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  1. Aircraft Review : Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation X-Plane over the years has had quite a few parallel developments. The same airport, or aircraft, or even plugins from different developers. One such double up was from Supercritical Simulations Group and X-Crafts with the Embraer E-Jet. In context they were both very, very similar. But the X-Crafts didn't have a custom FMS (hybrid Tekton), so the balance went over to the SSG version to be more authentic with a working more authentic Flight Management System system UFMC by Javier Cortes installed... this was X-Plane 10/11. Coming now to X-Plane 12, and both developers are again releasing Embraer aircraft E-Jets. X-Crafts was the first only a month ago with their X-Craft E-Jet Family for X-Plane 12. Here is the Supercritical Simulations Group version, but now called under another name "Flight Procedures Simulation" (FPS), it is in many ways the same aircraft that was earlier released by SSG in X-Plane 11. However in X-Plane 12, both are also very unlike in their earlier X-Plane 10/11 releases. As there are significant changes to both developments. X-Crafts have notably gone upmarket with their E-Jets... both with quality, systems and price, as their E-Jet Family is all brand new from the ground up, expensive as well, but well worth the investment. The SSG aircraft now FPS, is also a totally different animal, or should I say basically the same aircraft, but just highly upgraded to X-Plane 12. Don't get me wrong, there has been a very big significant upgrade here, as we shall see, so it is not all just a quick flick makeover to convert the E-195 over to X-Plane 12, but notably the aircraft still stays in the same price range of the middle-fifties, making it a more attractive investment. So if you were baulked at the X-Crafts price barrier, but still wanted a nice E-Jet to fly then here is a great option. So that is the aim of this review, is it a cheaper, a good option to the X-Crafts E-Jets in quality, systems for the lower price. This is the E-195 variant, earlier there were two, E-170 Evolution and the E-195 Evolution variants for X-Plane 11 from SSG. The Evolution moniker has been dropped, and the E-170 variant will follow later in a few months. First impression of the FPS X-Plane 12 E-195 is impressive. I will note that X-Plane 12 aircraft all have a very different sheen than the earlier X-Plane versions, so you already expect that visually. Here however the textures have been heavily processed, with a professional texture shader (with a glossy-shader material) and that creates a MSFS like look and feel in X-Plane 12. Its effective here as the E-195 looks very nice in the Munich sunshine. The E-195 is the longest variant in the E-Jet Family, 38.66 m (126 ft 10 in) long, but with a shorter range than the E-190 (150 Nm), but has the larger seating capacity 124@29-31 split. Let us get the question out of the way first. One you are not going to get the same X-Crafts insane detailing and animated features for around US$20 cheaper, but it is still very very good here... But although you still have the earlier SSG modeling, there has been a lot of more attention to the detail done, in that, it lifts this E-195 far higher in quality than what we had before, so it is not just a straight conversion, as for all the higher quality conversion work that has been done here, and it is noticeable... for the price here you get great, even exceptional detail value, and that is what we are looking for. Glass is very good, slightly dark, thick, with a nice rainbow effect in the glass. The surround metal is more darker as well, and the rivets are nice highlights, not the double hex screws on the X-Crafts. Side windows are again nicely done, with a nice plexiglass scratching realism on the surface. Metal wing leading edge is nicely done, however extended the detailed internal mechanism is now looking a bit clunky... ... that is not to say it is good, because it is, it's just a generation behind the current formula of detail, in these Intricate leading edge, flap and airbrake combos... underwing access panels are nicely done, as are all the discharge wicks. Flared winglets are also well carved and designed. All wings has new more variable Wing Flex animation for more realism. Engines are the GE CF34-10E with 20,000 lbf (89 kN) thrust, compared to the 8E on the lower E-170/175 with only 14,200 lbf (63 kN), both engines are equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Here the pods are great, certainly the mawl of the inlets with twin, high-bypass blades that block out that see-through effect (in other words well done). Rear exhausts have the required chevrons around the heat effected exhaust cone. The engine overall look and the feel is all very well done. Undercarriage is the original, very good then, very good now... Well conceived with highly detailed strut body and piston, all hydraulic lines are well detailed, as are the scissors.... the side strut, although well done, is still left hanging in the wheel bay with no upper connection... this connection should have been fixed by now... worse it is highly visible from many visual angles. Tyres and hubs are well done, but all very sparkly clean for an exposed wheel (à la B737), internal wheel bay is very good in detail. Nose gear is more completed and fully detailed, probably the highlight of the detailing. All doors open, Entry 1 and 2 left side, and Service doors 1 and 2 on the right. Both cargo doors (Fwd/Aft) are well represented as well. However the opening handles are more clunky in detail, but still pop-up and the vent flap moves as well... Sadly missing here was that original lovely airline branded boarding stair? can we have it back please! Chocks are noted, but not represented on the wheels, a nice Ground Power Unit (GPU) is also supplied. Cabin Cabin is all new... The earlier XP11 version of the E-175 cabin was a bit awful, not very nice at all, so thankfully it has had a big overhaul in here, with the cabin itself being new in XP12 as are the seats. Chairs are all new with a metal base and arms, upper luggage bins are all also new with working Seatbelt/No Smoking signs and lit EXIT signs. Only niggle are the differently set window shades from open to closed, I like to choose my view out of the cabin, and this aspect restricts my choice to only a few (open shade) window views? Highlight here are the excellent seat back screens, they change logos with the livery change, as does the different airline seating colours, all very effective in the cabin... ... Front and rear galleys are basic, but still very well done, modern in detail. Overall it is a huge improvement than the earlier version. Cockpit First observation in the cockpit that it is the same one as in XP11. But actually it has been totally remodeled and detailed, when you compare the differences, they are actually quite different. Even the earlier ugly rusted glareshield feature has been removed. So it all now doesn't feel so dated at all, but fresh and X-Plane 12 modern. Both pilot chairs are all new, with better sheepskin covers and hard-back rears, sadly the armrests are still fixed. The rear bulkhead is also completely different, and so is the entrance/door, and a modeled (non-working) jump seat on the bulkhead, overall all the cockpit fixtures and textures have been totally redone with the same colour, you feel it is the same until you look closely at the detail, then you realise it is very far removed and of a far better quality cockpit than before. Note the nice stitching, and netting rear on the pilot seats. EFB Tablet One thing you DO notice is the new tablet EFB (Electronic Flight Bag). Before all options (doors, weights, settings etc) were on the Central column "Adjustments Display", I was not a big fan of the idea, hard to use (very small text) and placed mid-screen, I didn't like it at all. The new Tablet menu screen on the left side is a huge step forward and it is easy to use. When turned off you can then use it as an AviTab, via the button top right of the screen. (plugin required) The Tablet can be added or removed on the First Officer right side, but you have to select (On/Off) EFB or AviTab from only the left side tablet, but once the mode is selected it works or the tablets mirror each other. You have the option to hide the right hand side tablet as well. There are ten icon options across the top of the tablet... The first three options cover the GPU, Chocks and Cabin Lighting selections. The Circular arrows icon is the INIT page that has three options; "Unpowered Cold & Dark", "Powered at the Gate" and "Unpowered And Parked". You select the flight state, then press the green button left to activate that state.... it works well. Fifth Icon is the External options page has two options... "Doors" and "Pushback". You can open and close all six doors noted, but only from here in the Tablet and not manually. The Pushback mode is a bit limited... There is only the option shown to pushback in reverse or forward, brakes have to be off to activate and there is a procedure to follow to turn. Sixth icon is the Payload page... here you can add in your Passenger, Cargo weights... It is a single entry (Payload) entered via the keys 1K/100/10 then you load the aircraft (or compute the load)... you can change from Kgs to Lbs in the lower centre icon. Seventh Icon is Fuel. Basically the same as the payload page, you enter your Block Fuel load, then on pressing Fuel/Defuel it will load/unload the aircraft, the page will also display your fuel trip prediction (but only when you have programmed the FMCU. Eighth icon is the Takeoff Speeds. Here you select the Takeoff mode, or derated power setting (T01/T02/T03) then flap position. It will insert the current (airport) outside Temperature º and the set Gross Weight, then compute the V Speeds, CofG (Centre of Gravity) and Trim position ready to insert into the MCDU Takeoff page. All three set up pages (Payload-Fuel-Takeoff Speeds) are extremely easy and fast to do, so setting up the aircraft isn't going to take ages if you just want to fly. Ninth icon is the Sound page. Seven sliders cover three areas of Engines, Flight Deck and Environment, with a Master slider right. Final and tenth icon is the Options page, divided into "View Options"; Hide Yoke Captain side, Hide Yoke First Officers side, Hide Outside Pilot Figures and Show F.O. Side Tablet. "System" Options include; Link Baro Instrument Settings and Pause 10 NM to TD, again the Weights from KG to Lbs can also be changed here. Obviously the Tablet is a huge change from the fiddly window idea, far better for access and for setting up the aircraft... it is simple but also well done to use. Systems The SSG X-Plane 11 E-Jet series had already some very comprehensive built in systems. So all of that aspect is still in here as well, in fact there was not much to add as it was already in place. Power on via Battery power and the systems show the "Backup Mode". Only when you add in the direct power (GPU/APU/Engines) that you get the fully loaded system. The Embraer E-Jets systems use the Honeywell Primus "Epic", Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) glass cockpit, Five displays across with outer main displays PFD, MFD (Multi-Functional Display) and the middle EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System), that all pop-out via the left corner screw, are scalable, also home cockpit ready. The PFD displays information such as airspeed indicator, altitude indicator, ADI, HSI, vertical speed indicator, radio aids, autopilot, flight director and radio altitude data. In the event of a display failure, information will be automatically presented in the MFD. The display controller portion of the guidance panel allows the selection of PFD HSI formats, navigation sources, weather display, and bearing pointer selection. The MFD presents map and plan navigation formats and various systems synoptic formats that are all selectable. The MFD provides redundancy to display both the PFD and EICAS formats based upon reversion. It also has the ability to display maintenance information. The MFD consists of menu softkeys, on the top and bottom of the screen, which are used to select formats and to control the various systems. Note the lower screen "Vertical Profile display", SSG was one of the first to include the feature on their aircraft, and it is very good here. There are three option menus; Map, Plan and Systems... And six system displays; Status, Flight Ctrl (Controls), Hydraulics, Fuel, Electrical, ECS and Anti-Ice. The EICAS displays engine and system parameters such as flap, gear, spoilers and trim positions, total fuel quantity, APU and environmental information. The EICAS also displays warning, caution, advisory, and status messages. In case of failure in the EICAS display, its information may be presented in the MFD by appropriately setting the reversionary panel. An automatic mode de-clutters the EICAS after takeoff. De cluttering occurs 30 seconds after landing gear and flap/slat retraction. The Advanced Advisory System logic has more than 100 messages in logic, comprehensive, and I love the block alert system flashing. Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU) The FPS E-195 uses the same FJCC UFMC by Javier Cortes. Refined over the years, it is pretty solid now. Based on the EPIC Load 27 FMS it is easy to use, but has also quite a lot of functionality built in... both left and right UFMC units are individual and can be used separately by both pilots. The MCDU allows FMS control, radio tuning, PFD radio tuning display setup, manual engine rating selection, engine takeoff data set and avionics display setup and test. There is also a UFMC pop-up, activated by the F8 key, there is none for the right hand display. If you haven't used the FJCC FMS before, then you have to install the UFMC data (folder). This is stored in the X-Plane12/Custom Data folder... FPS supplies a full AIRAC-2303 set of data, in the "Documentation" folder, and the full contents are all to be put in the said Custom Data folder... notable is that if you use Navigaph or Aerosoft data, then a separate update link is required to this folder to update the monthly AIRAC. Also notable is that the Flightplans for the E-175 are stored here as well, again if you use the Simbrief Downloader, an address link is required to direct the file to the right flightplan folder. The Flightplans also use a unique .ufmc lauguage, so you have to specific with the flightplan. PERFORMANCE PLAN pages show fuel predictions for each waypoint, CLIMB/CRUISE/DESENT/LANDING pages show full flight performance and detail, including vRef landing speeds... PROG (Progress) page is highly detailed as well. The flight system provides Full TOGA/VNAV/LNAV/RNAV/LOC/GS/Missed APPR functions. SPEEDS with CLIMB/CRZ/DESC with a custom Autothrottle system, Autoland 1 CATI,II and RNAV (non precision) approaches are also possible. All speeds thoughout the flight phases can also be changed into the flight plan and on the performance pages. Overhead OHP is the same, but textures have been redone, even the roof panels are different in design. So you do have this fresher update feel in the space... Centre console is also retextured, but similar to the original, and still has those lovely ceramic throttle levers, why change what was very good in the first place. The lovely Ram Horn yokes are also still perfectly nice. They come with built in (working) Trim switches and a working PTT button. As noted you can hide one or both Yokes via the Tablet. Overall feeling is that the aircraft, externally has been updated over the original modeling, Internally all of the cabin has been totally redone, and so has the textures and details in the cockpit. Systems have had a revisions, and all the original comprehensive details have been retained.... so the FPS E-!95 is certainly far more than an upgrade to X-Plane 12, in reality it is a very comprehensive overhaul of the original X-Plane 11 version, to a point that was needed as the XP11 version is now over four years old. I doubt that these comprehensive changes will go on to the XP11 version to update it, its too X-Plane 12 in feel and use for that, so the E-195 here does feel nicely fresh and new to move on forward in the newer X-Plane 12 version. Lighting First lighting impressions are excellent. You have a lot of adjustment via five knobs at each end of the glareshield, and three (MAIN PNL/OVHD PNL/PEDESTAL) knobs on the OHP, plus the standard DOME switch. DOME lighting is very effective via two (bright) lights in the roof rear, each pilot also get a MAP light which is also very good in feel. You can also tune everything down to just the instruments, of just find a little down-light to see the console switch gear, perfect for night landings or takeoff phases... its very good, looks very nice at night as well. Cabin lighting feels still a bit of a WIP, were it has been done, it looks good, but the lighting only currently only fills out the centre area of the cabin, both galleys are lit, but not over so... more work is needed here. You switch on the cabin lighting via the button on the Tablet, off and you get only the floor light strips. A small annoyance is the red beacon flashes in the cabin? Externally it is very good. All lighting has been switched to the X-Plane 12 lighting, so it is more XP12 LED in feel than before... Navigation, Strobes and beacons all look good, as does the Tail lighting. There are Runway turnoff lights, and effective Wing/Ice lights. Three landing lights covers both wing and nosewheel positions. ________________________ Flying the Flight Procedures Simulation E-195 Flight today is from Munich (EDDM) to Oslo (ENGM), and we are fully loaded and ready on the ramp... I check the bleeds, but being a E-Jet it is all just a turn of a switch on the upper centre console, odd in a way as you do have a BLEED switch on the OHP far right in the AIR/COND panel, so you have an inclination to press it on, and to shut off the PACK valves, that you would usually do in a say a Boeing... but you don't have to do that here, as a clean blank board is the best way to start the engines. The "Pushback" system is a little tricky until you work it out, devilish simple when you do... Release the brakes activates the Pushback mode, then press the pushback option... the tricky part is having the tiller selection up, to steer the aircraft yaw (Joystick), if not you can't steer. Pushback is a little slow, as there is no speed option, but effective in positioning the aircraft on the line, reverse, turn, then forwards to park Just using the park-brake will disable the pushback... you soon get to like it, betterpushback is however not an option here as the plugin does not work with this built in system and the old silly stick pushback is gone as well, of which I really didn't like at all. Engine start is next, and you flip the cover and turn the switch to START, simples... then watch the ITT (N2) kick off and start the start procedure, which is very long here and takes around a minute per engine, as you hear all the separate processes come in and the fans starting to twirl, its all very, very good and very authentic in realism, as you see the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) in operation. Sounds are important of course... The X-Plane 11 SSG aircraft used the "Dreamengine" sound plugin, and even then the sounds felt older and slightly dated. That plugin has gone here, to be replaced by full suite of FMOD2 Sounds and they are really great, with those engines sounds with the many startup stages that are recorded from real engines. That explains the perfect if long start up procedure, as they are timed in to the real thing, and it is very good aurally to listen in the full startup experience. The adjustment of the sounds is excellent as well, with great sound control, to get the right external, internal feel. Set your TakeOff references (Bugs), Flaps (2), TO.PITCH (0.7) on the trim, again nicely laid out for ease of use. APU off, throttles up and your moving. I'm set at 47,518 Kg at my Takeoff Weight, not totally full but still a fair payload, so a little bit of heft is needed from the engines to move you off the line... ... I'm going to honest with you is that I didn't like the very jiggly tracking, the aircraft struggled to stay straight on the taxiway until I changed the yaw sensitivity way down to give me more leverage on my yaw axis, then it felt fine and was easy(ier) to track down EDDM's long taxiways. Note the impressive wing flex as you taxi from the cabin windows. The idea of these E-Jets is to be very easy in all operations, to load, to set up, to start and to fly, in reality they are a true Airbus... but from Brazil. Power up and throttles to the full position, it doesn't matter to regulate the power as one, you have set that in the FMCU, and two, the FADEC system will keep the engine thrust within the limits or 92.0% (TO.1). The CF-34 wail is nicely heard in the cockpit, a totally different sound as it is in the cabin, but highly realistic, so all sounds are doppler and 3d. Tracking is down the middle, better with the sensitive yaw adjusted, and callouts "V1" and "V2.. Rotate", at 147+10 Knts, and you pull cleanly away from the runway into a "positive climb". Nice gear sounds as they retract. The flight model is an upgrade of the earlier E-Jets Evolution Series, yes it has been revised for X-Plane 12 and yes it handles and feels very good, because it always was. There is a full "Custom Fly By Wire" system that provides flight protection limiting and control laws according with the FMS Protection System logic, again very Airbus. So refined is the word here... but of the few older foibles have however sneaked through. Climbrate can be as high as 2,000fpm, but your going to set it around 1,600fpm, at this setting the engines do surge a lot in the climb phase under the Autothrust, never really hitting the speed marker? I climbed to FL340 (34,000ft), then increased the speed to m78. In doing so increasing the speed, the aircraft also climbed again at 1,000 fpm? above the set FL340, I arrested it at 35,000ft, were as the aircraft dropped back to it's earlier height of FL340? so a bumpy ride for the passengers... I do remember this aspect from the SSG X-Plane 11 version, and it has not been tuned out here either. So if you are well versed in the older aircraft then you will either feel right at home, or want a more stable platform, depends on your nature, but once at FL360, at m78, the aircraft settled down with no throttle hunting and held the set settings. Max. speed / Ceiling Mach .82 @ 41,000 ft (12,000 m), Cruise Mach .78 (447 kn; 829 km/h)... the E175 range is 2,300nmi / 4,260 km. Several likes... The Progress strip on the MFD above the Vertical Profile, the Progress info is also available on the MCDU (PROG), The "Bank", is set on the Rate of Turn indicator in the PFD, is another neat detail. The office and the nice cabin... you can go a long way in this aircraft as you cruise along, the sounds help, as they feel very good. TOD, or "Top of Descent". You can descend far faster than your initial climb to the service flight level, here at 2,000fpm, then I'm selecting STAR LUNI4L into RWY 01L ENGM Oslo. Descent is to first around 15,000 ft going into the approach phase, and it is good to follow the height limits on the chart, because there is some hilly terrain around Gardermoen... If you are used to the SSG XP11 version, it will all feel very familiar, but there has been many improvements in the flight dynamics to meet the X-Plane 12 performance, so it all feels a bit sweeter than before. Note the nice route curves if you go down to a very low map range, that aspect is still very SSG (B748), and it's in here as well, and very welcome. Spoilers flip up on turns to help the dynamics, a neat detail, but authentic to the aircraft... down goes the gear on the final turn to 01L (OGRAS), and the wind noise increases. As I enter the beams (110.30 OBW) I'm adjusting the speed.... I'm still on Autothrottle, and as the aircraft goes into the 300 fpm descent, it finds it hard to find a level, first too slow (nose up), then too fast (nose down), even when I set the required speed (133knts) full flap.. so you adjust, and that makes it even more unhappy, as the throttles hunt between too much, and too little... so it's hard to find a clean solid line going down and with slight nose up on the final approach... certainly a manual approach would (and it did as I tested it) be better and you can fine tune or hold the power more steady, than using the Autothrottle in this critical approach phase. So again that hunting from the earlier XP11 aircraft needs a bit more fine tuning. Finally I got the speed to approach descent right at around 127 Knts... over the fence! Thankfully the speed stays solid in the critical flare phase, slightly more nose down than I would like, but still easily arrested with some nice pitch in the flare to get the rear wheels to touch first... Spoilers activate automatically with pressure on the wheels, then retract again when wheel speed is below 45 kts for at least 5 