World Map
In more recent times, as the company has evolved, and in response to customer wishes, we have started looking at bringing our fleet to the Microsoft Flight Simulator platform.
As a result, we are proud to announce the release of our first product for MSFS – The PA30 Twin Comanche. After more than a year of work, we have completely redeveloped the Twin Comanche, taking the existing 3D model and producing new textures and modelling to suit the high-fidelity lighting and graphic options possible with MSFS. The cabin and panel have likewise been reworked.
This is an analogue panel version of the Twin Comanche, which includes support for the TDSSim GTN750 (separate purchase required). We will be looking to bring the glass panel options present in our XP12 Twin Comanche as a future upgrade. The instrument panel reflects the original 1960’s setup with the Century IIB autopilot. For those used to more modern systems, it’s a challenge, but a good one!
The vFlyteAir Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is equipped with a general aviation panel, featuring all common instruments, switches and avionics typical for a real PA-30
We also include a variant of the aircraft featuring out-of-the-box support for the the Garmin GTN simulation GTNxi Pro by TDS Software. In this variant, the default GNS530, the radio, and the transponder are replaced by a GTN750 (top) and a GTN650 (bottom). Make sure to select the TDS variant of the aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator if you want to use the GTNxi. The TDS GTNxi Pro is sold separately by TDS Software, refer to tdssim.com/tdsgtnxi for details.
Models:
• Accurately modelled PA-30 Twin, built using real-world aircraft plans and comprehensive photography of the real aircraft
• Numerous animations including passenger door, baggage door, cockpit storm window, sun visors
• 4096×4096 textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity
• PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism
• Detailed normal mapping for down-to-the-rivet precision of aircraft surfaces
• Ground services support (marshaller)
• Full support for MSFS visual icing effects
Cockpit:
• A truly 3D virtual cockpit right down to accurately modelled seat belts and screw heads – every instrument is constructed fully in 3D with smooth animations
• Cockpit textures feature wear and tear based on reference photos taken in the real aircraft to produce an authentic environment
• Dimmable instrument, radio and dome lighting, with separate control circuits
• Simulated electrical systems: For example, the generator power in the Steam gauge model depends on RPM. You can try this by switching off the battery master while the engine is running and then observe the ammeter change when you switch on or off various devices. In addition, many fuses (on the breaker panels) are working
• Helpful instrumentation: The airspeed indicator (IAS, in mph and knots) is adjustable for altitude and outside air temperature, resulting in additional display of true airspeed (TAS). The radar altimeter with adjustable minimum altitude provides assistance when flying near the ground. If you have installed the TDS GTNxi Pro (sold separately), we offer a panel variant using the Garmin GTN750 and GTN650 (instead of the default radio stack which consists of Garmin GNS530 GPS, Bendix/King KX 155 radios, and Garmin GTX330 transponder)
• Century IIB autopilot: The classic Century IIB autopilot includes helpful roll and heading modes to ease your piloting work
• Detailed cockpit and panel lights: Pilot and co-pilot floods lights illuminate the cabin, while adjustable instrument and panel lights always provide perfect visibility in all weather conditions and times of day
• Visual effects: We modelled smoke during engine start, as well as ice building up on the cabin windows in icing conditions
• Emergency gear lever: Mounted in the bottom of the cabin, behind a removable panel, an Yoke-mounted flight timer/clock
• Developed using the latest MSFS standards, including intuitive and easy-to-use controls for rotary knobs, multi-position switches and levers
Sounds:
• The Twin feature a MSFS-native (Wwise) sound package taking full advantage of the new capabilities. Every little detail has been faithfully recreated based on high fidelity recordings from real life PA-30
Liveries:
• Lots of liveries for your choosing: We include 26 different liveries you can select in Flight Simulator, including the livery of Frank’s real N8848Y
• A PSD Paint Kit is included so you can create your own paint schemes
Flight dynamics:
• The Twin feature realistic and accurate flight dynamics based on real-world performance and handling data, and input from the Twin pilots
