sound More than 520 sounds samples in high definition with accurate 3D placement. Pushing the limits of FMOD 1.08 sound system with more than 150 sound tracks being played at the same time with no virtualisation. Full 7.1 surround sound support via FMOD, with 3D positional sound for VR users Extremely detailed external sound system: - Takes into account distance, speed, altitude, temperature and air pressure, just like in real life - Accurate touchdown sound based on impact speed - Multi-directional sound during fly-by and camera location on external view - Realistic runway roll sounds, complete with periodic bumps that depend on lateral runway position - Realistic wind sound that reacts not only to the speed of the aircraft but also how the wind is interacting with the fuselage (AoA, side slip etc.) - Realistic ambient sounds which replaces the default X-Plane sounds with a high fidelity FMOD sound system recreating the atmospheric effect, such as rain, birds, thunder etc. Interior and cabin sounds: - Passenger sounds, based on aircraft weight, which react according to your flying style. Passenger cabin sound changes as you move around, as if you were inside the real plane. Lighting Full HDR lighting with gimballed lights that can be aimed and dynamically illuminate whichever part of the cockpit is aimed at Independent lighting controls for Captain and First Officer Dimmable integral lighting for each panel, accurately dependent on corresponding electrical bus Dimmable dynamic flood and storm lighting for a highly immersive and customisable night environment (more than 12 individual light sources including entry, lap, sill and flight kit) White and red flashlight for night operations Accurately simulated exterior lighting including dynamic wing, logo and runway exit lights, and taxi/landing and navigation lights with different intensities Strobe lights with customisable strobe flashing pattern All exterior lights, including navigation, strobe, ice, exit, logo, landing, taxi and beacon lights are fully HDR with dynamic spill light, illuminating ground and scenery objects, as well as the aircraft itself. Other Features Comprehensive manual with tutorial, FMC guide, procedures, limitations and handling notes Payload manager for realistic fuel and passenger loads AviTab (third party tablet plugin) compatibleGoodway compatible Multiple interior and exterior viewpoint presets PSD paint kits included (free separate download) so you can create your own paint schemes You can take a look at the full detailed PDF manual here! Requirements X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB VRAM Recommended Current Version: 1.1.1 (May 24th 2021) Download Size: 3.6 GB ________________________________________ News! Update by Stephen Dutton 25th May 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

News! - Plugin Update : Traffic Global v1.0.9997 by JustFlight I was thinking only a week ago, that it had been a fair while (August 2020) since JustFlight had updated their Traffic Global application with any changes or new stuff. Then straight out of the blue came my answer in a form of an update in a new version to v1.0.9997. There are of course two major traffic applications in X-Plane. World Traffic 3, which is far cheaper and more detailed in traffic than Traffic Global, but WT3 is also heavy on your system and you have to generate the traffic every time you want to use it... in doing reviews WT3 also didn't keep time with the constant changes that you do in getting the visual information as part of the building of the review, it would even sometimes also have a habit of crashing or freezing the work you were doing. Traffic Global is very much lighter on your system but also very easily more changable to suit X-Plane conditions, but also far more expensive, but in some areas Traffic Global is quite average. Aircraft on approaches still defy physics and gravity which I call "Dive bombing", and in taking off they don't seem to produce a nose up attitude (I expected both to be addressed in this v1.0.9997 update, but sadly still they defy physics). This release is a collection of fixes and improvements gathered since the previous release, and the addition of improved support for real-world weather including direct integration with ActiveSky XP. There are no schedule changes since the previous release since it does not make sense to update to current schedules with international flights being so affected at present. AIFP AIFP is a flight plan editor for FSX, Prepar3D and FS2020. Why mention it here? Because Traffic Global uses a FSX-compatible flight plan database. Unfortunately AIFP is very good at picking up working data automatically, and this of course doesn't work with X-Plane. Traffic Global will now (or can) also write files to make it easier for X-Plane users to work with AIFP. There is a full document on how to use AIFP with X-Plane, that is found in the "Resources\plugins\Traffic Global\Resources\AIFP Readme.txt", with details of some of the new features to help AIFP users create new schedule files. The changelog for Traffic Global v1.0.9997 is as usual quite extensive and a lot of the changed items are explained in the updated manual Changelog v1.0.9997 - Fix a rare crash when removing aircraft types - AI were not appearing on X-Plane's map if map integration was disabled - Add simple weight-based rules for tail numbers in Germany with possibility to add more later - Add ability to exclude specific aircraft and easier setup for AIFP. - Register X-Plane map layers if TG is disabled and re-enabled. - Updated German translation - Fix tuning of 8.33KHz airport frequencies from 25KHz radios - Fix performance drop with Flight Factor A350 and potentially others - Add option to disable Traffic Global when the "RELEASE_AIRCRAFT" message is received from another plugin instead of just disabling TCAS - Fix a rare crash when calculating taxi routes - Change the radiobutton appearance slightly to make it more different from switches. - Several aircraft types had incorrect wingspans affecting where they could park. - Enable/disable network settings if the dialog is open when the PC is switched between master/slave config. - Fix rare potential crash when loading certain airports - Many airliners had incorrect 'heavy' designation - Parking reservations may not be updated fast enough after moving aircraft to a new airport. - Aircraft may be created on go-around instead of simply further along the route when congested airports are populated. - Don't adjust the traffic density if the AI thread is getting 60FPS or more, even if the visual FPS is way higher. - Add on-screen indication of SAM and ActiveSkyXP status in Extended Info - After doing a full traffic reset, also clear all airport weather to allow flow changes to happen instantly. - Taxying airline traffic are better distributed on initial startup. - Fix a potential crash when radio-calling airports removed due to having no parking or runways - Performance improvement when drawing labels - Use ActiveSkyXP weather when appropriate - Optionally read METAR from disk when real-world weather is selected and ASXP isn't running - Add keyboard shortcut to fully reset traffic - Add ability to type an ICAO code into the flight plan view to zoom to that airport if it's nearby. - Gear-up animations have different durations per aircraft type - Fix duration of many gear-down animations - Stop GA potentially using airline parking when assigned on the first frame. - Flow arrows on the flightplan window would not change when the flow changed, until the view magnification was changed. - Add on-course headings for runways to flightplan view. - Improved workaround for multiple runways having no preference/on-course heading differences - Use icons instead of dots on the flightplan view. - Make labels work in VR (Windows only) - Fix a number of seemingly random crashes - Reset GL point size after use to help other plugins that only set it on initialisation - A configured replay buffer would always be 1Gb after restarting X-Plane - Could rarely have a corrupt start-time and altitude when creating GA flights - Fix occasional planes moving in a straight line at strange angles even in pause mode, after the sim has been running for some time - Write out a dummy flight school file if none exists. - Fix networked external visuals continually resetting - Fix Cessna Grand Caravan having lights offset from model centre - Add new dialog to customise GA generation settings - Try to reconnect to external PCs that couldn't initially be connected. - Pilots of non-prop GA aircraft (jet, turboprop) have significantly higher skill levels and so are more likely to fly at night or in bad weather. - Add Escape as a hotkey to all windows to close them. - Allow windows to be opened/closed using the mapped key even if a window currently has keyboard focus - Aircraft taxying out to a runway with a displaced threshold and multiple viable entrances could under some circumstances make the final leg of the route unusable for other aircraft. - Aircraft on go-around will clear the runway line sooner - Allow aircraft on runways to taxi faster - Airborne GA were located too close to airports when the sim started - Taxying aircraft could get too close on 90 degree corners - Aircraft on runway exit legs are