REVIEW – Expansion for Flight Simulator 2004 Expansion for Flight Simulator 2004 – REVIEW
Red Arrows and Blue Angels respectively,
in addition to more conventional military
duties.
Graphical excellence
Very often, we talk about an FS2004 aircraft
as having an excellent external model, but
in the case of the Captain Sim Hercules, this
seems to be a gross understatement, with the
aircraft modelling and texturing being taken
to an incredible level. This is particularly
evident when viewing the aircraft in spot
view, where its appearance is undeniably
photographic.
Many simmers forgo the external inspection
as part of their pre-flight checks, preferring
to jump straight into the cockpit, but this is
an aircraft that cries out to be viewed and
inspected. We heartily recommend a pre-
flight walk-around, either in spot view or
with a camera utility to really appreciate the
quality of this aircraft. Every detail down to
Legendary C-130
the last rivet is reproduced authentically in
concert with superb animations for all the A simulated air-drop is certainly exhilarating as you watch the world rush by below the aircraft!
control surfaces and the propeller blades
of each of the four engines. An option to with various schemes included in the base
configure the aircraft in a secure parking installer, including the much-loved 1980’s
mode is also implemented. At the press of RAF ‘cammo’ livery. The HC-130 is a
a button on the custom-made in-cockpit specialist variant of the aircraft, in use by
panel-switcher, wheel chocks, warning flags, the US Coastguard and is represented by
duct covers and dust excluders are added to the distinctive red and white livery of that
the aircraft model. The ‘E’ and ‘K’ and HC- organisation.
The Hercules shows its strength 130 variants of the aircraft are included in
the base pack, the ‘K’ model being equipped The United States Coastguard HC-130 is a
with an air-to-air refuelling probe. The ‘J’ fascinating inclusion and adds additional
C
aptain Sim announced more than out for a comparison review in our next constant production for more than 50 years, variant is also available as an additional mission flexibility to the package. This
three years ago that it intended to issue and a very special Just Flight Hercules to both a civil and military operator base. expansion pack from Captain Sim, which aircraft is the workhorse of the US
release a version of the Lockheed competition! In this review we concentrate The duties this aircraft has undertaken over will also be covered in our review. The ‘J’ Coastguard in locations as diverse as
C-130 Hercules for Microsoft Flight on the base pack and the newly released J the years are extensive. In addition to its model exhibits a significant reworking of Alaska, Hawaii and the North Atlantic. The
Simulator. Things went quiet for quite some variant in their download forms, direct from cargo-hauling role, the aircraft sees service the external model to support the modified North Atlantic-based aircraft also form the
time with no word from the developer. the developer, Captain Sim, to assess if the in search and rescue roles, Special Forces fuselage, and also includes the six-bladed backbone of the International Ice Patrol
Soon, however, screenshots began to appear long gestation period during development deployment, oil slick dispersal and a massive Doughty Aerospace powerplants as an (IIP). Flying seven-hour sorties, these aircraft
on the website, offering a tantalising glimpse has given birth to an aircraft of quality or range of duties, even taking to the air as a alternative to the four-bladed Allison engines patrol the North Atlantic in search patterns
of what would be in store. Further silence disappointment. military gunship. The aircraft is operated seen on the ‘E’, ‘K’ and HC-130 variants. at altitudes as low as 5000 feet, spotting
followed, in which anticipation and rumour both by civilian agencies and the military. All of the variants modelled include all the icebergs that can be a hazard to sea-borne
reached fever pitch. Many were asking if the The Hercules is something of an iconic The military use it as a cargo workhorse usual array of moving parts we have come navigation and provide a vital service to
aircraft would be worth the three-year wait. transport aircraft and arose out of a and a transporter of personnel, spreading far to expect in FS2004, including opening maritime safety. The inspired inclusion of
As 2005 began to fade ahead of heralding requirement by the United States Air Force beyond the initial deployment with the US aircraft doors and animated control surfaces, this variant adds an extra dimension to the
the arrival of 2006, the aircraft was finally for a turboprop-equipped freighter. The first Air Force to many military forces around the along with the rear door and ramp that are whole Captain Sim Hercules experience
released. production prototype flew in 1951 with world. The United Kingdom and the United associated with Hercules operations and opening up further opportunities for mission
the most recent ‘J’ variant first taking to the States, both key operators, also use Hercules air-drops. variety.
