FS2004 SAA Airbus A340-200 ZS-SLA

Immerse yourself in a freeware package that accurately portrays the Airbus A340-200, registered as ZS-SLA, in the striking South African Airways paint scheme. This release, built upon the complete Project Open Sky model, showcases both exterior and interior details, including a fully functional virtual cockpit. Created by a dedicated team of experts, with livery artwork by Jaco du Preez, it brings a four-engine wide-body to life in a manner that reflects real-world operations.

Technical Focus on Exterior Model

The Project Open Sky design emphasizes elements true to an actual A340 airframe. You will find dynamic wing flex that adjusts in response to atmospheric conditions, independent suspension supporting each gear leg, and drooping ailerons when engines are inactive. Thrust reversers engage fully on idle reverse, thereby capturing the realism of post-landing procedures. Extensive 3D additions, such as the subtly moving vent scoops (activated via Shift+W), and a selection of opening doors, further enhance authenticity. To manage passenger and cargo entrances, use Shift+E for the left door and Shift+T for the right door, while Shift+E+2 controls cargo openings.

Visual Details and Effects

This edition employs reflective textures tailored to each component’s material properties, resulting in nuanced sheen and accurate reflections. You will also discover transparent navigation light covers, flexible night lighting, and custom condensation effects. More advanced lighting systems, including inspection lights, add to the depth of the overall visual presentation. Drawing on Airbus documentation, creators have implemented fine-tuned animations and sizing for the flaps, gear assemblies, and fuselage contours.

Project Team and Credits

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

Jaco du Preez

Flight Deck Configuration

The included virtual cockpit features a three-dimensional environment with fully clickable switches, dials, and levers. Raindrop effects appear on the windshield during inclement conditions, delivering a realistic in-flight challenge. Nighttime operations benefit from illuminated gauges and overhead panels, lining up with real procedures. The design is optimized for FS2004 hardware configurations and leverages the latest in cockpit modeling to represent an operational Airbus flight deck environment.

Flight Dynamics Framework

Developers tested the flight performance data against actual Airbus references. Control surface ranges, gear contact points, and overall weight distribution mirror real specifications. Both basic and higher-gross-weight variants are implemented, providing adjustments for unique mission parameters. Engine models, such as the -5C2, -5C3, and -5C4 families, are included to align with different A340-200 and -300 variants. An authentic A340 Flight Operations Manual formed the backbone of these configurations, and real pilots also contributed during the evaluation phase.

Cabin Views and Internal Animations

In addition to a wingview variant, the fan blades can be switched between 2D and 3D models, enhancing overall immersion from passenger perspectives. Further believable details include more comprehensive flap segments, complete cabin entries, and additional texturing on high-profile areas like the landing gear assemblies. These aspects replicate the experience of traveling aboard a long-haul four-engine aircraft, reflecting South African Airways’ commitment to intercontinental routes.

In-Depth Installation Steps

1. Extract the contents of this package.
2. Place the resulting folder labeled “Aircrafts” directly into your FS2004 AIRCRAFT directory.

The end result is a blend of visual fidelity, flight model accuracy, and system depth, capturing the essence of an Airbus A340 serving in South African Airways’ fleet. Enthusiasts seeking a long-haul simulation with faithful textures and comprehensive performance modeling will appreciate this collaborative effort by Project Open Sky and the talented contributors listed above.

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