FSAddon – Avro Anson

• • Aircraft, FSX, Millitary, P3D
FSB-100

The Warbird simming fans really are in luck these days, and in some cases there are multiple options for the same aircraft model. Take the Avro Anson for example, a machine operated by various Commonwealth forces. A2A released one awhile back and now there’s the FSAddon rendition for FSX and P3D. Check it out at fspilotshop and take her for a spin. There’s even an RNZAF livery included, just not sure if it’s the one thats actually flying real-life in NZ after a recent restoration.

At the start of the Second World War, there were 26 RAF squadrons operating the Anson I: 10 with Coastal Command and 16 with Bomber Command. However, by this time, it was obsolete in the roles of bombing and coastal patrol and was being superseded by the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley and Lockheed Hudson…. In its lifetime the Anson served with the RAF, the Canadian RCAF and Navy, The New Zealand RNZAF, as AT-20 in the USAAF. A few ended up in the Egyptian Air Force and others at the Royal Afghan Air Force ater 1948.There were many more civilian operators after the war and the Anson was made well into 1952.

RNZAF Texans on their delivery flight

• • Aircraft, Aviation News, Millitary
New-Zealand-T6C

Well they’re on their way. The first two of an eventual fleet of 11 trainer aircraft in the form of T-6 Texans are on their delivery flight to Whenuapai in New Zealand. Pretty exciting times for RNZAF and great fun for kiwi simmers. Time to break out that IRIS Texan model and get virtually airborne. Aviation News have a post this week re the news and route as the machines pass through the UK:

Two Royal New Zealand Air Force T-6C Texan II trainer aircraft arrived at London-Stansted Airport on 2 August 2014 on their delivery flight. Tom Gautier was there for GAR. The first Saturday of August saw the arrival of two of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s brand new training aircraft. The announcement that the RNZAF would buy 11 T-6C variants of the Texan II was made on 27 January 2014, by the Minister of Defence, Dr Jonathan Coleman.

There’s an Air Force PDF publication that makes for interesting reading with an article on the history of the purchase. Check it out over at airforce.mil.nz …

“The $154 million package includes ground simulators, classroom and computer-based training packages to complement practical flying experience in turbo-prop T-6C
aircraft. The T-6C has a proven track record in service with other militaries, and meets the NZDF’s performance and safety standards. “The new system is expected to be operational for the first  trainee intake in early 2016. It is estimated it will produce up to 15 graduate pilots and 12 Qualifying Flying Instructors per year over the next 30 years,” Dr Coleman said.

CT4 A/B Trainer

• • Aircraft, Millitary
AirTourer

PC Aviator Australia have added a bunch more titles to the current extensive sale going on with this new title in particular having a close tie to NZ and Australia. The mighty wee CT4 Airtrainer. I owned the previous FS9 version and also recently picked up the FSX model as available here which includes a general revamp and some new liveries. This is a great wee aircraft and so much fun to fly in the sim. Also be a great multiplayer machine should you fancy doing some formation flying.

The New Zealand CT-4A Airtrainer can trace its ancestry from the Australian Victa Airtourer, designed by Henry Millicer in the 1950s. The Millicer Airtourer, powered by a 65 hp Continental engine, first flew on 31 March 1959, and the production rights were then purchased by Victa Consolidated Industries.

see the sale page here

Just Flight Canberra PR9 bomber review

• • Aircraft, Millitary
JFD-490

Flightsim.com have just published a detailed review written by Bill Stack of Just Flights Canberra PR9 bomber. This model is the photo reconnaissance (PR) variant of the Canberra so technically not one operated by RAAF or RNZAF as far as I know, however it’s pretty close, looks nicely modelled, and Bill’s review is generally positive so this could be well worth a look if you’re hankering for some post-WWII bomber action. Heck, you could even simulate some Malaysian campaign sorties in this bad boy…

Simulating flight in this venerable aircraft with its modern avionics is a special treat. Its unique cockpit and performance characteristics make it unlike any other stock or addon aircraft for FSX. Appearances inside and outside are accurate and detailed. The manuals are comprehensive and beneficial.

read the full review here