seconds. Reverser sounds are also excellent, you can hear them roar from the cockpit, and they are very effective as well. Autobraking was set to "Low" as I like a lot of foot braking control in the final landing phase, this aspect also worked very well, with a nice braking feel. So you have an odd combination here. A lot of the original feel of the older SSG version is mixed in with the newer dynamics of X-Plane 12, overall it works, certainly to the positive if you are very well used to the older aircraft, but good in another way that it feels different in using the aircraft with the better X-Plane 12 dynamics, as for all the conversions between the two X-Plane 11/12 versions it is felt more here than on any other aircraft, again that is too the positive I must stress. Welcome to Gardermoen! Liveries There are a couple of liveries from the older X-Plane 11 batch, namely the Alitiala and Lufthansa Regional. The rest are new in Delta (fictional), American (why not American Eagle?), KLM, LOT (Polish), TAP and a blank. Missing however is the nice Dolomiti. Another livery that was in the XP11 version but not here, is the JetBlue livery that was originally default, but that one has been added to the X-plane.Org, it is a very nice new version of the JetBlue colours, so it is included here. __________________ Summary You can't avoid the fact that if you wanted to fly an Embraer E-Jet in X-Plane, then the choice was between X-Crafts, which didn't have a custom FMS (but used the hybrid Tekton), so the balance went over to the other SSG version to be more authentic with a more working Flight Management System system UFMC by Javier Cortes installed. Both were good in their various ways. Coming into X-Plane 12 and X-Crafts have notably gone upmarket with their E-Jets... both with quality, systems and price, as their E-Jet Family is all brand new from the ground up, expensive as well, but well worth the investment. With SSG or "Flight Procedures Simulation" (FPS) as they are now called, they have released a variation of the same aircraft that was earlier released by SSG in X-Plane 11, but the cost is basically the same around the middle-fifties in your dollars This is an upgrade to their E-195 (the E-170 will follow in a few months), but it is not just a quick conversion. There has been some very significant attention to the detail here including; better (shiny textures), total revision of the cabin to a far more modern one, new cockpit textures and detail, in fact most of the internal areas are all different and upgraded. kept however is the strongest area of an (well tried and tested) UFMC and excellent deep systems with a fully detailed EICAS, Vertical Profile and Graded Turns. So there is already a lot of system depth here, and it's all been updated and refined for X-Plane 12. Changes also in a new pushback system that is easy to use, but kills betterpushback in operations. Exceptional are the new sounds (now FMOD2, not the older dated "Dreamengine" sound plugin, and a big difference they are in real recordings of the E-175, startup procedures and in flight sounds. Wingflex is also all new, and again very good, on the ground and in the air. All lighting is now X-Plane 12 dynamic, with great highly adjustable cockpit lighting, and external lighting, new cabin is however about half completed, but looks good to date. Yes in some areas the older XP11 SSG E-195 creeps through, older modeling of gear (good! but unconnected arm?) and under wing Slat/Flap detail, and in some areas there is a performance noticeability with hunting throttles, on the climb and in the final approach phases, FPS have also taken away those lovely branded stairs. So overall if you want a thoroughly decent E-Jet, without the extreme price, then you can't go past this significantly upgraded E-Jet 195 from Flight Procedures Simulations. You could say it is proven and tested, certainly for the older users of the SSG version, who will quickly settle in and be comfortable in their newer updated surroundings. It is great if a clever upgrade to already a good aircraft, and older purchasers of the previous E-Jets by SSG can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off, and that is a great value deal to upgrade the aircraft to X-Plane 12, and all it's modern features. So the E-195 is highly recommended for that great value price, without sacrificing the quality. __________________ Yes! - the Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : FPS Embraer E-195 Price is US$55.00 Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or Mac (not compatible with Linux) 8GB + VRAM Minimum Download Size: 718 MB Current version : 1.0 (June 30th 2023) Owners of the previous E-Jets by SSG (only the SSG version) can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off. Please find the discount code in your original E-Jets Invoice. Designed by Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG) Support forum for the FPS 195 Download The FPS E-195 is a 858.17MB download with an installation size of 2.17Gb, in your X-Plane Aircraft folder, this is an X-Plane 12 aircraft only. All updates are via the built-in Skunkcrafts Updater Notable for new users, is you have to install the FJCC FMS data in the Custom Data folder, install instructions are provided and so is a more current 2303 AIRAC data pack. Documentation There is excellent full coverage documentation and installation details for the E-195, including; AIRAC_2303_manual_install.zip Custom_Commands.txt FPS EMB 195 - Lights and Switches v1.0.pdf FPSEmbraer_195_Changelog.txt Installing the FPS EMB 195 .pdf _____________________ Aircraft Upgrade Review by Stephen Dutton 10th July 2023 Copyright©2023: X-Plane Reviews Review System Specifications:  Windows - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD Software: - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane Version 12.05r1 Plugins: JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99 Scenery or Aircraft - EDDM - Munich Airport by ShortFinal Designs (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$26.95 - ENGM - Airport Oslo XP by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$24.95
  2. NEWS! - Aircraft Released : Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation In the E-Jet sphere, then X-Plane had two sources for these iconic Brazilian Embraer Jets. Both basically were released in time with each other, one was from X-Crafts and the second was from the Supercritical Simulations Group. In context they were very similar. But the X-Crafts didn't have a custom FMS, so the balance went over to the SSG version to be more authentic... this was X-Plane 10/11. Moving into X-Plane 12, and a few months ago X-Crafts released their exceptional X-Craft E-Jet Family for X-Plane 12. With this release though and now with a custom FMS installed, the X-Crafts E-Jet Family was moved into a higher, far more significant expensive category. It is certainly worth it as the review confirmed, but with this new release Embraer E-195 from Flight Procedures Simulation (FPS), this is the original SSG E-Jet 195 version upgraded to X-Plane 12. Notable is that Flight Procedures Simulation is now shifted away from Supercritical Simulations Group to form their own design studio, but basically the aircraft is still SSG in feel and form. Important to note is the cost, as noted the X-Crafts are now higher graded into another category, were as this FPS E-Jet is still in the original US$55 dollar category, interesting because if the X-Crafts E-Jets are a bit out of your financial reach, then this E-Jet option will fill in the space in your hangar for an E-Jet, plus it comes with a 20% off offer for previous purchasers of the SSG E-195, makes it another entrance to X-Plane 12 E-Jet flying. Notable is that the aircraft is for X-Plane 12 only, if you want the X-Plane 11 version, then you need to use the older (SSG) version. The feature list is looong This model is a complete X-Plane 12 upgrade from the iconic Ejets Evolution Series from SSG. The Aircraft is modeled as near as real one with many details such as a satellite antenna and various vents, drains, etc. Detailed landing gear/gear doors with proper animation. Opening doors. Wing flex animation. Custom external lights design with realistic width, direction and range. External 3D cockpit and cabin with enhanced graphics and physic based rendering lights. Detailed overhead, pedestal, forward panels with most animated buttons, knobs and switches. Custom Systems description Brake system with autobrake and antiskid. Functional gear steers system. Hydraulic system logic. Electrical system logic. Bleed system Logic. Air Conditioning system logic. Advanced Advisory System logic with more then 100 messages logic. Lights switch test system. Fire test system. Fire dish with bottles system. Display brightness. Wipers with speeds and real recorded sounds. Flight Model The flight model is an upgrade of the iconic Ejets Evolution Series. Custom Fly By Wire system that provides flight protection limiting and control laws acording with the FMS Protection System logic. The advanced and accurate flight performance, engine thrusting, consumption, speeds etc. Flight Management System - FMS Navigraph supported flight plans and AIRACs. High resolution displays and Pop Ups with the real font type. IRS implemented with automatic alignment function. Navigation Display (ND) with accurate functions, TCAS and default XP Weather radar. Complete custom autoflight system management with FMA - Flight Management Annunciators. Primary Flight Display with Pop Up. EICAS Display with Pop Up. Complete synoptics pages with Pop Ups. Aural system advisory and EGPWS implementation. Functional Stby Instrument. Dual integrated Custom MCDU similar as the real one load 25 and/or load 27 with : • Nav page with FIX and HOLD functions • Plan page • Progress Integrated Fmod Sounds Engines sounds with many stages recorded from real engines. Cockpit sounds recorded from real cockpit as rolling and windy stages. Integrated Tablet with option functions and Avitab support. Initialization with 3 states. Ground operations (Doors, pushback truck, Workable GPU, weight mode) Loading (Payload sheet) Fueling (fuel loader with trip prediction) Sound Options integrated with Fmod sounds. Preferences (Pilots outside, Yokes, Tablet, baro, TD) Autosave for Preferences and Sound mixer. Documentation FPS EMB 195 - Lights and Switches Guide v1.0 Installation Guide Commands List Navidata files Liveries with the package American Airlines KLM CityHooper Delta Connection Alitalia Cityliner Lufthansa Regional Additional liveries will be available for download on the forum Designed by Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG) Support forum for the FPS 195 Images courtesy of Flight Procedures Simulation ___________________________ Yes! - the Embraer E-195 by Flight Procedures Simulation is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : FPS Embraer E-195 Price is US$55.00 Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or Mac (not compatible with Linux) 8GB + VRAM Minimum Download Size: 718 MB Current version : 1.0 (June 30th 2023) Owners of the previous E-Jets by SSG (only the SSG version) can get this FPS E-195 for 20% off. Please find the discount code in your original E-Jets Invoice. ___________________________ News by Stephen Dutton 1st July 2023 Copyright©2023: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
  3. Aircraft Review : Boeing 747-8 Inter v2 Anniversary Edition by Supercritical Simulations Group There was a discussion early in 2019 that listed all the aircraft that you could fly long haul in X-Plane11. When you added it all up the list was not great, in fact for a leading simulator you could even call it deplorable and that was with just cause. It is not that X-Plane doesn't have long haul heavy aircraft as we do, but the fact is that there are very a few available as the FlightFactor's Boeing 777 series is now very out of date, Peter's Airbus A380 is even older and not what you would call study grade, The FlightFactor A350 is not in the game either with a non-realistic FMC (but that is promised with a fix soon), and you can't count the Magknight B789 Dreamliner in this grade either (but it is getting better with each update)... so just what is left, well the old Boeing 747's and Laminar's default B747-800 and the Supercritical Simulations Group Boeing 748i International. Even when the SSG B748 project was announced and released six years ago I had my doubts, The last installment of the Boeing 747 legacy has not had a good reception into service and has not created many sales, as four engined aircraft are just too inefficient against the current highly evolved large twins. But although the numbers are against such aircraft as the A380 and the B748, we still need their huge carrying capacity. So why did SSG go for the B748 and not the Boeing 747-400 which would have been simulator wise a much more profitable project, we will never know that answer except for the premonition six years ago at the B748 may have been the replacement success the airlines needed, but mostly it was just there and created to try and counter the A380 sales market. Problem was the SSG B748 version took a long time to sort out, but the last "Legacy" v1.9.2 version finally got there as it was a quite nice simulation. However there was also the announcement of the coming a totally new v2 of the Boeing 747-800 series from SSG. The release of the v2 was around early November 2019, but the release was a disaster, one look at the aircraft and it felt very under developed and didn't deliver or was even close to the step upgrade that everyone expected... I liked the systems and the detail, but a lot of the aircraft felt very underdeveloped. The reactions were swift, or was it just the usual case of not refining before releasing or just releasing an aircraft too soon, maybe, but released in early January 2020 is this updated version two v2.1.1, but what I would call the real release version of the SSG B748 aircraft. So there is a lot now riding on this release and there was only really one way to find out the true depth of the aircraft and that is to fly it in it's designated environment and on a long, long haul or Flight no. LH779 from WSSS - Singapore to EDDF - Frankfurt. We are currently at FL340 (34,000ft) at .m84 and just off the coast of India at BUBKO waypoint, with a tik-tok number of 4294 nm to go to FRA. SSG promised with the v2 a completely new design, but on the first look last year it didn't exactly stand out and blew you away. But that has now been rectified in this update, my guess it was the Physically Based Rendering materials were not quite adjusted right and didn't give off the quality sheen SSG were looking for, but that new fuselage and it's extreme detailing now looks sensational and highly detailed. The huge General Electric GEnx--2B67B engines rated at 66,500 lbf (296 kN) are also new and look excellent. You only have to look at the earlier GEnx version to notice the vast differences. Wings are beautifully proportioned, modern and again all new, wing flex is also redone and is highly realistic. So the high quality detailing is everywhere and this SSG is now certainly the best B747 modeled version we have ever had externally in X-Plane. So the design has moved a considerable way forward. This is brilliant of course but it all comes with a heavy cost in your frameweight. The original B748 version was quite if very heavy on your processors, this v2 version is damn right bloody heavy on your framerate, so you will have to make compromises. I am running here a very basic version of X-Plane, this version has very few plugins, and absolutely no additional extras or changes, the only addition to the basic X-Plane download is my usual Custom Scenery Folder and Global Scenery folder, so the framerate is off the wall. Biggest hit is to the graphics, I had the "Texture Quality" set to "Maximum" but the overload when the SSG B748 when loaded was to high at 9246 mb and over my 8K card limit, so I had to accept the "High" setting for the flight to reduce my TQ down to 5944 mb, which is still high in this setup condition, then add in any heavy scenery and you can see the problem. So there is a cost here for all that higher quality and detail. SSG promised also an internal 3d cabin, and that is what you get, but only on the upper deck and not the main deck, and that didn't make the punters happy at all... The upper class hump is nicely done, and it isn't actually a big area and very Concorde like in size (yes I have flown up there), detail is good without being outstanding and feels modeled and no textures, but I do like the curve and the details of the inter-deck stairs, all the lower deck areas are only contained around the doors. Most of the venom of the first v2 release was targeted at the cockpit. I myself thought it also wasn't particularly different from the original, although it has been completely redesigned from scratch... IT IS better, and actually really well done, but in certain lighting conditions the panel and the cockpit can still feel dull, but in the right lighting conditions you can see the textures and semi-gloss of the panels... and very nice they are too... ... so the textures and shine are correct (just a touch more shine would help though) as the detail is quite brilliant, so what is wrong? The clue might be in the Yokes... they feel bland and dull, and mainly because of the detail is in the same colours as the yokes themselves, springs are brown, switches are brown, plates are brown, so it all forms into one big browness. More colour, detail, slight wear here and even a false clipped on nav-chart/flap speeds would break up the modeling blandness... ... anti-reflective instrument displays may be real, but some shine and depth on the glass would breakup that all the same semi-matt feel in the cockpit (aka FlightFacor B757/B767)... so overall it is really good, but these finer details let the visual realism down, but don't get me wrong, this updated v2.1.1 version has already been better refined and it certainly is far, far better than the Nov release, but it still needs that extra ummph to get this cockpit feel finally across the line like we detailed with the yokes. But you are not short of detail, this is a fully operational Boeing 747 as every switch and every button works, it is impressive, and confusing on how much you have to know to operate this aircraft at the same time... Let us go back now to two hours ago at Singapore Changi T2 Gate E8 Part of the promise with the new cabin was also opening external doors, yes the earlier v1 B748i had opening doors but with only one or flip open everything, which wasn't very authentic. Here now you have full door control via a Menu page on the long-winded named Integrated Standby Flight Display (ISFD), and very good it is. Any open doors are also shown on the centre lower Multifunction Display (MFD)... The door internal detail is very good, the cargo door mechanism as a focus is excellent in detail. My only surprise is of the still not available GPU (Ground Power Unit) which a big missing item for me that can also be selected via the GND SERV menu. There is a pushback feature as well, but I use BetterPushBack. Other ISFD Tablet menu items include Fueling and Payload... The Fueling page is excellent and I really like the quick and efficient selection of 100, 10, 1 input system which is very quick and easy.. there is an "SET PREDICTION" option that will set the fuel to the passenger load and weight, but I use SimBrief for a more accurate route fuel number. SSG note the fuel loads in the tanks at a quicker fast speed, but it feels too quick at this flow rate and doesn't feel realistic, maybe a more lengthy realistic loading time for the realists, but also a quick refuel option for the impatient. Payload information is a very similar set up and again excellent for weight input and final load and aircraft weight, 25%,50%,75% and 80% loadings are one button push easy, again inputs on both are quick and efficient. Sound can be adjusted by a sound board, with complete options of High/Low Isolation and Quiet engines, reset to default is also available... Sounds themselves are of a very high grade from Turbine Sound Studios (TSS). Options include Show/Hides of Yokes and Rain Effects (Librain) and there is a Kg/Lbs selection, and time to align for the gyros in Real or Fast selections. A checklist reset is also available on the tablet. So it is a very good if simple (to the good) Menu, but the interface design is a bit average to the high quality of the aircraft, the left interface panel looks all a bit rushed and Windows 95 in that aspect. FMC is very good by FJCC (Javier Cortés) and has a huge depth of detail. First on this v2 is that both the Pilot and First Officers CDU's are now both independent of each other, and both have pop-out's on windows F8 (Pilot) and Alt F8 (FO). You can input directly by pressing the KEYS selection, but note it does freeze the background for movement. I also found the pop-ups would also input the wrong key selection, with sometimes some very disastrous results like when inputting the FLIGHT No. it instead went into the DEST slot (and ruined the flightplan) and the COST INDEX went into the FL/LEVEL slot, so for these odd keys I used the facia direct version which is fine. Overall the FMC depth as noted here is very good, with great detail. You do get a few helpers on the PERF INIT page but otherwise it is all input, and the manual "FCOM" guide is very good as a teacher, but note to load the passengers and cargo and fill the tanks before setting up the FMC PERF pages. There are however still a few Cortés quirks to work around though if you have to edit a route. The FMC can mix itself up and not add in or takeway waypoints with perfection, and this issue only resets itself when you do the completed edit, so that can make it frustrating. If you are used to Javier Cortés FMC's you know how to route edit around the issues, but it would be hard for a novice on these study grade FMC's. There was another issue with the long route FMC flight plans returning an FULL error. As this is a very long haul I went over the 20 assigned pages and hit the issue, It was supposed to have been addressed in an earlier update, but it still blocked me and that is not good for an aircraft on primary long haul flying. My only choice was to reedit the flight plan to takeout multiple AIRWAY waypoints and make them DIRECT to get under the 20 page limit. Added features to the FMC now also include Route 2 functionality and the Diversion function. TERR function on the PFD (Primary Flight Display) is excellent and both PFD's are independently adjustable... ... over the six years of development the systems have had a lot of attention, the depth is is very deep and the warning system is a highlight of what is going on in detail. Fuel system with different pumps and tanks along with FUEL TANK/ENG logic is excellent, but remember the B747 is still a part manual aircraft, so in flight pump buttons and overrides have to be used. Air conditioning systems and logic is also highly evolved as is the electrical systems and on this v2 the IRS alignment process is now also available to use. The excellent FCOM manual covers all aspects of the systems and your interaction with them, and it is quite a lengthy read, but worthwhile to understand the full extent of system detail you have in the aircraft. Departure from SIN was excellent, Pushback was via BetterPushBack and note the APU exhaust effects from the tail. Engine startup is semi-automatic, with no separate bleeds shutoff like the older series B747's, Taxi feel is great, but watch your huge size. Once clear of WSSS 20R, it was a full loop around (AROSO 2A) to connect to SID REDUK route departure. One note was that the B748i at this 397,400 kg Gross weight and a route distance of 5707 nm it took a lot of skill to get the aircraft to it's first set FL340 (34,000ft) level, the aircraft needs careful timing of the Vertical Speed (V/S) and forward speed to climb up and abet slowly and it took a fair amount of time to do so, this is not a B738 is this modern Jumbo, but the feel and thought required took me back to the old days of fly cargo around the world in the old 747-200 Cargo series, and that aircraft was a serious challenge at max weight and a half to get the aircraft just off the runway, so that Boeing 747 heavy, heavy feel is perfect here. Once past India and into Pakistan the terminator line is getting more and more closer, we are at .m87 and FL380 (38,000ft) after burning off the takeoff weight of fuel, so we are now very fast and high... and night flying is here. Being comfortable at night is a big deal in long haul flying, because you spend a lot of time going from over many one time zones to the other. The lighting is very good but not perfect in the cockpit, I remember it being better on the v1. It all works but the details are not right. The STORM/DOME doesn't feel right and the two MAP lights on each side adjust, but the actual lights above you don't shine... and the rear cockpit light doesn't work either, so it all feels like a not finished WIP. Important though