FS2004 Rico Boeing 737-200 PR-RLA

This freeware package offers a meticulously hand-drawn livery and complete Boeing 737-200 model for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, capturing unique Rico Airlines markings (aircraft registration PR-RLA) with remarkable clarity and detailed shading, all developed by Erick Cantu (model), Mike Baumann (flight dynamics), and painted by Adriano Martoni.

Technical Notes on the Classic Boeing 737-200 Airframe

The Boeing 737-200 variant, introduced in the late 1960s, became a versatile backbone for regional carriers worldwide. Despite its classic JT8D engines, it remains popular among certain operators, especially those providing cargo or charter services in challenging environments. This model recreates the airframe’s proportions and engine profiles while preserving realistic thrust characteristics and aerodynamic behavior.

Visual Fidelity and Textures

32-bit high-resolution textures: These artwork files employ hand-drawn methods to produce precise fuselage lines, rivet patterns, and subtle weathering. The approach ensures that reflective surfaces and layered paint details stand out under various lighting conditions in-simulator.

Enhanced paint layout: The Rico Airlines livery is carefully balanced across each fuselage section, tail plane, and engine cowling. Color transitions and lettering placement replicate the carrier’s real-world style for a more faithful tribute.

Flight Dynamics and Model Characteristics

Mike Baumann’s FDE (Flight Dynamics Engine) settings are engineered to reflect the aircraft’s climb rate, weight distribution, and handling nuances. When operating at varying thrust outputs, the JT8D emulation delivers authentic spool and sound transitions. Furthermore, Erick Cantu’s external model features accurate geometry, wing deflection simulations, and control surface animations, making this a comprehensive simulation experience.

Installation Guidelines

• Extract the folder named B732_Rico directly into your main Aircraft directory, which resides inside the core Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 installation.
• Place the file named SMOKE_JT8D into the simulator’s Effects directory to activate the visual smoke trails typical of older engine generations.

Aircraft Configuration

Add the following entry to your aircraft configuration file (aircraft.cfg) if required. This snippet defines essential data, including title, model, texture set, and atc identification:

[fltsim.0]
title=Boeing 737-200 Rico
sim=cf732v2004
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=rico
kb_checklists=Boeing737-400_check
kb_reference=Boeing737-400_ref
atc_type=Boeing
atc_id_enable=1
atc_id=PR-RLA
atc_id_color=0xffffffff
editable=0
visual_damage=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=737-200
ui_variation=Rico
description="The Boeing 737-200 is the most successful commercial jet airliner ever produced. It features 2x JT8D-17R engines rated at 16,400 lbs of thrust each. FS2004 FDE v1.00 for FFX/SGA Models by Charles Fox. Repaint by Martoni."
atc_airline=Rico

Credit and Distribution

This entire package remains freeware. The project contributors include Erick Cantu (visual model), Mike Baumann (FDE), and Adriano Martoni (repaint). It has been prepared as a standalone release, requiring no additional base packs. Feel free to enjoy it through Fly Away Simulation’s library of free add-ons for the Boeing 737 series.