waiting even though they're heading away from the runway. - Aircraft are still waiting for others directly above the runway on go-around. - Add radar option to exclude aircraft on the ground - Aircraft on departure or go-around could occasionally force landing aircraft to go-around even if the runway was clear - Reset button on the Label Config dialog did not reset ranges or colour. - Circuit direction (i.e. left-hand or right-hand) could be incorrect under certain wind conditions at multi-runway airports Compatibility Compatibility problems with the current versions of any of the following applications have been tested, but to be honest I have not seen many conflicts with plugins while using Traffic Global, but here is what has been checked: 124thATC, A-Better-Camera, Autogate, AviTab, BetterPushback, JoinFS, Gizmo64*, SAM, TerrainRadar, xEnviro, ActiveSky XP, X-ATC-Chatter, X-Camera, XPForce. JustFlight however do note that some versions of xPilot crash X-Plane on startup if Traffic Global is installed and TCAS enabled, due to incorrect shutdown of xPilot when it detects that the TCAS system is already in use. The intergration of the SAM Application is very much welcome to give the airport scenery a much more realistic feel, but SAM v2.0.8 or higher is required. Sadly it does not work with the Autogate (Marginal) Application. To update... For Windows, download and run the installer (recommended). There is no need to manually uninstall beforehand. For Mac, please remove the "Aircraft/Traffic Global" folder before unarchiving since aircraft names may change over time, and unpacking an archive does not remove files that should no longer exist. And if you have replaced your traffic file (.BGL) you will need to check the replacement for yourself; the traffic file changes with almost every release and will be updated or replaced if it is changed or missing. License Key is required to activate via the Settings Menu. Since X-PlaneReviews original review, Then Traffic Global has come a long way, certainly in quality and efficiency. The entry cost is high, but for those wanting a very in the background but highly effective traffic solution with a very light hit on your framerate, then you just can't bypass this excellent tool... Highly recommended. ____________________ Yes! Traffic Global v1.0.9997 by JustFlight is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Traffic Global Price is US$52.99 The application is also available directly from JustFlight Requirements X-Plane 11 Windows only - For the MAC Version, go here Download Size : 1.8 GB Current version: v1.09997 (April 23rd 2021) ____________________________ News by Stephen Dutton 26th April 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 rights reserved.

News! - Aircraft Updated : BAe 146 Professional updated to v1.1 and now on the X-Plane.OrgStore Poof!... Suddenly there are wheel chocks on my BAe 146 Pro? Where did they come from? Officially the changelog notes a change from the release version v1.0 to v1.1... but in reality there are a load of hidden version changes set out inbetween from the beginning of May. The update changes that have been added in, are v1.0.5 to v1.0.7, so that is three significant sets of new features, changes, bug repairs including the minute v1.1 update that only actually includes the "TMS: Take-off callouts (Power Flex, Power N1, T/O mode)" and the "Additional approach call-out added for glideslope intercept: "Glideslope alive, one dot to go""... cool! Here is the extensive changelog list v1.1 Change log 12, May 2021 -TMS: Take-off callouts (Power Flex, Power N1, T/O mode) v1.0.7 Change log 12, May 2021 -TMS: Limit the TMS actuators to avoid hilariously large values in some cases. -Gracefully handle custom liveries that do not follow the naming conventions. -Adjusted jetway bridge attach points -Hooked up custom callouts for altitude (on approach) -Implemented Auto Warn and Caution cancel logic -Implemented N1 and EGT bug presets when clicking on card. v1.0.6 Change log 6, May 2021 -Tweaked camera cage, so that open doors can be traversed. -Bounding box now adjusts to different fuselage sizes. -Fixed switch sound -Refined gear friction values and chock logic. -Accounted for more brake behaviours (given hydraulic pressure loss, reservoir, etc.) -Made freighter cargo doors require hydraulic pressure -Add freighter door annunciator -Cargo Smoke test added to overhead Test Panel -Improved green hydraulic system pressure gauges -Annunciator logic: Fuel Pump LO PRESS and Engine FUEL LO PRESS lights. -Fixed anti-skid annunciator light. -TMS: Add ability to sync to N1 in SYNC mode. -TMS: Fixed engine synchronization problems. -TMS: Chevron indicator thresholds adjusted. -Improved fuel system, especially for edge cases. -Brakes are now dependent on their selected hydraulic system pressure. -Fixed issue where N1 indicators could snap to 99.9 unexpectedly. -Added VR compatibility for the Checklist and TMS pop-ups. -Fixed pitch setting for copilot's Flight Director. -Added altimeter sync functionality -Pressurization: Fixed CABIN HI ALT annunciator not working when in MAN mode. -Tablet screen: Fuel values can no longer become negative. -Tablet screen: Fixed frozen cargo weight for freighter. v1.0.5 Change log 4, May 2021 -Added chocks, visually and functionally -Added hydraulic system effects to brakes -Improved TMS (Throttle now independent of TMS logic) -Fixed rear seat row in 100 version -TMS no longer on when starting from cold and dark -Created camera collision bounding box for VR (Makes it easier to navigate) -Enabled experimental flight model (No longer necessary to enable it in-sim) -Added VR click spots to some tablet interaction zones -Fixed annunciator test button flicker when cold and dark All versions to v1.0.6 or now v1.1 are only available through the SkunkCrafts updater which is installed in your X-Plane/Resources/Plugin folder. To update make sure you don't have the BAe146 aircraft selected and select in the Skunkcrafts updater the "JF_BAe_146 selection", then press the "Updater or repair addon" selection. Noticeable (besides the new chocks) are the changes on the renamed Menu/Doors and Reflections pop-up panel... Now the chocks selection is available far top left, the quality of the chocks are excellent, and to be able to select them when YOU want to is a huge bonus. More additions now also include choices to have both window or instrumentation reflections or not... nice. The Airbridge attach points have also been adjusted (not really a big deal on this mostly walkon/walkoff aircraft). A lot of adjustments have been added to the Cargo aspects of the aircraft... these include; freighter cargo doors now require hydraulic pressure, added freighter door annunciator, Cargo Smoke test added to overhead panel and fixed the frozen cargo weight. System adjustments include; hydraulic system effects for brakes, brakes are now also dependent on their selected hydraulic system pressure and brake behaviours (given hydraulic pressure loss, reservoir, etc.) are better, Improved fuel system. And there has also been added altimeter sync functionality. X-PlaneReviews full comprehensive review of the JustFlight BAe 146 is here; Aircraft Review : British Aerospace 146 Professional by JustFlight Now! - the British Aerospace 146 Professional v1.1 by JustFlight is available from the X-Plane.OrgStore, so now get this excellent updated machine, from the main X-Plane store with it's great service and for a LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL OFFER : Get Triple Reward Points when you purchase this Aircraft. 225 Points ___________________ Yes! the British Aerospace 146 Professional by JustFlight is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : BAe146 Professional - JustFlight Price is US$74.99 Features Include: Highlights 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 featurr 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 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, windsscreen 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 Sounds Studio quality Lycoming ALF-502 engine sounds, recorded from RAF C.Mk3 ZE708 Over 450 flight deck sound effects recorded from RAF CC.Mk2 ZE701 Detailed audio equipment such as the APU, brake fans, electrical circuits, hydraulic equipment and much more Distinctive flap retraction/extension airflow 'howling' sound More than 520 sounds samples in high definition with accurate 3D placement. Pushing the limits of FMOD 1.08 sound system with more than 150 sound tracks being played at the same time with no virtualisation. Full 7.1 surround sound support via FMOD, with 3D positional sound for VR users Extremely detailed external sound system: - Takes into account distance, speed, altitude, temperature and air pressure, just like in real life - Accurate touchdown sound based on impact speed - Multi-directional sound during fly-by and camera location on external view - Realistic runway roll sounds, complete with periodic bumps that depend on lateral runway position - Realistic wind sound that reacts not only to the speed of the aircraft but also how the wind is interacting with the fuselage (AoA, side slip etc.) - Realistic ambient sounds which replaces the default X-Plane sounds with a high fidelity FMOD sound system recreating the atmospheric effect, such