is that I did find that perfect lighting solution (above right) that keeps the cockpit lighting low and a panel to match, for landing the instrument/cockpit lighting setting here was perfect. The Upper class cabin's lighting is however not great... ... it looks like what it probably is, non-textured modeling and it doesn't look good at all, this is not a place to spend hours flying over half the world, externally it is worse again? The double-decker lighting is far too bright, and the main deck lighting of which I suppose is to match the brighter upper deck, but it all feel's like it is ten simulation years out of date... crossing the heavens at night the B748 looks more like a cruise ship than an aircraft? Tail logo lighting however is very good. Flying is impressive in the drivers seat and here are few notes. When the fuel tanks get low they pump up more fuel up from the reserve tanks, if switched off the system asks for the OVERD switches to be turned on, and when pumping you get these fuel flow direction arrows pumping away, seriously impressive... I always was also impressed by the bank adjustment from the switch to the route guide on the MAP/NAV display, adjust your bank and the line computes the new trajectory to match, it is all very good... .... MAP/NAV information can be data overload, but it is impressive here and certainly as good as any FlightFactor system, POS shows the nearest VOR, and DATA shows waypoint info. On approach to Frankfurt the V/S altitude target is a must have tool and here it is very good, Messages like this FMC VFL APPROACH mode are also very authentic... ... OVRD pump warnings are not what you want on finals, but they are noting the low fuel in the reserve tanks. External aircraft lighting is very good, the red strobes flash nicely off the engines and so do the strobes on the outer pods, wing lighting is also very good as is all the main landing lights... Finals and we coming in for a perfect controlled landing at Frankfurt FRA 07C, but on the ground I am not too sure about the forward central FG taxi light as it is very weak, but the side runway turn off lights are fine. THIS B748i is a VERY BIG aircraft to taxi around busy airports,and it is a tight fit to get all that the heft into the A23 Gate, so you have to judge and steer well to manoeuvre the aircraft correctly and then align it into position, and now back under apron lighting this Boeing really shines. Liveries There are currently six liveries in very high quality detail: SSG House, Air China, Air Force One, Boeing House, Korean Air and Lufthansa _________________________________ Summary In a review you can only show images and not every detail of a complete flight, but what really is the biggest consideration from simulation. It is to deliver that perfect gate to gate flight, and that is what you aim for, work for and determinedly keep wanting in every aspect of flying in a simulator, flying long haul is the hardest of all, but it is also the most rewarding... as more can go wrong or something can also easily ruin a great flight. But to achieve that ultimate simulated goal is not easy, as your computer has to be powerful enough (certainly in this case), and the simulator has to behave itself and the biggest factor of all is that the aircraft you are flying also works well, no bugs, no crashes, no bad programing and when you think how horribly complex this Boeing 748i is then and in that everything works perfectly then what is presented to you is some sort of god given miracle. The original v1 of SSG's B748i has had six years of development, the Legacy version showed all that refinement and the possibility of what the v2 could deliver. On release it stumbled, but I knew at the time how good the systems were in this aircraft, but this updated version now certainly fulfills out that earlier promise. The SSG v2 B748i is not perfect as I have pointed out in this review, mostly the missing main deck, the lighting and a lot of texture detail, but in every other respect this is a very proficient aircraft, the B748i flew nine hours perfectly from Gate to Gate and delivered an astounding simulation, Study grade, yes absolutely in that class as the systems have a huge depth. It also challenged my skills to deliver the aircraft to altitude but it also followed the SimBrief numbers perfectly, and right down to the perfect performance numbers (okay I used an extra 1kg of fuel for the long taxi and that heavy climb) but the numbers don't lie, the SSG Boeing 747-8 Inter now certainly delivers and currently it is the best long haul aircraft in the X-Plane simulator, that is now tested and proved within this review and with the B748 Freighter version coming very soon then that will be my long haul simulations wrapped up for a fair while ______________________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8 Inter v2 Anniversary Edition By Supercritical Simulations Group is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747- Inter Anniversary Edition Price is US$65.00  Features: Officially licensed by the Boeing Corporation. The entire external 3D model for v2 has been redone, including the following: All new fuselage closely modeled on the real one with added details Each door can be opened individually and is more detailed dded animations and details (almost all parts that can open/move on the aircraft are modeled). New external details such as a satellite antenna and tail camera New cut passenger windows instead of textures New vertical and horizontal stabilizers with added details New nacelles and engines with more details and new animations Reworked and more detailed landing gear/gear doors with additional animation Improved and more detailed leading and trailing edge flaps and added flap mechanisms Upper deck interior with seats/galleys and stairs to lower deck New wing flex and nacelle animations The textures for the entire aircraft have been redone to match the new model, along with decals for certain detailed areas, right down to most of the external placards, working closely with our technical advisors to ensure all the main details are present and that we have gotten them right. COCKPIT The entire cockpit 3D model has been largely redone and completely retextured. New overhead panel and buttons/switches New forward panel and buttons/switches New pedestal and buttons/switches/handles New miscellaneous panel and buttons/switches Side panels and window frames completely redone New cockpit seats Various added details SYSTEMS/FMC Almost all switches function properly and independently IRS alignment process implemented More realistic fuel system with different pumps and tanks along with FUEL TANK / ENG logic Realistic AUTOSTART and RUNNING indicators on secondary engine displays Improved and more realistic air conditioning system and logic Better track representation on ND Clock and chronometer on ND working like on the real aircraft More realistic baro pressure logic (STD, preselected, transition altitude) Captain and First Officer FMCs are now independent FMC FIX page added FMC Route 2 function added FMC Diversion function added Librain rain effects (currently not working on Macs) Skuncraft Updater Now with Skunkcraft updater. No need to download anything for updates, the plane will automatically be updated Requirements: X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Current and Review Version : 2.1.1 - (January 22nd 2020) Owners of the 747 v1 will see a discounted price once logged in into their account. No Coupon required. NOTE: Framerate requires a decent graphic card, minimum of 8gb is RECOMMENDED, so I would also recommend a power machine as standard.  Installation : Download is 1.13gb which is unzipped and is inserted in your Heavy Aircraft folder as: 1.40gb  Key authorisation is required.  Note: Curently the WebFMC Pro is not working with the new dual FMC units, a fix is beening done and will be published soon.  Documentation : includes  SSG 747-8 V2.1_Change Log.txt SSGCUSTOMLIST.TXT SSG License Agreement.txt librain license.txt SSG 747-8 V2.1 Quick Start Guide.pdf SSG 747-8 V2.1 FCOM.pdf  ______________________________________________________________________  Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton  30th January 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)   Review System Specifications:  Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.20 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini  Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro v1.07 US$69.90 : Traffic GLobal Plugin - US$52.99 : BetterPushBack - Free Scenery or Aircraft - EDDF - Airport Frankfurt XP11 by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$32.99 - WSSS - Singapore Changi 2.12 by TOD (X-Plane.Org) - Free   
  4. News! - Aircraft Updated : SSG E-Jets Evolution Series v1.6 by SSG When doing reviews you can usually do two reviews in one. If an aircraft review, then you can also check out a new scenery release, or if a new scenery then you check out a new aircraft or an updated version. Or you can just simply fly an older aircraft to a new scenery release to see how it performs after a fair time after it has been updated or released. It is in this last aspect last year I picked out SSG's Embraer E-Jet in it's Evolution Series, to checkout a new scenery release in Northern Italy. The route was quite simple and in reality it was just a hop over the Alp's into Italy from Switzerland, but as a simulation it was wrought with issues and a straight forward simulation it was not. This was significant because if you want a Embraer E-Jet then you have two choices with either the X-Crafts E-Jets or the Supercritical Simulations Group's E-Jet Evolution option. It has been over the years a Ding-Dong battle between the two series of aircraft and that is healthy, sometimes with X-Craft's superior modeling and quality, to the SSG's version of a more authentic Primary Flight Display and authentic Flight Management System (FMS). Currently X-Crafts held the lead again with a significant update recently, as the SSG version was feeling a little dated, but to note that X-Crafts are also totally redesigning their E-Jets versions, and with (finally) an authentic FMS, and hopefully and again (finally) an authentic PFD. I was left after that simulation a bit down. Of the two versions then the SSG was always a better choice and for the more expansive features and that authentic aspect, that made it in reality the better aircraft, but that flight showed the aircraft was also feeling very tired or worse extremely buggy. So here finally is an update to the SSG E-Jet Evolution Series, and to version v1.6. This update covers the full Evolution Series that includes both the E-170 Evolution and the E-195 Evolution variants. This new version v1.6 has drastically improved FPS, especially when using Vulkan/Metal, although it is also compatible with OpenGL, and the aircraft feels very different from before, notably the more fluid flight model that makes the experience of flying them feel different in a good way. This coupled with the improvements to their systems, automatic pilots, better Flight Management Systems and display screens based on the real aircraft and the flight characteristics in both manual and automatic flight are now quite impressive. But most of all those buggy, bugs have seem to be corrected or fixed. I did find a (very) few in programming the FMS, but nothing like the trauma it had to deal with last year... overall the aircraft performed extremely well on a service from LSZH (Zurich) to EBBR (Brussels). Changelog v1.6 Newer SASL3 plugin now implemented Improved FPS with Metal/Vulkan enabled Improved MCP manipulators Improved VR configuration New terrain map for the ND Removed incompatible features like loading FMS Plan and pushback truck object. Fixed engine TO flex temperature Fixed crash issue with ND range selection It does not look like a huge changelog, but it certainly hits the spot in every area that really counts... the E-Jet from SSG is now REALLY, really good again. It is recommended to do a full download from the X-Plane.OrgStore, and not use the Skunkcrafts updater, to updated this new v1.6. I did so and had no issues that a lot of users have had by download with Skunkworks, currently the update is only for Windows and Mac users. Currently also for a short time, the SSG E-Jet Evolution Series is on sale for US$34.95, and with a saving of 46% on the full US$64.95 price. Separately the E-170 or E-195 variants are also only US$29.95 each... Either way if you already own or newly purchase any of these SSG E-Jets they are amazing value and have been nicely updated to boot ... Highly Recommended. _________________________________________________ The Embraer E-Jet Evolution Series by Supercritical Simulation Group is currently available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Embraer E-Jet170LR Evolution Your Price:US$34.95 SALE US$29.95 Embraer E-Jet195LR Evolution Your Price: US$34.95 SALE US$29.95 Twin package of both advanced E-Jets by SSG is also available: E-170 Evolution E-195 Evolution Embraer E-Jets Evolution Series Your Price: $64.95 SALE US$34.95 Requirements X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac (Linux coming soon) 4 GB VRAM Minimum. 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.6 (April 17th 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.
  5. NEWS! - Boeing 747-8 Series Anniversary Edition v2.4 by SSG And they keep on coming... Again the Supercritical Simulations Group delivers another version update with another load of features. This time it is a small but still an expansive set of features, but moving forward never the less. This is version v2.4 Most of the v2.4 changes are in the cockpit. Again the cockpit textures are being renovated, this time with a nice PBR (Physically Based Render) sheen, it is hard to tell the difference but it is there when you get close. (note this area is still a WIP (Work In Progress)), so what you see here is not the final finished result. Noticeable is the (slightly) lighter framerate from the new textures, the original cockpit textures were found to be one of the culprits of the bleeding of heavy framerates. And one of the reasons the textures were having another overhaul. More noticeable are the new Tablets... The tablet now has AviTab built in, and activation is via the logo in the top right hand corner. The original Menu/Tablet layout below looked like this, quite basic in graphic design. The new Tablet version is of a far more better quality, and looks far better for it. The MODEL and VERSION are shown top left. The layout displays are basically the same, but better now organised into six main icons top and three icons left lower. Top Icons in order (LtoR); INITIALIZATION, GROUND SERVICES, PAYLOAD MENU, AIRCRAFT FUELING MENU, SOUND CONFIGURATION and OPTIONS/SETTINGS The three left lower icons represent, GPU (connect/disconnect), CHOCKS (place/remove) and RESET CHECKLIST (Checklist is built into the MFD (Multifunctional Display). INITIALIZATION : Represents the start state of the B748I aircraft, three options; Parked Cold and Dark, Parked Powered and IRS Aligned and Parked all switches off. GROUND SERVICES : Ground services is really the doors (open/close) menu, with the GPU state shown (still no external physical GPU though?) Shown here with the recommended JARDesign GHD active. PAYLOAD MENU : The "Payload" menu shows you your Actual Load and Entered Load... with final Payload/ZFW/Total Fuel/TO Weight, note that you can switch from Lbs to Kgs left lower right panel. AIRCRAFT FUELING MENU : Again the refueling menu is very familiar, with enter keys and the added EMPTY TANKS selection. SOUND CONFIGURATION : Not only is the Sound Configuration panel all new, but so are the actual sounds... and they sound absolutely fantastic, best aural is the new startup and shutdown procedures, well worth listening too. OPTIONS/SETTINGS : There are four VIEW options; Hide Yoke Captain Side, Hide Yoke First Officer Side, Hide Outside Figures and Show F.O. Side Tablet. Note that you can now actually hide just one yoke and not both. SYSTEM OPTIONS include; Fast IRS Alignment and Set Nav Display Heading Up. Notable is that on all menu screens your FPS (Framerate) is shown lower right corner. Again to note that everything here is still and feels a bit like a WIP, so expect more updates (Via the SkunkCrafts updater) Update v2.4 beta 1 -New tablet with same functions plus the inflight (not all finished). - New external/internal sound 3D and internal environment. - Now the fuel feed system is fully custom ( fixed eng 3 fuel intro). - Fuel loader load the reserve + main 1/4 as same as main 2/3. - Electrical tie don't opens if 4 engines is running ok. beta 2 - Linux version now in beta. - Fixed center fuel pump sasl error - Fixed APU not starting after landing or after turned off. - Fixed some fuel synoptics graphic. - Fixed some tablet issues. - Fixed weather map showing in wrong map. - Added a AP disengage command and virtual 3d spot in the yoke. - Fixed some sound issues. beta 3 - Update the rest of the actuators zones for a better 3d format, especially for VRers. - Fix engine generators not turning off with other power sources. - Fix custom timed instruments and lights not working in replay. beta 4 - Fixed Auto throttle bug. - Added AT engage desengage command to hardware and virtual on the TLA. - Added AT desengage message. - Added autopilot desengage message. - Fixed overspeed sound. - Remixed some engine sounds inn and out plus some other sounds like aircond. - Added overshoot weight max payload to both versions. - TCAS now shows over 20 acfs. FMC changelog due all beta phases - Cost index now can be zero. - Airport position init in POS INIT PAGE set the proper coordinates. - Fixed when select arrival, all data disappears. - First waypoint in a SID proper procedure. - Correct number pages and page numbers for LEGS and RTE page. - Proper use of Altitude restrictions during climb. - Prev and next keys work properly in legs and RTE pages. - At the STAR in the RTE page the waypoint is the last of the star. - Enter if cruise level at VNAV CLIMB and CRUISE PAGES. - Enter of speeds at VNAV PAGES. - Acceleration altitude included in takeoff page 2. - RNAV approaches more lateral accurate. - RTE PAGE sometimes glitches. - Save preferences and sound of the tablet. ________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8 Inter v2.4 Anniversary Edition By Supercritical Simulations Group is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747- 8 Inter Anniversary Edition v2 Price is US$69.00 Features  EXTERNALS Fuselage closely modeled on the real one with many details. Each door can be opened individually and is very detailed. Almost all parts that can open/move on the aircraft are modeled. Many external details such as a satellite antenna, tail camera (Intercontinental) and various vents, drains, etc. Cut passenger windows with “glass” panes. Vertical and horizontal stabilizers with added details, such as fuel vent (Intercontinental). Detailed nacelles and engines with many details and animations. Detailed landing gear/gear doors with proper animation. Leading and trailing edge flaps, detailed flap mechanisms and proper animations (such as partial retraction of leading edge flaps during reverse thrust). Speedbrakes/spoilers with accurate function and logic for individual panels. Interiors with seats, galleys, lavatory and crew rest, with stairs to lower deck and some animations. Wing flex and nacelle animations. Separate and animated windshield wipers with accurate timing and rate. Functioning Ram Air Turbine (RAT). Pilot figures (can be hidden). Animated Angle of Attack (AOA) vanes. Fans windmill when engines are off. Several blocked windows on the Intercontinental. Various cargo types on Freighter main deck. Visible fuel vapor during fuel jettisoning. Custom external lights design with realistic width, direction and range. COCKPIT Detailed 3D cockpit with enhanced textures and accurate differences between the Intercontinental and Freighter models. Detailed overhead panel with most buttons/switches modeled and working. Accurate forward panel with most buttons/switches modeled and working. Detailed pedestal with most buttons/switches/handles working. Detailed side panels and window frames. Detailed cockpit seats. Option to set up various panel states from “cold and dark” to “through flight”. SYSTEMS Flight dynamics tested by real 747 pilots and mechanics. Custom brake system with autobrake and antiskid, and hydraulic system dependency. Tailstrike protection. Gear system with sensed tire pressure, wheel temperature and associated advisory messages . Realistic warning/caution system with advisory messages at all 3 message levels with over 120 Messages. Hydraulics with system pressures simulated on all 4 systems plus brakes. Fuel system with opening/closing pump valves. FUEL TANK/ENG logic and warning, as well as fuel imbalance warning, and many others. Engines with fire bottle discharges simulated that empty when used. Fuel dump system. EICAS decluttering function. 3 radio consoles that can be used with any left or right channel COMM 1 / COMM 2 plus custom transponder panel. High resolution displays. Minimum callouts based on radio altimeter or barometric altimeter Display manager like in the real aircraft that shows over 10 synoptic pages in any MFD side and lower EICAS with electronic normal checklist. Lights switch test and dim implemented. Display brightness is controllable. Custom cockpit lights. External sounds (3D localized sounds) using the DreamEngine plugin. Fuel system with accurate tank loading. Detailed EGPWS implementation and displays. Realistic AUTOSTART and RUNNING indicators on engine displays. Realistic air conditioning system and logic. Detailed Navigation Display (ND) with many accurate functions like Airport Map, TCAS and Weather radar (default XP). Clock and chronometer display on ND. Detailed electrical system logic and switching. Realistic baro pressure switch logic (STD, preselected, transition altitude). Inertial Reference System (IRS) implemented with alignment function. FMC FMCs are modeled closely after the real 747-8 ones with most menus and functions implemented. Captain and First Officer CDUs. RNAV approaches (non-precision) implemented. FMC FIX page implemented. FMC Route 2 function implemented. FMC Diversion function implemented. Custom navigation data supported by Navigraph and Simbref. Tablet with extra functions, such as: Realistic fuel loader with FMC fuel prediction. Payload options page. Ground service and door control page. Wheel chocks are selectable. Sound control page. Pushback function that permits joystick control. Cargo main deck light control (Freighter). Requirements: X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac . (Linux not supported) 4 GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version : 2.4 (November 14th 2021) Support forum WebFMC Pro and "Ground Handling Deluxe" Plugin by JARDesign is highly recommended with this aircraft. ___________________________ Update News by Stephen Dutton 15th November 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  
