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Addon Package Review : Airbus A321 NEO by ToLiSS The Airbus A321 is a stretched version of the venerable Airbus A320, and part of the same family. The A321 fuselage was lengthened by a 4.27 m (14 ft 0 in) plug ahead of the wing and a 2.67 m (8 ft 9 in) plug behind it, so that the A321 is at 6.94 metres (22 ft 9 in) longer than the A320. The length increase required the overwing window exits of the A320 to be converted into door exits and then also being repositioned in front of and behind the wings. To maintain performance, double-slotted flaps and minor trailing edge modifications were also included, and the undercarriage was beefed up to carry the higher weight. ToLiSS introduced it's version of the Airbus A321 not even a year ago on the 28th February 2020. this aircraft was a follow on from their earlier and ultra successful Airbus A319, the full release review of the ToLiSS A321 is here. Aircraft Review : Airbus A321-231 by ToLiSS Successful is an understatement for these ToLiSS aircraft, they are done by a master of Airbus systems and flying perfomances, but there is also some very clever ideas in the setup and options available, if you want a pure Airbus machine then you can't go past a ToLiSS Airbus, but I will admit the FlightFactor A320 Ultimate is as good, and in some areas even better, but then it should be as the single most expensive aircraft in X-Plane, so the ToLiSS comes in a fair bit cheaper, but as good in value for money in it's systems. On the said release, ToLiSS noted that further variant's of the A321 was likely to come in the future, and here it is in the Airbus A321 NEO package, and this is a most wanted option on the A321 aircraft, the extra NEO add-on package is costed at $29.95, but you will already need to have the updated basic ToLiSS A321 package to use it. NEO is "New Engine Option", or the more modern new-generation engines developments like with a larger by-pass ratio (around 10-11:1. ) and Geared Turbofan (GTF) technology. Installing the NEO Package The NEO option download is 266.30Mb and comes with three folders in "Liveries", "Objects" and "Plugins", that are merged with their same folders in the default ToLiSS A321 root aircraft folder, if requested you overwrite the current files. Start up X-Plane and select the A321 (there are three versions of choice in; Hi-Def, Std Def and XP10), when the aircraft is running in X-Plane then go to your TISCS (Toliss Interactive Simulation Control System) or menu and select the "SOUND ADDONS" page and insert the provided Authorisation Key, then "Activate" the license. The aircraft will reset, but I still recommend a restart from the desktop, it is not really required here, but I always like a clean load of the systems. Liveries are download separately on the same page you download the aircraft, there are three airbus house liveries that cover the NEO, LR and XLR variants. Most if not all of the NEO changes are on the TISCS "SITUATIONS A/C CONFIG" page... ... under "Engine Type" there is now a list of four engine types up from the original two; IAE 2533-A5, CFM56-5B3 and now you also have the NEO versions of PW1130G-JM and CFM-LEAP1A33... The AUTO mode can also be selected so the engine choice and aircraft configuration is reflected via the livery choice. We will first see the original two engine options (called CEO or Current Engine Option) as available on the default A321 package. IAE V2533-A5 - 33,000 lbf (150 kN) CFM56-5B3 - 33,000 lbf (150 kN) Now we also have in the NEO package the two new NEO (New Engine Options) PW1130-JM ""PurePower" engines" (PW1000G series) - 35,000 lbf (160 kN) Physically the Pratt & Whitney PW1130 engine is HUGE, massive compared to the CEO engines, with a 81 in (206 cm), 20 blade fan diameter. This version is the ultra high-bypass version, with a bypass ratio of 12.5:1. This is a geared turbofan, with a 3:1 gearbox between the fan and the low-pressure spool, and each spins at its optimal speed: 4,000–5,000 RPM for the fan and 12,000–15,000 RPM for the spool, the high-pressure spool spinning at more than 20,000 RPM. The 30,000-horsepower (22,000-kilowatt) gearbox is designed as a lifetime item with no scheduled maintenance other than changing the oil. CFM-LEAP1A33 -32,160 lbf (143.05 kN) can sustain 35,000 lbf (160 kN) The LEAP is a greater use of composite materials, with a blisk fan in the compressor, a second-generation Twin Annular Pre-mixing Swirler (TAPS II) combustor, and a bypass ratio around 10-11:1. The fan diameter is 78 in (198 cm). The engine also uses ceramic matrix composites (CMC) to build the turbine shrouds, and all these technological advances are projected to produce around 16% lower fuel consumption. When you switch to either of the NEO engines, then