as rain, birds, thunder etc. Interior and cabin sounds: - Passenger sounds, based on aircraft weight, which react according to your flying style. Passenger cabin sound changes as you move around, as if you were inside the real plane. Lighting Full HDR lighting with gimballed lights that can be aimed and dynamically illuminate whichever part of the cockpit is aimed at Independent lighting controls for Captain and First Officer Dimmable integral lighting for each panel, accurately dependent on corresponding electrical bus Dimmable dynamic flood and storm lighting for a highly immersive and customisable night environment (more than 12 individual light sources including entry, lap, sill and flight kit) White and red flashlight for night operations Accurately simulated exterior lighting including dynamic wing, logo and runway exit lights, and taxi/landing and navigation lights with different intensities Strobe lights with customisable strobe flashing pattern All exterior lights, including navigation, strobe, ice, exit, logo, landing, taxi and beacon lights are fully HDR with dynamic spill light, illuminating ground and scenery objects, as well as the aircraft itself. Other Features Comprehensive manual with tutorial, FMC guide, procedures, limitations and handling notes Payload manager for realistic fuel and passenger loads AviTab (third party tablet plugin) compatibleGoodway compatible Multiple interior and exterior viewpoint presets PSD paint kits included (free separate download) so you can create your own paint schemes You can take a look at the full detailed PDF manual here! Requirements X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB VRAM Recommended Current Version: 1.1 (May 12th 2021) Download Size: 3.6 GB ________________________________________ News! Update by Stephen Dutton 13th May 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

Aircraft Review : British Aerospace 146 Professional by JustFlight Was it the accidental success story that even the aircraft manufacturers of British Aerospace were surprised by? It certainly was not expected to be a big seller, but it was, if just under 400 airframes produced was a major success story. But a great aircraft it is. The British Aerospace (BAe) 146 was created to fill in a marketing gap. Faster and bigger than a regional turboprop, but smaller than a standard airliner like the 100 seater segment Fokker 100 and even the smallest of the Boeing 737 family. Designed for the regional and short-haul markets, the 146 was manufactured from 1983 until 2002. The aircraft was offered in three variants, the 146-100, 146-200 and 146-300. The equivalent Avro variants were RJ70, RJ85 and RJ100, plus the QT "Quiet Trader" and QC "Quick Change" variant. The BAe 146 was marketed heavily as a low maintenance, low operating cost, feeder airliner. Design simplicity was the priority. Many components used were off the shelf products that could be easily sourced with a minimum of specialised tooling required. This went a long way to keeping the maintenance cost of the airliner down. Using the knowledge gained in the production of the Trident and Airbus A300, the wing was made also of as few components as possible. There are no leading edge slats and the top panel of the main wing is a single piece. The wide passenger cabin of the aircraft had a standard configuration of 5 abreast seating, although a high density 6 abreast configuration was also available... but the most significant aspect of the BAe 146 was it's 4 engine configuration. The four engine layout is unusual for an airframe of this size. Four engines create complexity, but also reliability, The Avco Lycoming ALF 502 H engines produced 6,500lbf of thrust each, and were chosen for several reasons. First the BAe 146 was designed from the start to be high cantilever wing, T-tail airliner with huge STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capablities, and the high set engines were set in the best positioned not to ingest dirt and matter in to the engines. Another notion was that at the time there was not a better or more powerful two or twin engine option available. ALF 502 engine was based on the Lycoming T55 turboshaft which was the power behind Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. It was a very quiet engine due to a geared front fan which meant it didn’t have to spin as fast keeping the blade tip speed below the sound barrier. Other quietness factors were the high by-pass ratio as well as sound-dampening layers and the BAe 146 was marketed as the "WhisperJet". Electric power was produced by generators on the two outboard engines which gave easier access for maintenance. Keeping down running and maintenance costs, the engines were modular in construction so that parts could more quickly and easily be replaced. The aircraft configuration was also designed to enable high performance on short runways with a superior climb out rate, perfect for clearing nearby obstacles. This also enabled it to perform well at hot and high airfields where lift conditions are poor. When flight testing began, it was found that the aircraft had better takeoff and climb performance than expected, this is certainly enforced by the spectacular BAe's 146 performance in and out of London's City (LCY) airport with it's physical dimensions of the 1,508 m (4,948 ft) long runway and the steep 7.5° glideslope which is double of most 3º approaches. This highly anticipated JustFlight version of the BAe 146 is not the first one released for the X-Plane Simulator as that notion easily goes to the "Avroliner Project". I have been a huge supporter over the years of the AvroLiner Project by Andreas Much... The "Avroliner Project" was one of those projects that you signed up for, with consistent updates coming along mostly twice a year, but with smaller "Overnight" updates in-between. I loved the aircraft immensely and it was very good for it's time, but the project, sort went a bit sparse with more attention given over later to the actual website than the aircraft, but it is not to forget how much a leader the aircraft was for X-Plane in it's heyday development. A note that the difference between the 146 and the RJ versions is that the earlier 146 has a clockwork dial cockpit, were as the RJ series has a semi-glass cockpit. Currently there are still 94 aircraft in active service in the world, that being 30 BAe 146s and 64 Avro RJs, with most a conversion cargo aircraft. That sort of sets up the high expectations for this new BAe 146 release from JustFlight with their version of this classic regional airliner, the 146 has already had a release but in the P3D platform format. JustFlight's earlier detail and quality of their aircraft proceeds them, and then add in the advantage of Thranda Design doing all the X-Plane systems and performance, as it puts this release then into the stratosphere of expectation, so can it or even possibly live up to all that high regards? British Aerospace (BAe) 146 by JustFlight A first impression and the JustFlight version of the 146-300, certainly does not disappoint on the modeling or the quality... it is certainly on par with the highly regarded Rotate McDonnell Douglas MD-80. Variants included in the JustFlight BAe 146 Package You get A LOT of different variants and aircraft configurations with this BAe 146 package, so let us go through each variant first. BAe 146 Series 100 Length 28.19 m (85’ 11”) - Wingspan 26.34 m (86’ 5”) - Height 8.61 m (28’ 3”) BAe 146 Series 200 Length 28.6 m (93’ 10”) - Wingspan 26.34 m (86’ 5”) - Height 8.61 m (28’ 3”) BAe 146 Series 300 Length 30.99 m (101’ 8”) - Wingspan 26.34 m (86’ 5”) - Height 8.61 m (28’ 3”) BAe 146 Series 200QT "Quiet Trader" Quiet Traders come with a large side cargo door and internal freight, there is no -100 series QT variant BAe 146 Series 300QT "Quiet Trader" BAe 146 Series 200QC "Quick Change" The Quick Change variants come with a large side cargo door and internal freight, but also a cabin forward. There are no -100 or -300 QC Variants only a -200QC. There is however one other QC Livery for the -200 in a RAF Military quise and military elements. CC.Mk2 - RAF Statesman (ZE701) – Queen’s Flight CC.Mk2 - RAF Statesman (ZE701-Modern Livery) – Queen’s Flight Both Queens Flight aircraft are -100 Series aircraft, and note the infrared countermeasures on the side and rear of the Queens Flight Aircraft Modeling and design The problem for JustFlight is that they set their standards very high with the detail and quality of say their BAe Hawk T1/A Trainer. The Bae 146 is of course very, very good in context, again the Rotate MD80 is a good bench mark. One thing to note first off is that BAe 146 is heavy in detail, so it feels heavish on your computer, it sorts of catches up with you (revealing the base modeling in the process) when changing from the internal to external view points, it does not do anything wrong, but you feel the computer has a lot to process or get through to get the changes done... so if you have a light or low powered computer, then you will slightly struggle. Framerate was actually quite good, and in the normal numbers for me between 30fr-36fr with all the bells and whistles running on the ground with the Aerosoft's Zurich scenery installed. But if you struggle now then this airframe won't help you out. The