Spitfire

Transcription

Spitfire

AVSIM Online - Flight Simulation's Number 1 Site!
AVSIM Commercial Aircraft Review
Just Flight - Spitfire
Product Information
Publisher: Just Flight
Description: Military Aircraft Add-on.
Download Size:
654 MB
Format:
Download
Simulation Type:
FS2002/FS9/FSX & CFS 2/3
Reviewed by: Laurie Aston AVSIM Staff Reviewer - March 1, 2008
file:///E|/AVSIM/Reviews/Spitfire/Spitfire.htm (1 of 8)01/03/2008 1:16:29 PM
Introduction
The Spitfire, designed by Reginald Mitchell in response to an Air Ministry requirement for a monoplane fighter, developed
the prototype which first flew in 1936 as a Rolls Royce engine powered aircraft with a two bladed wooden propeller.
Through various versions (Mk's) that improved the performance and firepower to the point where even the engine was
changed to the Rolls Royce Griffon, complete with a five bladed propeller, and resulted in the Mk.22 version.
I have thrilled to the sounds of Rolls Royce Merlin engines for fifty years, and have had the pleasure of walk-arounds and
inspections on more than one Spitfire variant in my career in aviation, as well as studying the instrument layout from the
cockpit. It is with pleasure that I present the Just Flight Spitfire.
Installation and Documentation
With this particular package suited not only for the FS2002 flyer, but designed for the FS2004/FSX/CFS2 and CFS3 flyers
too, it is readily downloadable from the Just Flight web site. The only thing to note is that if you have the Acceleration
pack installed, then unfortunately this add-on will not run. It is fine in FSX with Service pack 1 (SP1).
The instructions are very clear, and once the payment is made, an e-mail will
follow with the codes required, and installation can begin. It needs a whopping
654 MB to load, but once installed, the size of the download is reflected in the
quality and content. During the download, a selection decision is required as to
“Speak-O-vision”, and whether you want to download it or not. Please say yes,
as the results are beneficial, in the form of a displayed set of playing cards
which, when clicked on, will open a short film that will take the form of a walkaround, the startup procedure, the interior controls and much more that you can
explore for yourselves, depending on which card you click on.
There is also a full document in PDF format which provides all the information on
the different variants of the Spitfire, start procedures, instrument information
and a very cleverly included Air Ministry Publication (re-print) of the Pilot
handbook for the Mk1a and Mk1b Spitfire.
Reading all the paperwork and watching the movies will take time before you fly, but is invaluable in enabling you to get
the best when flying the aircraft.
Scenery wise, there is even an additional Airfield, RAF Duxford, as it appeared in WW2, but sadly this is not compatible
with FSX at this time.
The Spitfire Variants
This package includes 39 (Thirty Nine) Aircraft, covering 14 Marks of the machine. With all the usual details that are
displayed, bearing in mind that this is a Just Flight product, you will not be disappointed with the contents. There is a
Spitfire variant for every occasion, including a Spitfire floatplane, and the variety is therefore endless, and covers every
theatre of operation.
The Prototype Spitfire is K5054, with a two bladed wooden propeller and differential braking is required to control this
aircraft on the grass as the tailskid has no wheel. On other models, the tail wheel is steerable but remember to lock it
when ready for take-off or the results will be very entertaining, if not dangerous.
There is also available the Mk1,
Mk1a of 1940 fame and fitted with a three bladed constant speed prop.
Mk1b complete with 20mm Hispano cannon and browning machine guns.
Mk2a. which featured in the Battle of Britain, and includes Douglas Bader’s own machine P7966, which he flew with the
Tangmere wing.
MkVb. a float version of the Spitfire, remember to remove crash detection if you intend to operate this aircraft on water.
MkVc.
MkVc. With bombs and rockets, used in overseas theatres, and features Polish and Czech versions.
MkVc. Clipped wings and an RAAF version included.
MkIX. Introduced in 1943 and much improved with gun heaters, improved engine and other items to enhance a fighter
pilots lot.
MkXE. Exhibited by the Danish AF, Norwegian AF, RCAF, and the Czech AF with superbly accurate paintwork.
MkIXT. 2 seat trainer versions, in civilian paintwork and military camouflage too.
Mk XIVE. Belgian Air Force markings
Mk XIVE. Contra Rotating Propeller version
Mk XIX. including RR Griffon engine and 5 bladed prop.
And finally the Mk.22
Prototype
Mk1a overflying La Rochelle
Float variant before takeoff
Spitfire 14 with Griffon and 5-blade
prop
Spitfire twin cockpit trainer
"OK student, you have control"
Mk1a reaching for the sky
Mk1a engine checks
A Merlin whipping up the spray
Rolls Royce Griffon Mk15
Spitfire Mk15 entering cloud
The sharp end of a Mk15 Spitfire
The Cockpit
