FS2004 TAP Air Portugal Airbus A340-300 CS-TOB

This freeware package delivers a meticulously modeled Airbus A340-300 (GE-powered) in TAP Air Portugal colors (registration CS-TOB), complete with detailed animations, reflective surfaces, illuminated panels, and realistic flight behavior. TAP Air Portugal is the primary air carrier of Portugal and operates diverse international connections from its main hub in Lisbon. This add-on has been specially tuned for FS2004 enthusiasts pursuing true-to-life long-haul jetliner performance.

Distinctive Technical Achievements in This A340 Variant

Every major external and internal element has been refined to represent a four-engine wide-body transporter accurately. The airframe integrates wing flex under turbulent conditions and sophisticated animated thrust reversers for the GE engines. Each high-resolution texture set creates striking reflections on the fuselage and flight surfaces, while the dynamic shine system enhances the aircraft’s metallic look in changing light scenarios.

Innovations in Exterior Configuration

• Moving Control Surfaces: Fully operational ailerons, elevators, rudder, and spoilers, all animated with precision.
• Independent Suspension: Each gear strut compresses independently, reflecting real-world landing gear physics.
• Dynamic Wing Flex: Turbulence and in-flight stress cause the wingtips to respond fluidly, accentuating realism.
• Reverser Deployment: Idle thrust initiates reversal doors to open, replicating authentic deceleration procedures.
• Drooping Surfaces: When engines are powered down, ailerons slightly sag, showcasing nuanced flight surface behavior.
• Reflective Materials: Variable shine levels match each component’s actual texture properties, from fuselage skin to engine cowlings.
• Night Lighting Suite: Spotlights and floodlights illuminate textures and cockpit areas for immersive low-visibility operations.
• Landing Light Visibility: Pilots can see the beam projection from the cockpit viewpoint.
• Transparent Navigation Lenses: Navigation lamps feature translucent covers, adhering to real aircraft lighting design.
• Enhanced Virtual Cockpit: Fully clickable gauges and controls, along with windshield rain effects in VC mode.
• Deployable Passenger/Cargo Access: Use Shift+E for the left door, Shift+T for the right exit, and Shift+E+2 to reveal cargo holds.
• Wingviews: Internal perspectives for seeing wings, flaps, and engine nacelles during flight.
• Additional Ventilation Scoops: Openable louvers under the belly via Shift+W.
• Upgraded Lighting and Effects: Seamless condensation visuals around critical aerodynamic surfaces during high humidity.

Refined Flight Dynamics Engineering

• Parameters derived from authentic Airbus reference documents, ensuring precise flight envelope.
• Exact control surface travel angles, gear contact points, and scraping limitations.
• Payload and weight distribution integrated with FS2004’s system for accurate load balancing.
• Multiple engine variants: A340-200/-300 with -5C2/-5C3/-5C4 supply options, plus the A340-313E edition supporting -5C4/P.
• Test validations performed by a licensed A340 pilot.
• Includes an in-depth operational guide for best practice takeoffs, landings, and in-flight procedures.

Deployment into FS2004

1. Extract the package contents and move the unzipped folder into the main FS2004 “Aircraft” directory.

Development and Credits

The base model originates from Project Open Sky, with texturing expertly handled by Jaco du Preez. Other contributors include:

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

Acknowledgments to Fraser Turner and Bill Leaming

All materials are provided as a complete freeware release, showcasing the dedication of the Project Open Sky team and Jaco du Preez to the flight sim community.

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