Texture Quality images here are not shown in the "Maximum" setting, but in "High", but the differences between the two settings is minuscule, and that setting (unless you have a power house computer) is the best compromise between quality and efficiency. Glass is of course excellent, nicely shaped with great depth, tint and reflection... and delivers in realism. Notable are the aerodynamic strakes on the nose/fuselage (and wings as we will see) that add in authenticity to the aircraft... The 146's wing is interesting. As noted it is high cantilever one piece wing with no leading edge spoilers, but highly efficient. And I love the construction detail that JustFlight have done here as you can easily see the different assembly (Ailerons, flaps, spoilers) sections of the wing frame that are neatly designed and visible. Under wing detail shows all the wing access panels The leading edge is excellent with that noted aerodynamic splitter above the inner engines. Wing lighting looks authentic as well, but the wingtip inner Nav lights are a bit clumsy, all static dischargers are excellent. There flap guidance tracks on the side of the upper fuselage are really well done and when extended to full flap, extends out to the full complexity of the 146 flap system... .... I know how hard these complex flap systems are to animate, and JustFlight have done a stirling job here. The lift spoilers here are open, and note the small inner wing aileron that is really well done... as noted the detail here is simply first rate. The Avco Lycoming ALF 502 H engines are beautifully modeled and perfectly shaped. Inlet and exhaust areas are perfect and nicely cast with a realistic metal cowling on the inlet and lovely shaped engine mounts. The internal fans are highly realistic, but there are no thrust-reverser systems on the BAe 146. APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) inlet and outlet is nicely done, as is the high T-Tail detail... The famous split-airbrake tail assembly is excellent, with the internal rear lighting frame expertly done, as is the bulkhead, airbrake door detail is also very, very good with internal ribbing for strength, and with cutouts for weight savings. Note the wing speedbrake extentions when tail airbrake is activated. The undercarriage on the T1/A Hawk was exceptional with every joint, component, hydraulic line, hydraulic piston, nut and bolt is all the same and applied here, even the strut labels and markings are also correctly applied. The same can also be said of the BAe 146... in exceptional in the gear detail and realism... The nose gear is stubby... ... but the Eagle Claw trailing link main gear is exceptional in detailing. The work here is based on G-JEAO - Serial No. 1010 LN:10, which was retired from service with British European Airways in 2000 and is now preserved at the de Havilland Aircraft Museum. And the detail reproduced here is from that aircraft in all it's glory. Tyres are again like on the Hawk are excellent as are the cast rims, and bolt detail. Menu/Features The menu is surprisingly quite small with only eight selections (The Hawk had 21) to choose from and positioned via the usual JustFlight left screen side arrow, scrolling on the arrow will make it transparent. There is another menu built into the pop-up AviTab tablet. The side menu eight selections cover; ‘Toggle power’ icon (the lightning bolt) will toggle between ‘Cold & Dark’ and ‘Ready for Take-off’ states, Checklist panel, Flight computer, Animation panel (Doors and Ladder), Autopilot (Panels), Toggle the VSI between analogue and digital TCAS, Thrust Management System and the Weather radar... and on the bottom of the tab are the arrows to change the livery. The Animation panel allows you to open all four main fuselage doors, with extendable stairs on the left front main entry door... ... two lower Cargo Doors and if you are using the Cargo variant then the menu changes to access the one large left rear cargo door. There is an GPU (Ground Power Unit) toggle, but in power supply only and no physical GPU unit? Also noted by their absence, there are no Static Elements? AviTab Menu Note the AviTab plugin is required to use this feature. There is another built in menu built into the AviTab, and this is a very good if basic Weights and Balance menu... the pop-up tablet is accessed by pressing the dark patches on both front side panels. The AviTab has all the usual AviTab features including Navigraph intergration if you have a subscription. On the head of the tablet is the speed, altitude, AGL Altitude and heading (Lat-Lon). Press the top left screen change icon and it changes to another aircraft layout menu for again opening the doors, stairs and GPU... But also here you also have a weights and balance setting page to adjust passenger, cargo and the aircraft's fuel weights (arrowed)... all changes are recorded in Empty, Zero Fuel, Total Fuel and Gross weight boxes, that can be switched from Kg to Lb units. Overload the weight (very easy to do on the -100/-200 variants) and it shows up into the red. Top right on the menu are five voice announcements, that can be reset. Cabin A look up and the BAe 146 Cabin awaits... ... all four access doors are highly detailed (as are the extended stairs), but on board there is a little bit of 3d modeling in the crew seating, but most of the forward galley is simply Lo-Res textures (images)... It is not bad, but to be honest I expected more 3d detail in the galley areas. Cabin is the same... very nice but not overwhelming. But we are actually lucky in X-Plane as the JustFlight P3D version does not have any cabin layout at all? This JustFlight Version uses the six across seater layout and not the more spacious five across seating layout. Seats are again good, rather than excellent, with again the use of images to do the 3d modeling work. Ditto the overhead panels with just flat images to represent the lighting and switch panels and the air-con vents, they are a bit low-res as well. Rear galley is the same layout with lo-rate images, nice and a lot of image detail, but again not overwhelming. The Cargo variant has a sealed off front galley area and a cargo hold rear. It is all nicely detailed, but not an uber cargo interior detailed like excellent SSG B748... Cargo container is very nice, but only the one... stingy. The QC Quick Change variant does not have the combo seating and cargo interior, but it is just the same Cargo layout as the QT Quiet Trader variant... disappointing, but there you go? Cargo door detail however is excellent, note the highly detailed door conversion frame set into the fuselage. Cockpit Overview You can close or open the connection door between the cabin and the cockpit, by selecting the door... note the folded stairs to the left. Even for an airliner cockpit, it is tight in here, there is barely enough room to sit behind the controls... If JustFlight skimped in the rear, then the cockpit in detail is totally in the other overwhelming direction... it is a brilliantly detailed cockpit. Both the Captain's and First Officer's chairs are superb, great seat molding and shape with a highly detailed frame lower, and covered by a lovely full blue/cream dot material. Armrests are also all fully animated, and fold up neatly to the side of the chairs. Note the third folded seat behind the First Officer's station, better still you can move both the Captain's and First Officers chairs forward via a slider, then slide out the jump seat via it's own slider (all arrowed) and lower the seat cushion... now that is a great feature. Centre pedestal is highly detailed and the overhead panel is simply huge and also full of detail. This is a complicated layout. That is an interesting point to make. Most pilots new to this flight deck would simply want to jump in and fly the BAe 146... but that would be simply deadly. These 146s have a very unusual switchgear layout, plus the systems created here are very deep... this JustFlight BAe 146 is noted as "Professional" in that it is a "Study Grade" simulation and the extensive and deeply detailed manual bears that aspect out, the manual alone is 247 pages in size and a study of the systems and layouts are essential to getting the very best out of this aircraft. Even I had to stop, do the manual in a professional way and then go back to setting up the aircraft before doing any other aspect of understanding this complex simulation. Instrument Panel I love the layout of this instrument panel, complex, clockwork and very well done for an aircraft of this era. Yokes are lovely, and fully active with A/P Disconnect, Electric Trim and a large button right yoke is the "Sync" selection. You can hide both Yokes or each one individually by clicking on the Yoke base, which is a nice option. Close up panel detail is simply first rate and very authentic, with nice highly realistic instrument reflections. Power on (via the GPU)... The electrical power system on the BAe 146 has both AC and DC power services. AC power is supplied by two (outer) engine-driven generators, an APU-driven generator, a ground source and a hydraulically driven standby generator. The standby generator also supplies DC power. DC power is normally provided by transformer rectifiers (TRs) which convert the AC (provided by the engine and APU generators or the external