Katana 4X versus Aerospool WT-9

FSX. Just a first test on the Aerosoft Katana 4X. The perfect machine for real world pilots and trainees. And simmers, what about them, us ?

The Diamond Katana DA20-100 project started about a year ago by developer/modeler Marcel Felde. Alexander Metzger signed the FDE and Otmar Nitsche worked on the load/save module.

If there is one big idea to define this product, beyond realism, it is probably the aging aircraft concept. On the most realistic mode, your aircraft will suffer from damages, will take shocks and step by step, will keep the "memory" of previous flights. So much that you will be able to see all the damages (scratched propeller or wing..) on your next flight, and then decide if it needs maintenance etc. Not a totally new idea in flight sim history but this one is maybe the most advanced ever applied.

A fatal dammage on the horizontal stabilizerand elevators...

About the realism, every mistake has a direct consequence on the aircraft behaviour (only on the realistic mode). You decide to unlock the canopy and then, perform a loop, hang on, the canopy will open and you even hear outside the deafening air sound. You don't follow the startup procedure ? The engine start smoking etc.

But all of this can be set on menus. These ones only appear once you load the aircraft in your flight.

It is possible to select the simple mode and avoid all the disappointments and consequences of a real aircraft. Personally, i just had a problem with the steer on take-off. The Aerospool (and previously, the Orbx Lancair, have a simplistic steering option) but not here apparently. But this is not a problem if you have rudder pedals. Aerosoft and Marcel are also working on some minors adjustments for some joysticks.

Oups, i forgot to lock something...

Impressive details, even inside the hull.

Now a short comparison with the Lionheart Aerospool (WT-9).

(you can find this other test by typing "Lionheart' or "WT-9')

Criteria	Katana 4X	Aerospool WT-4
Price (euros)	28	20,5
Price (dollars)	40	30
File weight	180 mb	185 mb
Installation	Easy	ned folder check
Framerate	Very good	very good*
Handling	Need time	Easy
Visuals	Very good++	Very good+
Manuals	Extensive	One
(where ?)	in folder	aboard aircraft
Negative point	Time investment	maybe framerate
Positive point	Realism	Price, simplicity

updated 09/05 : test shows same fps : 8-11 on start situation, in the air at Friday Harbor.
(on a "old" quadcore 2,33 Ghz, 8 Mb Ram, ATI HD5850...)

A another test will follow soon.