FS2004 Lufthansa Star Alliance A340-200

This fully realized Airbus A340-200 rendition reflects Lufthansa’s earlier Star Alliance livery—an iconic appearance that the airline has since retired alongside its A340-200 fleet. Created by Project Open Sky and painted by Doug Leiser, this freeware package delivers a refined model showcasing both visual and functional depth. Enthusiasts will find a wide variety of advanced features, including movable control surfaces, wing flex responses, and numerous additional operational nuances suited to a realistic long-haul simulation experience. The authors, each recognized for their respective roles in bringing this package to completion, have ensured a robust cockpit environment, compatibility with FS2004, and approachable installation.

Individual Contributions 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
Repaint: Jaco du Preez

Refined Visual and Operational Details

• Complete Animations: Every essential surface, from elevators to flaps, is animated with careful attention.
• Suspension Dynamics: Each landing gear leg reacts independently to runway surfaces for added realism.
• Wing Flex Modeling: Wing structures flex in response to aerodynamic turbulence (credits to Fraser Turner).
• Thrust Reversers: Engine reverser systems deploy fully under idle thrust to emulate realistic ground handling.
• Drooping Ailerons: When the engines shut down, the ailerons align accordingly (thanks to Bill Leaming).
• Reflective Textures: Different surfaces display varied reflection intensities to mimic metallic paint and external materials.
• High-Resolution Liveries: All external textures, including engine fans, flaps, and landing gear, feature impressive detail.
• Flexible Engine Fans: Options for both 2D and 3D fan representations enhance customizability.
• Illumination Effects: During nighttime operations, external and cockpit lights produce vivid visual feedback.
• Cockpit Window Reflection: Transparency and reflection are finely tuned for immersive flight deck views.
• Impact Effects: Crash physics and visual feedback are included for those who simulate challenging situations.
• Nav Light Lenses: Navigation lights are rendered with transparency to replicate real-world lenses.
• Virtual Cockpit (VC): The fully clickable VC offers rain effects on the windshield along with intuitive button interaction (optimized for FS2004).
• Passenger and Cargo Door Operation: Independently animate each door using Shift+E (left door), Shift+T (right door), and Shift+E+2 (cargo).
• Additional A340 Modifications: Vent scoops, wing views, and detailed undercarriage structures are among several extra 3D elements introduced.

Special Lighting and Shaping

• Rain Effects on Windshield: Exclusive to the VC mode for a heightened sense of immersion.
• Fresh Lighting and Condensation: New tools simulate condensation build-up, particularly in adverse weather.
• Animated Vent Scoops: Using Shift+W, these can be positioned as needed during different phases of flight.

Focused Flight Dynamics (FDE) Insights

• Data derived from authentic Airbus reference materials, ensuring true-to-life weight, thrust, and aerodynamic performance.
• Correct movement ranges for all flight-control surfaces reflect real-world tolerances.
• Scrape and contact points accurately mapped to the aircraft’s physical structure.
• Multiple variants included (Basic and High Gross configurations), covering the A340-200, A340-300 with CFM56-5C2, -5C3, and -5C4 engines.
• An A340-313E variant equipped with -5C4/P engines, rated for higher maximum takeoff weight, is also provided.
• Introduces an inspection light feature and default as well as alternate gear attachments for 12 wheels on four struts.
• Flight Behavior reviewed by a certified A340 pilot for further authenticity.

Installation Instructions

1. Unzip the downloaded folder.
2. Move the unzipped “Aircraft” directory into your main FS2004 “Aircraft” folder.

Once installed, you can explore the distinct flight envelope of the A340-200—watch for its long-range handling characteristics, extended wingspan aerodynamics, and the classic visuals from Lufthansa’s beloved Star Alliance scheme. Fans of wide-body, four-engine operations will find this model an excellent addition to their simulator hangar, and the efforts of Project Open Sky and the contributing team ensure a meticulous interpretation of this iconic airliner.

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