FS2004 Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-300

The freeware FS2004 Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-300 package, created by Project Open Sky and featuring a repaint by Ben Hewitt, offers an immersive simulation of a long-haul, four-engine airliner. This virtual model represents Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A340-300 in modern livery, complete with General Electric-based powerplants (registration G-VBUS). In actual operations, the A340-300 family was introduced in the early 1990s to support extended intercontinental routes, and it is known for its capacity of nearly 300 passengers and its reliable, long-range performance. This download delivers a complete set of features, including both the basic and high-gross-weight configurations, making it highly versatile for any enthusiast interested in advanced, detailed airliner operations.

Refined Exterior Construction

The external rendition of this Airbus ensures meticulous authenticity. The fuselage and wings carry fully reflective textures designed to replicate realistic sheen variations across different materials. Project Open Sky also incorporated dynamic flexing wings that respond accurately to in-flight stresses and turbulence, enhancing visual fidelity. Moreover, the virtual airframe includes opening cargo and passenger doors, with default key commands such as Shift+E for the left door, Shift+T for the right door, and Shift+E+2 for the cargo hatches. Additional animations—like vent scoops (via Shift+W)—help depict the aircraft’s operational nuances.

High-Fidelity Control Surfaces

This add-on features fully animated ailerons, elevators, rudder, and spoilers that move according to precise flight physics. On power-down, the ailerons and elevators exhibit a characteristic droop, thanks to integrated real-world engineering concepts (a feature credited to Bill Leaming). Thrust reversers deploy dynamically—even showing fully opened surfaces on idle reverse—showcasing an authentic rendition of Airbus logic. This level of detail ensures each phase of flight, from takeoff to landing, has a fresh layer of realism.

Advanced Flight Dynamics

Accurate FDE (Flight Dynamics Engine) data has been extracted from genuine Airbus documentation, generating consistent handling. These numbers control engine thrust curves, control surface limits, and weight-to-lift balance parameters to better simulate real-world flight characteristics. Aerodynamic responses closely mimic those of an actual A340, and the design team (led by Flight Dynamics Designer Warren C. Daniel) tested the final package with input from a real-world A340 pilot.

Several variants are included: users can try the A340-200 and A340-300 with -5C2, -5C3, or -5C4 engines, as well as an A340-313E powered by -5C4/P units. Each version offers different performance profiles and mass configurations, so you can match your chosen route more closely to real airline operations.

Night Lighting & Meteorological Influences

Immersive full night lighting transforms the aircraft and the cockpit during dark operations. Reflections on cockpit windows, visible landing lights from the flight deck, and the optional wingview depict how external illumination changes across different angles. Under precipitation, functional rain effects on the windshield simulate water droplets rolling off, an impressive detail in VC mode (Virtual Cockpit). Meanwhile, condensation effects can appear in higher humidity conditions, and the visual depiction of these atmospheric factors adds further depth to the simulation.

Virtual Cockpit Enhancements

The virtual cockpit includes interactive switches, buttons, and levers for numerous aircraft systems. This environment incorporates textures contributed by Gary Hayes and specialized gauges provided by (and credited to) Pasquale Rinaldi. Meanwhile, XML programming work by Fraser Turner and Bill Leaming refines the display logic and some core functionalities. In conjunction with the 2D panel, developed by Rinaldi as well, operators can choose between viewpoints according to personal preference.

Development Team Recognition

Model Designer: Shervin Ahooraei
Flight Dynamics Designer: Warren C. Daniel
Master Textures: Ben Hewitt, C. Vincent Cho
Virtual Cockpit Textures: Gary Hayes
FDE Advisors: Nick Peterson, Simon Ng Hin Tat
Virtual Cockpit Gauges: Special thanks to Pasquale Rinaldi
Panel: Pasquale Rinaldi
XML Programming: Special thanks to Fraser Turner and Bill Leaming
Painted By: Ben Hewitt

Feature Highlights

Interior & Exterior Animations

Beyond the primary control surfaces, the simulation captures suspension movements, droop features, and vent scoops for greater visual appeal.

Lighting & Effects

Night illumination, landing lights visible from the cockpit, and custom effects for condensation and rain aim to replicate real-world operational visibility.

FDE Precision

Control-surface travel, contact-point accuracy, and multiple payload stations align with official Airbus constraints, ensuring a strong sense of authenticity.

Interchangeable Engine Fans

Operators can switch between 2D and 3D animations for the engine fans, tailoring the experience to personal system capability and preference.

Included Manuals & Variants

An A340 Flight Operations Manual is included, and multiple engine and weight variants match those in real airline fleets.

Placing the Aircraft in FS2004

1. Unzip the downloaded file.
2. Copy the extracted Aircrafts folder into the main FS2004 Aircraft folder.

This comprehensive A340 suite stands as a complete freeware base model for enthusiasts seeking an authentic Virgin Atlantic operation within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Alongside the airline’s distinctive identity, the developers ensured every detail—from the flight model to each animated surface—adheres to real-world references, offering a well-rounded and engaging piloting experience.

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