In 2D display mode, or in the increasingly popular VC mode, the instrument layout is clear and concise, differing with the
various models and looking very good in either mode. Instrument readings are easily readable, switches are moveable
and do what they are supposed to do, and looking around the “office” in VC mode reveals a wealth of detail all around
the central seat.
Spitfire 2D cockpit
Left VC view
Griffon powered Spitfire in 2D
Right side of the cockpit
Tail wheel lock lever
Left forward cockpit view
I mentioned earlier the need to use the Tail wheel lock lever to lock the wheel in the neutral or central position before
take-off, and above you can see it marked on the left side of the cockpit just behind the maps case. Pulling it back will
lock the wheel, and a smooth take-off will be easier.
The Instruments are very detailed and all move in the correct sense. The fuel gauge or gauges, depending on the model,
being well positioned and are worth glancing at occasionally before flight and during flight too. Items such as the
emergency gas bottle for gear lowering are included correctly, and the gun sight is also featured on some of the models.
Throttle and mixture controls work as advertised, as do the engine start switches together with the magnetos. The
canopy slides back smoothly and adds to the cockpit display very nicely.
Night Flying is made much better with the subtle instrument lighting giving a very comforting red glow, not bright but
enough to see by just as you would expect, never interfering with night vision at all.
Contra rotating blades
Spitfire civilian trainer, aerobatics
over RAF Duxford
K5054 touching down
Sounds
There is no aircraft engine that can ever beat the Rolls Royce Merlin for sound, and this package expertly records that
event in all phases of flight from start-up and beyond. I am not convinced that the Griffon sounds are that much
different in this package, but as far as I am concerned, it does not detract from the overall effect. For anyone who has
ever heard the sound of a Merlin or Merlins at full chat, thundering over an airfield at low level, the only thing betteris
actually being in the cockpit and controlling such an event.
But the crackling roar of pure unleashed power that causes the chest to vibrate and the skin to goose bump on the arms
and neck as the graceful lines of a Spitfire pass over or by at breakneck speed can never be forgotten, only ever
surpassed by the thunder of four Merlins in formation on an Avro Lancaster, but that’s another story.
The gear whines realistically on retraction, and the flaps hiss as the pneumatic system works to lower or raise them,
even the canopy slides with a satisfying clunk. The engine speed increases with an accompanying roar, and in flight it is
muted slightly in the cockpit but is certainly in front of you, pulling horses by the thousands in an effort to propel you
along and perform Spitfire manoeuvres effortlessly.
Airfile
And so finally to the flying aspect of the Spitfire. The prototype is probably the slowest
in performance with a two blade wooden prop, but it isn’t slouching either. Progressing
through the Mks of Spitfire will provide some pleasing differences; the clipped wing
models rolling quicker, the float plane is sluggish and awkward, but providing different
skills to master, and increasing the pleasure obtained from such a varying package.
The Trainer version gives a different view from the normal cockpit, but again adding to
the variety in a very different way as you can fly from the pupil or instructor cockpit.
Whichever Spitfire you opt for, the test flight is always exciting.
Remember to lock the tail wheel before taking off, and also add some rudder effect to
counter the torque produced by the beautiful Rolls Royce Merlin, or a different variant.
Pulling back gently at rotate speed will give a satisfying break from ground effect and
climbing out will be quite effective, raising the gear after being sure you are in a
positive climb. Settling into the cruise gives you the chance to check around the “office”
and a quick glance at oil pressure, boost pressure, fuel situation, gear lock and the
airspeed plus altitude and attitude. Not necessarily in that order, but it will give you
some idea of the efficiency of your aircraft. Looking out of the front and sides, up and
back to the front again will satisfy your view all around, and what a view it can be.
Test System
Asrock K7S41GX
Motherboard AMD 2600+
Processor
2Gig DDR
Nvidia Gforce 6200 Graphics
Windows XP Pro SP2
FSX SP1
Microsoft Force feedback
Sidewinder
CH Flight Sim Yoke
22” Asus Widescreen LCD
Monitor
Flying Time:
25 hours
Maneuvers are effortless, spinning is not recommended in real practice but you know
you will want to try it. Stalling is also not a good idea but it is nice to know that from a safe altitude, it can be practiced
with a satisfying wing drop first, plus some buffeting, and recovery is fairly normally achieved.