  6. Update Review : B 747-8 Inter/8F Anniversary Edition v2.3 by SSG They made a promise, not a rare thing with X-Plane developers, but do they usually keep to their statements, most do, but a lot also fall far short of their high ambitions. One in Supercritical Simulations Group promised to deliver one of the most outstanding Boeing 747 simulations for X-Plane, it was at the time a very, very ambitious statement, and sadly it didn't get off to a very good start. Extremely heavy, buggy avionics and crappy FMC, and even some of the modeling and detail work was a bit naff... the B748 i/F series struggled to find an early audience, oddly again it was the more modern 8i International and 8F freighter, and not the most popular Boeing 747 with the -400 series being the most outstanding version. But that was years ago in 2014, and a things have changed a lot since then... first the original v1 was patched up and sorted, and ended it's term as a final "Legacy" version, which was not too bad in context... SSG however soldered on and totally created a new from the ground up v2 B748i in a "Anniversary Edition" and later followed up with the 8F-Freighter version. Again the aircraft has had a considerable amount of development since the v2 release, including a whole new lower passenger deck (Update Review : B 747-8 Inter Anniversary Edition v2.2.1 by SSG ) and the Freighter, of which the Review is here : (Aircraft Update : Boeing 747-8 Series V1.9.2. by SSG). V2.2.1 was however and still is a breakthough version of this SSG B748 aircraft, and even one to rest your laurels on for now, and this was only released back in January 2021, just a few months ago... but no, SSG still kept on the road of significant development of the B748 aircraft, and here are those changes in another release in v2.3. The biggest change in v2.3 is the one you can't see, but only feel... framerate improvement. Be careful though in what you want to expect here, framerate is a tricky area in saying what you will get, is not what you actually get, and that for everyone it is different. The biggest issue facing your computer are two things with this SSG B748. One is the sheer size and mass of the aircraft in the simulator, nothing I mean nothing is going to make the footprint of the B747-800 any smaller. You are simply stuck with that settings wise. Secondly is the fact that you can't have this presented sort of extreme detail (Including large internal passenger decks) and a low, low framerate, that again is simply not going to happen. So SSG have done several things here to try to make the aircraft a bit more framerate friendly... one is at the core with a better efficiency with the Vulkan/Metal engine and even improvements in OpenGL (You still really use that... really?), so the complete external model has been revised and many new uv fixes was made, also there is a complete new set of PBR textures covering it all. They certainly look better, but to note it was extremely good before, so it is in the efficiency that the main gains have been made here. Of course the changes also mean that huge list of add-on liveries created for v2, now don't fit or work either, so they will have to all go back to the drawing board, and boy "They are not happy about that" as noted on the dedicated forum, and with 300 liveries to be fixed, it has got them screaming... currently only the default supplied liveries now only work. But it is worth the changes. The undercarriage gear has also had details added, again good before... the updated detail is simply astounding now. The RAT (Ram Air Turbine) now also works, drops down and supplies power to the electrical system when deployed, it is installed inner wing on the right wing (but excuse me for not showing you the RAT in action, I am before a flight, and RATs are notorious to reset to back to normal) There are better and Improved particle systems, including added fuel jettisoning and now the feature of potable water draining (The aircraft drops water onto the apron after a flight!) On the Tablet, several things have been done. SSG have improved the fuel load sequence to match real loading behaviour, certainly the fuel loading is now more realistic for a B747, but I would have liked and even more slower refueling option (say real)... as it is still pretty quick. There is an added cargo light box switches for the Freighter and also added "Cold and Dark" start options on the "Options" page, that will disappear in flight. There are now three Cold and Dark options, in; "Powered and Aligned at Gate", "Not Powered - Normal Cold and Dark" and finally "All switches off". There is a built in pushback system, but I still use the BetterPushback tool... engine start up sequence is excellent, the No 3 Engine issues have now been resolved. Note don't start all engines too early as you already have a heavy aircraft and all that extra thrust to move backwards? The weight and feel of this B748 is astounding, you feel it the movement and it is a great aircraft to taxi, note the low range airport map where available. All the external (and internal) lighting which is extensive, has all been fine tuned and customised in v2.3 , and lighting source now quite minute, but highly effective as it is now all excellent.... more later. Several items have been adjusted on the flight instruments... First there is the improved the FD bars to be more accurate during takeoff and prior to autopilot mode connection, (and I noticed better alignment with the flightplan). Second is that there is a better ND terrain display with automatic terrain detection, the look and feel is very different to the earlier terrain display pattern. (note when closing the terrain tool, you have to reset your WXR bands) You feel the severe power of all those four General Electric GEnx ("General Electric Next-generation") -2B67B engines, generating 66,500 lbf (296 kN) thrust each as you set the throttle levers to the takeoff position, you move very quickly off the line and are soon at the 162 +10 knots takeoff speed, a slight rotation and you are in a positive climb... To be fair I am not very heavy here at a full 278.7 GW, as the sector distance is only a short 1000nm, but still the feel and control is exceptional. The trick to a great simulation is that the aircraft responds to your inputs, but also so does the switchgear and levers, it is perfect here, then it allows you fly the aircraft that much better, as a heavy, then the SSG Boeing 748 is exceptional in both those areas, it is simply a dream to control and fly. Added has been an altitude range arc (green), this is a target point arc of when you reach the assigned altitude, or you can set the Vertical Speed to achieve a certain altitude at a certain distance marker (or waypoint). Very common for descending (to achieve a target lower altitude), but this is the first one (I think) for climbing, but very useful and welcome. Several other points. SSG have fixed the error when autopilot changed from FLCH to V/S mode and vice versa, and the aircraft (pointer) in the MAP which will now follow the route line perfectly, it was off usually center when the Navigation Display (ND) range was set at less than 2.5 miles. You use tricks to get a big aircraft like the Boeing 747 to a high altitude, first a slower speed to get a steeper climb, then faster (first around 290 knts and up to .m75) to climb up at around 1200fpm... again the altitude target arc is a real bonus. Another tool is the improved steps (set at 2000ft per step) here... as displayed on ND in MAP mode. I usually run /burn off 500nm in a B747 or A380 at a full gross weight, before stepping up to a higher altitude. Current airliners fly high, not Concorde 55,000ft high, but in the 38,000ft to 40,000ft range, and here we are... ... with a range of 7,730 nmi (14,320 km), then 13 hour flights are not uncommon in the B748, so you need to go to the toilet... or even have a lie down. In version v2.3 there has been added some comfort for your discomfort... a toilet on the right side and a crew rest room on the left! Both are nicely detailed, and of course very useful. The internal cabins were a bit bland to keep any framerate growth at bay, but some small touches have been done in v2.3.... mostly in first and business seating, which now have large video screens, and "Exit" signs have also been added, and all the galleys now have food carts, not much, but it all helps in filling in all that beige, and with no extra weight on the framerate either. Internal and instrument panel lighting was good, but now even better... There is improved internal lighting and fixed is the CDU and general instrument brightness. Overall I found it excellent, but would have like more control over the rear cockpit lighting (brightness), both the toilet and rest room are lit. It easily passes my landing lighting comfort test, in low overhead lighting with nicely lit instruments and switchgear. External lighting as noted is now also very good in the dark, the smaller focus of the lights are perfect, but the spread is nice and bright. The FMC has also had a large amount of bug fixes and adjustments. Increased the route legs list to 25 page and both RTE 1 and RTE 2 can be used for to add in more waypoints for long routes. A big issue, as for in my last update report in that flying from Singapore (SIN) to Frankfurt (FRA), and I ran out of waypoints and had to edit a lot together to create the full route, but is 25 (up from 20) additions enough... I am not so sure? There is also Improved Navigation Display (ND) data, but still good in the first instance and improved VNAV and LNAV logic. Fixed a bug that when STAR was changed and the LNAV control was negatively affected, which was not also recognised in some situations, but I was never real;ly affected by that action? The fixed airways when entering, was also related to the long route inputs when some waypoints would not enter, again annoying, but now fixed. Fixed some STARs that did not appear in the last DEP/ARR pages, again annoying, but again did not relate to me too often. There is always something new to discover... I found the "Hold" feature on the FMC, and it has been updated in v2.3. Press the "Hold" button and select (if in the flightplan) the hold choice you want to use, then activate it... when the aircraft gets to the hold point, it will simply go into the "Hold" routine and loop around the set hold position until you select the "Hold Exit" button. Selected, when the aircraft reaches again on the loop the starting "Hold" waypoint the aircraft will simply resume it's flightplan, you can also set the FMC to go on to the next "Hold Position", it works brilliantly. Nothing is more exciting (or nervy) than landing a fully loaded Boeing 747, complex and skillful... it keeps you on your toes to get it right, and then have the huge satisfaction every time you do it right... the throttles if TOGA is pressed, now they will advance from their present position to full thrust, as they should do.... and Improved stability during strong crosswinds on landing is very much appreciated... thank you very much. You have gotta love a huge Boeing 747, and this Supercritical Simulations Group, Boeing 748 in both International and Freighter versions is certainly the biggest and best you can get, more updates and now even better than ever... so if you want the full B747 experience, then this is certainly it. ________________________ Summary Supercritical Simulations Group started out with the X-Plane Boeing 748 project, like forever ago. Over the years it has been transformed and expanded into quite an aircraft, in both Passenger (International) and Freighter (F) variants, and both in the same package. This is the completely rebuilt v2 package, a total redevelopment of the original package, with the v2 Freighter added last year... this is also the second serious update this year also, the Jan v2.1.1 update added in the full lower passenger deck (on the International) and a load of bug fixes.... this newer v2.3 version is more focused on reducing the framerate hit, and it comes with (again) totally revised textures and modeling improvements (Old even v2 liveries again don't work with v2.3)... the efforts have been worth it. Other (nice) additions include a toliet (washroom) and a crew rest area, better external and internal lighting and updated terrain display. There is also a full list of fixes and bug repairs to the systems, and again the list is quite comprehensive (v2.3changelog is below), The aircraft uses the Skunkcrafts updater for quick updates and changes directly from the developer. Basically as a simulation the SSG B747-8i and F "Anniversary" aircraft are both quite and very impressive simulations, coming with the huge feature set and it's perfect flying capabilities, yes I would also note it as study grade as well. Certainly the best by far in the only quality Boeing 747 in X-Plane currently, and with the current reduced sale price of only US$48.00 a total bargain to boot as well, but note you do need a quality and powerful computer to run the aircraft... Absolutely Highly Recommended. ________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8 Inter v2.3 Anniversary Edition By Supercritical Simulations Group is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747- 8 Inter Anniversary Edition Price is US$48.00 (You Currently Save:$21.00(30%) Features  EXTERNALS Fuselage closely modeled on the real one with many details. Each door can be opened individually and is very detailed. Almost all parts that can open/move on the aircraft are modeled. Many external details such as a satellite antenna, tail camera (Intercontinental) and various vents, drains, etc. Cut passenger windows with “glass” panes. Vertical and horizontal stabilizers with added details, such as fuel vent (Intercontinental). Detailed nacelles and engines with many details and animations. Detailed landing gear/gear doors with proper animation. Leading and trailing edge flaps, detailed flap mechanisms and proper animations (such as partial retraction of leading edge flaps during reverse thrust). Speedbrakes/spoilers with accurate function and logic for individual panels. Interiors with seats, galleys, lavatory and crew rest, with stairs to lower deck and some animations. Wing flex and nacelle animations. Separate and animated windshield wipers with accurate timing and rate. Functioning Ram Air Turbine (RAT). Pilot figures (can be hidden). Animated Angle of Attack (AOA) vanes. Fans windmill when engines are off. Several blocked windows on the Intercontinental. Various cargo types on Freighter main deck. Visible fuel vapor during fuel jettisoning. Custom external lights design with realistic width, direction and range. COCKPIT Detailed 3D cockpit with enhanced textures and accurate differences between the Intercontinental and Freighter models. Detailed overhead panel with most buttons/switches modeled and working. Accurate forward panel with most buttons/switches modeled and working. Detailed pedestal with most buttons/switches/handles working. Detailed side panels and window frames. Detailed cockpit seats. Option to set up various panel states from “cold and dark” to “through flight”. SYSTEMS Flight dynamics tested by real 747 pilots and mechanics. Custom brake system with autobrake and antiskid, and hydraulic system dependency. Tailstrike protection. Gear system with sensed tire pressure, wheel temperature and associated advisory messages . Realistic warning/caution system with advisory messages at all 3 message levels with over 120 Messages. Hydraulics with system pressures simulated on all 4 systems plus brakes. Fuel system with opening/closing pump valves. FUEL TANK/ENG logic and warning, as well as fuel imbalance warning, and many others. Engines with fire bottle discharges simulated that empty when used. Fuel dump system. EICAS decluttering function. 3 radio consoles that can be used with any left or right channel COMM 1 / COMM 2 plus custom transponder panel. High resolution displays. Minimum callouts based on radio altimeter or barometric altimeter Display manager like in the real aircraft that shows over 10 synoptic pages in any MFD side and lower EICAS with electronic normal checklist. Lights switch test and dim implemented. Display brightness is controllable. Custom cockpit lights. External sounds (3D localized sounds) using the DreamEngine plugin. Fuel system with accurate tank loading. Detailed EGPWS implementation and displays. Realistic AUTOSTART and RUNNING indicators on engine displays. Realistic air conditioning system and logic. Detailed Navigation Display (ND) with many accurate functions like Airport Map, TCAS and Weather radar (default XP). Clock and chronometer display on ND. Detailed electrical system logic and switching. Realistic baro pressure switch logic (STD, preselected, transition altitude). Inertial Reference System (IRS) implemented with alignment function. FMC FMCs are modeled closely after the real 747-8 ones with most menus and functions implemented. Captain and First Officer CDUs. RNAV approaches (non-precision) implemented. FMC FIX page implemented. FMC Route 2 function implemented. FMC Diversion function implemented. Custom navigation data supported by Navigraph and Simbref. Tablet with extra functions, such as: Realistic fuel loader with FMC fuel prediction. Payload options page. Ground service and door control page. Wheel chocks are selectable. Sound control page. Pushback function that permits joystick control. Cargo main deck light control (Freighter). Requirements: X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac . (Linux not supported) 4 GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current and Review version : 2.3 (June 23rd 2021) NOTE: Framerate requires a decent graphic card, minimum of 8gb is RECOMMENDED, so I would also recommend a power machine as standard.  Installation : Download is 1.52gb which is unzipped and is inserted in your Heavy Aircraft folder as: 1.72gb  Key authorisation is required.  WebFMC Pro and "Ground Handling Deluxe" Plugin by JARDesign is highly recommended with this aircraft. Documentation : includes  SSG License Agreement.txt V2.2.1 Change Log.txt SSGCUSTOMLIST.TXT librain license.txt SSG 747-8 V2 Quick Start Guide.pdf SSG 747-8 V2 FCOM.pdf Changelog v2.3 SSG_B748-changelog v2.3.txt _____________________________________________________________________  Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton  28th June 2021 Copyright©2021: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)   Review System Specifications:  Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.53 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini  Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 : Traffic GLobal Plugin - US$52.99 : BetterPushBack - Free : Ground Handling Deluxe Plugin by JARDesign US$14.95 : WebFMC Pro US$19.99 Scenery or Aircraft - EDDB - Berlin-Brandenburg V2 XP by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$29.99   
  7. Aircraft Update : B 747-8 Inter Anniversary Edition v2.2 by Supercritical Simulations Group As a reviewer of simulation, then what gives you the biggest satisfaction, yes the unveiling of any new aircraft or scenery is always going to make you happy, there are things to explore, things to adjust, pushing buttons, finding your way around the complex systems... then actually flying the aircraft. But there is a more subtle satisfaction that comes from a longer period of development. Even if the new aircraft or even to a point a new scenery is great or even wonderful at release it is also usually not totally complete, there is always that "something" that doesn't work correctly or could have been better modeled or still needs some work done to. Add into that factor then there is the development progress, very few aircraft are complete on first delivery as in most cases the restrictions of the period in most cases didn't allow for the sort of quality or dynamics that we take for granted today, in five years we will look back and say that the quality today is certainly not the detail and quality of now, so it is a moving scale of what was brilliant five years ago is very "ho Hum" today, and only constant upgrades and version changes can keep an aircraft current. Which brings us to Supercritical Simulations Group and their Boeing 747-8. Like I have already noted it is a very ambitious project in taking on such a very large (no pun intended) project, what could be called brave on one hand or it could be called foolish on another. Yes the project certainly had it's ups and downs over the last six years, it is complex aircraft that never really had any soul, and you can't say the venerable Boeing 747 has no soul, because it is one of the greatest machines to grace our skies. But the earlier SSG B748 aircraft just didn't jell, a lot I liked about it, and it was actually nice to fly, but it was missing that "something"... SSG did the right thing and stopped throwing time and energy at something that refused to morph into something great and started again from scratch, oddly the very last "Legacy" v1.9.2 version finally sort of got there. So v2 was announced and SSG produced a sort of again a non-starter? but the quickly revised version (2.1.1) that X-PlaneReviews reviewed here Boeing 747-8 Inter v2 Anniversary Edition by Supercritical Simulations Group finally gave the aircraft the daylight it deserved... it was very good, and for once I really loved it, but missing was the Freighter version that was part of the original v1 release, and so here we are with finally the full B748i and B748F package... and the v2 cargo version is here! First some notes. v2.1.1 Passenger version was released back in January (22nd) and besides the new F variant there are the bug fixes and improvements (a lot) so most of the changes and fixes in this v2.2 cover both the Passenger and Freighter variants, although obviously the focus here will be on the Cargo version. And so here is the v2 SSG Freighter version basking in the morning light at EDDF - Frankfurt on the cargo ramp N15. The first thing that jumps out at you is quality, There has been a few delays with the release of the v2 Freighter version after the Passenger (mostly Covid 19 related) but the extra time provided has given SSG the space to fine tune the details even more, the Passenger version released was very good in external quality, but you feel the aircraft is now even more complete, in fact it is sensational (more twiddling on the exterior has been done in v2.2) Get close and the B748 looks and feels exceptional... Look at that nose shape and the lovely shiny hull, inside the LF open door is what is to come... again those first impressions count, note the nose stringers, no cheap mapping here but the real thing, text and detail is excellent, sharp and high-def. The classic three window hump is used on the Freighter version in bringing back memories of fifty years ago, I always thought it was the best proportioned 747 version, so you get that classic 747 feel. Window detail is really good and I love the far darker green front windows to lighter shade side as per the real 747 pout, "god it is nice!" Nosewheel detail is again in the "wow" catagory, as the depth of modeling here is excellent. We didn't look at the total gear detail in the earlier review, but I am glad I took the time here, it is very, very good on all bogies with intimate detail of lighting, brakes and associated pressure lines. Do we expect this sort of high quality detail to day for our money, absolutely, but we rarely get it. But I do feel here there has been a huge effort to not only model in detail, but to also create the most authentic feel in wear, tear and afully working aircraft look, and SSG has certainly succeeded in that department. The four General Electric GEnx--2B67B engines rated at 66,500 lbf (296 kN) were completely redone for v2, and you still can't get over the differences to the bland v1 engines, they now simply ooze quality and detail... With the v2.2 update comes a more realistic engine fan spool up/spool down animation and the engine fan windmilling effect is now visible depending on the wind's direction and speed... it looks great, but don't stand too close! Rear APU (Auxilary Power Unit) exhaust and lighting detail is really good with work done for more detail like with rivets around APU tailcone area, but note the bracket on the rightside rear... I wonder what that is for? As this is Freighter variant you get that gigantic opening mawing cargo mouth that makes the B747F give you a happy cartoon laughing face... ... all the cargo upper and lower doors open and they have excellent hi-quality detail, note the aft bulk door opens inwards as it should do. Front cargo door is finally open and it is a huge massive hole... Detail is incredible.... everything is so well done from the comprehensive door latch system, floor runners and hydraulic door rams. Note the perfect yellow upper deck ladder. Internally it is a cargo haulers wet dream, a fantasy come true, note the excellent porthole window (it is there to check icing on the wings or look at the engines), vents, container position markings, door controls.... ohhhh this is just so much! Yes we have had a great Freighter with all these door and cargo details in the Boeing 748F before, but not to this detail and depth, this is just so realistic. What is up that ladder, can you go up there... of course and it is the rear rest cabin. There are six business class sized seats for comfort, four on the right and two more behind the entrance way. I love rear cabins, on a long haul you can take yourself back there and have a rest (I do tend to fly at the controls for the full 10 or 12 hours, I'm a bit mad that way)... so for me this rest area is absolutely perfect. Forward is a big galley, and behind the curtain is the cockpit... before we go in there there is the escape door in the upper right fuselage, this door can be removed via the menu. Forward door left is a toilet... "phew" 12 hours, just think about that, twelve long hours. Go closer and touch the curtain to open and there is the office.... .... so unlike the Passenger version with the missing rear part main deck, then everything or every area is modeled and accessible on the Freighter, the B747 is a big aircraft so there is a lot of the aircraft to explore. A note, on the Passenger version the flight deck door switch has been implemented and the cockpit door now opens inward as in the real aircraft. Cockpit The SSG B748 cockpit has had more dramas than Keith Moon. Nothing it seemed could get those textures right and even the third party renditions didn't work.... but you gotta give SSG something, it is resoluteness... and finally I think they have it right. The biggest issue was it was earlier so clammy and dark in here and the textures just had no life to them. In v2.2 they are still dark, but feel fine in the light. Detail is excellent now in all corners of the cockpit, note the classic upper ceiling work and a ceiling stored spare seat. Instrument panel detail is excellent, even overwhelming. All instrument displays are bright, sharp and clear (adjustable)... .... I am still not sure of the yokes like I mentioned in the Passenger version? they look okay in the