so does the TISCS then to change the menu to give you more options... You get two extra submenus in; A321 NEO SUBVARIANT and DOOR CONFIG... A321 NEO SUBVARIANT This menu option has four choices; AUTO, NEO, NEO LR and NEO XLR. The NEO option is basically the default NEO version, and the best way to explain the variants is to look at the A321's fuel tank arrangement. Also there is a corresponding livery provided for each noted variant. NEO In the NEO version there is a maximum fuel load of 23160 kgs, with the use of the two rear tanks of 2440 kgs each, the front tank is empty. This tank arrangement gives you a range of 4,000 nmi (7,400 kms). Recommended engines are the PW1130G engines in this configuration. NEO LR In The NEO LR (Long Range) there is a maximum fuel load of 25800 kgs, both rear tanks are still 2440 kgs each, but now the forward tank is used with another 2440 kgs. This tank arrangement will still give you a range of 4,000 nmi (7,400 km), but you can carry an extra 1.5t of extra payload, or around an extra 15 passengers. Recommended engines is the CFM-LEAP engines in this configuration. NEO XLR In the NEO XLR (Extra Long Range) the maximum fuel load is now 31020 kgs, a single rear tank can now carry 10,010 kgs, and the forward tank has still the 2440 kgs. and a range of 4,500 nmi (8,300 km). Recommended engines are the PW1130G engines in this configuration. You can set the options of extra fuel tanks as you wish via the "NUMBER OF ACTS" (Aircraft Centre Tanks) in the menu, from no extra tanks (None) to all three tanks on the XLR variant, if you choose the "AUTO" it will select the right ACTS to the variant or airline (via the livery). Airbus has focused the LR and certainly the XLR at the now "Middle of the Market" segment and as a replacement for the aging Boeing 757 Series... Airbus is marketing the aircraft with a 164 seats, with 100 nm more operational range than the 169 seater Boeing 757-200W, with 27% lower trip costs and 24% lower per seat costs. It opens up those extremely long and thin routes that are too small for an wide-body aircraft, say a A330-200, but is perfect for the "point to point" market, of say the east coast of the United States to Western Europe, and it here the aircraft is becoming quite successful. Boeing has proposed a few marketing ideas for this segment, the Boeing New Light Twin (NLT), New Midsize Airplane (NMA) and even a re-engining of the Boeing 757... in the Airbus LR or XLR, you already have an aircraft for the said segments, note that the NMA was to be also a replacement for the Twin-Aisle Boeing 767. DOOR CONFIG Second new option on the NEO is the "DOOR CONFIG". Here you can adjust your options on how you want your NEO doors to appear... ... again the "AUTO" setting can be set to do this automatically to the Livery or Airline. There are four options in; Classic, Dual OWE, Single OWE and No Door 3. Classic The classic door arrangement gives you four doors, with the two central doors, one forward of the wing and one over the rear of the wing, inside they are covered by the seating arrangement Dual OWE Second option is the "Dual OWE (or Over the Wing Exits), this arrangement also includes the large 3(rd) door rear of the wing. Single OWE Third option is the "Single OWE (or Over the Wing Exit), this arrangement also includes the large 3(rd) door rear of the wing. No Door 3 Last option allows you to remove the third door, but it still leaves the Dual OWE exits in place... ... internally the seating arrangement is adjusted with this option to cover in the gap were the third door is installed. The door (Exit) arrangement is shown on the now enlarged (Ground Services) "Aircraft Doors" menu, there are now eleven doors to reset! The doors not being used are then blanked out, as in the past I have noted that I am not a big fan of the "Auto" mode here, at least now you can save the door arrangement of your choice under the "Situations" save, but the menu will still state the "Auto", so in the end you have to still adjust them manually, but I still seem to be forever closing the doors. ToLiss is not known for their extreme modeling, more a "workmanlike" is probably closer to the fact. The NEO engine designs are all very good, but certainly not in that ultra detail level, but then, the designs have certainly got better over the years, but still in some areas like with the interior of the thrust reversers (on the CFM-56 it looks like a block of concrete?), it is still quite wanting, But the interior of the engine inlet and blade design is very good but basic on the PW1130G, but far better on the CFM-LEAP. A note that the geared NEO engines do have a slightly odd fan effect when at idle and even when throttled up, as the fans run forward then slow down then recover a forward speed, and don't