source) to DC. The aircraft battery provides an emergency DC supply and also, via a standby static inverter, an emergency AC supply. The AC and DC supplies are distributed by a network of busbars classified as normal, essential and emergency. The normal busbars are duplicated to form the basis of a two-channel system: channels 1 and 2, both having AC and DC busbars. Even when I selected GPU and all the correct bus channels the, aircraft didn't receive any power? It was the EXT AC supply that I had missed (arrowed), and here are the points to make... as a lot of the switchgear in here is a three-way switch system, and finding the correct switch and the right switch position can need a little study. Again to understand anything complex, then break it down into sections and study, and that is certainly the case here with the 146's Instruments. The central Artificial Horizon is very authentic in detail... known here as the Attitude Director Indicator (ADI), it provides a visual presentation of the pitch and roll attitude of the aircraft on a spherical display. The side scale shows glideslope, and localiser deviation is presented on the lower horizontal scale, and an inclinometer is mounted on the lower front face of the instrument. F-Fast and S-Slow indications, plus the ILS indicator... There is a secondary backup ADI right. A cross-pointer flight director bar system centre displays the AFGS-computed commands, and is switched on via switch upper right, (upper left on the right hand side), and the Flight Director bars will be disabled if using the Autopilot (AP). Left of the ADI is the Airspeed Indicator with built in Mach markings, Right is the Altitude Indicator. Above is a very good and highly detailed Annunciator warning panel which you can test and adjust the brightness and follows the white, green, blue, amber or red legends warning system. There is a Instrument Comparator Monitor (ICM), compares the Captain’s and First Officer’s primary attitude and heading displays and if a difference shows warnings (ICM panel is upper left of the ADI) Lower centre Instrument panel is the Horizontal situation indicator (HSI), with built in Vertical Speed Indicator, with Heading indicator, MILES (to go) and GND Speed displays. The 146 has an identical twin gyro-magnetically stabilised compass systems installed. A flux valve is situated in each wing. With selections 1/2 that allows transfers to the other heading display Two instruments left of the HSI is a Stopwatch/Clock and a Distance Bearing Indicator (DBI) for VOR1 (DME 1) and VOR2 (DME 2). Note the Radio altimeter above the Vertical Speed Indicator. As noted in the Menu, the standard Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) can be switched to a combined VSI and TCAS display. In addition to indicating the vertical speed, it also displays any potential TCAS conflicts. Right of the VSI is a backup Altitude Indicator... ... lower are the brake pressure dials. Note the Radio altimeter above the VSI. On the First Officer's right side pane the layout is a little simpler, but has mostly the same Standard Six instrument layout... Centre are the same nice Attitude Director Indicator (ADI), Horizontal situation indicator (HSI), with left the Airspeed Indicator, Distance Bearing Indicator (DBI) and to the right the Altitude Indicator and Stopwatch/Clock, with the Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) set below. To the left centre of the First Officer's main instruments is the Thrust Modulation System (TMS) panel. The TMS system operates in a variety of modes and consists of a control display unit (CDU), through which the pilot can select a required mode of operation, which is interfaced with a microprocessor-based computer (TMC) driving an actuator on each engine fuel control unit to provide limited trim authority about thrust lever settings. System disconnect push-buttons are located on No.1 and 4 engine thrust levers. There are four modes the TMS system covers; Take-off (TO), TMS disconnect (GA), Maximum continuous thrust (MCT), Turbine gas temperature (TGT) and Flight descent (DESC). Set below the TMS is the Cabin Pressure gauge and OAT (Outside Air Pressure) Gauge. Centre Instument panel is dominated by the four engine sets of readout dials... ... per engine row they cover with the top five dials; Oil Quanity, Oil Temp and Oil Pressure. N1 output, TGT (Turbine Gas Temperature) and N2 ouput. Fuel Flow (FF) with Fuel Used indicators... bottom row are the three Fuel Gauges. There are three main fuel tank compartments; The Main wing compartment, Feed(er) tanks and a Surge tank... Fuel consumption is per variant; 146-100 : 425 kn: 2,468 kg (5,441 lb)/h, 146-200 : 423 kn: 2,483 kg (5,474 lb)/h, 146-300 : 429 kn: 2,517 kg (5,549 lb)/h... with ranges of; 146-100 : 82 pax: 3,870 km (2,090 nmi), 146-200 : 100 pax: 3,650 km (1,970 nmi) and 146-300 : 100 pax: 3,340 km (1,800 nmi). The fuel system is complex, but well explained by JustFlight, and transfer of fuel is possible. Very top right of the center panel is a Engine Vibration Indicator Monitor (EVIM) comprising of four separate meter mechanisms presenting vertical indication displays for engines 1, 2, 3 and 4 from the left which can be tested (arrowed lower, lower left). Below the EVIM is the flap position indicator 0º-18º-24º-30º and 33º degrees, Spolier Indicator and Landing Gear Handle/Indicator. The Master Warning System (MWS) provides the flight crew with indication of aircraft systems malfunction, status and the system is displayed on a very large warnings panel centre left and can be tested via button on the MWS Panel upper right (arrowed) and again follows the white, green, blue, amber or red legends warning system. OverHead Panel There is a lot of switchgear and detail on the OverHead Panel (OHP). All the aircraft's various systems are grouped together in panels, that can be split into upper or lower Overhead Panel(s). Upper OHP. There is a lot on these upper sections and selections of the panel, that are usually sited in the lower sections. Top of the left are Yaw Dampers, and the "Main" switches for Autopilot and Avionics power. Anti-Skid and Lift and an Hydraulic panel fills out the left. The Hydraulic power is provided by two independent systems, Yellow and Green, each having an engine-driven pump (EDP) as its main source of power as well as a standby power facility and the switch arrangement means you can control both Yellow and Green channels. The Fire Protection system on the Just Flight 146 is quite comprehensive. Each engine is equipped with a fire detection system which consists of four detector loops in two parallel pairs. When the loops are subjected to heat, a signal is transmitted to a warning system as soon as a preset temperature is reached. The warning system comprises of red and amber flight deck presentations with associated audio warnings. Each engine is also equipped with a fire extinguishing system consisting of two extinguisher bottles for each engine. The bottles are in the nose cowling of each engine. The APU, Wings, pylons, fuselage spine, electrical equipment bay and the air-conditioning equipment bay are all active in warning systems. Right Panel top is the External and Notice lighting panel, with the Air-Conditioning Panel set below. Lower OHP. The full left side of the lower OHP covers the Fuel Panel, then the Electric Panel. Top centre of the lower OHP is the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) panel, then below the Engine Power and Start panel. Set below is the Ice-Protection warnings and switches. Right top lower OHP, is a large Pressurization Panel that covers with the Air Supply Panel, more Ice-Protection warnings and switches bottom centre and lower bottom right is an annunciator lighting and OHP lighting adjustment panel. Very bottom centre is the lighting switchgear for FlightDeck Emergency, RWY Exit Lights, Landing Lights and the left and right windscreen wipers (Three-Way) and finally the Seat Beat light switch. As this JustFlight BAe 146 is a "Study" grade aircraft, then the systems and their operations are quite comprehensive. The manual does thankfully detail everything here, but the depth of the system knowledge required here is quite high. So "Study" means just that in going deep into these systems and understanding them to get the best out of the simulation. Autopilot The Smiths SEP 10 BAe 146 automatic flight guidance system has an integrated autopilot and flight director system which provides a three- axis stabilisation and two-axis manoeuvre computation in pitch and roll, in addition to flight director computation. Study is again required here as the layout of this AP panel is quite different, the ALT (Altitude) ARM is hard to see, but I love the winding ALT SEL knob (you will find that mouse wheel settings are more accurate), and the HDG (Heading) knob is centre lower panel (took me ages to find that?) Also centre are the Course selection knobs (both NAV1 or NAV2). VHF navigation has a panel to itself on the left, you will need to turn it on via the switch, and then press the centre knob to activate (there is a Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) panel lower pedestal). VHF NAV right is VOR 2 (NAV2) radio and besides there is a brilliant "ILS TEST" system for the instruments. Engagement of the