light with a nice sheen, but they still need something to break up the brown blandness. Overhead Panel is simply enormous, detail is really, really good. System depth is very good, note the Fire Test (arrowed) One concern is the manipulator control, It still feels slightly too high on the knobs and crosses over to other switchgear, I thought this would have been refined for this version but it hasn't, it is not that bad... but needs adjustment to be perfect as it can get a little twiddly. In high work moments it can get frustrating trying to manipulate certain knobs and switches. Whiskey Compass housing is all new, and modeled on a real unit... you can adjust the brightness and even tone it right down. Pedestal has had attention with Yaw damper switches now separated into upper and lower with associated EICAS messages. The COM radios now have 8.33 kHz spacing and will allow tuning frequencies 3 digits after decimal (e.g. 118.015) "Thank god" and the ATC Transponder code entering has been improved and made more realistic. Radio VOR and ILS frequencies can now also be entered in both XXX.YY and XXXYY format. The center pedestal CDU now has a screen with sample menu selections, but its features are not implemented yet in this version. Menu is different for the v2 and debuted on the Passenger version, it is a Integrated Standby Flight Display (ISFD) iPad style and far better to use, graphics could be a little more visually creative and still feel Windows 95 in that aspect, but otherwise it is very good if basic. Door control including that huge front nose hatch is via the main aircraft diagram, and a new addition (arrowed) is a "Tail Stand"? "Wow" yes that is a really nice addition and what that rear right bracket was for, the tail stand looks great and so authentic set in place. Primary and other Multi-Functional Displays (MFD) are excellent with even the lowest text point easily read, and the text is quite small in areas. Nav MFD can be switched as a backup or for in flight use, via the switch above. Three modes cover PFD, NAV/MAP and Centre MFD, both sides can also be switched independently. FMC is very good by FJCC (Javier Cortés) and now has a huge depth of detail. First on this v2 is that both the Pilot and First Officers CDU's are now both independent of each other, and both have pop-out's on windows F8 (Pilot) and Alt F8 (FO). You can input directly by pressing the KEYS selection, but note it does freeze the background for movement. In the earlier release version I found the pop-ups would also input the wrong key selection, they feel better this time around (Passenger version has been updated the same), but I use the excellent Green Arc WebFMC Pro to program the route and performance data, note the WebFMC Pro will only access the right side FMC panel, and not the left pilot side. Overall the FMC depth as noted here is now very good and comes with great detail. You do get a few helpers on the PERF INIT page but otherwise it is all direct input, and the manual "FCOM" guide is very good as a teacher, but note to load the passengers and cargo and fill the tanks before setting up the FMC PERF pages. There are however still a few Cortés quirks to work around as it is slow to input and show the changes and I got an odd freeze on the right display, but it righted itself... Route input was however excellent with no issues, I am not going far enough to test the waypoint limit like I discovered on the SIN-FRA route (20 pages) but it is noted as being fixed. EFIS MODE/ NAV FREQ DISAGREE alert shows up and notes the VOR Frequency does not match the input ILS setting, but I had not yet input the runway? it went away with the settings done. Settings for "Refueling" is done on the ISFD, and automatic input is done via pressing the LK1 (arrowed left), I personally would like to set the ZFW manually, but you can't? But it does fill in the FMC INIT page data very well. "Payload" adds in your cargo load, You can select; 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (MAX) loads or direct cargo weight in Kgs. Note, the added .1 decimal setting which was missing before, same on the refueling setting which can now be set as +/-0.1 ton. References are very good and detailed. "Takeoff" REF is very good and pointers will help you fill it in. Another and one I haven't seen before is the VNAV References (arrowed below right)... Three pages give access to ECON CLB (Climb), ECON CRZ (Cruise) and ECON 337. New and fixed FMC notes are; You can now enter any valid VOR frequency and FMC step climb values can now be entered directly via the scratchpad but only in 4 decimal places (i.e. 3000 not 300), now you can add an airport as a waypoint, DEL key now works in the right CDU and the bug has been fixed when sometimes selected SIDs would be deleted. Overall I found the aircraft setup really good, no real issues and it is certainly a comprehensive bit of kit... "Study grade", yes certainly now it is. Integrated Standby Flight Display (ISFD) The Integrated Standby Flight Display (ISFD) EFB is coming along nicely with a few more items added. As noted we have: GND SERV (doors, APU), Fueling and Payload pages. The "Sound" page looks the same but the actual sounds have all been redone to mostly allow the DreamEngine build 0316 to ensure that the sounds work in XP11.50. On the Passenger version I liked them a lot, a few users didn't? But they have revised anyway by a new sound set from Turbine Sound Studios (TSS). "Options" covers show/hide both yokes (independently), Show/hide Rain Effects, Kilos or Pounds and a Real/Fast Navigation Alignment time. APU covers the External Power source, but still no actual ground unit? and last is a new item for chocks... GHD - Ground Handling Deluxe As with the earlier v1 Freighter version a must have addon is the "Ground Handling Deluxe" Plugin by JARDesign. If any plugin was designed for a particular aircraft then the SSG B748 Freighter then this is it... ... in fact the huge front 30t K loader was created just for this aircraft, a note though and there is a small conflict with the provide (menu) chocks and the GHD versions, the GHD version is far better in design so I use them... but you can't use both (well you can but it looks odd). My load factor payload is not 100% (note as 103.8kgs), but depending on the load % factor the aircraft will show the amount of cargo internally. EDDF (Frankfurt) to UUEE (Moscow) There is a significant amount of data and route information to set up the aircraft, the details are quite comprehensive and SSG do provide a very good "Quick Start Guide", but previous experience with these study detailed aircraft will certainly help. Only a note on the takeoff flap position of 20º set in the manual feels too excessive and would create too much drag, so I go for 10º. With the loading complete it is time to get the B748F ready for flight. If using the GHD there is a lot to do and as much to do getting the aircraft loaded and ready on the ground as much as the flying in the air, it is a very immersive simulation. Doors are closed and the APU is started, the great X-Plane11 particle effects work great here. Switchgear sounds are fabulous, great clicks and clunks as you press buttons and the feel gives you again great immersion of the aircraft. There is a good pushback system built in to the aircraft (in the ISFD), but I will always use the "BetterPushBack" option, I don't start the engines until the pushback is complete, the weight of the aircraft and running engines can create a heavy weight to move... it feels better or more authentic as well. Engine start is very impressive (make sure your bleeds are correct, the B748 my look like a auto aircraft, but it is still a B747 under the new skin). Each section of the startup procedure is completed, so it does take time to start all four GEnx--2B67B engines but the procedures are really, really good in the engine startup stages, sounds are excellent from both inside the cockpit and externally, but I had to adjust the external engines sounds down a few notches as they are quite high. You did wait until the N2 was at 20% until you threw the fuel flow switches... of course you did. But the N2 readout is only displayed on the lower EICAS display, not on the upper. Speedbrake arm is (arrowed) lift and not accessible via a keyboard/joystick command, so it is easy to overlook... all four engines are now running and settled at 500 EGT. A fully loaded Boeing 747 is always a sight to see, and you feel all the immense weight once you push those throttles forward to taxi. Frankfurt au Main is set up to cater for these big A380's and B747s, but it still is tight for an aircraft of this size on moving it around the taxiways, departure is via Rwy 07R. Takeoff roll is full power and you need it, 169+10 knts and you rotate the aircraft off the runway but with not a very high pitch up of say 8º. Flying 747's are a trick... these Jumbo aircraft work for you but also very much against you in what you want to do... ... the flap system with the Krueger flaps are on the leading edge of the wing and the Triple-Slotted Flaps are the high lift devices at the rear of the wing, both are highly effective, but also create huge drag as well... your job is to fly around the drag and not stall the aircraft, with a very heavy cargo load then that aspect is far easier said than done... ... the key is speed, once have lift you need to gather speed, so a low climb rate helps enormously. Settle into a low altitude and clean up the aircraft and increase the speed before climbing (295knts) and don't fall into the worst situation of trying to climb too fast and too slow and get stuck in that horrible pitch up low speed zone that creates 747 drag, it is also very hard to get out of the situation, the whole aircraft becomes a huge barn door of drag hell... once your flat and fast then climb, but again control the climb, I call it the "big lift" and if the 747 is very heavy then it will take time to lift yourself up to altitude... The B748F is far more powerful than the earlier PW JT9D-7R4G2 -300 version... they needed a lot of coaxing (love) to lift the load to altitude so to speak, but that is the skill and part of the experience of flying 747's. So a short climb to 8000ft, power up to 295knts and then once around the corner it was a 1600fpm climb up to FL310, and she responded perfectly... this SSG is a really, really good 747 to fly... You could note the office as nice, well it is a really great place to spend time. And you will spend a lot of time in here. Background sounds are excellent, no boring loops, but that movement through the air humm that sounds like an air conditioner on full fan blast... I love it. The SSG 748 has been redone with the latest SASL3 (both versions) and it feels better for it and with the options that the better features SASL3 can provide. EICAS messages have been revised and corrected or deleted, and there are no more triangles where circles are supposed to be in SIDs/STARs. Lighting I really liked the cockpit lighting on the Passenger version, and so it is as good in here on the Freighter. It is really a nice place in here. Under panel LED lighting shows off the amazing beautiful throttle handles, you can almost feel and touch them. Rear cockpit lighting is controlled by the DOME knob and the lights three overhead lights, they look very nice, but need just a little more brightness to be perfect, with the dome lights on it will still leave the instrument panel in semi-darkness which I like.... STORM will give the cockpit full illumination. Separate MAP lights are available for both pilots, again both are very good.... Full blackout of in-direct light can be eliminated and in giving you a full dark but lit instrument panel which is still totally adjustable, it can take a little while to work all the different lighting settings, but the results are worth it. .... but it was extremely easy to find the sweet spot in instrument panel lighting, which is very, very important to me if you are flying long hours, and most cargo routes are flown at night means this aspect is doubly important to feel content in here... and it is perfect. Cabin is bit bright, and like the passenger version and you wish you had more control or adjustment of the lighting, it is fine, but could be better. External lighting on the B748F is excellent. Nice tail logo lighting, and the WING lights does a nice job of lighting up the wings and the engines. The aircraft looks simply great at night, almost beautiful in the right lighting conditions. 139kms out from Moscow it is time to descend... .... NAV/MAP MFD is full of information, sometimes too much data so you have to declutter the display to see your details. There is a VDS - Vertical situation display that shows you your altitude and the lower terrain. But it pushes up the main Navigation display into a tighter higher aspect... it is very good, but I need the full NAV display.. but as a descending tool it is very good... another indispensable tool is the altitude target line, set your vertical speed down and find out where you will reach your set new altitude... you just can't do without it. Those huge flap arrangements are now to your favor as you reduce speed, 10º flap and 205 knts is a perfect approach speed... a turn to finals. The view of Sheremetyevo on approach now is incredibly different from the wasteland past, we have come a long way has the X-Plane simulator. My totally favorite aspect of the Boeing 747, with the gear hanging down on approach with a slow speed. You can slightly twiddle the yoke and the full 250 tons will respond beneath you as you hang there in the air, the power of flight. Considering it's size (or because of it) the Boeing 747 is a nice aircraft to land, it has a good flow and lift, and the final flare at around 160knts will allow you settle easily on the four bogie arrangement. Reverse thrust is powerful, and it needs to be to slow the high weight down. I rarely make a shoddy landing in a 747, it is always so forgiving and this B747-8 from SSG does everything right. You feel again the size of the 8F as you negotiate the tighter taxiway (Main) A coming off Rwy 06R, the cargo base here at UUEE is even smaller and the massive 8F fills the complete bay. After shutdown I slip down the ladder to check the cargo... "yep" still there and not moved an inch, it is not my job to unload, but the internal detail of the closed front hatch is still very impressive! Dream stuff again, that who would have thought we would have this much detail and this much 747 aircraft to fly... I never did. Liveries There are the original six passenger six liveries in very high quality detail: SSG House, Air China, Air Force One, Boeing House, Korean Air and Lufthansa And the six new Freighter liveries as part of the package, the Cargo liveries are; Cargolux, Atlas Air, Boeing Family, Boeing Light, Cathay Pacific Cargo and Silkway. A paint kit for both aircraft has just been published, so more is expected. ________________________ Summary This is the v2 Anniversary Edition of Supercritical Simulations Group Boeing 748 International aircraft. The package was first released as a Passenger version back in January 2020, but this is the second part of the package with the new incorporation of the Boeing 748F or Freighter. Besides the addition of a completely new Freighter variant, there has also been some significant updates, fixes and changes to the aircraft. The v2.2 release covers even more of a long list of changes, but the core was good at the start is now even far better (changelog attached). Highlights are... SASL3 plugin now used for more features and reliability, Updated Sounds by TSS and DreamEngine update for XPv11.50. More realistic fan operations for startup, windmilling. Better Speedbrake spoiler functionality, chocks added and Hydraulic, Autobrake, Altitude Alert logic all redone... ISFD (iPad) now has +/-0.1 ton quantities. Negatives are rear lighting a bit bright and non-adjustable and this is a very heavy detailed aircraft and does require a bit of grunt to run it all so a 8K graphic card is recommended, also you do need some Systems/FMS skills to fly the aircraft, however there are some very good manuals provided, but this aircraft is notably a high level simulation and not for the faint hearted. Notable here is that if you purchased the earlier Passenger version, then the added spectacular Freighter comes at a significant no cost but just an update... if you have not purchased the SSG Boeing 748 package then you get two significant aircraft for the cost of one, either way it is all a very good deal, added to that factor is how really good this study 747 now is, this is one very comprehensive aircraft with a lot of great system depth, quality and immense detail. The evolution of the SSG Boeing 748 has been a long one, but it now delivers and has reached a mature stage in it's development. This is the "ultimate" Boeing 747 for X-Plane, and if like me in being a 747 nutjob then this SSG Boeing 748i/F delivers the full experience. Obviously this is the best Boeing 747 in X-Plane and now it has that ultimate Freighter version as well... it should keep you going long into the night doing what you do best, hauling, hauling freight and passengers around the world in style... Absolutely Highly Recommended ________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8 Inter v2.2 Anniversary Edition By Supercritical Simulations Group is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747- 8 Inter Anniversary Edition Price is US$65.00 (discounted) Features  New: Passengers and Cargo Versions included 747-8 Intercontinental Passenger version New Freighter model, accessible under "Cargo" in the Main X-Plane Aircraft menu EXTERNALS The entire external 3D model for v2 has been redone, including the following: All new fuselage closely modeled on the real one with added details Each door can be opened individually and is more detailed Added animations and details (almost all parts that can open/move on the aircraft are modeled). New external details such as a satellite antenna and tail camera New cut passenger windows instead of textures New vertical and horizontal stabilizers with added details New nacelles and engines with more details and new animations Reworked and more detailed landing gear/gear doors with additional animation Improved and more detailed leading and trailing edge flaps and added flap mechanisms Upper deck interior with seats/galleys and stairs to lower deck New wing flex and nacelle animations The textures for the entire aircraft have been redone to match the new model, along with decals for certain detailed areas, right down to most of the external placards, working closely with our technical advisors to ensure all the main details are present and that we have gotten them right. COCKPIT The entire cockpit 3D model has been largely redone and completely retextured. New overhead panel and buttons/switches New forward panel and buttons/switches New pedestal and buttons/switches/handles New miscellaneous panel and buttons/switches Side panels and window frames completely redone New cockpit seats Various added details SYSTEMS/FMC Almost all switches function properly and independently IRS alignment process implemented More realistic fuel system with different pumps and tanks along with FUEL TANK / ENG logic Realistic AUTOSTART and RUNNING indicators on secondary engine displays Improved and more realistic air conditioning system and logic Better track representation on ND Clock and chronometer on ND working like on the real aircraft More realistic baro pressure logic (STD, preselected, transition altitude) Captain and First Officer FMCs are now independent FMC FIX page added FMC Route 2 function added FMC Diversion function added Librain rain effects (currently not working on Macs) Skuncraft Updater Now with Skunkcraft updater. No need to download anything for updates, the plane will automatically be updated Requirements: X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Current and Review version : 2.2 - (August 23rd 2020) Owners of the 747 v1 will see a discounted price once logged in into their account. No Coupon required. NOTE: Framerate requires a decent graphic card, minimum of 8gb is RECOMMENDED, so I would also recommend a power machine as standard.  Installation : Download is 1.52gb which is unzipped and is inserted in your Heavy Aircraft folder as: 1.72gb  Key authorisation is required.  WebFMC Pro and "Ground Handling Deluxe" Plugin by JARDesign is highly recommended with this aircraft. Documentation : includes  SSG License Agreement.txt V2.2 Change Log.txt SSGCUSTOMLIST.TXT librain license.txt SSG 747-8 V2 Quick Start Guide.pdf SSG 747-8 V2 FCOM.pdf Changelog v2.2 V2.2 Change Log.txt  ______________________________________________________________________  Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton  28th August 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)   Review System Specifications:  Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.20 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini  Plugins: Traffic GLobal Plugin - US$52.99 : BetterPushBack - Free : Ground Handling Deluxe Plugin by JARDesign US$14.95 : WebFMC Pro US$19.99 Scenery or Aircraft - EDDF - Airport Frankfurt XP11 by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$32.99 - UUEE - Moscow Sheremetyevo XP v2 by Drzewiecki Design (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$26.00   
