FS2004 GE Aircraft Test Boeing 747-200

This package offers a fully realized freeware edition of General Electric’s testbed Boeing 747-200 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. It comes equipped with the foundational Project Open Sky model and has been repainted by Hugo Espinosa. General Electric commonly employs this aircraft for evaluating engine configurations, making it a unique platform for those seeking to experience specialized flight testing conditions in their virtual hangar.

Background on the Boeing 747-200 Experimentation Aircraft

The Boeing 747-200, introduced by Boeing as an advanced version of the original 747, can accommodate significant cargo and passenger loads across intercontinental routes. In real-world applications, General Electric utilizes such frames to trial proprietary propulsion systems. This specific rendition illustrates a test-focused layout, reflecting the functional modifications that are essential for an engine manufacturer's experimentation requirements.

Development Team Credit

Project Open Sky oversaw the core design and flight dynamics of this model, with specific contributions from the following:
Model Designers: C. Vincent Cho, Yosuke Ube
Flight Dynamics Designer: Nick Peterson
FDE Advisors: Warren C, Daniel and Simon Ng Hin Tat
Quality Control: Simon Ng Hin Tat
Testing: Project Open Sky’s internal team
Master Texture Work: C. Vincent Cho, Yosuke Ube
Livery Creation: Hugo Espinosa

Notable Implementation Details

• Highly reflective textures leveraging dynamic surface sheen.
• Detailed three-dimensional wheel assemblies for realistic gear modeling.
• Cabin attendant simulation at the L1 and L2 access points (visual representation of boarding areas).
• Comprehensive movement of ailerons, rudders, and elevators for authentic control behavior.
• Independent shock absorber animations aligned with realistic suspension geometry.
• Fully functional steering for the main undercarriage.
• Precision-aligned trim animations.
• Operational passenger entry and cargo access hatches.
• Wing-flex simulation that adapts to airflow and load factors.
• Tilting bogies providing accurate ground interaction and rolling effects.
• Wheels that rotate appropriately during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
• Deployable thrust reversers with animation tied to engine spool-down cycles.
• Varying reflective properties for different fuselage and wing materials.
• Flight performance profiles tested by real-world aviators, ensuring reliable data for liftoff, climb, cruise, and landing.
• Spoiler segments articulated to match realistic extension angles.
• High-resolution fuselage and tail textures.
• Complete internal and external lighting, including illumination for nighttime operations.
• Landing lights visible from within the cockpit to improve approach awareness.
• Reflective cockpit window surfaces enhancing the external model’s realism.
• Impact simulation for crash events.
• Transparent navigation lights adding accuracy to wingtip luminescence.

Installation Procedures

1. Unzip the downloaded archive and transfer the extracted aircraft folder into your main “Aircraft” directory within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.

Operational Controls

Use the following commands for various doors and testing compartments:

Passenger Door

Press Shift + E to open and close.

Cargo Bay (Arrest Hook Function)

Engage the arrest hook command to access the dedicated cargo area.

Additional Cargo Door (Combi/Cargo Variant)

Use the folding wing command for this specific panel.