The public unveiling was not without its air in 1996. The Lockheed Hercules has aircraft as support aircraft to their
hitches, however, not least because of issues an enviable reputation of having been in world famous display teams, the If this was not enough, additional features In addition to the liveries included in the
with Captain Sim’s e-commerce payment include the ability to position a military base pack, a swathe of freely downloadable
provider and talk of bugs in the aircraft Hummer vehicle behind the aircraft, via liveries are available from the Captain Sim
modelling. In fairness to the developer, an icon on the panel-switcher. The vehicle website (www.captainsim.com). At the time
none of the bugs were, in our opinion, a animates fully under icon control and can of going to press, there are currently 63
‘showstopper’ and it is always inevitable that be seen to reverse into the cargo bay of the such liveries available for download. While
with an aircraft of this complexity problems aircraft. In addition, the FS2004 ‘wing fold’ the great majority of these liveries represent
are bound to arise. However, Captain Sim key is assigned to display a national flag out military operators from around the world,
quickly responded with an update that of the cockpit window, be it the Union Jack, particular note should be made of one also
addressed many of the reported issues. Stars and Stripes or a host of other national included for a company that goes by the
flags or NATO emblems. These finishing name of Air Contractors. Based in Dublin,
Shortly afterwards the company released touches set this aircraft apart from much of this organisation owns and operates the
an expansion pack for the Hercules C130- its competition. only civilian Hercules in Europe, employing
J model and expressed an intention to the aircraft on a wide variety of tasks. We
continue with a range of expansions, The base pack installs liveries for a range have an interview with Jon Stratfull, the
including an intriguing model on skis for of air forces, comprising the Royal Air Operations Manager at Air Contractors,
arctic operations and a maritime variant on Force, United States Air Force, the Italian, Particularly impressive is the animation that at the end of this review. The inclusion of
floats. Just Flight is also releasing a boxed Australian, Canadian and Swedish Air allows a Hummer to be driven into the aircraft the Air Contractor’s aircraft in this package
version of the aircraft on DVD, which The detailing of both the external model and textures is Forces. The United States Air Force and the cargo bay using control icons on the panel- has expanded the scope of the simulation
should be available as you read this. Look phenomenal British RAF are particularly well represented switcher beyond military-based sorties. This aircraft
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REVIEW – Expansion for Flight Simulator 2004 Expansion for Flight Simulator 2004 – REVIEW
deserves to find general appeal with those
who also enjoy the dynamics of cargo flight
to diverse airfields in civilian as well as
military aircraft. [Combining this product
with FSCargo (reviewed on page 30), for
example, could provide purpose to your
flying and hours of fun! – Ed]
Internal details
Of course, the finest external model in the
world would only be window dressing if
the interior cockpit and body of the aircraft
did not reflect the aircraft modelled on
the exterior. Taking our seat in the 2D
cockpit, all apprehension immediately The ‘K’ variant of the Hercules, included in the base pack, sports a refuelling
evaporated after viewing the photo-realistic probe that extends out over the nose of the aircraft and a more modern
representation of the Hercules cockpit in electronic EICAS cockpit
all its glory. As our regular readers will be This is sure to be welcomed
aware, we expressed some concerns with by those who fly on the
the previous offering from Captain Sim, the VATSIM network or those who
Boeing 707, with regard to the legibility of prefer to fly supported by an armada of AI The 2D panel is composed of photo-realistic textures to accurately reflect the The weathered and worn look of the analogue cockpit certainly gives the
the cockpit instruments. Both the Boeing aircraft. We hope though that in a future Hercules layout and has a staggering array of 32 pop-ups and view options impression of an aircraft that has had a long working life
707 and the C130 Hercules use the same update Captain Sim will revisit the weather zones, and is thus at massively increased risk our satisfaction, but also admirably within The traditional analogue panelling of
technique of photo-realistic panel segments, radar and add functionality. During the latter from ground fire, an ingenious system was our test criteria. the ‘E’ and HC-130 variants have been
but there the similarity ends. It seems clear part of 2005, functional weather radar has devised. supplemented by a newer digital EICAS
that the development team at Captain Sim started to gain a foothold in the FS2004 Many Hercules aircraft fly with a crew (engine instrument and crew alerting system)