Approach and landing are somewhat blocked by that huge engine and cowling at the sharp end, but a curved approach is
a lot of fun, and very satisfying when done properly. With the flaps down on final, gear extended of course, as it's not
nice to hear the sound of metal on tarmac in addition to flying pieces of propeller blade when nice squealing tire sounds
are expected, and in addition the amount of paperwork to be filled out if you land without the gear extended is
horrendous, so use the power available and a very satisfying three point landing can be achieved with practice.
Landing on the mains first is an achievement, but tread very carefully on the brakes in any event. It isn’t clever to land
successfully, tip the aircraft onto its nose in the roll-out, or even onto its back and then break your neck falling out trying
to escape from the debris. It will make the eyes water at the very least!!
Summary / Closing Remarks
At the price for obtaining this package, with the huge variety of Spitfire Marks available, anyone still interested in this
ageing beauty will happily pay up. I know I would, and the pleasure, flying time, experimentation, visits to other
airfields, and practicing flying displays will make this package one of the best you ever purchase. It is possible that one
or two aircraft are not quite shaped as expected, looking a little short perhaps, and stubby, but with 39 in all to choose
from, how bad can that be?
The Virtual Cockpit is a joy, and the traditional 2D cockpit is very good too, add to this the variety of Squadrons and
countries covered, the authentic paint schemes with wear marks and scrapes, in addition to the external detail, cannon
ports, gun ports, gear legs and tail wheel detail, propeller detail too, and this is a super package, even if I do have to
pay for a large hangar to store these priceless models in. Could it be any better?
Well short of actually buying or building the real thing, and remember that the original Spitfire is over 60 years old, or
using so much processor power that the national grid would go down, I doubt that there is much to improve on. Some of
the aircraft look old and feel old, but they fly well, or appear to, and with so many to choose from, there is an aircraft for
everybody who wants to own a single engined, powerful but vintage propeller driven airplane steeped in history, and
costs only £19.95 to own.
What I Like About The Spitfire
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
Aircraft
Cockpit
colour schemes
variety of different Marks
price
addition of several movie shows in “Speak-O-Vision”
detailed paperwork and Air Ministry manual to operate the Spitfire
package covers FS2002/FS2004/FSX and even CFS2/CFS3
What I Don't Like About The Spitfire
●
●
●
A couple of Aircraft look slightly out of shape in the nose area and the fuselage length
appears short but acceptable anyway
The additional scenery is “Duxford in the 1940’s,” but is not compatible with FSX
Currently Spitfire FSX is not compatible with FSX SP2 or the Acceleration Pack
Printing
If you wish to print this review or read it offline at your leisure, right click on the link below,
and select "save as"
Spitfire
(adobe acrobat required)
Comments?
Standard Disclaimer
The review above is a subjective assessment of the product by the author. There is no connection between
the producer and the reviewer, and we feel this review is unbiased and truly reflects the performance of
the product in the simming environment. This disclaimer is posted here in order to provide you with
background information on the reviewer and any connections that may exist between him/her and the
contributing party.
Tell A Friend About this Review!
© 2008 - AVSIM Online
All Rights Reserved
Powered by AVSIM SimWords
AVSIM Reviews
Want to stay on top of the most
recent ad ons? See our Reviews!
www.avsim.com
Become a SimWord Publisher!
Flight Sim Super Store
Over 1000 flight sim products in
stock. Hardware, instant
downloads and more are all here.
Great prices & worldwide shipping.
www.FSPilotShop.com
Advertise Here!
Want your advertising to count?
Advertise in this slot for pennies a
day!
www.avsim.com
Make Money with SimWords!
Join the ranks of websites earning
an income from SimWords.
Become a Publisher today!
www.avsim.com
McPhat Studios -RepaintsWe create FREE weathered, worn,
dirty and torn repaints for FS9 &
FSX. We tear 'em up and we wear
'em down...for you to fly.
www.mcphatstudios.net

Spitfire

Transcription

Similar documents

The Ratcliffe Spitfire

Spitfire Product Overview

MPM news 12-10

Flight - WWII Aircraft Performance

Supermarine Spitfire, Survey Project May 2016

Vuelos Spitfire 1st Flight 80 Years Ago

KING AIR C90GTx - Beechcraft

Wherever you are. Whenever you need it.

SPITFIRE

RealAir Spitfire 2008 Flying Guide

FLIGHT SAFETY Technology and the Human Factor

crownline boats, inc. proudly introduces our new 252ex

Here

LGSTX Distribution Services, Inc. (LDS) Benefits

A MessAgefroMfredButtrell

kids asking questions and then being able to explain

Spitfire - Spectra