  8. Update Review : B 747-8 Inter Anniversary Edition v2.2.1 by SSG I love Boeing 747's, it was the original reason I wanted to get into simulation in the first place, to fly the "Queen of the Skies" or Joe Sutter's masterpiece. Oddly Boeing 747's have not been that big a focus in the X-Plane Simulator, there was the original XPFP (X-Plane Freeware Project) version (nice but 2d panels), another was the brilliant Gary Hunter 747-200F and of course the default Laminar Research Boeing 747-400 by JRollon, a really good 747 of say by PMDG never came across to X-Plane, so overall the current the pickings are light. I never really gelled with the default version either, for one it is a bit too basic, but now the aircraft is getting the Zibo treatment by "Sparky" so things might finally look up in that aspect... There is however the Supercritical Simulations Group's Boeing 747, but it is the -800 version and not the Classic -400 (A classic -200 is currently approaching beta testing by Felis). I won't go into the long and storied history of the SSG B747-8, but originally it was heavy and buggy, and too vexing to fly cleanly on my computer at the time. But the final "Legacy" version was actually not that bad. Then SSG did a completely new from the ground up version of their B747-8 in v2 or the "Anniversary" version, on release it was a bit of a failure, but mostly it was the just simply a release that was just too early and it came with a lot of unfinished areas and bugs, but I did feel a huge advancement in the actual aircraft, but how can you stop developers releasing good products early and damaging their coda? But things looked up quite quickly from there... the v2.1.1 (January 22nd 2020) release, a year ago was the breakthrough aircraft for SSG, it was very good, not perfect but still a very good deep study aircraft, then the excellent Cargo version v2.2 in August 2020 gave you a really outstanding simulation of both 747-8 variants in one. The howls of protest on the early v2 release was focused really on only one thing... the missing lower main deck. SSG created the upper deck and a very nice stairwell to an entrance compartment that covered the second left and right doors. It is to be noted on the dilemma that Supercritical Simulations Group is faced with. Because of the Boeing 747's actual physical size it uses up a lot of modeling resources, detail costs framerate and in this case a lot of frameweight. This is a heavy aircraft on your computer. So add in a highly detailed full deck cabin and you can see the issue, this was certainly a consideration earlier. Now there is a full lower deck 747 cabin, and you can now add an airbridge to the forward door and access the aircraft... ... from the moment you step on board you realise this is a seriously basic cabin? really BASIC, with no detail. First class is not very luxurious at all, but at least they get a large video screen. Modeling is very blocky, and in reality not very realistic either. There are two trains of thought here... my personal feeling is that these seats and detail are just temporary fillers to get the lower deck onto the aircraft ASAP. Second is the fact that it could also be a test as to see what the aircraft can stand without adding in anymore frameweight to the aircraft, and that is born out by the almost zero addition of frameweight between the two versions of v2.2 and version v2.2.1. Business class is slightly better, but again no detail. The side paneling and overhead bins are however quite good, but the same coloured separation dividers don't help in the breaking up the total blandness of it all, just texturising them in would have certainly helped in the breaking up the overall bleak feel. The upper deck stairwell now fits in correctly, so that is welcomed... ... Economy Class is cattle class basic, I don't know if I could sit in here for thirteen long hours. When you reach the last rear row of seats, you can then also start to comprehend in how hugely big inside these B747-8's really are, the front (row) now seems miles away down in the distance. There are no galley facilities either, but just blank walls. One huge bonus is now you can see out of your favorite viewing windows to the external areas of the aircraft, and it looks really good from these aspects. So you get your lower deck floor and cabin, it is as noted a test basic layout and nothing else, but it still works even in that aspect. It is not exactly the best day for flying in Munich... it is snowing hard. There has been in v2.2.1 some work done on the cockpit button/switch/knob animations and sounds, and many are new and improved... ... there was the tendency for a lot of the manipulators to override each other, it feels a bit better, but this is a very crowded panel in both the overhead and certainly from the tight angle on the autopilot panel... overall it is a nice improvement. The LibRain plugin has also been removed. You need a white stick to find the runway today. The flight model has been adjusted to behave better in strong crosswind on takeoff and landing, but in this murk I have to be honest and say I couldn't tell, as I needed to use every bit of skill to get the aircraft up and out of the weather. Once clear this is certainly a glorious looking aircraft in X-Plane, even one of the best of all the airliners. The views from the cabin are worth the update alone... I wanted to get high and dark to check out if the cabin had made a difference to my biggest gripe on the earlier version... the results are a bit of both? I didn't like the over-bright false windows at night. Adding in the cabin does make a difference, but the lighting is a still a bit too bright at night, I think you need a bit of a different hue than this extremely bright context or at least some brightness control, worse there are two window panels that are blank white and stick out at night on the forward fuselage, they are just as bad in the daylight as well, so they need a fix? At least now the upper and lower decks match in lighting. Better, in a way, then overall yes. Again the window views are excellent... turn on the wing lights for extra dazzle! Gear up and the tyres appears in the forward economy cabin floor? not very pretty at all... If you want to fly a 747, then this awesome SSG machine is still really the only flight in X-Plane. __________________ Summary A really quick update in a .1 version to include a full lower deck cabin into the Supercritical Simulations Group's Boeing 747-8 Inter Anniversary Edition (passenger version). The full lower cabin insert however is quite basic, but to X-PlaneReviews it seems to be more of test layer than the completed item. The side walls and overhead bins are quite good, but the actual seats are well... average and blocky and there are still no galleys or fit out either. So a work in Progress? more so a test in seeing how this extra large area affects the framerate, or frameweight, and in that aspect the addition is barely noticeable. But to have the cabin window views available are a worthwhile extra and so is the balance of the lighting and the removal of the painted cabin windows at night... but overall it is still a WIP at this stage in reality. Other v2.2.1 notes are for both the Passenger and Cargo variants, and they include improved cockpit button/switch/knob animations and sounds, removal of the LibRain plugin effects and a tuned flight model to behave better in strong crosswind on takeoff and landing. Basically as a simulation the SSG B747-8i and F "Anniversary" aircraft are both quite an impressive simulations, yes I would also note it as study grade as well, certainly the best by far the only quality Boeing 747 in X-Plane currently, and with the current sale price of only US$54.90 a total bargain as well, but note you do need a quality and powerful computer to run the aircraft... Absolutely Highly Recommended. ________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8 Inter v2.2.1 Anniversary Edition By Supercritical Simulations Group is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747- 8 Inter Anniversary Edition Price is US$54.90 (discounted from US$80.00) Features  New: Passengers and Cargo Versions included 747-8 Intercontinental Passenger version New Freighter model, accessible under "Cargo" in the Main X-Plane Aircraft menu EXTERNALS The entire external 3D model for v2 has been redone, including the following: All new fuselage closely modeled on the real one with added details Each door can be opened individually and is more detailed Added animations and details (almost all parts that can open/move on the aircraft are modeled). New external details such as a satellite antenna and tail camera New cut passenger windows instead of textures New vertical and horizontal stabilizers with added details New nacelles and engines with more details and new animations Reworked and more detailed landing gear/gear doors with additional animation Improved and more detailed leading and trailing edge flaps and added flap mechanisms Upper deck interior with seats/galleys and stairs to lower deck New wing flex and nacelle animations The textures for the entire aircraft have been redone to match the new model, along with decals for certain detailed areas, right down to most of the external placards, working closely with our technical advisors to ensure all the main details are present and that we have gotten them right. COCKPIT The entire cockpit 3D model has been largely redone and completely retextured. New overhead panel and buttons/switches New forward panel and buttons/switches New pedestal and buttons/switches/handles New miscellaneous panel and buttons/switches Side panels and window frames completely redone New cockpit seats Various added details SYSTEMS/FMC Almost all switches function properly and independently IRS alignment process implemented More realistic fuel system with different pumps and tanks along with FUEL TANK / ENG logic Realistic AUTOSTART and RUNNING indicators on secondary engine displays Improved and more realistic air conditioning system and logic Better track representation on ND Clock and chronometer on ND working like on the real aircraft More realistic baro pressure logic (STD, preselected, transition altitude) Captain and First Officer FMCs are now independent FMC FIX page added FMC Route 2 function added FMC Diversion function added Librain rain effects (currently not working on Macs) Skuncraft Updater Now with Skunkcraft updater. No need to download anything for updates, the plane will automatically be updated Requirements: X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Current and Review version : 2.2.1 (December 31st 2020) Owners of the 747 v1 will see a discounted price once logged in into their account. No Coupon required. NOTE: Framerate requires a decent graphic card, minimum of 8gb is RECOMMENDED, so I would also recommend a power machine as standard.  Installation : Download is 1.52gb which is unzipped and is inserted in your Heavy Aircraft folder as: 1.72gb  Key authorisation is required.  WebFMC Pro and "Ground Handling Deluxe" Plugin by JARDesign is highly recommended with this aircraft. Documentation : includes  SSG License Agreement.txt V2.2.1 Change Log.txt SSGCUSTOMLIST.TXT librain license.txt SSG 747-8 V2 Quick Start Guide.pdf SSG 747-8 V2 FCOM.pdf Changelog v2.2.1 Changelog Version 2.2.1.txt  ______________________________________________________________________  Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton  6th January 2021 Copyright©2021: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)   Review System Specifications:  Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.20 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini  Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 : Traffic GLobal Plugin - US$52.99 : BetterPushBack - Free : Ground Handling Deluxe Plugin by JARDesign US$14.95 : WebFMC Pro US$19.99 Scenery or Aircraft - EDDM - Munich by ShortFinal Designs (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$26.95   
  9. Aircraft Review : Embraer E-195LR by Supercritical Simulations Group This is the all new Embraer E-195LR. Your first "hand in the air" moment is that, is this the updated version. Well no it isn't, and in fact the aircraft is all new and it is even a completely different aircraft than before because the first SSG "Stretch" version of the E-Jet family was actually the "E-190" and not this slightly longer E-195LR. This E-195LR is however more closely related to SSG's updated E170 that is currently in v1.08 (update review here). Besides the new variant of the E-Jet this aircraft has a completely new and revised FMC, again at first look it does look so very similar to the E-170's FMC, but it is different in use and programming, in a twist this new improved E-195LR FMC here will also be inserted in to the next E-170 update that has been released at the same time as this E-195LR. As this release is coming after X-Plane11-10 final (now v11-11) then the benefits of the X-Plane version upgrade are in the aircraft as well, they are now smaller things compared to the earlier XP11 changes like the excellent PBR (Physically Based Rendering) that really give the aircraft a great and modern feel and look, a note is that both SSG EJets are now only available for X-PLane11. As a personal preference I like the longer "stretch" versions of commercial aircraft. A321's, B757-300's and the grandaddy of them all the Super DC-8 Series 63... long and thin and that there is "a lot out at the back" feel is here in the E-195LR. Quality in modeling is very good in this EJet with a great external design and the aircraft is highly detailed. Even under close scrutiny you get a high pass on the finer details in nice wear and tear (I like the burnt engine gas outlet areas). Rivets and paneling are also very good, but expected on aircraft of this caliber and price. The cockpit and panel is fully featured now. The detailing is very good with the excellent altitude position panel as part of the MAP display (It can also be switched off). The PBR lighting brings out the best of the cockpit as well and shows off all that fine crafted work, overall you can't fault the design. But all this detail does come with a compromise? Any setting less than the full "Max" texture setting will make the PFD and MAP displays and panel text slightly more blurry and does not reflect the different high quality on the external areas as the same in here on the panel displays. And that max setting also comes with a nasty penalty and in my case the graphic texture load was 7065gb, yes nearly the full 8gb of my graphic card space? So using this max setting is really not really a normal setting of usable use, even for the power users. I found an easy 10 frame drop between the external view and the panel view on the aircraft, and the actual PFD displays look like an older feel in X-Plane design. Set the textures a notch below and the aircraft is fine, but when I still found myself in the 30-20 framerate range and then in parts it struggled in the lower framerate operations of 20-18 while using a detailed airport as an the 28 frame run externally (which is fine) is lowered to 18 frames internally (which is not)? I'm not saying the SSG E-195LR has a framerate issue because it doesn't, but there are compromises at higher settings x quality internally. Overhead panel is a crossover from the E-170 version as is the Autopilot panel, as both are very good and well developed. Old style half-moon manipulators are available and also mouse scroll, but both are hard to locate (certainly the mouse scroll) if you are not directly centered on the knob, and quick knob adjustments are slow to find if you come from the captains seat angled viewpoint. The rusted (worn) central glareshield looks odd and slightly out of place in such a modern aircraft cockpit style. Central column "Adjustments Display" is the same as the E-170. This is basically your aircraft menu system. It does put all of the items and features at your fingertips, but you always have to centre and zoom in close on the display to use it, so it is a constant movement from your pilots flying position to closing in on the menu screen to use it, it also makes the pushback feature hard to use effectively. But for a small display it is quite powerful for setting up the aircraft. You can set "Payload" (passengers and cargo) by percentage in lbs and kgs. Fuel can be manually loaded or set from the FMC, and you can reduce your fuel load as well. External features allows you to open all the doors (pass and cargo) and both cockpit side windows and there is an external GPU. I have always liked the really great set of boarding stairs provided in the package and the included matching airline livery. Cabin The cabin on the newer E-195LR is far different from the E-170. The colour in cream is different and so are the seats in blue and not the dark/light greys of the E170 (below) E170 Personally the E170's cabin looks far more sleeker, modern and cleaner, but more to ones own choice. Detail is however still as good. ___________________________________________ Flying the SSG E-195 One area of discernment for me has been the FMC's that are created by Javier Cortes (FJCC) in SSG aircraft. Let us say in the past that the FMC and myself never really got on together or I would say they always felt slightly buggy, and mostly in the areas of TOC (Top of Climb) and TOD (Top of Descent) positioning. SID and STAR execution wasn't that great either... so I approached this version with a bit of trepidation. I will admit that most FMC's are always fiddly and time consuming anyway and mostly around the execution of STAR layouts and airway insertion. So it was to my big surprise that this latest version is really very good, and relatively bug free. Some areas can be hard to find in this very different layout from the Boeing way of doing FMS insertion, like the airways insertion page is hidden behind a "Next" button. But overall the inputting of the route "KATL to KDCA" was error and bug free and creating and activating the route was relatively easy. All the details in creating routes are in the QSG Manual provided. The FMC panel does pop-out for ease of use (F8 key Win/ Linux - FN F8 keys Mac) and keyboard input is also available. RTE is Route setup, and NAV is Departure and Arrival SID/STAR inputs. You can get confused because the DEP and ARR input selections are also on the PERF (Performance) page as well? Departure was from ATL RWY26R then to STAR "NUGGT9" which was activated correctly and so was the crossover to waypoint and airway insertion. Airway insertion is found by pressing "RTE" then "Next"... ... all airways inserted correctly and activated, I didn't use standard "Waypoint" Insertion here in this flightplan but it works fine. Arrival was via "IRONS5" STAR via "RIC" (Richmond) to DCA RWY01. "Route Discontinuity" or the Route - SID join was at "KATRN" which was easily joined up to complete the full route KATL (Atlanta) to KDCA (Washington National), Yes I know it is now called Ronald Reagan but "National" is still national. The aircraft's PERF (Performance) data is mostly all done for you, all you need to fill in is the smaller details like transition height, steps and wind. I found a few inputs were not accepted, but overall it was a smooth operation. Steps only allowed 1000ft increments. Performance covers: Takeoff, Climb, Cruise and Descent procedures and all data is noted in the PROG (Progress) pages (three pages) and nice touch is the Flight ID on the top of the progress pages. So route building was excellent and easy to use, with thankfully now no swearing or throwing things. Yes I was very impressed. Departure ATL I found that with EJets that pre-takeoff adjustment of not only the usual... Speed, Altitude but also the NAV (FMC Route) can be selected ready and importantly so can the V/S (Vertical Speed) at 1800fpm. Selecting both of these does make the transition from takeoff manual handling to AP (Autopilot) flying smoother and clean. There is a built in pushback truck that is still a semi-truck on a stick movement, but it is now far better than the average original version. I don't usually use this pushback as it is hard to control from the central window panel operation, so I use the built in X-Plane native pushback instead. Climb-out is very good and powerful with a great feeling in the cockpit, it is a nice aircraft to fly both manually and from an automated perspective. There has been a lot of development in these Ejets from SSG and you feel all that work is now final paying off, to me a good simulation is a smooth one in operating the aircraft and your interaction with it. Sounds are not yet FMOD, which is disappointing and to a point a feature now expected on aircraft like this. They are not bad in the range that they are, and the aircraft uses the "Dreamengine" sound plugin, but the sounds do feel older or slightly dated now than some of the newer released FMOD sound. An odd audio is that you get one type of sound only on the right hand speaker in flight or under high-power. But overall the sounds are good, but not exceptional. Flight instruments are good, but as noted are slightly, slightly blurry and bloated at this lower texture setting. But they are very comprehensive in detail. All PFD instruments are done correctly and I really like the correctly switchable VOR1/ADF and VOR2 pointers with comprehensive adjoining information. A small note in that the X-Plane local map direct radio frequencies don't switch to the FMC radio frequencies, so you have to manually insert the VOR1 (ILS) and VOR2 (DME) frequencies into the radio page. The MAP/NAV display is also very comprehensive with information with excellent route data, wind, external temperatures, DME, TCAS and weather. The excellent lower "Altitude Indicator" is also excellent and V/S Vertical Speed in range is also very good. (the curved line that shows you your range position on the map for the set altitude and vertical speed target) Also available are: Nav-Aid, Airports, WPTs, PROGRESS (details on the route), Vertical Profile (Lower MFD, Very Nice!), TCAS and Weather and Terrain is on the lower selections. Systems are all covered and include: Status (doors), FltCtrl (Flight Controls), Hydr (hydraulics), Fuel, Elec (Electrical), and Anti-Ice. Flying the IRONS5 STAR, I found no breaks in the flightplan or odd vectors. This was a nice clean approach by the flightplan. It is important that the approach settings in ILS frequency (VOR1) and the system is switched from the NAV to APP in that the VOR1 is set on the PFD, a few times it didn't set and the ILS didn't connect. It is not a system issue, but an awareness one. Short finals and I am under complete manual control, approach speed at full flaps is around 125knts. I like the throttle response in that you can control the thrust minutely... ... it allows for great control and the low approach speed can allow you the time to correctly select your landing point with accuracy. The aircraft flares nicely and you know that was a good landing. Great feedback from the aircraft can do this and I liked the E-195LR in this area a lot. Reverse thrust action was great and I like the way the airbrakes work independently. Aircraft clean up and taxi is very good, but you have to anticipate tiller turning as it is a slightly slow turning front gear set up, but highly realistic. Overall very impressed. Lighting Lighting is excellent overall, the cockpit and instruments has a lot of adjustment and the under glareshield strip lighting is very nice... The right feel in the cockpit at night is important to me and the E-195LR scores highly in this area, the adjustment of surround lighting down to what I call "Approach Lighting" was excellent in clear instruments, but not a lot of reflective glare. Overhead (Storm/Dome) lighting is good in two settings low and high (below). Cabin lighting is very good, and totally separately adjustable from the cockpit lighting which I really like, adjustment is on the central pillar "Adjustments Display". External lighting is also very good with a lot of options. Nav, Strobe and red Beacon are standards, but you have three landing lights (two wing and one front strut), taxi nose and side, logo and INSP (Side lights). Side, Taxi and landing lights are slightly blobby, but this is a Laminar issue and not a developer one, but a slight bit of fine-tuning would make them perfect. Tail brand lighting is excellent. Liveries There is in all sixteen liveries and all are excellent across a wide range of operators. Five liveries in Aegean, Air Domomiti, Alitalia, Lot and Lufthansa are duel liveries in both NEW (Clean) and USED (Dirty) so overall there are nine operators and two factory (house) liveries with one the "Factory Bird".. I would have liked a standard Flybe as well as the "Flybe Kids and Teens" logo, and US Air is well gone... Summary This E-195LR has come a long, long way since Supercritical Simulations Group started their E-Jet series. This aircraft is all new in the E-195 size, but a lot of the detail is based on the E-170 version already available. Both aircraft are now built to a high standard, but both aircraft also still hold remnants of the past as well in mostly the textures on the PFD, MAP/NAV and central displays, the heavier weight in framerate is also noticeable from these textures as well with a 10 frame drop from the external view to the internal position. You can of course up your texture quality to (Absolute) max and fix the slight blurryness, but that comes with a huge penalty on your graphic card, so you have to use the lower texture setting to fly the aircraft comfortably. This apart then in every other area the E-195LR really shines and the refinement to Javier Cortes FMC is now very good as well. It is a slightly different FMC to program, but now also very flexible and easy to use with Airways also available. The FMC does give you a lot of helping hands in setting out your aircraft preferences, and the heavy user will want more control, but for the rest of us it sets up the aircraft there and then and your ready to fly. Cockpit and instrument detail with comprehensive data is excellent, and that is why the prefs are more automated than with manual inputs to get the best out of the data and on to the displays. I prefer the E-170's sleek grey cabin to the E-195LR's. It is good but the cream tends to date it a little as does the blue seats.... The idea I think is to make the aircraft overall feel more older and tired as with the rusted glareshield. The manipulators can be tricky to use from an angled perspective, you do get used to it, but there are now better manipulator ideas to use for ease of use than these. Features are good, all the doors (and cargo) open and the "Adjustments Display" is quite powerful for loading up the aircraft, but it doesn't fully replace a decent menu system. The EJet flies very well manually or automated if you plan and use the Autopilot in settings to transition from manual to AP flight, this is a quirk with EJet's and get it wrong and the transition can be a little clunky, not the aircraft, it is just in the way you fly them. The aircraft EJet series from Supercritical Simulations Group is now both the short E-170 variant and now this longer, faster with slightly more range E-195LR. Both compliment each other and note that both aircraft have been updated (20th Dec) to the current specifications and both are now only X-Plane11 compatible as well. In a deal if you already own the E-170 you can purchase the E195LR with a US$20 discount or buy both aircraft together as part of a double package. So if you love your regional spoke and hub airlines then this is now one of the best medium class aircraft to fly. You get more refinement and a lot of features, in its class it is now the best, and myself the longer variant of the EJet 195LR is the better of the two, but why not have both and enjoy them perfectly together... _____________________________________________________________________________________ The Embraer E-Jet 195LR Evolution by Supercritical Simulation Group is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Embraer E-Jet195LR Evolution Your Price: $49.95 Note: if you are already an original owner of SSG's E-170LR Evolution you can get to upgrade to the "E-195LR Evolution" version with a US$20 discount! to the price of US$29.95, so Please email [email protected] to get your discount code and include you original purchase order number. Embraer E-Jet170LR Evolution Your Price: $49.95 Twin package of both advanced E-Jets by SSG is also available: E-170 Evolution E-195 Evolution Embraer E-Jets Evolution Series Your Price: $64.95 Features: Advanced FMS and Navigation system Custom-built FMS (done by FJCC) designed for the SSG Evolution Series SIDs, STARs, transitions, approaches, flare and rollout modes. FMS is compatible with Navigraph navigation databases. Manufacturer's performance data embedded as tables in the fully functional FMS. Option to use either a 2D pop-up (resizable) MCDU or one within the 3D cockpit. Radio communication audio consoles optimized for on-line virtual ATC operations. FMS performance information based on real aircraft data, including V-speeds. FMS includes capability for autotuning navaid frequencies. Vertical Situation Display (VSD) on the MFD, Unique in XP. Terrain display mode on the MFD, which is a part of the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) on the real aircraft. High-Res 3D modeling complete with detailed animations and textures\ Realistic displays (PFD, MFD with system synoptics, and EICAS) External lights and strobes operating realistically, with dynamic lighting in the scenery. Display management similar to that in the real aircraft. Autobrakes with anti-skid system that works in all conditions and includes a realistic rejected takeoff mode. Realistic wing flex and other animations. Window rain effects and animated wipers. Option menu incorporated into the 3D cockpit. Ground vehicles include a tow truck, GPU and airstairs. Over 10 detailed liveries come with the package. Custom systems and Flight Model Aircraft will meet most of the real aircraft's performance data for consumption, AOA, speeds, flight dynamics, etc. in close consultation with real world E-Jet pilots. Realistic 3D cockpit with high resolution. Many systems are implemented with realistic logic, such as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, engine fire extinguishing, fuel, wing and engine anti-ice (including automatic mode), communications, and TCAS. Comprehensive autopilot functioning in modes similar to those of the real aircraft First Officer's MFD display is independent from the Captain's. EICAS messages based on the real aircraft's with lists and scrolling DreamEngine Sound System 3D sounds with DreamEngine plugin. Comes with a comprehensive documentation Airplane Operations Manual (AOM) Quick Start Guide (QSG) Quick Reference Randbook (QRH) to permit easy reference to data for FMS entries and other necessary data Requirements: X-Plane 11 + Windows, Mac or Linux - 64bit Operating System 2Gb VRAM Minimum. 4Gb+ VRAM Recommended Current version: XP11 (last updated Dec 20th 2017) Installation Download of the SSG E-Jet 195LR is 546.30mb and it is installed in your X-Plane Airliner Folder as a 707.80mb folder. Aircraft comes with a automated X-Updater for direct updates for the life of the X-Plane11 release. Documents There are three comprehensive documents provided: SSG E-Jet Evolution AOM.pdf (Aircraft Operators Manual) SSG EJet Evolution QSG.pdf (Quick Start Guide) SSG EJet QRH.pdf (Quick Reference Handbook) All are comprehensive with weights, checklists and vRef's _____________________________________________________________________________________ Review by Stephen Dutton 22nd December 2017 Copyright©2017: 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 11.11 Addons: Saitek x56 Pro system Joystick and Throttle Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 : XPRealistic Pro v1.0.9 effects US$19.95 : WorldTraffic 3.0 Plugin - US$29.95 Scenery: - KATL - Atlanta International by Nimbus Simulation (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$23.95 (Note that KATL by Nimus has just been upgraded! Check it out) - KDCA - Washington XP by Drzewiecki Designs (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$30.00 (Washington XP Review is here)
