Thursday, March 31, 2011

Las Vegas updated but...

It's a flop. We were expecting real night lights and textures in US Cities Las Vegas but../.

This simply doesn't work good. Aerosoft and LimeSim released the update yesterday but a first preview shown it a few days ago, the night lights turned in some mono-chromatic tinted gold-yellow.
The scenery is also quite heaviest of 1 gb. Lett's hope LimeSim will be able to develop a new generation US Cities...

New Toyota Prius 2011


Prius is certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), which means it runs 75 percent cleaner than the standard for Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV). That's a remarkable feat. Prius' hybrid powertrain and regenerative braking systems are sure to garner the lion's share of the media's attention. But little things add up too. Here are some of the unsung energy-efficient innovations that'll have the competition scratching their heads.


2011 Toyota Prius MPV With Latest Reviews And Prices. Although still preoccupied with the completion of the recall, do not delay the program from Toyota Japan that have been scheduled. Included with the production of environmentally friendly vehicles.

2011 Toyota Prius is not the most comfortable car or the fastest on the market, but the Prius makes up for this mistake with a star rating fuel economy 51/48 mpg city / highway, the highest in the market.

Now that the hybrid market grows, it is important to learn more about the cars in this class thrives. Toyota Prius has been on the market since 1997, and it's come a long way. It obtained generous trunk and interior more spacious, and most importantly, the highest fuel economy ratings 51/48 mpg city / highway all hybrid cars and gasoline in the market.

They were right. From hybrid sedan on the market, the Prius has the best combination of cargo space, interior space and high fuel economy compared to other models. This is also the most affordable. One thing the Prius is not big on performance. Some reviewers say it handles like a tool, and others say it is only good for everyday use. However, if you want faster hybrid, it's a good idea to check out the competition.

Averaging 51/48 mpg city / highway, 2011 Toyota Prius hybrid most fuel efficient on the market, but with 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain that produces 134 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque, it is not the most powerful.

There are four trims: Prius II, III, IV and V. Each model receives the same powertrain.

Toyota has not released pricing for 2011 Toyota Prius, but the 2010 model starts at $ 22,800, the position of the Honda Insight which is cheaper and pricier Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Power of the Prius' biggest fuel economy rating of 51/48 mpg city / highway that goes beyond hybrid cars and gasoline at this price range. To help maximize mileage driver, the Prius allows the driver to select one of three driving modes, each offering different performance characteristics and efficiency numbers: Eco, the most efficient fuel, Normal and Power, the most efficient.

2011 Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder inline engine kilowatts of electricity and motor-60. This powertrain produces 134 horsepower and 105 pound feet of torque, which exceeds the Honda Insight 's 98 horsepower and 123 foot pounds of torque. Prius, however, is less powerful than the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid. Combined, 's Fusion 2.5 four-cylinder engine and electric motor foot pump 191 horsepower and 136 pounds of torque, while the Camry has 147 horsepower and 138 foot pounds of torque. But their power comes at a cost, both have fuel economy ratings of 41/36 mpg city lower / highway and 31/35 mpg city / highway, respectively.

Prius will never be a sports car, but always will prioritize fuel economy. Prius does not disappoint in this arena. The EPA says gets an average of 51/48 mpg city / highway, the best mileage for gasoline-run cars in this price range.

Enigma B737-300 Landor livery


A new texture of the Enigma B737-300, British airways Landor (by Stephen Groom).
The release is expected in the beginning of may, according to Jordi Blumberg. Then will follow different versions and panels for FS9 and FSX.

http://www.enigmasim.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=840

New Mercedes Viano 2011 (Blue Efficiency)


Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of cars, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes car was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles produced in 1926 the first name, after the merger of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler's companies into the Daimler-Benz company. Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological innovations and safety have become common on other vehicles a few years later. And now Mercedes-Benz launched Viano 2011.


The Mercedes-Benz Viano leads its class, setting a new benchmark for large-capacity vehicles. New engine and new transmissions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption while increasing performance. The new chassis offers the ultimate in comfort and driving safety. Cockpit and passenger compartment that is more user-friendly and attractive than ever appointed. Mercedes-Benz Viano instantly recognizable by the "face" her, featuring a star in the style of Mercedes passenger cars today, and newly designed rear.


