FS2004 TAP Air Portugal Airbus A340-312 CS-TOA

This freeware release brings a detailed TAP Air Portugal Airbus A340-312 (registration CS-TOA) to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, combining a complete Project Open Sky base model with an accurate repaint by Andre Costa. Fly this long-haul, four-engine airliner throughout its intercontinental routes and experience the complexity that made the A340 so popular for extended operations. The integral systems and polished visuals in this add-on ensure a compelling simulation experience, especially for pilots who seek a meticulously crafted widebody.

Visual Insight

Development Team and Contributors

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 Painted By: Andre Costa

Detailed Model Highlights

• All aerodynamic surfaces fully animated with independent movement for precise realism.
• Dedicated suspension assembly offering dynamic compression and extension characteristics.
• Responsive wing flex (noted [wing flex] refers to the slight bending of wing structures in turbulence), made possible with coding contributions from Fraser Turner.
• Thrust reversers modeled to deploy completely upon idle reverse throttle input, preserving authentic ground roll behavior.
• Drooping ailerons linked with the elevator system, a unique feature visible when the powerplants are switched off (thanks to Bill Leaming).
• Reflections applied selectively to each aircraft section, using different materials to replicate accurate specular highlights.
• Authentic handling and performance courtesy of meticulously tested flight data from real-world documentation.
• High-resolution exterior textures enhancing small details and airline-specific branding.
• Exchangeable 2D and 3D engine fan options for additional customization.
• Complete nighttime illumination encompassing navigation, cabin, and landing lights.
• Landing lights visible from the pilot’s viewpoint for a believable approach experience.
• Reflective transparency on cockpit glass, aligning with real-world Airbus A340 visual properties.
• Sophisticated crash effects incorporated for determined impact scenarios.
• Transparent navigation light covers that match the real layout of an Airbus aircraft.
• Entirely clickable Virtual Cockpit (VC) for more in-depth interaction (specifically optimized for FS2004 performance).
• Realistic windshield rain effects simulated in VC view.
• Wing views (in certain model configurations) allow observation of flaps and ailerons in flight.
• Highly polished surfaces for dynamic reflections at varying angles.
• Multiple doors and cargo hatches (Shift+E for the left door, Shift+T for the right door, Shift+E+2 for cargo holds).
• Finely modeled landing gear bays and flap structures for added immersion.
• Additional surface textures for gear assemblies, slats, and engine fans to maintain fidelity.
• Moveable vent scoops positioned beneath the fuselage (activated with Shift+W).
• Enhanced lighting and condensation effects simulating atmospheric influences.
• A340 fuselage enhancements surpassing the earlier A330 variant from the same development team.

Focused Flight Dynamics Specifications

• Accurate performance parameters extracted from Airbus source material.
• Correct control surface deflection angles to mirror genuine Airbus operations.
• Scrape contact points added, reflecting specific geometry for ground interaction.
• Payload and weight stations integrated with FS2004’s internal management system.
• Both standard and high-gross-weight variants encompassed, accommodating different operational profiles.
• Inclusive of A340-200 and A340-300 engine subtypes (-5C2, -5C3, and -5C4) for maximum flexibility.
• A340-313E variant made available, fitted with -5C4/P engines and adjusted MTOW (maximum takeoff weight).
• New inspection light features for ramp checks or night-time walkarounds.
• Alternate gear configurations (three-point default or fully defined 12-wheel, four-strut layout).
• Comprehensive A340 Flight Operations Manual references utilized for flight testing.
• Evaluated by an actual Airbus A340 pilot to refine real-world authenticity.

Installation Steps

1. Unzip the entire contents.
2. Transfer the extracted folder into your “Aircraft” directory within FS2004.