FS2004 Khalifa Airways Airbus A340-313E 7T-VKN

This freeware Airbus A340-313E, painted in Khalifa Airways livery (registration 7T-VKN), features an array of sophisticated additions ideal for simmers seeking long-haul realism in FS2004. Khalifa Airways, once based in Algeria, famously operated a fleet of wide-body airliners for intercontinental routes, and this package meticulously reflects that heritage with comprehensive animations, immersive texturing, and authentic handling characteristics.

Visual Detailing and Exterior Animations

Extended Movements: The aircraft boasts a full range of animated control surfaces that include ailerons, flaps, and spoilers. Under load, the [dynamic flexing wings] (a term indicating responsive wing bending during flight) exhibit realistic motions, particularly when flying through turbulent conditions.

Door Mechanisms: Multiple openings are available, such as the primary passenger door (Shift + E), right door (Shift + T), and cargo holds (Shift + E + 2). These independent operations add immersion during ground handling and pre-flight inspections.

Reflective Surfaces: Detailed textures and carefully mapped reflective materials ensure a convincing shine throughout the fuselage and cockpit windows. Each aircraft part is uniquely calibrated to display different reflection intensities, enhancing the sense of realism.

Interior Upgrades and Cockpit Functionality

Virtual Cockpit (VC) Enhancements: Within the [VC environment], there are clickable switches and knobs for enhanced operational control. The package includes rain effects on the windshield, intensifying immersion when flying in poor weather. Landing light beams are visible from the pilot’s perspective, reflecting realistic nighttime operations.

2D and 3D Engine Fans: This add-on incorporates interchangeable engine fan models. Switching between 2D and 3D fans can optimize performance or visual detail, depending on a user’s system capabilities.

Detailed Contributors

Model Designer

Shervin Ahooraei (Project Open Sky)

Flight Dynamics Designer

Warren C. Daniel

Master Textures

Ben Hewitt, C. Vincent Cho

VC Textures

Gary Hayes

FDE Advisors

Nick Peterson, Simon Ng Hin Tat

VC Gauges

Special thanks to Pasquale Rinaldi

Panel

Pasquale Rinaldi

XML Programming

Special thanks to Fraser Turner and Bill Leaming

Painting

Jaco du Preez

Advanced Flight Model Specifics

Actual Airbus Documentation: Flight dynamics rely on official Airbus A340 data. Control surfaces, engines, and gear configurations reflect precise engineering, and even scrape contact points match real-world geometry.

Multiple Variants: Besides the A340-313E, variations such as -200 and -300 exist with engine differences (e.g., -5C2, -5C3, and -5C4). The included -313E features -5C4/P powerplants and an increased maximum takeoff weight, ensuring an accurate long-range flying profile.

Performance-Driven FDE: This package was tested by an A340 pilot, lending authenticity to everything from climb rates to landing speeds. Moreover, it incorporates FS2004’s payload stations for adjusting fuel and weight distribution, vital for extended flights typical of the Airbus A340 family.

Additional Highlights

• Reversible thrust animations open fully at idle reverse.
• Drooping ailerons when engines are off, enhanced by custom XML coding.
• Raised detail on landing gear and flaps for added realism.
• Condensation effects and inspection lights for nighttime or inclement conditions.
• Wingview capability for those wishing to observe flight surfaces from passenger vantage points.

Installation Instructions

1. Extract the package.
2. Move the extracted aircraft folder directly into the FS2004 “Aircraft” directory.

This complete freeware release by Project Open Sky, with a livery painted by Jaco du Preez, is optimized for smooth performance in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Its design faithfully captures the distinctive characteristics of the Airbus A340, and it highlights the elegant Khalifa Airways color scheme once seen crossing continents from Algiers.

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