Mercedes-Benz Viano with "face" of the new Mercedes-Benz Viano presents look more striking and typical, according to the style of the current passenger car from Mercedes-Benz. Three silver-colored bar with chrome radiator grille trim partition, fronting a sporty black grille featuring a diamond pattern. Radiator grille is offset by new reflector lights in a typical design. This reflector has been expanded to increase the light output. Daytime driving lights which come as standard integrated with their own light source in the headlamp's house, along with fog lights.

Different colors also contribute to the altered appearance, with a modern new paint finish complete the exterior changes to the Mercedes-Benz Viano.

Mercedes-Benz Viano continue to offer as the only model in its class in three different body length:
  • Viano compact - length 4763 mm, wheelbase 3200 mm
  • Viano length - length 5008 mm, 3200 mm wheelbase, extended overhangs
  • Viano extra long - the length of 5238 mm, 3430 mm wheelbase, extended overhangs
In addition, Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo camper van based on the old Mercedes Viano with front roof open pop-ups. This roof is also optionally available for the Viano Fun vehicle multi-purpose in the long variant.

All variants benefit from the practical day-to-day management of the Mercedes-Benz Viano. With the overall height of only 1875 mm, rear-wheel-drive every Viano fit easily into a standard garage, parking-story, underground parking and car wash. The same even goes for the Mercedes Viano Viano Marco Polo Fun and pop-ups with the roof closed and the vehicle height 1960 mm.

Viano offers seat covers with a new design for the driver and passenger. Apart from interesting fabrics and stylish nappa leather covers in various colors, new nappa leather upholstery in the Mercedes-Benz Viano who goes by the name Lugano deserves special attention. Available in three colors, finishes wheat and pipe design provides a stylish appearance perfectly. This seat is equipped with decorative trim in walnut finish fine spines. The Lugano nappa leather upholstery comes as standard in the Viano Ambiente and optionally available for Mercedes-Benz Viano Trend. In Fun Viano Marco Polo and skins are available in gray Orion.


New, high-quality interior panels and trim are available as standard on the Mercedes-Benz Viano Ambiente Trend and and as an option in the Viano Fun to beautify the interior appearance and further improve the function of which is an integral part of the Mercedes Viano. The scope of the agreement include optimized storage facilities for goods and carpets. In addition to providing for the appearance of comfortable, high-quality carpet also prevents scratches and knocks when the vehicle came to be used hard - also in the load compartment. Side wall panels and carpets come in anthracite, while the sports center interior color appointment.

Unmatched comfort and safe handling. These developments provide a very precise handling, predictable and safe along with exceptional comfort, the characteristics of current and noise level. The Vanio offers a very high standard of comfort, driving pleasure and driving safety. As long as quality can only be topped with air suspension includes automatic level control on the rear axle, which is still available ex-factory.


Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a new generation of diesel engines from Mercedes-Benz. Hundreds of thousands of these machines have proven their value in Mercedes-Benz passenger car range and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Mercedes-Benz Viano new lead environmentally friendly way, with all engines meet Euro 5 emissions standards. Significantly reduce fuel consumption also lowers CO2 emissions to a minimum level model. BlueEFFICIENCY technology that features as standard plays a special role here. Innovative package can not be found in any other large capacity vehicles.

All diesel engines equipped with oxidation catalytic converters, particulate filters and cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Gear new ECO manual transmission offers a wide gear ratio spread for optimal performance and enables low fuel consumption and emission levels. The overall result is an impressive response and acceleration combined with exceptional environmental friendliness, run smoothly and economically. Upper range is the V6 in the CDI, Viano 3.0 that combines the smoothness with an impressive output and high traction strength. The latest version of this engine is also more powerful, more economical and more environmentally friendly.

