FSX
The recent release by FSAddons of the Bristol 170 Freighter in 5 different marks from the MK1 to the MK31 Super Freighter seems to have gone almost unnoticed by many. Reflects the real aeroplane in some ways. One of those aircraft that did very good work in its role as a flying truck all over the world. Popular in NZ and Australia, it worked its way in Europe with BEA and a variety of operators. Long lived although it flew before 1950 to the 1980s and although it was a late WW2 design, it proved to be a dependable and solid workhorse for the Argentinian, Pakistani and NZ Airforces. In OZ it earned the nickname the 'Bristol Frightener' because there were a few prangs where an engine fallure led to a heavy forced landing or two.
I think this is high quality model and representation. The moving parts and textures are first class and the VC is about 95% functional and its fitout and equipment reflects its era. Not a true STOL aeroplane but it has low take off and landing speeds and quite respectable performance (about 2500 ft runways for take off and landing does and stall at 6o knots for a large aeroplane which was just a big fixed gear box with wings. It may not be attractive to many but even with its blunt big nose it meets the criteria if it looks right it flys right and it does.
I note here the tribute to former SOH and NZFF member and character Ian Warren for his assistance with the project. Ian would have been 'chuffed'. The loading and configuration guage works fine, the sound seems authentic (but I have never heard Bristol Hercules engines running in real life).
A few screenshots of the 'Frightener':
A thoroughly enjoyable aeroplane and what it can do leads to all sort of interesting sim flights.
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