has listened to general comments, as the payware aircraft scene and we really hope The pressurisation controller, accessed of four – two pilots, a flight engineer and that forms the 2D cockpit of the ‘J’ and ‘K’
Hercules cockpit is crisply and clearly the developers of this package will follow through the overhead panel, was designed as navigator. The navigator’s station, at the rear variants. These use digital gauges for the
represented and we had no issues with suit with such a worthy addition. a multi-mode device allowing the aircraft to of the cockpit, behind the First Officer’s engine display and offer a more modern
gauge sizes and legibility of the analogue be pressurised and de-pressurised manually seat, is also modelled as a 2D panel and, feel. The inclusion of the EICAS cockpit to
panel. The main panel has been effectively The overhead panel is also split into as required. This allows the aircraft to fly akin to the other panel pop-ups, is based the base installer in the ‘K’, and as part of
split into two pieces to ensure legibility, with Also included is the HC-130 US Coastguard segments, with the availability of an an entire sortie un-pressurised to support on full photographic imagery and again the expansion pack of the ‘J’ model, is sure
the inclusion of not only a pilot’s, but also Hercules in its very distinctive livery. The HC-130 upper and lower panel. The lower panel low-level drop missions or to have the recreates the authentic look of the real to appeal to many, although, as a matter of
the co-pilot’s position, both interchangeable performs many duties, from coastal patrol to concentrates primarily on the fuel system, aircraft automatically pressurised to a cabin C-130. A number of functional gauges personal preference, we preferred the look
via the panel switcher. Legibility is further cargo and iceberg spotting in the North Atlantic while the remaining aircraft systems are altitude of 6000 feet, allowing the aircraft are included in the navigator’s station, and feel of the traditional analogue displays.
enhanced by the availability of dynamic represented on the upper overhead panel. to fly traditional high-altitude base-to-base including communication and navigation
‘tooltips’. Holding the mouse pointer At first glance the plethora of gauges and missions. This flexibility has proved one radios, chronometer, airspeed, true airspeed, Despite a bewildering array of 2D panel
momentarily over gauges such as the switches on the upper overhead panel may of the key successes of the Hercules fleet. altimeter, radar altimeter and dual radio options, those who enjoy the experience
altimeter, airspeed and heading indicators appear to be somewhat daunting to those We decided to spend quite some time magnetic indicator gauges. This selection of a dynamic virtual cockpit have not been
will offer associated information in text unfamiliar with Hercules operations, but with the overhead panel and tested the of fully functional instrumentation ensures forgotten, because both the analogue and
form. We found it extremely handy when these can be mastered relatively quickly. electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems that the entire navigation of the aircraft can digital versions have been fully modelled.
setting the heading bug, for example, to use One key point to remember is that this in various configurations for a range of flight be conducted from the navigator’s seat if It is clear that a lot of work has gone into
the ‘tooltip’ to precisely confirm that the aircraft has four engines and this leads to requirements. Our experimentation revealed desired. For those who prefer a forward- the Virtual Cockpit, which immediately
heading we had selected was accurate. The quadruple replication of many switches on that the entire overhead system worked facing pilot viewpoint, the developers have conveys the look and feel of its full-sized
2D cockpit also has a weathered appearance the overhead panel. Mastering the system exactly as we would expect and mirrored the also thoughtfully created the navigation and counterpart. All of the gauges, switches and
to add to the authenticity. It is clearly an for one engine effectively gives a full real aircraft. Incidentally, users had reported communication radios as a pop-up panel controls of the aircraft are fully operable
aircraft that has seen some service, with understanding of the identical switches and some anomalies in the electrical system which overlays the primary 2D panels. from within the VC, with the exception of
scratched fascias, loose cabling and even The option to release infrared flares around the gauges associated with the remaining three soon after initial release of the Captain Sim Both primary 2D panels for each pilot also those in the navigator’s station. However,
dust and dirt accumulating on the glass of aircraft is extremely useful for avoiding ground to engines. Hercules, but the post-patch version that we duplicate navigational instrumentation, as these are all replicated within the main
the gauges. This attention to detail adds air missiles over hostile territory used as a basis for review certainly seems to ensuring that the navigator station is a matter forward panel and function there, it is an