First announced by referring to a study at the 2008 Frankfurt International Motor Show, the BlueEFFICIENCY technology vision has now become a reality, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in the Mercedes-Benz Viano. Features on board each Viano as standard, as confirmed by the label under the A-pillars. The scope of the package is unique in the class of large-capacity vehicles: the ECO start / stop function (not for automatic transmission), the management of batteries, tires are optimized for minimum rolling resistance, ECO power steering pump, shift point indicator (not for automatic transmission), a pump controlled fuel and internal engine measures demonstrate cutting-edge technology involved.

The BlueEFFICIENCY package which incorporates features such as sustainability and economic standards in exemplary fashion. Further reduce the consumption of traditional fuels low Viano's by 0.2 to 0.3 additional liters per 100 km (6.6 g CO2 per km) on a new generation, according towith model and engine variants .

long maintenance intervals also contribute to economic sustainability and Mercedes Viano. Assyst service computers that come as standard to calculate oil change intervals are flexible according to actual vehicle usage. The average interval in all machines is at 30,000 km or two years. higher profits and also perhaps between oil changes, depending on the intensity of usage and individual driving style.

Airbus evolution : the final test 1/2


The Airbus evolution has landed, at last. Despite my reservations, i wanted to test this product. The version tested is the Airbus vol.2 Upgrade. I bought it directly on Wilcopub website but it's definitely not the best thing to do. ../.
Installation :

I don't like to spread out my visa card datas and Wilco has not the best payment process. I went through something called Ogone secure interface (never heard of it), then, there was some identification for the HUD feature and then, an error message appeard about some hash. It's not finished, i had difficulties to download the file and had to re-enter into my Wilco account to use the link. The whole thing took 20 mn. You will probably need to reinstall the original product. Mind also that the evolution manual requires to reinstall liveries too.


New features :


Once in hand, i tried the weather radar (RealityXP) but apparently, it failed to work on the A330-200 GE. On the RR, hourra, and very good surprise the radar even worked in the virtual cockpit. I handled different views and the radar was still there, on both navigational displays. My advise ; set immediately a real bad weather with a stormy situation to be shure to see it working otherwise you will think something's wrong. Be warned that this is a very simplistic weather radar without any tilt angle setting. And without the tilt tuning, its quite harder to scan something in the sky... RealityXP is certainly not to be blamed on this.  Normally when you are climbing you wish to scan weather ahead of you, but not just ahead, there is an ideal angle. How Wilco defined this angle, we don't know and there is nothing about it in the evolution manual.
 
Weather radar working on both ND.

The HUD worked immediately but Wilco advises to use it in full screen mode because characters sizes are pretty small. I did not succeed in using it in the VC... Wilco is not PMDG...

The external model :

It's not a surprise, the outer model hasn't change apart two or three high definition textures, maybe on the wings (hard to tell) and the pilots have also a better resolution texture but seriously, two clones with the same face.. Was it so difficult to update that  Anyway, its still possible to make a merge from this model and, Airbus OpenSky projet for instance.



Inside the virtual cockpit :

The main board looks better and might have been updated with higher definition textures. An other pleasant surprise, is the good old rain effect on the windscreen. But everything else hasn't change ; same awful overhead and the flood light button is not working in VC mode (updated / to be checked. normally with the upgrade proper electrical buttons must be activated). 65-70 % of buttons are functional and its possible to start from a cold and dark status. Lights are a real problem. I tested a night flight and i can't read the pedestal 2D panel. How can these guys can't even check that. Old recurrent problems. I also launched a flight from Vroute, downloaded via the FMC (import fsplan in menu) but got a fatal runtime error. I will try to delete the .cfg file in Airbus\fmgc\ folder. Okay problem solved this time. The bug appears in full screen mode apparently (but it can be occuring on my own configuration).

Conclusion :

For 20 €/24$, this upgrade add two interesting features, the weather radar and the HUD. And i already wrote in a previous post that the FMC is the true ultimate addition to this new product. Does it worth buying the upgrade, finally yes. And the full package ? Oh no, you don't want to do that. The graphic model doesn't desserve your 38 €/43$...
Updated : mind that there isn't quite a lot of liveries eventually. Wilco (old) website has been swept out and the free liveries are all gone. McPhat studios had a few ones but same problem, you cannot find the extra (wonderful) liveries...
Updated 01/04 : after several flights, i note that the framerate is far from excellent and maybe a bit worst than with the previous version. For instance, i get a 12/15 fps with the Quality wings B757 and a 10-11 with the Airbus evolution (under IVAO environment). I can't explain it. And this is with a basic Airbus livery... Sorry for this bad news.