  10. While we wait for the imminent release of Supercritical Simulations Group's (SSG) new ERJ-700... the developer has released images of their next release which a complete redesign of the Boeing 748i to version v2. The SSG Boeing 748 series has had a bit of a troubled history since it's release in December 2013 (yes it is actually SIX years old). So was the project a bit too ambitious for a fledgling if very talented developer house, and the B748 version was also a bit of an odd choice as well when the B747-400 would have certainly been embraced with a bigger enthusiasm. It is a hugely complex aircraft as well one that was not the most efficient on the computer power of that era. So for most of it's early life the SSG B748 was a bit of a troubled soul, if also for some odd reason it was also a bit boring to fly with a very vexing FMS, and I am one that adores that Big Queen of the Skies and humpback fame of the 747. But I was certainly very surprised when I checked out the last update in v1.9.1 as the B748 was finally feeling really quite good, I actually enjoyed the flight and FMS was now well sorted and I liked the aircraft so much that I turned around and flew straight back to my original departure point of Dusseldorf from Sweden to see if my feeling were not a fluke, they were not, I enjoyed the aircraft immensely. So big improvements with a lot of updates were finally showing results. No doubt that SSG could have just kept on updating the skin out of the B748, but instead have gone for a complete clean sheet approach, and this looks really interesting... you have also to gotta love that v2 livery! SSG notes... - New fuselage - Added fuselage animations and details (pretty much anything that can open/move on the aircraft Is modeled). - New cut windows instead of textures - New stabilizers with added details - New nacelles and engines - Reworked landing gear - Improved flaps "The textures for the entire aircraft are also new to match the new model in 4K resolution and of very high quality, along with decals for certain detailed areas, right down to most of the external placards. We are working closely with our technical advisors to ensure all the main details are present and that we are getting them right. Similar work is being done in the cockpit, cabin, and for its systems, autoflight and FMS. It is not a mere update, this will be a whole new aircraft." SSG do note though that a 11.30 upgrade is coming next and soon for the B748 before the v2 is released, this is to keep the aircraft current to the X-Plane-11.30 specs (In other words to keep you flying). So this will be a very interesting update, not only externally but also internally as well as everything internally and opening doors will be modeled (cargo version is currently modeled inside, but not the passenger version). The trick area is the cockpit textures and there has been countless revisions from both SSG and users in trying to fix the feel of the B748 flightdeck, and currently it is actually not to bad but still a dark ominous place to fly, and somehow it is still "that" missing something (It is very nice at night though). Personally I am hoping that 2019 will see the revival of the long haulers in X-Plane... someone asked me not long ago what was the best purchase for long haul flying, and personally I couldn't recommend anything really substantial to fit the category, all current long haulers are well below par, in fact the B748 was actually the best on offer. The FlightFactor B777, A350 are well over due as is the new A340 from JARDesign, Peter's Aircraft A380 is also in a new but slow development cycle. The Dreamliner by MagKnight is progressing well and is now at least useble, as that is saying something of the default B744 which quite frankly is still a total mess. The coming Rotate MD11 will be a an amazing addition, but if you are a real world flyer then the aircraft will be mostly flown on cargo routes... so to a point this current B748 from SSG is flying the long haul X-Plane11 flag alone.... here is to a better 2019. Images and text are courtesy of Supercritical Simulations Group Facebook page for Supercritical Simulations Group ________________________________________ (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) News by Stephen Dutton 11th February 2019 Copyright©2019: X-Plane Reviews
  11. News! - Released! : SSG Boeing 748 Inter Advanced v2 SSG - Supercritical Simulations Group have released there version 2 of the Boeing 748i (Passenger version) Advanced... Notes... this is a complete rebuild of the aircraft, not just an update, new features include: EXTERNALS The entire external 3D model for v2 has been redone, including the following: All new fuselage closely modeled on the real one with added details Each door can be opened individually and is more detailed dded animations and details (almost all parts that can open/move on the aircraft are modeled). New external details such as a satellite antenna and tail camera New cut passenger windows instead of textures New vertical and horizontal stabilizers with added details New nacelles and engines with more details and new animations Reworked and more detailed landing gear/gear doors with additional animation Improved and more detailed leading and trailing edge flaps and added flap mechanisms Upper deck interior with seats/galleys and stairs to lower deck New wing flex and nacelle animations The textures for the entire aircraft have been redone to match the new model, along with decals for certain detailed areas, right down to most of the external placards, working closely with our technical advisors to ensure all the main details are present and that we have gotten them right. COCKPIT The entire cockpit 3D model has been largely redone and completely retextured. New overhead panel and buttons/switches New forward panel and buttons/switches New pedestal and buttons/switches/handles New miscellaneous panel and buttons/switches Side panels and window frames completely redone New cockpit seats Various added details SYSTEMS/FMC Almost all switches function properly and independently IRS alignment process implemented More realistic fuel system with different pumps and tanks along with FUEL TANK / ENG logic Realistic AUTOSTART and RUNNING indicators on secondary engine displays Improved and more realistic air conditioning system and logic Better track representation on ND Clock and chronometer on ND working like on the real aircraft More realistic baro pressure logic (STD, preselected, transition altitude) Captain and First Officer FMCs are now independent FMC FIX page added FMC Route 2 function added FMC Diversion function added Librain rain effects (currently not working on Macs) Requirements: X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version : 2.0 - (October 30th 2019) Noted is that current owners of the 747 v1 will see a discounted price once logged into their X-Plane.OrgStore account for a discount on the v2 aircraft ______________________________________________________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8i/8F Adv v2.0 By Supercritical Simulations Group is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747-8 Inter Series v2 Advanced (Passenger) : Price is US$65.00 Freighter version is coming soon as a free upgrade Images are courtesy of SSG ______________________________________________________________________  News by Stephen Dutton  31st October 2019  Copyright©2019: 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)    
  12. Aircraft Update : E-Jet Evolution Series v1.3 by SSG Supercritical Simulations Group have updated their E-Jet Evolution Series to v1.3. This includes both aircraft of the E-170 and the E-195 variants. Note all the details noted here relate to both aircraft E170/E195 and the combination package of both aircraft in the "Series" pack. Regional airliners are all the rage for time poor simulator users, the routes are short detailed and will fit into any two to three hour flying window. Propeller regional aircraft are the most used, but sometimes you want something different, even a bit faster... a jet. There are two main regional jet manufacturers, one is Bombardier CRJ (Canada) and the other is Embraer EJet (Brazil). There are two developers that cover the E-Jets with one being X-Crafts and the second in SSG with their E-170 and E-195 variants. Version v1.3 This update covers the X-Plane 11.30 performance update (noted as v11.32) and a few VR (Virtual Reality) fixes. New cockpit actuators, now uses dragging method for better control in VR... now you drag to adjust with no scroll adjustment, great for VR... but now awful for the rest of us.... Adjusting the V/S Vertical Speed now is a nightmare of hair pulling proportions... trying to get just 100 digits between descent or climb settings is one for the real nerve testing conditions... so could we have scroll please? adjusting the Baro is a lottery of either STD, or IN but no hPa. BARO minimums have however been implemented. The cockpit lighting has had a lot of attention in this update and overall it is now very good... Main panel, OHP and console lighting is excellent.... .... both pilot "CHART" (adjustable) lights give a nice touch per side (above right). The confusing lighting setting is the side panel FLOODSTORM knobs... they actually adjust the panel LED dropdown lighting? they however do give the cockpit that modern LED lighting effect very nicely. The (real) FLOOD switch is up on the OHP, that switches on two rear roof lights and they look good and work well... however the central roof mounted (FLOOD) light is dark? Overall though you can find all your comfort settings for on the ground flight set up, mid-flight and approach situations. The cabin lighting is still separately adjustable... which is very nice, but the cabin is now starting to feel a little or very dated in the E-195, but the grey trim in the E-170 is far better. The FMS has had over the years a lot of development and it is a Javier Cortes design. It is now very good, but does have a few quirks still. But first the 11.30 changes... The TRS Pages has had the most attention here. These are settings to select the best takeoff "Thrust Rating". The default is the AUTO setting, but you can select a TRS setting that you require and that then becomes the default AUTO setting, and you can have the FLEX option ON/OFF, and bugs were addressed to include fixing the links to the TRS Page. You now have RNAV approaches and the old foe in TOD (Top Of Descent) is now better computed and the RF legs type is now added to SID/STAR/approach procedures. You can now directly switch from RTE 1 which is the main RTE route selection page to the AIRWAYS route page via the "NEXT" button... ... entered AIRWAY pages are fine in moving between pages, but to get back to the original page 1 or the main RTE page you have to reselect RTE? That action maybe officially correct, but it doesn't feel natural You can add in your current aircraft's tail number which is nice... but the TN change is not reflected elsewhere in the FMS? Entering route data is now very good as mentioned, if you use the AIRWAYS route pages. Moving to the FPL direct input though creates a couple of quirks. If you enter in just DIRECT (DCT) waypoints you can get double "ROUTE DISCONTINUITY", this sorts of messes up the flightplan and you have to edit them out, sometimes it edits correctly, but sometimes it creates route line madness... .... if you are good and understand the FMS setup well, you can usually easily edit it out, but sometimes it won't let you, so a complete clean INIT restart is required, like I said I didn't get this with AIRWAY input? These coloured routelines have had attention in v1.3 to eliminate them, but in certain cases they still persist... I did find however the more you constantly use the FMS the more the system behaves correctly.... but as the images show, they still can cause the odd editing issues. Another quirk is the first waypoint after the airport ICAO... this waypoint is always noted at 0 ground level... ... and so initial the waypoint altitude is always out? At LEBL (Barcelona) that is not too much of an issue at an elevation of 14ft, but when I set the FMC at EDDM (Munich) of which the airport is set at an elevation of 1487ft, then you get a massive dip in the VNAV flightplan? and you can't adjust the setting either to correct it? WebFMC intigration The popular add-on plugin WebFMC is now also available for SSG aircraft including these E170 and E195 aircraft, the WebFMC version required is v1.3.0. A huge favorite plugin of mine is a huge bonus in programming the E-Jet routes and performance. Somehow I found the layout of inputting the route data into the WebFMC far easier than directly and even with the pop-up FMC (Key F8) in the aircraft, it is easier to do that route editing as well. So adjusting here my approach flightplan (below) was far easier with WebFMC than in the aircraft.... ... in adding in two extra waypoints DM458 and DM448 that are used in the EDDM 26L RNAV approach to soften the hard back turn from the STAR IRBI4A flightpath, and as noted you can now use actual RNAV approaches if required. WebFMC does a nicer job of replicating the Honeywell facia plate as well and they come in dirty and clean modes, In Flight v1.3 changes Setting up the E-195 has certainly come a long way since the first release of the aircraft and those lovely custom stairs are still a sight to behold. I still find the fuel loading a bit too constraining, as you can't have the exact amount that SimBrief notes 6227 kgs, but the nearest I could set the load was 6236 kgs. Added in now is the particle effects for the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) outlet (below right). Power to weight and aircraft balance feels improved under the new 11.30 performance changes with fuel predictions and usage that is very close to the SimBrief data. The undercarriage in animation and speed has had refinement, it feels slightly slower in movement, but more realistic.... .... in other words it looks far better. Sounds haven't had any adjustments, so they are starting to feel their age compared to the extensive sound packages now available and no FMOD sound that is noticeable with the use of the older DreamEngine sound machine. External sounds are too loud, but can be adjusted down, but the cockpit and cabin levels are too low at the high settings, in flight engine noise is slightly droney which I don't care for, but the wind noise is very good. Data FMS readout and detail is also very good, a few details in the perf, climb, cruise and descent don't fill in until the aircraft is off the runway and you want to manually fill them in, but can't.... obviously. But in the air you have a huge amount of data on a huge amount of page options, it is almost study grade in detail. I found the particle effects from the engines and wings quite heavy, so the vapor trails look non-adjusted, which is weird when you add in the new APU effects, so why not adjust the others for the correct effects? for the small GE CF34-10E turbofans at 20,000 lbf (89 kN) each, they pump out a lot of trail. (E170 uses the GE CF34-8E turbofans at 14,200 lbf (63 kN). The wingtip vortices as well are not adjusted and sit trailing below the wingtips? The vertical speed profile is excellent. I like to do all my climbs and descent manually (no VNAV for me) and here you have the V/S profile and the target point of the altitude after descent. Speedbrake logic, messages and commands improved and spoiler issue on landing fixed is noted, but I found that I couldn't now use my Saitek x56 throttle switches for speedbrake actions? (Speedbrakes extend/retract one)... only a manual adjustment was possible? On landing at EDDM (Munich 26L) then the spoilers didn't activate either? I checked through the four routes I have done with this version and each time they didn't deploy... in most cases you arm them (Speedbrakes retract one) but if that is the way to to that on the E195, I'm not sure, but as the speedbrakes actions don't work via the switch (key option) I can't check that either? Is the spoiler activation just a setting? I don't think so. EDDM and another nice flight. Summary This is the 11.30 update for the SSG E-Jet Series, with both the E-170 and E-195 variants. The 11.30 performance adjustments is of course a given, and by my route numbers it is pretty good. The particle effects are a mixed bag with the addition of the APU output, but nothing else in vapor trails and wingtip vortices have been adjusted and it shows. Cockpit lighting has had a lot of attention and now very good. More to the good are the gear adjustments, flying characteristics and the general great detail and feel of the aircraft, options are quite nice as well. A huge amount of detail and adjustment is now available with the Javier Cortes FMS, overall the system is now very good and quite complex and even close to study grade, but a few quirks still are in there. As with any FMS system in being a good route editor can be a worthy skill, so you will need to know what you are doing when filling out and editing routes... but this FMS is now light years away from the earlier versions. WebFMC intergration is also now available on both aircraft and another worthy addition. Oddly in areas to advance the aircraft have had the opposite effect. VR (Virtual Reality) manipulators work well in VR, but in the normal use they are now quite hard to use with no scroll option? Vertical speed adjust is simply really hard work , as are a lot of the knobs in the cockpit with only the drag option and BARO is a bit of a mess with no hPa adjustment. The refinement of the spoilers/airbrakes has made them worse as well, with only the manual adjustment useable. In other areas the E-Jet is feeling it's age with an outdated cabin and sounds. This is an aircraft to use highly regularly. So popping in and out of the E-Jet will mean you won't get the full aspect of the aircraft, after time and with a lot of routes you will find the aircraft comes to you as you adjust to it's slight quirks and the way you fly it as it is slightly complicated, so the more time you spend in the left seat then the more return the aircraft gives back to you and after a while you can fly this excellent E-Jet like a pro... if every aircraft in X-Plane was the same it would be totally boring, and that is the aspect of the skill to fly aircraft like these small jets well. Recommend the SSG E-Jet, yes absolutely but this is not the update to bring it totally in line with the top notch requirement of the current standards of which this aircraft could easily achieve. _____________________________________________________________________________________ The Embraer E-Jet Evolution Series by Supercritical Simulation Group is available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Embraer E-Jet195LR Evolution Your Price: $44.95 Embraer E-Jet170LR Evolution Your Price: $44.95 Twin package of both advanced E-Jets by SSG is also available: E-170 Evolution E-195 Evolution Embraer E-Jets Evolution Series Your Price: $54.95 Features: Advanced FMS and Navigation system Custom-built FMS (done by FJCC) designed for the SSG Evolution Series SIDs, STARs, transitions, approaches, flare and rollout modes. FMS is compatible with Navigraph navigation databases. Manufacturer's performance data embedded as tables in the fully functional FMS. Option to use either a 2D pop-up (resizable) MCDU or one within the 3D cockpit. Radio communication audio consoles optimized for on-line virtual ATC operations. FMS performance information based on real aircraft data, including V-speeds. FMS includes capability for autotuning navaid frequencies. Vertical Situation Display (VSD) on the MFD, Unique in XP. Terrain display mode on the MFD, which is a part of the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) on the real aircraft. High-Res 3D modeling complete with detailed animations and textures\ Realistic displays (PFD, MFD with system synoptics, and EICAS) External lights and strobes operating realistically, with dynamic lighting in the scenery. Display management similar to that in the real aircraft. Autobrakes with anti-skid system that works in all conditions and includes a realistic rejected takeoff mode. Realistic wing flex and other animations. Window rain effects and animated wipers. Option menu incorporated into the 3D cockpit. Ground vehicles include a tow truck, GPU and airstairs. Over 10 detailed liveries come with the package. Custom systems and Flight Model Aircraft will meet most of the real aircraft's performance data for consumption, AOA, speeds, flight dynamics, etc. in close consultation with real world E-Jet pilots. Realistic 3D cockpit with high resolution. Many systems are implemented with realistic logic, such as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, engine fire extinguishing, fuel, wing and engine anti-ice (including automatic mode), communications, and TCAS. Comprehensive autopilot functioning in modes similar to those of the real aircraft First Officer's MFD display is independent from the Captain's. EICAS messages based on the real aircraft's with lists and scrolling DreamEngine Sound System 3D sounds with DreamEngine plugin. Comes with a comprehensive documentation Airplane Operations Manual (AOM) Quick Start Guide (QSG) Quick Reference Randbook (QRH) to permit easy reference to data for FMS entries and other necessary data Requirements: X-Plane 11 + (not compatible with X-Plane 10) Windows, Mac or Linux 2Gb VRAM Minimum. 4Gb+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.3.0 (March 29th 2019) Installation Download of the SSG E-Jet 195LR is 408.25mb and it is installed in your X-Plane Airliner Folder as a 812mb folder... Series download is 637.10mb (E-170 and E-195)  Aircraft comes with a automated X-Updater for direct updates for the life of the X-Plane11 release. Documents There are three comprehensive documents provided: Custom_Commands.txt SSG E-Jet Evolution Aircraft Operation Manual.pdf SSG E-Jet Series Quick Start Guide.pdf SSG E-Jet_Change_Log.txt SSG EJet Quick Reference Handbook.pdf All are comprehensive with weights, checklists and vRef's  Full v1.3 update change log is here: SSG E-Jet_Change_Log.txt _____________________________________________________________________________________ Review by Stephen Dutton 8th April 2019 Copyright©2019: 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 11.32 Addons: Saitek x56 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini  Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 : WorldTraffic 3.0 Plugin - US$29.95 : JARDesign Ground Handling Deluxe plugin - US$14.95  Scenery: - LEBL - Barcelona by Justsim (X-PlaneStore) - US$21.00 - EDDM - Munich Airport by ShortFinal (X-PlaneStore) - US$26.95 
