FS2004 SAA Airbus A340-313E ZS-SXA

This freeware release for FS2004 showcases a highly detailed Airbus A340-313E aircraft in South African Airways (SAA) markings, registration ZS-SXA. It combines meticulous visual modeling, compelling system fidelity, and an authentic color scheme. Created by Project Open Sky and painted by Jaco du Preez, it recreates the four-engine wide-body experience that SAA has used on long-haul routes across the globe.

Authentic Exterior and Interior Enhancements

Illustrated above is the A340 in SAA livery. The visual model embodies an extensive array of animations, each reflecting true-to-life aeronautical operations. Designers integrated independent suspension for all landing gear and implemented realistic wing flex (notably visible under certain loads). Additionally, thrust reversers replicate the signature deployment process of the real airplane. The included cockpit environment offers click spots and optional rain effects on the windshield, providing an immersive view from the flight deck.

Key Contributors 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

Livery Painter

Jaco du Preez

Advanced Visualization Features

• Moving control surfaces, including separate rudder, elevators, and ailerons.
• Accurate suspension behavior for each wheel assembly.
• Flexible wings that react to turbulent air and changes in loading.
• Fully functional thrust reversers that depict idle reverse and advanced reverser angles.
• Drooping ailerons once engines are powered down (a detail contributed by Bill Leaming).
• Reflective surfaces with individualized reflectivity based on material properties.
• High-quality texture work for fuselage, wings, and engines for increased realism.
• Selectable 2D and 3D fan animations, matching pilot preference.
• Comprehensive illumination, including external lighting for night operations.
• Landing lights visible from the cockpit perspective.
• Glare-free cockpit glazing with reflection effects.
• Detailed crash impact visuals.
• Transparent navigation light housings.
• Fully interactive virtual cockpit with functional switches (VC edition only).
• Window rain simulation when the aircraft is operated in VC mode.
• Optional wingview for passenger-style vantage points (if using the corresponding version).
• Real-time dynamic shine throughout the exterior surface.
• Separate animation triggers for passenger doors and cargo hatches (Shift+E, Shift+T, Shift+E+2).
• Enhanced landing gear details capturing struts, linkages, and tire modeling.
• Expanded texture panels around landing gear and leading-edge flaps.
• Vents on the belly section that open or close (Shift+W).
• Refined lighting solutions and condensation effects.
• Augmented 3D components over the earlier A330-based platform.

Meticulous Flight Dynamics

• Derived from genuine Airbus technical documents with accurate control deflections.
• Precisely placed contact points for scraping and gear geometry.
• Employs FS2004’s payload stations for weight and balance corrections.
• Includes multiple airframe configurations for varied operational weights.
• Covers different engine types such as -5C2, -5C3, and -5C4, along with an A340-313E variant equipped with -5C4/P engines.
• Near-exact Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) calculations for the -313E model.
• Extra inspection light effects attached to the fuselage and gear zones.
• Alternate gear point arrangements simulating the four-strut, 12-wheel setup unique to the A340.
• Includes a short flight operations reference (A340 FOM) tested by a real-world A340 pilot.

Install Procedure

1. Unarchive the downloaded package and transfer the unzipped folder into the FS2004 “Aircraft” directory.

This complete freeware add-on merges the refined exterior and interior modeling of Project Open Sky with the distinctive SAA livery painted by Jaco du Preez, presenting a solid choice for virtual pilots aiming to replicate South African Airways’ operations with the Airbus A340-300 family.