Incoming tomorrow : evolution final test 2/2 : the FMC

Tallyho tallyho, Captain speaking


"At this point, I think it is safe to say that from an aircraft functionality standpoint, the NGX is largely finished"  Airdailyx offers a little summary ....

Dr. Vaos../...is tuning/tweaking and adapting the autoflight and FMS behaviors under LNAV/VNAV../..
Alex is cleaning up last minute details in the options and sim functionality areas of the FMS../..
Vin is heavily engaged in optimization, working in conjunction with Michael and Alex to squeeze greater and greater performance out of the airplane. To give you an idea how optimization is going, we have improved FPS in the airplane 30% just this week alone../..
On my end (R. RAndazzo), I am going through approximately 12,000 pages of documentation on the airplane, one page at a time, validating the behavior of every light, switch, system and operation on the aircraft.  Stop.

We appreciate your patience- we have enjoyed sharing our enthusiasm for the development of this airplane with your enthusiasm for flying it. We promise the wait will be worth your time!. Stop.

Well, that's an update. Thanks again to P.M.D.G. international corporation ltd. (The original post has been summarized by Airdailyx).

Full text :
http://forum.avsim.net/topic/331489-re-ngx-impending-release-are-we-there-yet/

A postcard from Poland


A postcard and some news from Stanislaw Drzewiecki and polish team../.

Drzewiecki design wanted to publish Krakow airport (Cracovia, EPKK) with realistic ground textures from VFR Poland but the editor, who is working for FS2004/FSX/X Plane is still picking imagery of the north of Poland. Anyway, according to Stanislaw, Krakow will be out around may for FS9 and around july for FSX...

About Polish airport vol.II for FSX (the postcard), the airports are all designed and finished and the team is just working on Lodz surroundings autogen.

Bornholm island 2011, the latest project launched (not to confuse with Vidan project) is still ongoing.

The quest for a (virtual) paradise

Falling leaves !

Something new at Orbx (dammit). I was just writting something bad about Orbx (top of right column) and hop, John Venema leaks one of his new secret. After TextureFlow, the tiny people, Bob the pedestrian, here are falling leaves from trees. Okay, i will calm down, its still a work-in-progress but John seriously intends to put these new generation trees in the next general aviation airport of NA Blue Pacific Northwest.

According to John Venema, the purpose is not to invade the flight sim world with these trees but just to enhance charming local places. John wants to recreate some paradise on (virtual) earth, a virtual paradise for us, simmers. One limitation though, like PeopleFlow, this new feature requires a specific development each time and will raise a bit more the final price of your scenery. The trees are based on complex geometries. That's the only thing we have the right to know for the moment.


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

About some designers in latin america...

Teasing designers is funny but let's tease every designers, no exception...

Any resemblance is pure coincidental...

Airbus evolution : the release

Airbus evolution 1 and 2, download versions only, full and upgrade, are now available, according to Wilcopub.  The shopping cart is working on their website. Airdailyx published several articles on this product.

Previous articles on Airbus evolution :


http://airdailyx.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-pay-60-82-for-old.html

http://airdailyx.blogspot.com/2011/03/wilcopub-mocking-us.html

http://airdailyx.blogspot.com/2011/02/airbus-evolution-scoop.html

New Subaru Legacy 2011, Top Performance


The Subaru Legacy sedan has always been changing both inside and outside. With all-new Legacy, which debuted in the 2010 model year, Subaru to continue the tradition. The big Legacy is designed to look sleek and sophisticated sports-themed or more depending on what trim level you choose.