autopilot is indicated by a green triangles on the AP button at the top of the panel. The bottom row selects lateral modes and the middle row selects vertical modes. There is a Turbulence mode (TURB) mode... This mode is one of a PITCH and ROLL attitude hold, with the initial datums being those at the time of engagement. On selecting TURB, any other pitch or roll mode (or armed state) will disengage. Centre Pedestal The pedestal is very nice and boxy, but extremely well done. FMS (Flight Management System) is currently provided by the default X-Plane FMS system... so it is basic. There is a custom built FMS system coming for this aircraft in the future, and it will be a free upgrade. The late FMC is also the reason the aircraft is a little late in it's release (as well as the Covid 19 disruptions). JustFlight in rather than waiting for even more time, is releasing the aircraft and not waiting any longer on the ongoing FMC development, no timescale on the release of the better custom FMS has currently been announced other than "Soon". Centre of the top of the pedestal is a (again X-Plane default) weather radar, with VHF COMMs set below (you have to turn them on). Airbrake (Speedbrake) and Flap lever strides the stubby four impressive throttles, they have a fuel safety switch on each lever, to disengage, but as noted there is no reverse thrust levers (you have to move the Airbrakes manually as well)... Elevator Trim wheels are each side of the pedestal, and the Rudder Trim knob is on the top, and the trim positions are noted on the same panel. The Aileron Trim Knob, Parking Brake and ELEV/AIL are all on the slope panel. There is a secondary AP Panel (also on the menu pop-out), that activates and adjusts the PITCH and ROLL selections. There is a transponder that allows an ATC code and flight identification code to be entered, with XPNDR/TA and TA/RA selections. Bottom pedestal is an active BRAKE TEMPºC panel, ADF1 & ADF2 Radio and console lighting knobs (three). Side panels There are set each side a Radio and Panel Lighting panel... note the tiller wheel on both sides. Note the cup-holder that slides outwards. Lower is an Oxygen Panel, and Air Vents that can be adjusted. Window detail and opening assembly is excellent (but solid). First Officer's side has the same tiller, Cup holder (also animated), Radio and Panel Lighting knobs. There is a Flight Recorder date setting panel (that works!) and also a working Oxygen Control panel upper right. Lighting The BAe 146 lighting is extremely impressive, but also extremely complicated to use. There are four lighting panels to adjust, one each pilot side, OHP and rear console and the odd lighting knob set around the OHP. Most overhead (Storm, both side panels) and main panel lighting lights activate fluorescent tubes and filaments, which are really well done under the glareshield. Left side Instruments and Centre dials are adjusted via the left lighting panel and the right side instruments are lit via the right hand panel, Glareshield lighting is via knob lower left OHP. The best lighting feature is the centre adjustment knob on the lighting panel and two buttons for "SILL" and "LAP"... press SILL and you have a magnificent adjustable flexible stalks with a light on them... they can be positioned anywhere for the illumination of the instrument panel or side panels. There are also two "LAP" lights that are also adjustable for local illumination for reading purposes, or again to light the panel. Under LIGHTS & NOTICES panel there are also two rear ENTRY lights. OHP is simply gorgeous in lighting detail, both all the switchgear and the dial lighting can be adjusted separately. There are knee high side lights on each side of the cockpit, and again adjustable... which is a very nice touch in detail. Three knobs rear adjust the console front and rear sections, and an overhead illumination. In reality there are so many combinations you can find to get that perfect lighting scenario, for on the ground, in the air working or for minimum approach instrument lighting... it is all quite perfect. Other lighting includes EMERG CALL, CABIN CALL and GRND CALL and a reset button annotated PUSH CNCL CALL, but they don't work? Cabin, vestibule, toilet and galley lighting is provided by fluorescent tubes, with additional filament lighting in the front vestibule when ground power is connected. Illuminating signs indicate ‘fasten seatbelts’, ‘no smoking’ and ‘toilet engaged’, with a ‘return to seat’ sign in each toilet, as well as EXIT and galley lighting... of all I found only the EXIT and Galley lighting worked, but the cabin lights worked well in the daytime... but there is no cabin lighting at night. External Lighting As with the cockpit, the external lighting is extremely good as well.... Navigation lights are three-way selectable; Off-Lo and Hi. Nice tail lighting, ENTRY lighting switch can be mistaken for external use, but it is as noted for overhead cockpit use. Wing root shoulders has two sets of lights for the excellent runway turnoff lighting, and for wing (ice) lighting which is also excellent... both taxi and landing lighting is in the wing leading edge. ____________________ Flying the BAe 146 There are as noted a lot of depth in the systems in this JustFlight 146. So the awareness of all the systems and their layout positions is essential before tackling any flight. The built-in (Menu) Checklists are also invaluable to getting everything ready for flight, again I stress, that this 146 is not a hop in and fly aircraft, there is simply too much going on to do that quick fly aspect. Starting up the APU, is quite easy... then switch on the aircraft batteries and provide power to the busses. When you switch, either power, air-conditioning, hydraulics in that every action has an effect and all seen in the gauges... the depth of the systems here are really phenomenal... ... particle effects are really good as well... this the APU, but the engine thrust effects are very good as well. I am loaded just under the Gross Weight Limit 42178kg, with 106 Pass (-300), servicing the ZUR (Zurich) to BRS (Bristol) Route of 601 nm, which is about normal for the BAe 146. The full range in this configuration is 1,800 nmi. I am not going to cover the default FMS System here in this review... as almost everyone is very familiar with the system, and overall it is very basic, we will cover the FMS in detail when the custom version is released. Although the aircraft IS complex, the engine start is quite easy. Make sure all the fuel pumps are on, set the APU Air on (Bleed)... Shutting any doors or hatches and pulling in the stairs give off great action sounds, open the cockpit door and passengers are a noisy talkative group, so you close the cockpit door again for a bit of flightdeck quiet. I switched all the throttle fuel locks off before starting the engines, it is easier than fiddling around with them later... ... select the engine you want to start, but always first an outer engine for a generator power supply, via the main switch... Start Power on, CONT IGN (Ignition) on (There is a separate in Flight Start option if required), and hit the START switch... The Avco Lycoming ALF 502 H engines will then spool up very, very quickly to the 20% n2 starting point, were at this point you up the throttle from the detent to the idle position to start the fuel flow, the engine then completes the start procedure to settle around the 52% n2 running in idle. If you want the full whine and intricate startup sounds then you will be disappointed here, because there is isn't any, well a little, but these tiny Avro engines are super quiet, even when all four are running it is hard to hear anything from the cockpit, except for a nice humm... the 146 isn't called the "Whisper Jet" for nothing. Final checks of the GRND (Ground) test panel... the test of the Stall Warning will jump you out of your seat, but all the different sounds are very authentic, and a double check of the MWS Panel is also a good thing to do... .... last thing to do before pulling away is to set the Thrust Modulation System (TMS) for takeoff and sync all the engine thrusts together to the current airfield temperature, it takes time to set it's self up, but again very authentic and well worth learning to use correctly. After spending an eternity on the ground, it will good to just fly the 146. Unless you have one of those Thrustmaster TCA Quadrants with the four lever option, then you will have to do what I did, lock the four throttles together as one, not ideal, but no option. Flaps are set at 18º for takeoff, but this 146 is a STOL aircraft so a higher flap selection will give you more lift on a shorter runway... On Joysticks/Throttles, JustFlight recommend to set the "TakeOff-GoAround" selection on your Joystick/Throttle to activate the TO-GO system if required. There are significant differences between the different three variants, even by load capacity and weight as well, so this -300 at a gross full weight feels very heavy, even ponderous in the taxi, I don't mind as I love heavy aircraft to fly for the feel, but you have to be aware of the wide band of feel of flying the 146 in size and weight. In the taxi it is nice to tool around the taxiways, but as noted you need a little thrust to move the set weight. Two notes... you can