run in a continuous forward motion, this cyclic action is quite hard to replicate, but not too badly done here. Both internal NEO engine thrust reversers are actually quite good, but again the LEAP is slightly better. Sounds are quite good with each engine with specific TSS sounds, and yes I like them, startup sounds are very good, a nice modern style whine to running, and the two new NEO engines come with accurate thrust values and realistic fuel burn. BlueSkyStar do have soundpacks for both the IAE and CFM engine versions, which are both extremely good, if BSS do do sound packs for the newer NEO engines, that would be extremely interesting, personally I think that yes they will do them. A note on the startup, in that with the PW1130G there is a Pre-Cooling phase when starting the engines, this will activate when flicking the engine start switch and it then goes through the cooling procedure... it is noted on the ECAM and E/WD, and there is the option to do a "DUEL COOLING" engine procedure as well. "Dual Cooling" switch is on the lower far right of the OHP (Overhead Panel) and only shows when you select the PW1130G option. Activating the switch will do Pre-Cooling to both engines at the same time, even though you are only starting one at this point. When starting the second engine, it actually will not engage the start procedure directly, but still work out the time lost in waiting to start the second engine and then does another brief Pre-Cool before start procedure now begins (to balance the lost temperature). The "Cooling" procedure feels very, very authentic, with great system detail. Another feature is to use is the ECON FLOW on the OHP. “LO” or “ECON” Pack Flow reduces pack flow rate by 25% (with an equivalent reduction in the amount of air taken from the engines). This mode can be used on flights with reduced load factors and may be considered with higher load factors. In either case temperature variations within the cabin may develop but these can be minimized by cycling between economic and normal modes during the flight. Single pack operation is generally not recommended. The effects can be seen on the "PRESS" page on the E/CAM, (engines have to be running). Another note is that the Flap arrangement changes if you select the XLR version, as you lose the inner secondary extended flap. That covers the NEO upgrade... the changes (update) to the default Airbus A321 are set below in v1.2... It is important to again note that this default version v1.2 IS REQUIRED to install the NEO upgrade. The biggest visual change is the under carriage has been completely remodeled, mostly to make the wheels and tyres wider and more authentic. To note both the A321's original undercarriage for the LR and XLR was beefed up to carry the extra MTOW that became over 100t, so these changes are fitting in that aspect. Update v1.2 notes include; There has been a complete rework of engine failure handling: ECAM actions and speed target rework, and a beta target added, failures are accessed by the TISCS "Fault Scenarios" page. The option is now there to use imperial units for FMGS, weights and cabin temperatures, in three choices with "No", "Auto" or "Yes". There is also Improved lateral control laws for better handling during engine failures, and the added injected faults are now also available when you do a situation save. The logic has been changed for the AC power supply to the system 1 fuel pumps. Direct supply from GEN1 now depends on the GEN 1 LINE switch as it should, and the ILS tracking has been retuned in LOC and G/S modes. A full v1.2 changelog is attached below. The super long A321 cabin looks and feels different, it isn't as it is exactly the same, but somehow that blueish tint seems to have gone? A321 NEO in flight To be honest I can't really do a full flight review of the Airbus A321 in it's NEO form.... as there is not a lot of performance data currently actually available. For one ToLiSS notes that the data for the XLR variant is still very scarce (not helped by the grounding of aircraft for most of 2020), but again notes that when more substantial data does become available the engine and fuel flow performance will be adjusted to match (I doubt that ToLiSS would be that way, way out anyway). My own route data comes from SimBrief, but currently the tool only has the CEO versions as a performance guide, they do note however that A321 NEO performace data will be added soon for the NEO aircraft, I will be then in a more better place to test out a long route flight on that data later in the month, but again I think it will quite close to the official data. As a side note, ToLiSS notes that the CEO fuel burn for the existing engine types (IAE + CFM) has also been refined for this update. Pushback from stand 56 at EGGP (Liverpool) was on time, you have to start the engines almost as soon as the pushback starts to take in the consideration of the Pre-Cooling factor for the PWG, and it can still take in a fair few minutes, but I love the feature. Even at idle the aircraft wants to move forward, so a little braking is required to hold the aircraft still or control the taxi, in the taxi the speed is actually not too bad. The difference in NEO engine sounds are quite contrasting on takeoff throttle position, smooth for the PWG and more "ARGGGH" for the CFM-LEAP. Then the moment you realise of how good the ToLiSS Airbuses really are, it is in their feel and the feedback as you adjust your bank and turn to keep you directly into the flightplan, these aircraft are simply amazing to fly manually, and to fly well. Like I have pointed out in the past, if the aircraft does "Exactly" what you tell it to do, then it makes you a better pilot, it is surprising how many aircraft in simulation still don't do that, but you are safe in these ToLiSS machines, be cause every command you give the aircraft through the controls or settings, then it will reflect your flying skills, and I really, really like that... Sounds are again a point in difference. In the cockpit you get the same sounds in the cabin, no difference at all, which is a little disappointing... externally the sound dynamics are better as they will give you direction changes if you change your angle to the aircraft, the PWG is nice and smooth, and the CFM-LEAP is as noted far more dynamic in operation, yes I would still rather have the BSS custom sounds for the bigger and more sonically varied detail. Taxi and cruise sounds are very good, but on the climb-out you get this "washing machine" tumble sounds, I am not really a fan of this phase for either engine, at least they don't last in the cruise, which they did in very early ToLiSS aircraft sounds. Basically the service to Barcelona (768nm) was routine, a good thing or a bad thing... good, because it means everything is working as it should be... ... I am not going lie, I miss my data cross-referencing through-out the flight, fuel burn and numbers keep me happy and I want to see how these New-Gen NEO powerplants can be more frugal and by how much. You do feel that extra power, not excessive on this flight as I am heavy at 82976 kgs (215 Passengers), but my fuel load is only very light at 10,100 kgs... yes I am dying for a longer flight in this aircraft. Entrance into LEBL is via PUMAL 3N, into Ruwnway 02, and the last turn to final is quite tight. I am going to do my trick in that I will arrive at the SANIS waypoint at 1,700ft and under the ILS threshold, this gives the aircraft time to readjust it's course before collecting the beams. Final turn at SANIS and the A321 aircraft feels super nice, right 1,700ft altitude, correct speed at 185 knts, flaps 3 and gear down... I'm already working out new routes, Miami from UK, Baku from Germany... Africa, yes Africa, all possible with the XLR. Finals and I'm ready for landing... X-Plane gives you some excellent scenery now, Barcelona is one of my favorites. Over the 02 threshold and into the flare, nice... .... thrust reverser sounds are very good, roary... ROAR! Love it. The NEO Fuel Burn was 4,980 Kgs for the 768 mn, SimBrief shows 5,900 Kgs for the CEO, so a 1,000 Kgs less, interesting. As a note I did another route LEBL (Barcelona) to LOWW (Vienna) with the CFM-LEAP1A33 engine option, it was amazing on how different the powerplant was from the PWG... ... this time I flew under the ToLiSS livery, and love the blackout new generation windows, but now wish for a NEO airline livery, a NEO paintkit for the A321 has been posted here; ToLiss A321 1.2+ Paintkit With Neo 2.1 Thrust power felt different, but it was LEAP sounds like noted that were very different in feel and aural satisfaction, they do sound really nice in this configuration. Overall it was a routine flight, if quite perfect to Vienna... I was really, really now loving this aircraft in the it's amazing NEO guise. Again the fuel burn for the 855nm flight and very similar to the EGGP-LEBL service, was around the same 1,000kgs less with the LEAP1A33, but to be confirmed with better data when available... happy pilot, happy life! Overall the NEO option is amazing, and a really nice to have option, and it certainly gives you a far better and varied choice, the point is most of the future flying will be with these new-generation of engines, so they are going to be around for a very long time. _____________________ Summary ToLiSS is the word for Airbus aircraft in X-Plane. First they delivered an amazing Airbus A319, but in early 2020 they also delivered an Airbus A321-231. Here is a expansion package that adds on to the basic A321 aircraft of the new engine