greatly to the authentic feel of the aircraft. One departure from many other aircraft is have addressed all outstanding issues, and of personal preference rather than obligatory understandable concession to preserve
that there is no traditional APU (Auxiliary the aircraft systems performed not only to to the operation of the aircraft. processing power. This VC certainly holds
In addition to the primary panels of Captain Power Unit). Instead, the aircraft is equipped
and First Officer, a panel switcher also with a Gas Turbine Compressor (GTC) and
provides an array of views and panel Air Turbine Motor (ATM), which together
segments. The panel switcher, displayed perform this function. The GTC provides
in the usual Captain Sim style as a bank compressed air for engine starts, air
of icons, boasts more options than any conditioning and pressurisation, while the
other aircraft we have seen in FS2004. ATM provides AC power to the aircraft’s
We counted no less than 35 individual electrical buses. The aircraft pressurisation
icons. Luckily, simply pressing shift-2 can Many air forces are represented including this system also differs from what one might see
hide the rather imposing panel switcher. Canadian example in other aircraft. Most high altitude capable
The full cockpit area is available for view, aircraft are pressurised at departure and
constructed using photographic imagery, The panel switcher icons also give you remain so until landing. The situation is
and has no less than nine differing views access to a number of other aircraft systems, different for a Hercules, which is often used
consisting of: angled views of all four including the switches for the TCAS (Traffic for air-drop missions, requiring the opening
corners of the cockpit, left and right cockpit alert and Collision Avoidance System) or of the rear ramp and door, exposing the
window views, the Captain and First Officer weather radar unit, which sits above the aircraft to the outside air, which would cause
panel and a rear facing view. Additionally, glare-shield on the centre post. While the explosive decompression in a traditionally
Captain Sim has provided two passenger- weather radar appears to contain non- pressurised aircraft. Rather than limit the
porthole views, which look out on to functioning gauges and does not respond to Hercules to low-altitude operations, which
each side of the aircraft to both wings and the flight simulator’s weather, the TCAS is could be potentially catastrophic to an The virtual cockpit is superbly detailed and functional, with a version for both the electronic EICAS cockpits and the older more traditional analogue gauges, and
engines. fully operational and includes a test mode. aircraft that often finds itself in combat recreates the look and feel of the Hercules to a very high standard
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REVIEW – Expansion for Flight Simulator 2004 Expansion for Flight Simulator 2004 – REVIEW
its own when compared to the cream of and to have plenty of power in reserve. Turning our attention to automated flight, The sound set for the aircraft is also superb, active. However, those with slightly ‘ageing’
the crop. Over the last six months, we have The aircraft normally climbs away from the autopilot system is extremely basic. making this aircraft a pleasure to start from systems, who have legitimate concerns with
seen high-quality aircraft expansions appear an airfield at a pitch angle of five degrees, Three basic pitch modes offer an altitude cold and dark, just for the opportunity to frame rates when it comes to using complex
from developers utilising a 3D effect for which allows the aircraft to accelerate hold feature and an indicated airspeed hear each of the four engines kick into life aircraft, can certainly draw comfort from this
gauges and switches, which is particularly extremely quickly. The development team mode, where the aircraft attempts to hold one by one. Supplementary sounds such as range of options, which allowed us to tailor
noticeable on the overhead panels of these at Captain Sim was obviously well aware of a specific airspeed in climb or descent via the unmistakeable whine of the GTC (Gas performance to a wide range of machines.
aircraft. Other lesser VCs have overhead these dashes behind enemy lines, because the use of a thumb bar that can be pushed Turbine air Compressor) serve to further
gauges and switches that are noticeably it has also equipped its aircraft with fully to select a pitch angle. This is an aircraft enhance an already superlative aircraft. Documentation
flat in appearance, rather than standing out animated flares that can be fired from the that is designed to be flown by pilots rather
three-dimensionally in a realistic manner. aircraft to protect against rocket attack, computers, which many see as a positive ACE Utility As one might expect, the documentation
Captain Sim’s C-130 follows in the path of again accessible from the panel switcher. aspect of the aircraft, given that it is often for such a complex aircraft is weighty, with
these next-generation virtual cockpits with We found it enormous fun to test the flight found hedgehopping and weaving around The base installer also includes the Captain nearly 400 pages presented in four PDF files.