Legacy lineup powered by a choice of three engines, mated to six-speed manual, Subaru Lineatronic continues variable transmission or five-speed automatic. Engine choices include the base 2.5-liter Subaru H-4, a variant 3.6-liter turbocharged 2.5-liter Subaru engine or a friend AH-6 Of course, all the features Legacys

2011 Subaru Legacy ranks 11 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 82 published reviews and test drives of the Subaru Legacy, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. The 2011 Subaru Legacy manages to measure up against other affordable midsize cars and remains the only one to come with standard all-wheel-drive.

Reviews of the 2011 Subaru Legacy are generally mixed. Like all Subarus, the Legacy has standard all-wheel-drive, a unique feature that helps provide added safety and security. Yet, the forced inclusion of all-wheel-drive is a part of what some reviewers complain about. Despite the many benefits of all-wheel-drive, it also negatively affects fuel economy and acceleration.

Reviewers are also mixed on the Legacy’s styling, which some find unattractive, though most agree that the Legacy offers comfortable accommodations for both front and rear passengers.

Consumers checking out the 2011 Subaru Legacy should be sure to check out other affordable midsize cars with all-wheel-drive options. The Ford Fusion has been praised by the automotive press since its 2010 redesign and is available with all-wheel drive. The Suzuki Kizashi is also available with an all-wheel drive option. Reviewers praise the Kizashi’s sporty driving experience and premium feel, all of which is available for a reasonable price.

The Legacy is available in seven trim levels, ranging from a basic 2.5i to a near-luxury 3.6R limited. The Legacy’s base price is a very reasonable $19,995 and comes with standard features such as a digital trip computer, a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control and keyless entry. For 2011 the Legacy 2.5GT is only available in Limited trim. The 2011 Legacy 2.5GT adds faux carbon-fiber trim on the dashboard, aluminum pedals and silver stitching on the seats and armrest.

New for 2011, the Legacy comes standard with folding rear-view mirrors. Legacy models that have the optional harman/kardon audio system now come with a three-month trial subscription to XM radio.

Specification
Exterior Features

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Available 4-cylinder, turbocharged 4-cylinder, and 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engines
Available Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Projector-beam headlights
Aerodynamic side ground effects
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

Interior Features

Vehicle Dynamics Control
Spacious interior
Available heated front seats
Available Bluetooth® connectivity
Available voice-activated navigation
Available harman/kardon® audio system

Majestic Sofware Dash-8 400 project


FSX only. Majestic software and Samdim design are announcing partnership on the Dash-8/400 project. New screenshots have just been released. According to their developers, the partnership will "provide the best Dash-8Q400 ever done in Flight Simulator". Majestic Software already developed a Dash8Q300. The editor is managed by Oleksiv Frolov.

Samdim Design has developed in the past several aircrafts ; Antonov 24, Tupolev Tu-114; Tu-95MS, an Airbus A-320 etc.




The night virtual cockpit shows a ground proximity alert system.








More external screens ;

Fly Tampa Midway : full test


The secret ? Kept until the last minute. Six years after the first FS9 version, FSX is finally released. The unique one square mile airport has inherited this shape from an old ordinance of 1785, dividing land in townships of 640 acres. To Martin and George, Fly Tampa developers, Midway is the good size airport between two major ones (the next is Athens LGAV). Under some aspects, Midway is technically more complicated (than Buffalo) with motorways and roadbridges, many more air-bridges and - for the first time - a sophisticated typical houses autogen.

Tested on a mid-size core processor, my quadcore 2,33 Ghz, the airport is pretty much smooth, maybe even more than Buffalo. I got something like 15 fps (with a small Beechcraft 58 loaded) and i had to diminish the global texture resolution to very high - as advised in the manual - in order to get this performance.
Note that the scenery is doing very well despite Chicago city proximity. We perfectly see the skycrapers from this point but its okay. And with US Cities Chicago ? You don't even want to think about it, unless you already got your last generation core processor...I5 or I7.
To improve the lighting, Fly Tampa advices us to use EMB series HDR Bloom plugin from AVSIM ; This strongly improves night lights but i did not wish to try it on a ATI graphic card.

The screeshots are taken with Ultimate terrain USA working. This considerably enhance background lights at night.



Some reflective textures here.