  13. News! - Images! : SSG show images of their CRJ-700 Supercritical Simulations Group has posted external images of their coming CRJ-700 aircraft. So why is this a big deal? Well good regional aircraft are not exactly flowing a lot around out X-Plane11 airports. Yes we have the JRollon CRJ-200, but in the real world in most operations it is the larger CRJ-700 doing all the work and it is the most prolific aircraft on the commuter/regional hub and spoke routes, yes X-Plane needs this aircraft... a lot! I will note a lot of these images have already been reproduced a lot already, but are well worth looking over... I have put the newer released images towards to top. Note the heat blur from the engines... this aircraft already is v11.30 compatible or will be on release. UPDATED... We all looked at those pretty external images and thought? "Hummm, yes but what about the inside, the cockpit thingy" well, here is your answer. Yep looks very well completed to me! Will the Supercritical Simulations Group CRJ-700 be released before the end of the year? Well we hope so, it looks quite complete, so a nice Christmas present... yes please. All images are courtesy of Supercritical Simulations Group ________________________________________ News by Stephen Dutton 5th November 2018 Copyright©2018: 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)
  14. Aircraft Update : Boeing 748i/8F Adv v1.9.1 By Supercritical Simulations Group I am going to be honest about with the SSG Boeing 747-800i in both the Passenger and Freighter versions, in that we never really fell in love with each other. Which is a bit strange because the Boeing 747 Series is the aircraft that got me into simulation in the first place. Don't get me wrong I liked the aircraft and I liked it a lot, but the early versions were quite buggy and it had a hard impact on my frame rate (my Mac was just not powerful enough). Odder still is the fact that the 8F or Freighter version as part of this package is one of the very best freighters in X-Plane, so to not fly the aircraft and not fly it in it's excellent freighter variant is even more surprising again. But I do think the SSG B748 overall had a difficult birth in X-Plane. For one it quite a complex aircraft, there is a lot going on in the cockpit when setting the aircraft up for departure, and in the flight itself, and then it has a lot of very clever but again complex features... so I feel it sort of trip's itself up, and I think even looking back at the time that even SSG would admit the B748i was a very ambitious project, maybe it was all a bit too ambitious? Now the aircraft is now over four years old, and that is a lot of development and experience time gone by, more so is the switch to X-Plane11 from X-Plane10, for some reason the aircraft is more at home in it's X-Plane11 environment than it ever was in X-Plane10, but mostly I think it is the computer power that has also caught up and passed the demands that the aircraft and it's modeling required, you could back then get away with small flights to certain destinations that were not over heavily taxiing on your computer power, but now the aircraft is finally fitting into it's main role as a long hauler, of which it is it's main aviation requirements. The SSG 748i Advanced comes in two versions, the Passenger Intercontinental version, and the 8F Freighter version. And they can be purchased separately or as a combined package (recommended) Although the aircraft does come with some great ground features like a really nice fuel truck and GPU (Ground Power Unit), however it really comes into it's own with the JarDesign Ground Handling Deluxe plugin. For the freighter version the GHD plugin is essential. X-Plane11 Unlike a lot of aircraft in the X-Plane simulator the SSG B748i package didn't go through the upgrade process, in other words any original X-Plane10 version can be upgraded to the X-Plane11 standard free of charge, and with no repurchase cost involved, so that really helps with the original purchase investment. To see where the aircraft now stands in its new current version I first flew the Passenger version from ESSA (Arlanda) to EDDL (Dusseldorf) and then returned back to ESSA in the 8F Freighter version. First thing that is striking is the new Lufthansa livery on the aircraft, and the added X-Plane11 PBR effects have certainly lifted the quality of the aircraft to new heights... it now looks simply amazing. There are no branded freight company liveries with the freighter, but only the Boeing 8 promotion livery. but there are loads of brand liveries available (but just make sure they are the updated versions). I found this brilliant Lufthansa Cargo - Aktion Deutschland Hilft (D-ALCC). As you can see and feel, the aircraft HAS certainly come a long way in four years... as it just looks stunning. Those huge General Electric GEnx--2B67B engines rated at 66,500 lbf (296 kN) have been very well and beautifully modeled here (the Dreamliner uses the higher rated 76,100 lbf (339 kN) version of the same engine... ... the unique wingtip has also come into form in with the PBR reflections. Update v1.9.1 I am covering both updates in v1.9 and v1.9.1 here as the earlier v1.9 was only a small change in details. Mostly the changes here are related to bugs, mostly small ones, but bugs nevertheless. Autoland never really worked really well, I found this out on a RWY 09R landing at Heathrow and promptly demolished the fencing and lighting at the other end... as such neither did the autobraking system work that well either. Both systems have had attention with the autoland in v1.9 and the autobraking in v1.9.1, with the autoland it was a tailwind error and rollout behaviour, and with the autobraking it was the logic. Both systems now work far better and feel far more natural, but I did still find the autobraking didn't switch out when I touched the brakes to regain control at the end of the rollout? But overall it is miles better than before and there has been a small fix in the speed limit with flaps on the PFD and also changes to the MCP SPD dial. The autopilot now also can't be activated on the ground as per Boeing restrictions. In performance the changes are even more pronounced as the performance has now been tuned for better X-Plane11 fuel consumption and flight model dynamics, especially the engines so that now they are now far better and very close to that of the real aircraft based on performance tables. This was certainly reflected in the way the aircraft flew on the takeoff roll, climb and cruise parameters, again the B748 felt far better, the flight to EDDL was with a light 25% load (33.5kgs) and then a heavy 90% load (120.50kgs) factor on the return, fuel loading each way was the same 24467 kg as per SimBrief... fuel loading was inputted on the Pad/Menu on the pilot's left and right sides via the excellent fuel truck... ... only odd thing is I couldn't rehide the fuel truck? until I started pushback, even switching or turning off the Pad/Menu didn't do the trick either? There was a bug also in that if you tried to load the fuel in lbs, the fuel loading didn't work, it does fuel correctly now in v1.9.1. The differences in performance with the different weights was very pronounced, very realistic, as was the approach and landing performance, the only thing I will note was that I wasn't sure of the flap degree performance and if it was perfect, perfect, the speeds felt fine, but the flap performance related to the speed felt a fraction off, maybe I just need more hours on the aircraft? The TOGA (TakeOff-Go Around) disconnect now also works as it should. FJCC- FMC The earlier versions of Javier Cortes FJCC - FMC were quite beastly, and they worked a bit like Quantum Mechanics in that you really didn't know the final outcome until you had actually finished all the inputting of the route data. But the latest versions (also in the SSG E170/E195) of v1.91 May 14, 2018 are now quite good and thankfully far more flexible. Yes the FMC does still tend to hesitate on a key input (mostly in Airways), and sometimes when inputting routes of the route on the screen it is nothing like the route you are actually inputting, it does now actually input and work very well, some route editing is still required, but now nothing more or less than any other high grade FMC, unlike as before when you spent as much time editing the route as setting up the entire aircraft for flight. There is a new navigation data installer (for Windows and Mac only) to facilitate first time installation of navigation data into the proper folders. A secondary requirement of this is for updating the nav data cycles from Navigraph or Aerosoft - NavDataPro, if the data folder arrangement is not correct the data won't load correctly, and it can only be done manually. And fix was also done to allow some STARs (Standard Terminal ARrival) choices to be selected, and same for some DME waypoint selection. The FMC will popup for ease of use (F8 Win/Linux - fn/F8 Mac) It notes to use "Shift - F8" but mine just works on just pressing F8? And WebFMC is noted to be adding this B748 FMC panel to the plugin soon. Cockpit and Lighting The cockpit textures had an overhaul at the change over to X-Plane11 in v1.6, so the cockpit looks far better now than the bland original heavy dark textures of the earlier SSG B748. It is still a darkish place in here, but the quality does now really show, and the X-Plane11 PBR is a huge help as well. You can if you wish give the cockpit a more worn in appeal by using fscabral's worn textures, but this 748 is a relatively new aircraft, so a very worn look and older 747-400 feel is not really the look or right feel either. The cockpit lighting has had attention in v1.9.1, and it does look really nice at night, but it is still not adjustable enough. The missing items are the two overhead map lights for each pilot, they still don't work and would be a nice spot light filler, so you notice that. The main over head lighting is odd as well with the storm dark/light switch or the adjustable dome light, but in reality they both do the same thing only one is adjustable... but the setup on the real B748 is the same. External lighting now has the strobes and beacon lights that reflect on the ground... ... but the navigation lights still don't ground reflect? External lighting is excellent, the highlights here are the "wing" - ice lights Liveries There are four liveries with the Passenger version... Lufthansa New (2017), BBJ, Orange Sunrise House and Boeing Blue. Only one livery with the Freighter, the house Boeing 747-8. As noted there is a huge choice of liveries available on the X-Plane.Org for both versions of this B748, so what you want should be on there. The Boeing 747 is one of the very great aircraft in aviation, it changed the world in almost every way with it's size and speed, but today VLA's (Very Large Aircraft) are going out of favor for efficient twins and only two in the Airbus A380 and this B748 are left to carry the flame alive, but they still have a place, as the world's population continues to grow then the VLA's and their huge lifting capacity will be the only machines to do the heavy lifting, and then there is cargo... One thing that was very noticeable was the sheer size of this aircraft, it is a BIG machine, big in the air and huge on the ground. Summary Ambition vs experience, small steps before large ones. This Boeing 748 Series was Supercritical Simulations Group banner project, but was it simply too much before it's time... I feel that yes it was initially a too large a step to take as this aircraft is hugely complex, not only in size but in it's systems as well. X-Plane10 was not really kind to it either, but with time work and the newer X-Plane11 dynamics and better computer power have turned the aircraft into something now a far more mature if now even a great simulation of the Boeing 748, it's not completely there yet as there are still a very few minor bugs, but now it is nothing that lets you to really start to get immersed in to what is one of the greatest of Long Haulers of all time, and currently X-Plane is very dearth of really good long haul aircraft and certainly none in this class of quality and dynamics. So this update v1.9.1 is another notch upwards, it is also now overall excellent, solid and thoroughly enjoyable, so for me I will be putting a lot more mileage under this aircraft, as a few long hauls now beckon and even to tantalise the spirit, Paris to Barcelona... "bah", more like Paris to Tokyo... "yeah". ______________________________________________________________________ Yes! the Boeing 748i/8F Adv v1.9.1 By Supercritical Simulations Group is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747-8 Series (Both Passenger and Freighter) : Price is US$65.00 Boeing 747-8 Inter Advanced (Passenger Version) Price is US$55.00 Boeing 747-8 Freighter (Cargo Version) Price is US$55.00 Features: Officially licensed by the Boeing Corporation. Completely rebuilt from scratch, building on SSG's experience with its popular freeware 747-8 releases. Accurate 3D external model based on 2D and 3D drawings supplied by Boeing, complete with animations and hi-res textures Aircraft meets most of the real aircraft's performance data for consumption, AOA, speeds, flight dynamics, etc. in consultation with real world 747 pilots. Manufacturer's performance data embedded as tables in the fully functional FMC. Realistic 3D cockpit with high resolution, in all render settings. Realistic displays (PFD, ND, EICAS, and MFD with system synoptics) Many systems are implemented with realistic logic, such as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, engine fire extinguishing, fuel (with dumping capability), wing and engine anti-ice (including automatic mode), communications, and TCAS. Electronic checklist system that can automatically detect certain aircraft configuration changes Complete autopilot functioning in modes similar to the real aircraft External lights and strobes operate realistically. Display management similar to that in the real aircraft (information can be switched between displays). First Officer's ND display is independent from the Captain's, and ND has a pop-up option EICAS messages based on the real aircraft's with lists for multiple pages and recall capability. Autobrakes with anti-skid system that works in all conditions and includes a realistic rejected takeoff mode. Realistic wing flex and other animations. Window rain effects and animated wipers (viewable from the cockpit). Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) with payload management, fueling and pushback menus. Ground vehicles include a tow truck, fuel truck, and GPU 3D sounds with Dream Engine plugin. TSS (Turbine Sound Studio) real recorded sounds. Custom built-in FMC and Navigation FMC made by FJCC especially for the 747-8i with more than 100 interactions with the flight model, including SIDs, STARs, transitions, approaches, flare and rollout modes. FMC is compatible with AeroSoft's NavDataPro and Navigraph navigation databases. Option to use either a 2D pop-up (resizable) FMC or one within the 3D cockpit. Custom radio communication and audio consoles with digital keypad optimized for on-line virtual ATC operations. FMC performance information based on real aircraft data, including calculated V-speeds. FMC includes capability for autotuning navaid frequencies. Vertical Situation Display (VSD) on the ND (a first for X-Plane) Airport diagrams displayed on the ND (a first for X-Plane) Terrain display mode on the ND, which is a part of the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) on the real aircraft. Compatible with the AirFMC app to permit the use of an iPad as an external FMC Ability to switch the displays between magnetic and true heading presentations. Comprehensive Flight Crew Operation Manual (FCOM) and a Quick Start Guide. Requirements: X-Plane 11+ Windows 7,8,10; MAC OS 10.7+; Linux. 2Gb MB VRAM Minimum- 4GB+ VRAM Highly Recommended Current version : 1.9.1 - last updated June 5th 2018 Framerate is pretty good, and a refined version is part of the v1.9.1 package, but I would recommend a power machine as standard. JarDesign Ground Handling Deluxe plugin is highly recommended with this aircraft. Installation : Download is 750mb which is unzipped and is inserted in your Heavy Aircraft folder as: SSG B748-Inter - 708.60mb file B748-8F Freighter - 627.20mb file Key authorisation is required. Documentation : includes B748-ChangeLog.txt SSG 747-8 FCOM.pdf SSG 747-8 Quick start Guide.pdf SSGCUSTOMLIST.TXT ______________________________________________________________________ Plugin Review by Stephen Dutton 9th June 2018 Copyright©2018: X-Plane Reviews  (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) Review System Specifications: Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.20 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro v1.07 US$69.90 : XPRealistic Pro v1.0.9 effects US$19.95 : WorldTraffic 3.0 Plugin - US$29.95 : BetterPushBack - Free Scenery or Aircraft - EDDL - Airport Dusseldorf by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$27.53 - ESSA - Stockholm Arlanda by tdg (X-Plane.Org) - Free (A big thanks to ysfsim for making the ESSA WT3 ground routes)
  15. News! - Aircraft Announcement - ERJ 170 LR by Supercritical Simultions Group SSG (Supercritical Simultions Group) have announced their next project as the E-170 LR. This not the standard current E170 but the new E-Jet Evolution” series aircraft. Based and heavily revised on their current SSG E-Jet series (E-170 and E-190) and incorporating a lot of elements of the SSG Boeing 748 series features, the new aircraft is due as noted late this late 1stQ or early 2ndQ of 2016. Feature list noted is: Accurate 3D external model complete with detailed animations and textures. Many detailed liveries upon release with any subsequent liveries available as free downloads. Aircraft will meet most of the real aircraft's performance data for consumption, AOA, speeds, flight dynamics, etc. in close consultation with real world E-Jet pilots. Realistic 3D cockpit with high resolution in all render settings. Realistic displays (PFD, MFD with system synoptics, and EICAS). Many systems are implemented with realistic logic, such as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, engine fire extinguishing, fuel, wing and engine anti-ice (including automatic mode), communications, and TCAS. Electronic checklist system that can automatically detect certain aircraft configuration changes. Comprehensive autopilot functioning in modes similar to those of the real aircraft External lights and strobes operating realistically. Display management similar to that in the real aircraft. First Officer's MFD display is independent from the Captain's, and MFD has a pop-up option. EICAS messages based on the real aircraft's with lists and scrolling. Autobrakes with anti-skid system that works in all conditions and includes a realistic rejected takeoff mode. Realistic wing flex and other animations. Window rain effects and animated wipers. Option Menu incorporated into the cockpit VSD. Ground vehicles include a tow truck, fuel truck, GPU and airstairs. 3D sounds with DreamEngine plugin. Turbine Sound Studio sounds recorded from the real aircraft. Custom built-in FMC and Navigation systems (subject to change) including: FMC made by FJCC especially for the SSG Evolution Series, including SIDs, STARs, transitions, approaches, flare and rollout modes. FMC is compatible with AeroSoft's NavDataPro and Navigraph navigation databases. Manufacturer's performance data embedded as tables in the fully functional FMC. Option to use either a 2D pop-up (resizable) FMC or one within the 3D cockpit. Custom radio communication audio consoles optimized for on-line virtual ATC operations. FMC performance information based on real aircraft data, including calculated V-speeds. FMC includes capability for autotuning navaid frequencies. Vertical Situation Display (VSD) on the ND. Terrain display mode on the ND, which is a part of the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) on the real aircraft. Comprehensive Flight Crew Operation Manual (FCOM) and a Quick Start Guide. The E-Jet Evolution Series is designed for X-Plane 10 and will be compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. ______________________________________________________________________ Images are courtesy of Supercritical Simultions Group Stephen Dutton 2nd February 2016 Copyright©2016: X-PlaneReviews
  16. News! - Updated - Boeing 747-8 Series V1.4 by Supercritical Simulations Group (SSG) Supercritical Simulations Group have updated the huge Boeing 748 Series to version v1.4. SSG below have noted the main changes.... "This update brings terrain displays to both pilot and copilot navigation displays (NDs). This is part of the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), which is installed in the real aircraft, and is quite complex in operation and capabilities. However, the most visible part of the system is the terrain display on the NDs. The terrain display is much like that of a radar, sweeping the flight path ahead of the aircraft and showing terrain that might pose a threat to the aircraft in color coded fashion from green to red, even showing areas of water in blue. As the aircraft climbs and descends, or the range scale is changed on the ND, the terrain display changes accordingly." Also, external textures and normals (the textures that create realism and raised surfaces) have been enhanced with added details and all the default liveries have been redone. Other improvements, bug and fix changes in v1.4 include: - Fixed issue where some users experienced moving artifacts in the external model. - Fixed issue reported by some users where the parking brake would switch off when changing aircraft loads. - Problem with some cockpit sounds activating incorrectly has been fixed. - Added functionality to the switch that allows the ND and PFD to switch between magnetic and true heading. - Improved TCAS function with targets now limited to those within 9,999 feet and with arrows to show whether the target traffic is climbing or descending. - Transponder now has different modes working rather than just ON/OFF, primarily TCAS. - Added the AUTO function for the engine and wing anti-ice systems with proper logic to allow for those systems to activate in icing conditions on their own like in the real aircraft. - Addressed bug in which an engine shutdown message appeared on the EICAS even though the engines were merely at an idle setting. - Improved the speedbrake operation and message logic. - Improved runway presentation on the ND to make it closer to the real aircraft’s. - Modified external model properties to gain FPS on some systems. - Added an option on the EFB to disable rain effects. Various FMC and autoflight improvements such as: - Reduced delay/lag in FMC display functions - Flightplans now are stored in an x-plane/Custom Data/UFMC/FlightPlans/ folder so they are not overwritten any time the aircraft is updated and will work for any add on using future versions of the UFMC (V3.0+) and/or x737FMC (V3.2+) , which can read/write flight plans. ______________________________________________________________________ Yes! the SSG 747-8 Intercontinental Advanced by Supercritical Simulations Group is now available from the new X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747-8 Inter Advanced Price is US$45.00 Boeing 747-8 Series Price is US$69.00 - Includes both versions 747-8i Intercontinental Advanced 747-8F Freighter If you have already purchased the SSG 747-8 Intercontinental Advanced/Series then go to your X-Plane.OrgStore account, log in and download v1.4 from your account. ______________________________________________________________________ Requirements Windows 7,8,10; MAC OS 10.7+; Linux 64bit X-Plane 10 fully updated. 64 bit. (X-Plane 9 not supported) 4GB RAM/512 MB VRAM (8GB RAM and 1GB+ VRAM Highly Recommended) Current version : 1.4 - last updated November 20th 2015 SSG X-Plane.Org Support forum Stephen Dutton Updated 21st November 2015 Copyright©X-Plane Reviews: X-PlaneReviews
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