a fully 3D approach to the overhead panel model in these conditions, simulating obstacles at low level. The basic pitch Sim ACE (Aircraft Configuration Editor). The documentation covers every aspect of
and all the switches and gauges of the Wing views are becoming ever more popular and sorties into enemy territory and deploying modes are in stark contrast to modern From within the ACE utility, downloaded the aircraft in detail and discusses everything
aircraft. This creates a virtual cockpit that in this respect the Hercules will not disappoint, anti-rocket flares. glass cockpit airliners and their plethora liveries can be installed with ease, without from FS2004 specifics, key assignments
recreates the ‘Hercules experience’ with offering an under-wing passenger view from each of vertical navigation modes, and options recourse to modification of configuration and options, and includes a full operating
uncanny realism, and in parallel with its 2D side of the aircraft The aircraft is also well suited to using linked to a Flight Management Computer files by hand, the entire process being both manual for the aircraft itself. Much of the
cockpit counterpart is weathered and worn airstrips that do not have ground crew (FMC). The autopilot roll modes are similarly automatic and extremely painless. The ACE operating manual appears to be derived
in appearance. Our only disappointment available. This is because the four engines simplified and offer basic heading tracking, also includes a comprehensive payload from Lockheed information and as such is
with the virtual cockpit was the slow rate can also be used to push back the aircraft, either following the heading bug or a VOR editor that not only allows the configuring an extremely useful reference. In addition to
of update of some of the gauges, such as utilising reverse thrust. This has been (VHF Omnidirectional radio beacon) station, of payload weight, but the type of payload each of the aircraft systems being discussed
the altimeter and airspeed gauges. This is a replicated in this simulation. Care has to be although an ILS mode is included. The to be carried, be it cargo pallets, troops, in detail, performance charts, including take-
common issue many developers encounter, taken with the reverse thrust system, and off and landing requirements, are included,
but we hope it is one that can be addressed Lockheed points out, in its documentation so flights can be planned with a large degree
by the Captain Sim team in the future. for the aircraft, that excessive use of reverse of accuracy.
thrust can lead to the front of the aircraft
Those with a camera utility such as ‘Active and nose-wheel being lifted into the air. Conclusions
Camera’ (a piece of software that enables Used with caution, this system for reversing
additional views in Microsoft Flight the aircraft is a practical solution where Captain Sim’s ‘Legendary C-130’, is a superb
Simulator 2004), can move beyond the facilities are not available or manoeuvring representation of Lockheed’s venerable
confines of the virtual cockpit and move space is at a premium. We found that Hercules and is a tour-de-force in FS2004
down the access stairs to the main cargo bay. The ‘J’ variant is available as a separate the Captain Sim Hercules performed this aircraft design. The aircraft has one of the
In common with the rest of the aircraft, the purchase expansion from the developer and procedure flawlessly. finest external models ever seen in the
cargo bay is beautifully textured with photo- is immediately recognisable by the six-bladed simulator, which is coupled to a superb 2D
realistic graphics and features. It includes Doughty Aerospace engines, as compared to the Returning to more conventional flying, panel layout and virtual cockpit. The range
everything from the distinctive side netting four-bladed Allison. The change in engine also Captain Sim’s C-130 also performed of animations, views and options will delight
to the troop seating benches, accompanied improves power and performance extremely well in comparison to published even the most demanding of simmers.