Too bad, Martin and George were probably a bit too lazy
to build a road bridge here.

A new interesting autogen. Very nice and include night lights too.


High definition ground textures.


Oliver Pabst is already working on AES conversion.


Summer seasonal textures.
Conclusion :
A great addition to FSX world.
A real work on framerate efficiency.
A total surprise gift (sometimes we like that).
And the price is fair.
I am giving a 9,5/10 because of this missing road bridge.

Midway V2 ! Without a warning !


Fly Tampa has just announced a Midway V.2 for FSX (KMDW) with interesting screens and videos ! Not Athens, Not Miami, Midway ! These guys will always find a way to surprise us.  Very few things are explained yet and we don't know for instance, if Midway 2 is US Cities Chicago compatible. Should be. Update : thanks to Manu who tell me that the FS9 version is still the V1. Apology.

Its was 5,30 PM, american hour (eastern ?) when Fly Tampa announced the news on his forum, totally ignoring my request for some news (i don't really blame them).
According to Martin, Midway is not a complete reboot like Tampa, is more of an update of the original Midway FS9 work. Fly Tampa worked with Oliver Pabst assuring the airport AES compatible. Maybe in two weeks.


http://www.flytampa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4709&sid=793f00d732738052763565e56f837b44




NB: Don't miss the amazing videos from Dexter11929, JerdooFlightX and Timflightx

Midway airport in Google Earth

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

2011 Hyundai Equus Review Debuts In New York



The 2011 Hyundai Equus to prove that a Lexus LS 460 in the scene by offering the best value proposition in the luxury flagship segment. We want to see how Hyundai's new range-topping model stand to-day hard day American life, and so we just added one to the Autoblog Garage Long Term.

Yes, this is a Hyundai that has an MSRP—not including a $900 freight charge—of $64,500. Yes, you read “Hyundai” and “$64,500” in the same sentence. People can quibble all day as to whether that should be the case, but as someone likes to say to me with an unassailable logic, “It is what it is.”


The things that quite luxurious for rear seat passengers, as features such as lying down power and massage functions have been added, and the rear entertainment system, refrigerator, power headrests and illuminated vanity mirrors. And yes, our car did have a lie right rear passenger seat. Check out the full list of our cars on the Monroney equipment.

Before we proceed, we must acknowledge that we have not organized as we had planned with another update on our two long-term cars - the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street. You will hear about the good fortune in the near future so, and to fix this problem with disorder, we will update our long-term is slightly different from Equus.


There is are additional goodies for those who opt for the Equus Ultimate (there are two trim levels: Signature for $58,000 and Ultimate for $64,500), of which only two are of interest to anyone but the rear-seat occupants: the forward-view cornering camera (this, presumably, helps when trying to edge out onto a perpendicular street in that there is an image on the navigation screen of the front view with a bit on either side) and the power trunk lid (what can be said?). The other items include a rear entertainment system and increased luxuriation of the rear seats (yes, I just made that word up, but there is no other word for it: what happens when you pile lux on lux?).

2011 Hyundai EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES

* 4.6L DOHC Tau V8 engine
* Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
* Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
* Electronically controlled air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
* 19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires
* Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist
* Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning
* Nine airbags: advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
* Electronic active front head restraints with power controls
* Electronic seatbelt pretensioners
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
* Smart Cruise Control
* High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators
* Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling
* Fog lights and automatic headlights
* Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera
* Dual power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signal indicators and approach lamps
* Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper
* Proximity key entry with push-button start
* Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest
* Premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara® suede headliner
* 12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat
* Driver seat massage system
* Heated and cooled front seats
* Heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel
* Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
* Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel
* Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim
* Electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen
* Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold
* Power windows with auto-down/up
* Navigation system with DIS and multimedia controller
* Apple iPad interactive owner's manual
* 608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers
* iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable
* XM® Satellite Radio & NavTraffic® with trial subscription
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
* Dual automatic temperature control with air quality system
* Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor
* Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass
* Acoustic laminated windshield, front and rear side windows
* Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
* 60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats
* Power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades
* Luggage net
* Premium-grade floor mats
* Premium-grade trunk cargo mat
* First-aid kit (PIO)


EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA-LUXURY FEATURES

Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:

* 50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
* First-class passenger-side rear seat: leg support and massage system
* Cooled rear seats
* Rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch monitor
* Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
* Rear-seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt
* Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
* Forward-view cornering camera
* Power trunk lid

Fly too bad !


