FS2004 Air Canada A340-313 C-GDVW

Experience an intricately detailed Air Canada Airbus A340-313 (registration C-GDVW) tailored for the 2004 edition of Microsoft’s flight simulation platform. This repaint showcases fine texturing and advanced visual elements. Repainted by Shane Strong, with the original aircraft model and core engineering by the Project Open Sky team, it captures the essence of Air Canada’s long-haul operations. Note that the freeware base package is not included and must be acquired from the Fly Away Simulation library.

Exterior Precision and Advanced Animations

• Fully Active Control Surfaces: Each aileron, elevator, and rudder segment responds smoothly to every input.
• Independent Suspension System: Realistic strut compression and extension allow for credible touchdown and taxi scenarios.
• Flexing Wings [dynamic wing movement]: Modeled to replicate subtle deflection in turbulence or during maneuvers.
• Thrust Reversers: Accurate deployment mimics genuine reverse-thrust flow at idle settings.
• Drooping Ailerons on Shutdown: Once engines spool down, the ailerons and specific control surfaces behave as they would during real-world power-off states.
• Reflective Texturing: Segmented materials demonstrate varying degrees of reflectivity for extra detail, including polished leading edges.
• 2D and 3D Engine Fans: Switchable fan renderings enhance visual depth relative to camera angles.
• Comprehensive Illumination: Night lighting extends across the fuselage, with visible landing beams from the virtual cockpit.
• Transparent Navigation Lens Covers: Embedded signage lights feature see-through housings for realism.
• Crash Effects: Minor collisions and impacts produce feedback consistent with typical hardware configurations.
• Cargo and Passenger Door Access: Separate commands (Shift+E for left door, Shift+T for right door, Shift+E+2 for cargo holds) control opening animations.
• Additional Detailing: Landing gear, flap mechanisms, and vent scoops (Shift+W) are rendered with refined geometry and texturing.

Pilot-Focused Virtual Cockpit Perspective

• Clickable Controls: An interactive VC environment allows the user to engage with essential switches and systems.
• Rain Effects on Windscreen [VC mode]: Moisture buildup and clearing simulate weather encounters.
• Optimized Cockpit Windows: Reflective coatings and environmental mapping are balanced for smooth in-sim performance.
• Wingview Variants: Alternate viewpoints of the wings enhance immersion for those who enjoy passenger-style perspectives.

Authentic Flight Dynamics Engineering (FDE)

• Airbus Sourced Data: Documentation from actual manufacturer material shapes the physics model.
• Accurate Control Travel: Degrees of motion for each surface match real A340 specifications.
• Scrape Contact Points: Contact geometry ensures realistic drag and collision references during botched landings.
• Weight Station Integration: Load distribution follows standard payload stations for correct aircraft balance.
• Engine Variants Included: Configurations for -200 and -300 series (including -5C2, -5C3, -5C4, and the -5C4/P) accommodate multiple models, along with an elevated MTOW for the 313E specification.
• A340 Operations Manual: Key guidance from official piloting references is integrated for practical performance handling.
• Real-World Testing: An individual with actual A340 cockpit hours verified the core flight performance.

Background on the Aircraft and Airline

This four-engine widebody is renowned for its dependable performance on transcontinental segments, which Air Canada has often utilized for high-capacity, long-distance routes. The Air Canada livery featured here highlights distinct branding characteristics, including understated fuselage colors and the recognizable maple leaf tail design. Its twin-aisle layout accommodates passengers comfortably over extended journeys.

Once installed, this repaint by Shane Strong—based on the Project Open Sky foundation—delivers a thorough immersion into Air Canada’s A340 experience. Remember to secure the essential base model from the Fly Away Simulation repository if you have not already, as it is required for full functionality of this freeware repaint.

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