physically move the tiller to steer the aircraft as well as using the standard (joystick) yaw which is a brilliant option, it was usually one or the other. Another point is to check the "Config" button, which is similar to the Airbus "Config" test. It tells you if the aircraft is fully set up for takeoff, if not the red "Config" alert will show in the MWS... aircraft ‘doors not closed’ warning system is also part of the config system, but I missed a setup as we shall see. I have a departure from Rwy28 at ZRH, but at 8202 ft, it is the very shortest at Zurich... .... throttles up and I am away... very slowly, and the speed builds slowly with the weight as well, soon I am seeing the wrong end of the runway 28, but just nudging the 150 knt takeoff speed, a slight pull of the yoke to the rear, and thankfully the 146 bites the air. But I do now have that "Config" alert now screaming in my face... I missed something, which shows there is a lot of detail to cover to get this 146 ready for flight. I have "Positive climb", but you need to get the gear and flaps retracted soon to help with the drag. This is as noted in this configuration it is not representative of the general feel of the 146 series, in the -100 the aircraft it just leapt off the runway in a rush, so as noted the weight and variant really count on the way you depart the runway. Very quickly I am in very much in love with the 146, as it is brilliant to fly, but don't ignore the fact it is a very demanding and complex aircraft to fly from JustFlight, there is a lot going on, and you have to address the details, but that also makes for a rewarding and very fulfilling simulation. Turns (banks) are smooth and clean, you very quickly tune into the aircraft. Moving knobs by pure mouse movement is hard, as noted using the wheel to get exact numbers is far better and easier, also the AP pop-up is hard to use. Getting it up on screen the menu gives you all three windows, of which two have to be removed (every time is wearing)... Then the AP can only be switched on from here and not from the glareshield panel... finally the V/S (Vertical Speed) is hard to use in one click increments, up or down, to just hold the switch down does nothing, but there is a trick!... If your climb (pitch) is correct and so is the speed, you can "Sync" them or lock them in to continue the climb by pressing the large right yoke button... The IAS selection also is another option that would then hold your selected speed (Airspeed Indicator, not a panel speed setting, because there isn't one), so IAS is more useful in the cruise than the climb. All PITCH, ROLL, ALT, MACH, IAS and VS modes can be synchronised without having to disengage and then re-engage the actual AP mode. The "Config" alert is still screaming in my ears and flashing on the MWS... what did I miss I still don't know, I again ran through the checklist, but something is amiss... I cancel the alert and it finally quietens down, but the missing setting bothers me, of what it actually was. But notable is that even the usual Course pointers have to set (NAV1/NAV2) and be split for it to set off the alert... its all in the detail, detail. So you soon realise there are a lot of hidden automation systems, the 146 is certainly no Airbus, but there are helper systems that can take the load off in crucial moments of flight, the trick is to learn them and then use them effectively. so the 146 is a pre-fully automation cockpit with early automation systems. Locking in the L NAV with the FMS flightplan is tricky, as you are a little in the dark of where you are. I well... cheat a little by using the Navigraph application to overlay my route (from Simbrief) over the map and use the aircraft position arrow to guide me to the right place to lock in to the flightplan, but this is a Laminar FMS basic limitation, it will be interesting on how the coming custom FMS will make these flightplan areas more realistic. The BAe 146 is an extraordinary simulation, but the workload is quite high to fly the aircraft Professionally, so it certainly lives up to the "Study" and Professional moniker. Note the amazing engine particle effects. Sounds are brilliantly good, but also seriously complex. There are 450 flight deck sound effects alone and recorded from RAF CC.Mk2 ZE701, with authentic flap retraction/extension airflow 'howling' sound... plus+ there are another 520 sounds samples in high-definition with accurate 3D placement. The volume is pushing the limits of FMOD 1.08 sound system with more than 150 sound tracks being played at the same time. So finding (annoying) alert sounds and even minor sounds will mean moving around the instrument panel and cockpit 3d space to find the source... super authentic, but another high workload area, another point to work out is of which sound is what, and then address it. By definition the BAe 146 is not a fast aircraft Mach 0.739 (426 kn; 789 km/h) Max, Mach 0.7 (404 kn; 747 km/h) is the usual cruise speed and the Ceiling is a low 35,000 ft (11,000 m)... but this is a regional airliner in the turbo-prop category and not a B737 or A320 classification machine. Considering, I am very quickly coming up on to the south coast of England... time to get ready to land. Like most regional aircraft the trick of flying them really professionally, is controlling the speed, and the descent speed control is highly critical, as is the final approach speeds, so you use the Airbrakes here efficiently to keep the descent rate speed down to just over the flap limitations in the 170 knt range. Set the rate of descent via the trim and press the "Sync" to hold it... this way is far better than using the awkward menu panel option, but you can do it that way if you want a more specific vertical speed control. One thing I learnt very (very) quickly was the throttle control, as the 146 is very sensitive to any throttle changes... ... nose down (too fast) or pitch up (too slow) is very (extremely) easy to do, if you don't get the speed and throttle power set "Perfectly" correct, then it will need practise to get it absolutely perfect to the size and weight of each variant, but flap set to 30º and your approach speed should be around 130 knts. Note the flap extention sounds are loud and brilliant at the same time, ditto lowering the gear... you hear everything, every movement to the final latch locks. If using the ILS, then the actions change the NAV mode from HS 1-R NAV to NAV for the X-Plane NAV1 selection, then select both the GSL (Glideslope Coupling Mode) and then V/L - VOR/LOC mode to lock on to the glideslope. Full 33º flap and your final approach speed is reduced to 120 knts then when acquiring the ILS it is reduced to 115 knts, but again to note that in a different configuration (lighter), I was able to do the same approach numbers with a flap selection one step higher at 30º, so the approach speed is relative. Keeping the speed perfectly aligned to your horizon ball, sounds easy, but you need to nudge the throttles consistently to keep the thrust correct in the right place to hold the speed... y ou really work in here with the smaller details of flying the aircraft skillfully. You are tempted to slight pitch up for the flare, but that is not a good thing to do, as when you reduce the thrust the nose goes up anyway, so you have to control the forward speed and so the pitch to have only a 3º touch up altitude rather than the 5º, three times I have done this and always missed the 3º bar, so I still need to practise a better lower nose down pitch flare to get it perfectly right. On reviewing, it's not too bad an approach, but I think I can do better... on the flare thumb disconnect the AP on the yoke, and let the 146 settle nicely... ... once down you pull the AirBrake lever full rearwards to get maximum braking from that split tail and huge lift spoliers on the wings... .... they are very effective as well, but there is no roar from the reverse-thust, just you silently losing the speed, with a progression of the brakes to slow yourself down, you can check the brake temperatures as well on the rear of the pedestal and switch on the brake fans if they are all getting too hot! Cleanup the aircraft and head for the gate, then do the shutdown list.... done. Liveries There are 10 -100 liveries including, Air France Express (G-JEAT), AirUK (G-UKPC), British Aerospace demonstrator (G-SSSH), Dan-Air London (G-BKMN), Formula One Flight Operations (G-OFOM), Jersey European (G-JEAO), Pacific Southwest Airlines (N246SS), United Express (N463AP)... The two Queens Flight; RAF Statesman 1980s (ZE701 – Queen’s Flight), RAF Statesman modern (ZE701 – Queen’s Flight) are also counted because they are -100 airframes. CLICK to ENLARGE! There are 7 -200 liveries including, AirCal (N146AC), Air Canada Jazz (C-GRNZ), American Airlines (N699AA), Continental Express (N406XV), QantasLink (VH-NJJ), SN Brussels Airlines (OO-DJJ) and USAir (N165US) There are 3 -200 QT (Quiet Trader) liveries, TNT Airways 1990s (G-TNTA), Ansett Australia Airlines Cargo (VH-JJZ) and Titan Airways (G-ZAPR) There are 3 -200 QC (Quick Change) liveries, TNT Airways (OO-TAZ), Titan Airways (G-ZAPK) and RAF C.Mk 3 (ZE708) There are 7 -300 liveries including, Aer Lingus (EI-CTO), Air New Zealand (ZK-NZN), Ansett Australia (VH-EWM), Astra Airlines (SX-DIZ), British Airways (G-OINV), Flybe (G-JEBC), KLM UK (G-UKAC) There are 3 -300 QT (Quiet Trader) liveries, ASL Airlines (EC-MID), Australian Air Express (VH-NJM) and TNT Airways (OO-TAD) ________________________ Summary The British Aerospace (BAe) 146 is a short to medium range airliner. Faster and bigger than a regional turboprop, but smaller than a standard airliner, and the 146 was manufactured from 1983 until 2002 with just under 400 airframes. The aircraft was offered in three variants, the 146-100, 146-200 and 146-300. The equivalent Avro variants were RJ70, RJ85 and RJ100, plus the QT "Quiet Trader" and QC "Quick Change" variant. Powered by four small Avco Lycoming ALF 502 H engines that produced 6,500lbf of thrust each. There was a standard configuration of 5 abreast seating, although a high density 6 abreast configuration was also available. This is the highly anticipated JustFlight version of the BAe 146, but not the is not the first RJ or 146 released for the X-Plane Simulator as that notion easily goes to the "Avroliner Project". Released by JustFlight originally for the P3D platform, the aircraft has been redesigned for X-Plane by the renowned X-Plane developers Thranda Design with extensive systems and performance enhancements and with more features than the P3D version. Priced just under US$75.00. The JustFlight BAe 146 is in reality great value for the category the aircraft is placed in. There are not only the three series variants of -100, -200 and the larger -300, but variants of the -200 QT and QC, plus -300 QT, -200 in a RAF Military QC airframe and two Queens Flight -100 with infrared countermeasures, count them, there is eight different variants of three different airframe sizes, and that is a lot of aircraft for just one package alone. The extensive manual is a deep 247 pages of systems and features, not just a system, but reproductions of authentic systems that requires study and operation... so the package is a "Study" grade and Professional aircraft to learn and operate. All major systems are covered from Fuel, Fire, Hydrolics, Air-Conditioning, Electrical, APU, Pressurisation, Iceing, Oxygen, Master MWS - Warning systems, Engine Air supply, Communication systems, Authentic Smiths SEP 10 Auto Flight systems and extensive features of Thrust Modulation System (TMS) and AviTab menu and intergration. All external and internal modeling is excellent, high quality liveries and lots of perfect detail externally, internally the cockpit is of perfect detail and immersion including for excellent VR (Virtual Reality), with moving armrests, chairs and even a pop-out third jumpseat. The cabin is although is a little lo-res and basic, but still better than the no cabin on the P3D version, QT Cargo has huge detailed door, and two menus service all opening doors, AP pop-ups, Quick start, checklists, TMS pop-up, basic weights and fuel loading. Both Internal and external (complex) Lighting and fully developed 3D extensive sounds are exceptional. Comments include no physical GPU (strange on an aircraft in this category), the mentioned internal Lo-Res and detailed cabin with no night lighting, and to note the aircraft is very complex and a little heavy on framerate, also the X-Plane replay is average. Finally is the built in basic Laminar Research FMS system is in reality out of place in this extensive cockpit. But a custom FMS system is coming (very soon) and as a free upgrade... and that installation will certainly make this aircraft an even more authentic experience. Certainly extensive in pretty well any area you would want to delve into, just pick one and be absolutely blown away by the depth of this Bae 146 Series from JustFlight. We expected it to be good, but it delivers extensively as a very deep but authentic simulation. But be aware, that depth of systems and operation, does require time to learn and be put into practise, there is a lot of areas to cover and a lot to learn to get the best out of these 146s, certainly it is no, drop in and fly (unless you want a lot of alarms in your ears), but again that is the aim of this very high level of study simulation aircraft, the skill level is high as well and you will need to commit to the aircraft to get the very best out of it... do that, and you will get an exceptional simulation in return.... Absolutely Highly Recommended. ___________________________________ Yes! the British Aerospace 146 Professional by JustFlight is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : BAe146 Professional - JustFlight Price is US$74.99 Features Include: Highlights 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 featurr 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 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, windsscreen 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 Sounds Studio quality Lycoming ALF-502 engine sounds, recorded from RAF C.Mk3 ZE708 Over 450 flight deck sound effects recorded from RAF CC.Mk2 ZE701 Detailed audio equipment such as the APU, brake fans, electrical circuits, hydraulic equipment and much more Distinctive flap retraction/extension airflow 'howling' sound More than 520 sounds samples in high definition with accurate 3D placement. Pushing the limits of FMOD 1.08 sound system with more than 150 sound tracks being played at the same time with no virtualisation. Full 7.1 surround sound support via FMOD, with 3D positional sound for VR users Extremely detailed external sound system: - Takes into account distance, speed, altitude, temperature and air pressure, just like in real life - Accurate touchdown sound based on impact speed - Multi-directional sound during fly-by and camera location on external view - Realistic runway roll sounds, complete with periodic bumps that depend on lateral runway position - Realistic wind sound that reacts not only to the speed of the aircraft but also how the wind is interacting with the fuselage (AoA, side slip etc.) - Realistic ambient sounds which replaces the default X-Plane sounds with a high fidelity FMOD sound system recreating the atmospheric effect, such as rain, birds, thunder etc. Interior and cabin sounds: - Passenger sounds, based on aircraft weight, which react according to your flying style. Passenger cabin sound changes as you move around, as if you were inside the real plane. Lighting Full HDR lighting with gimballed lights that can be aimed and dynamically illuminate whichever part of the cockpit is aimed at Independent lighting controls for Captain and First Officer Dimmable integral lighting for each panel, accurately dependent on corresponding electrical bus Dimmable dynamic flood and storm lighting for a highly immersive and customisable night environment (more than 12 individual light sources including entry, lap, sill and flight kit) White and red flashlight for night operations Accurately simulated exterior lighting including dynamic wing, logo and runway exit lights, and taxi/landing and navigation lights with different intensities Strobe lights with customisable strobe flashing pattern All exterior lights, including navigation, strobe, ice, exit, logo, landing, taxi and beacon lights are fully HDR with dynamic spill light, illuminating ground and scenery objects, as well as the aircraft itself. Other Features Comprehensive manual with tutorial, FMC guide, procedures, limitations and handling notes Payload manager for realistic fuel and passenger loads AviTab (third party tablet plugin) compatibleGoodway compatible Multiple interior and exterior viewpoint presets PSD paint kits included (free separate download) so you can create your own paint schemes You can take a look at the full detailed PDF manual here! Requirements X-Plane 11 CPU: Intel Core i5 6600K at 3.5GHz or faster 8GB RAM or more DirectX 12-capable graphics card from nVidia, AMD or Intel with at least 4GB VRAM (GeForce GTX 1070 or better or similar from AMD) Windows 10 / 7 / Vista / XP, MAC OS 10.10 (or higher) or Linux 2GB hard drive space Release and Review Version 1..0 (April 28th 2021) Installation and documents: Windows download is via an .exe installer does the full install and expansion of files in the X-Plane/Aircraft folder at a full installation of 3.63gb. Mac and Linux is a download File (no download size is provided). All updates or even downloads can be done via the Skunkcrafts updater. AviTab Tablet Plugin IS REQUIRED to use with this aircraft. Documents Extensive 247 page Manual is provided. Incuded are extensive system details, Procedures and Flying & Handling notes. Flight deck Audio guide and Laminar Research FMS Manual. JF_BAE146_Flightdeck_Equipment_Audio_Guide.txt EULAstandardcommercialandacademic2019.pdf FMS_Manual.pdf 146 Professional X-Plane manual.pdf Livery images were courtesy of JustFlight ________________________________________ Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton 30th April 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  Review System Specifications:  Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 1TB SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.53 Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 Scenery or Aircraft - LSZH - Airport Zürich v2 by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$27.99 - EGGD - Bristol International Airport by Pilot-Plus + (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$22.95