Airdailyx published a small post last friday on Fly Tampa forum. No reply since then. But to their credit, George and Martin are always quick to react and help as soon as its about custom support.
Tanpis* : "too bad..."

Enigma Sim : the B-737 on video


Enigma Simulations unveils a first screen
of his B-737-300 under Speedbird colors !

FS9 and FSX. Enigma Simulations, developers community, has released yesterday a first video showing the B-737-300SP project executing a cycle take-off - landing. This long term project will include in the last stage a VC cokpit for FSX and 2D panel for FS9. The FSX version will be native.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tDeFnHpvRU&feature=player_embedded#at=43

Palermo bellissimo


FSX. Aeroporti Palermo Falcone et Borsellino. Thomas has just upload this wonderful personal work to Avsim.com. He made it under Google Sketchup and is waiting for your comments to keep up the good work. Punta Raisi (LICJ) is an impressive airport, west of Palermo city, around important relief.

The scenery contains a lot of photoreal textures and impressive night lights. It also uses the photoreal ground textures of Mazzokan Sicilia photoreal package. According to Thomas, a FS9 version of his work could be developed but he didn't take the decision yet. We still don't know if this is a payware or something release on Avsim or Flightsim. We will try tell you this evening.




More screens on Fsdeveloper.com

Monday, March 28, 2011

CLS releasing a free Piper Arrow...


FS9 and FSX compatible. Commercial Level Simulation is releasing today a freeware ; the Piper Arrow. Process is simple, CLS explains that../..


CLS explains that you just need to add the product to basket and checkout and there will be no paiements required. The aircraft has a highly detailed 3D model, a virtual cockpit and standard animations ; landing gea retractable, opening door etc.
Also interesting, four panel styles and eight liveries.


Oh it's cool a free aircraft, but i am shure someone told you (at least once) that nothing is free in this world...

Aerosim B767-300, a year later


FSX. To point out a bad product ? Okay here's one. But i remember that Aerosim is a very talented scenery designer. The Boeing 767-300 was not targeting the hard core market neither. And remember this aircraft has been designed in 2009 and released in early 2010.


Test flight at SLLP La Paz (Latin VFR)

 
It has been a while since i am watching this aircraft in Aerosim website. Japanese people have really high skilled engineers so a voice told to myself... hmmm that aircraft must be something. Well it's not.

The good  : thanks to efficient programming, the B767-300 is really framerate friendly. I didn't see any significative fps loss. The landing gear retracting animation has a very accurate cinematic with at least 25-30 moving parts at the same time (more than the QW B-757 for instance). The aircraft seems to have a very well flight model conception although speed tends to diminish (on approach) a bit too fast. And i am telling this having comparison elements with the PMDG 747, the Quality wings B-757, the Captain Sim B-767 etc from past experiences. The MCP, the auto-land and flare are working nicely.


Very nice flaps and landing gear animations



But....the bad : its a simplistic flightplan management, using basic FS waypoints (totally out of date). The FMC has the same kind of police charts size problem seen on its B-777 and doesn't have the VNAV key.
About the package itself, the price is way too expensive (44 euros/50 dollars) and there are only two  basic liveries although we can find some private works on some websites.
The aircraft is reliable (a FS9 version had been previously designed) but, at best, it can only make a carreer in Gamespy...under minimum ATC coverage. Why ? You simply can't add a waypoint in legs page. At least, the product would had required a serious upgrade. But it's never too late as a FS aircraft can still have today a 3-4 years spin of life...


The police size bug on the FMC, a "classic".


Nice overhead with some 3D buttons but only 60 % are working,
much less than in the Quality Wings B-757,
much less than in the Captain Sim B-767.

On the MCP, charts sometimes barely visible