generation of a ultra high-bypass, PW1130-JM ""PurePower" engine and the CFM-LEAP1A33 engine, both of the original CEO IAE V2533-A5 and CFM56-5B3 engines are also still available. Other features are the choice of Neo, LR and XLR varaiants with their various fuel tank arrangements, different LR/XLR door arrangements and matching liveries. "Pre-Cooling" for the PWG engine procedures are also a excellent system addition as well as ECON FLOW, pack flow system activation. The basic A321 package (as well as the NEO) gets an updated undercarriage upgrade as well as a load of bug fixes and general system tuning. It is noted you will need the basic v1.2 A321 package to install the NEO add-on pack. Sounds of the new engines by TSS (Turbine Sound Studios) are very good to okay, dynamic externally, but not internally, I would still recommend any BlueStarSky sound packages for the ToLiSS aircraft, and hope BSS do their custom sound packages for this new A321 NEO series. To most, ToLiSS airbus aircraft are created by a master airbus craftsman, they are system wise simply brilliant and the very best Airbuses you can fly, not only in automation mode, but in a manual flying mode, with great if brilliant feedback and feel. System depth and failures are also second to none (only the FF Airbus A320 Ultimate competes), but if want some of the best European airliners to fly, then that is what you have here. Again this is another if futuristic addition to the Airbus series, and the same NEO package should also be made available on the A319 in 2021... Gotta have, and gotta fly, you just can't go past this NEO update if you have the ToLiSS A321... Simply Brilliant ______________________________________________________________________ Yes! the Airbus A321 NEO Option by ToLiSS is Now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : A321 NEO ADD-ON to the ToLiss Airbus A321 Price is US$29.95 Features Include: Highlights: 2 additional engine types for the ToLiss A321 The 3 subvariants of the A321 NEO family: the NEO, the LR and the XLR 3 new exit configurations aligned with the Airbus Cabin Flex concept for the A321 family. New engine types CFM LEAP-1A33 and PW1130G-JM Accurate aircraft climb performance as function of engine selection Appropriate fuel burn as function of engine selection System adaptation to reflect new engine functionalities, such as PW engine cooling cycles Detailled 3d model for each engine model Specific TSS sound sets for each engine type A321 NEO subvariants Configurable to A321 NEO, LR and XLR Fuel system adapted to the individual configurations Specific weight envelopes for each subvariant System specific changes per subvariant, e.g. single slotted flaps for the A321 XLR with improved aircraft drag Airbus Cabin Flex exit configurations Choice of three additional exit configurations Maximum number of passengers changes in accordance with the selected exit configurations Doors system and DOOR page indications adapt to exit configuration Separate 3d models for each exit configuration Requirements The Airbus A321 by Toliss is required for this add-on to work Download Size: 267 MB Review and Version 1.2 (December 15th 2020) This is an Add-on to the ToLiss Airbus A321. It requires a legitimate copy of the ToLiss Airbus A321 to work. Installation Download of the Airbus NEO A321 Package is 279.30Mb and it is merged with your current ToLiSS basic A321 package. On start up you will have an activation screen presented to enter your Serial Number (Key), and then press the "Activate" bar to authorise the aircraft. I recommend to restart the aircraft from your desktop to realign all your plugins and load the aircraft cleanly. Documents There is extensive full installation instructions on how to set up the NEO aircraft conversion and to set your X-Plane settings (commands) and addons (Joysticks/Throttles) and other 3rd Party items in the ToLiSS A321 V1.2_SimulationManual. v1.2 Changelog A321_v1.2_changelog.txt Extra Airbus system information is highly recommended and SMARTCOCKPIT is a great place to start. ________________________________________ Addon Package Review by Stephen Dutton 15th December 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews Review System Specifications: Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - GeForce GTX 980/SSE2 - Samsung Evo 1Tb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 10 Global ver 11.51b3 Addons: Saitek x52 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini : Headshake by SimCoders : Avitab (required) Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 - EGGP - Liverpool John Lennon Airport by DigitalDesign (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$24.00 - LEBL - Barcelona Airport XP11 by JustSim (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$21.00