FS2004 Aerolineas Argentinas A340-200

This freeware release offers a custom Aerolíneas Argentinas Airbus A340-200 package for FS2004, featuring an authentic livery that honors the national carrier of Argentina. Developed by the team at Project Open Sky with a repaint by Matías Bagnato, it delivers high-fidelity visuals and efficient flight characteristics. Enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive modeling of every major component, plus several refinements that optimize performance and enhance immersion within the simulator.

Aircraft Model and Creators

The dedicated individuals behind this rendition include Model Designer Shervin Ahooraei, Flight Dynamics Designer Warren C. Daniel, and Virtual Cockpit textures by Gary Hayes. Meanwhile, Ben Hewitt and C. Vincent Cho devised the master textures, ensuring each external and internal surface reflects realistic materials. Valuable guidance from FDE Advisors Nick Peterson and Simon Ng Hin Tat contributed to stable handling, and special acknowledgments go to Fraser Turner and Bill Leaming for advanced XML programming. The cockpit panel and gauges incorporate work from Pasquale Rinaldi, while the distinctive Aerolíneas Argentinas paintwork was applied by Matías Bagnato.

Technical Notes on the Real Aircraft

The Airbus A340-200 stands out as a four-engine, wide-body jet known for its intercontinental capabilities. Aerolíneas Argentinas operates long-haul routes with similar aircraft to link Argentina with major international destinations. This simulation package replicates that real-world capacity with careful attention to engine performance, aerodynamic behavior, and visual fidelity.

Key Visual and Structural Features

• Fully animated control surfaces, including ailerons, elevators, and rudder.
• Independent suspension system on each gear leg to simulate ground handling nuances.
• Flexible wings reacting to turbulent conditions (credit to Fraser Turner).
• Thrust reversers that initiate with idle reverse for realistic engine behavior.
• Drooping ailerons upon engine shutdown (implementation from Bill Leaming).
• Reflective textures employing varied reflection intensities for each surface.
• Accurate flight dynamics tested by real pilots, featuring distinct profiles for wheels, tires, struts, and engine variations.
• 2D or 3D engine fans that can be interchanged to suit user preferences.
• Full night lighting, offering enhanced cockpit and external illumination.
• Landing lights visible from inside the virtual flight deck.
• Reflective cockpit windows adding depth and realism to the fuselage.
• Crash effects that provide visual impact during hard landings.
• Transparent navigation light lenses for improved accuracy.
• Clickable Virtual Cockpit (VC only), fully interactive and tailored for FS2004.
• Rain effects on the windshield in VC mode.
• Wingview integrated into specific models for passenger-like perspectives.
• Dynamic surface shine further highlighting the external model.
• Opening passenger and cargo doors (Shift+E for left door, Shift+T for right door, Shift+E+2 for cargo doors).
• Detailed flaps and landing gear showcasing intricate mechanisms.
• Enhanced textures on landing gear, fan blades, and wing edges.
• Animated vent scoops under the belly (Shift+W).
• Condensation and lighting effects for atmospheric immersion.
• Numerous 3D components specific to the A340, surpassing the earlier A330 model detail.

Flight Dynamics and Handling

• FDE data sourced from authentic Airbus documentation, ensuring realistic maneuvering.
• Accurate control surface travel parameters aligned with real-world specifications.
• Scrape contact points precisely modeled for correct ground-abrasion effects.
• FS2004 payload stations utilized to reflect variable weight distributions.
• Basic and High Gross flight models provided for performance variations.
• Included engine configurations span A340-200 and A340-300 with -5C2, -5C3, and -5C4 powerplants.
• A340-313E variant featuring -5C4/P engines and optimized MTOW.
• Inspection lighting that allows thorough external checks in low visibility.
• Alternate gear points with 12 wheels and 4 struts offering accurate ground stance.
• A340 Flight Operations Manual references included for real-life procedures.
• Validated by a certified A340 pilot, achieving highly authentic handling in diverse flight phases.