by individual seatbelts, to fire extinguishers data and a number of Hercules pilots have Procedural simmers will be thrilled with the
and bulkhead notices. For us, the cargo bay the aircraft to put the Hercules through its been in contact with us and reported that level of systems management, and those
proved to be one of the most exciting areas paces. The Hercules is surprisingly agile and they are delighted with the fidelity of the who enjoy hand-flying will find much of
of the aircraft. Leaving the aircraft in cruise, has a large reserve of power to call upon, flight model. We had no nasty surprises interest. In short, this package has much to
with the autopilot holding us in low level being equipped with four large turboprop throughout the flight regime, and in offer everyone who has an interest in cargo
flight, we opened the rear door and ramp engines. We were reminded that in military various configurations of flaps and gear operations, military or civil. This is quite
and were able to simulate the view of a operations the Hercules is regularly called deployment, we found that the aircraft simply the finest cargo aircraft we have ever
Loadmaster conducting an airdrop! Moving upon to fly into hostile territory; to haul responded appropriately and was extremely seen in FS2004 and deserves to be regarded
towards the rear of the plane and looking at either equipment or personnel, and is stable. Trimming the aircraft for level flight, as one of the finest FS2004 aircraft of all
the landscape rushing past below the open routinely used for the transportation of so often an issue with many aircraft in time. In short, it is a stunning addition to the
door was an exhilarating experience, and ‘special forces’ behind enemy lines. This FS2004, was also a painless exercise in the FS2004 hangar. ■
one that cannot be readily recreated in many type of operation demands an aircraft that Hercules. From take-off to landing, we were
other aircraft for FS2004. can fly at high altitude, then rapidly swoop able to hand-fly the aircraft with precision The upper overhead panel may seem daunting for the uninitiated, but can be mastered quite quickly Jane Whittaker
down to an airfield and return to altitude and ease. The flight model matched the after reference to the included documentation
Tearing ourselves away from the temptation promptly in order to avoid detection and superb visual quality of the aircraft, making
to remain in employment as a virtual
loadmaster, we returned to the controls of
hostile ground fire. As such, the aircraft was
designed from the outset to be both agile
it a joy to fly as much as was a feast for the
eyes.
aircraft as modelled however, is certainly
not certified for autoland so the pilot must
disengage ILS mode at minimums and
artillery pieces, tanks or Hummer vehicles.
This ability to choose conventional cargo
or a military payload again ensures that
Review Score
jjjjj
Publisher: Captain Sim (download version
hand-fly every touchdown. Many FS2004 this aircraft can find a home with both the reviewed) Just Flight (boxed version)
aircraft have something of a weakness when civilian and military aviation enthusiast. Price: $36.30 USD (£20.60 approx); C130-J
it comes to tracking a radial from a VOR expansion $9.30 (£5.28 approx)
station, so we deliberately put the Hercules A cockpit configuration tool within the ACE Website: www.captainsim.com
to the test. We found radial capture and utility is sure to address many concerns with
Developer: Captain Sim
tracking to be more than satisfactory, unless regard to frame rates of such a complex
we abused the aircraft by asking it to capture aircraft. Options available include the ability At a glance: An amazing achievement in aircraft
radials at excessive angles, something which to jettison the VC, fly the aircraft with only modelling brings the Lockheed Hercules to life.
The ability to fly military variants, civil variants
real aircraft balk at in a similar situation. 2D panels, and even the ability to remove
and agencies such as the US Coastguard gives
Following the ILS was also a smooth the extra 2D side views. Other ‘performance this aircraft a very wide appeal. This aircraft may
coordinated affair, with no sudden dives or savers’ are also available including being well become one of the all-time classic aircraft for
‘wallowing’ behaviour, giving us confidence able to remove the reflective aspects of FS2004 and is quite simply phenomenal!
to fly the aircraft in a range of poor weather the glass in the virtual cockpit view or to System requirements: FS2004; PC 1.5GHz; 256MB
conditions. If you find yourself returning to simplify the night lighting into a red, green RAM; 64MB graphics card; Windows XP only; 700
home base in a hurry, for whatever reason, or white hue. In our evaluation of the MB hard disk space
the included fuel dumping animations over product, we found that on our 3.2 Ghz test Recommended: FS2004; PC 3GHz; 1 gigabyte RAM;
the wing are certainly dramatic, albeit rather system the aircraft performance was around 256MB graphics card; Windows XP only; 700MB
The VC version of the navigator station is aesthetically pleasing, although non-functional. However, its 2D counterpart has fully-working gauges and is wasteful on fuel. It is certainly fortuitous that the 25 frames per second mark, with all the hard disk space
completely photorealistic virtual aviation fuel is free! options for virtual cockpit and 2D views
16 PC Pilot Issue 39 PC Pilot Issue 39 17