FS2004 SAS Douglas DC-9-41

This freeware repaint highlights Scandinavian Airlines’ distinctive 1978 livery, accurately produced for the Douglas DC-9-41 model by SGA. Created by Frank Idone, these textures bring together the classic look of SAS operations with a design intended for short- to medium-haul routes. Developed for use with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, this add-on showcases the DC-9’s capabilities and historical significance in commercial aviation. While only textures are included here, the necessary SGA base model can be found in the Fly Away Simulation file library. Simply install as instructed below, and then modify your aircraft’s configuration accordingly.

Visual Elements and Airline Heritage

The Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) paint scheme featured in this package reflects an era when the Douglas DC-9 ruled European skies for short segments. During the late 1970s, SAS operated these twin-engined aircraft to serve secondary airports that benefited from the DC-9’s strong performance on shorter runways. In addition, the extended fuselage on the Series 40 models offered improved cabin space, enabling a maximum of 125 passengers to fly with greater comfort.

Technical Profile and Performance

Originally designed to support regional routes, the DC-9 incorporates the Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines for reliable thrust, which is essential for airports with limited runway length. The Series 40 retains the same wingspan as earlier versions but features an extended fuselage measuring approximately 125.6 feet (38.3 meters), offering more passenger capacity and a cargo volume of up to 1,019 cubic feet (28.8 m³). These improvements ensured the DC-9 family remained competitive well into the jet era.

Installation Process

Following the download of the SGA DC-9 base package from the Fly Away Simulation library, place the included SAS texture folder directly into your “aircraft” directory. Next, open the aircraft’s configuration file (aircraft.cfg) and add the entry below. Ensure that you revise the [fltsim.XX] line to match the next available sequence.

[fltsim.XX]
title=SGA DC-9-40 SAS 78
sim=SGA DC9_40
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=sas
checklists=
atc_id=SE-DBW
atc_airline=Scandanavian
atc_flight_number=621
ui_manufacturer=McDonnell Douglas
ui_type=DC-9-41
ui_variation=Scandanavian Airlines (1978)
description=DC-9 no.319 flown by Scandanavian Airlines.
Livery by Frank Idone.

The DC-9 was designed specifically to operate from short runways and on short- to medium-range routes so that the speed, comfort and reliability of jet transportation could be extended to hundreds of communities previously served only by propeller-driven airliners.

Series 40: To again meet airline demands for a DC-9 with more capacity, the Series 40 was developed with a fuselage length of 125.6 feet (38.3 m). Seating is available for up to 125 passengers, 10 more than the popular Series 30s. Below-floor cargo space totals 1,019 cubic feet (28.8 m3). The Series 40 uses the same wing as the Series 30. Series 40 engines are JT8D-9s, JT8D-11s or JT8D-15s. The model entered service in March 1968.

Key Points for Virtual Pilots

• Developer Credit: Texture set by Frank Idone, requiring SGA’s Douglas DC-9 Series 40 base model.
• Authentic Livery: Showcases the classic Scandinavian Airlines appearance from 1978.
• Enhanced Capability: Suited to airports with short landing strips, aligning with the DC-9’s original design requirements.
• Operating Environment: Completely compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 for smooth integration.

Final Notes

By incorporating these textures into your fleet, you can recreate the operational scope of Scandinavian Airlines during the 1970s, when the DC-9 series was a pivotal aircraft for reliable and efficient regional transportation. Simply follow the steps above for a seamless addition to your simulator’s lineup, and experience how this repaint accurately depicts the DC-9’s flight deck ambience and visual details within classic SAS service.