FSX / P3D

FSX Vans RV4 Silver Bullet

Van’s RV-4 “Silver Bullet” livery brings a polished aluminum look to Microsoft Flight Simulator X, using a modified alpha channel and light-bending texture technique for dynamic, metallic reflections that shift with sun angles and ramp lighting. Built on Felipe Belalcazar’s RV-4 model, it integrates cleanly for an immersive virtual cockpit and exterior finish.

5/5 (2) 6k downloads 21.25 MB Scanned clean
Flight Simulator X Prepar3D

Designed to enhance the thrill of piloting a Van’s RV-4 in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, this distinctive freeware package offers a captivating “Silver Bullet” livery. Created through an advanced composite process, it highlights reflective properties and accentuates the aircraft’s sleek lines. It arrives complete, requiring no extra downloads.

Unique Reflective Technique and Repaint Details

Crafted by Mark Rooks (“Fireball”), this repaint elevates the standard Van’s RV-4 visual aesthetics. A specialized Modified Alpha Channel interacts with Light Bending Process Formula 14 to boost metallic reflections. This approach, introduced by the Rooks Silva Design Group (RSDG), immerses flight sim enthusiasts in a lustrous finish that changes dynamically with in-sim lighting.

Origins and Contributors

The underlying Van’s RV-4 model here is the work of Felipe Belalcazar, ensuring a solid foundation. Its real-world counterpart, produced by Van’s Aircraft, is recognized for efficient aerodynamics and dependable engineering, qualities that translate smoothly into this sim adaptation. The collaborative repaint project stands as a testament to both aesthetic and technical dedication from Rook Silva Design Group and its partners.

A Glimpse at the Real Van’s RV-4

In actual aviation, the RV-4 is a nimble, single-engine homebuilt design featuring impressive climb performance and agile control inputs. Many aviation hobbyists assemble this kit plane in workshops or hangars, then enjoy significant aerobatic capability and cross-country travel. Sim pilots can anticipate similarly engaging maneuvering in the virtual skies, accompanied by striking metallic styling that heightens immersion.

Immersive Visual Elements

The “Silver Bullet” concept delivers a polished aluminum look that responds to daylight, spotlights, and reflections. Internal elements also benefit, as highlights shift across the fuselage and wings to match changing flight angles. This nuanced interplay of shine and texture adds realism for those who appreciate engineering details in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Silver Bullet Repaint

Seamless Installation and Complete Integration

This freeware release arrives ready for immediate incorporation into Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Captains simply install and load the aircraft, with no need for separate models or extra files. Its intuitive setup keeps the focus on flying, ensuring that users can enjoy this polished livery with minimal effort.

Final Notes

The “Silver Bullet” scheme by Mark Rooks (“Fireball”) represents a fusion of artistic creativity and innovative texture-engineering methods. By carefully controlling alpha channels and light reflection properties, the Van’s RV-4 now showcases a vivid metallic appearance that stands out from default liveries. Whether taking on short recreational flights or pushing the envelope of acrobatics, this reflective finish supplies a unique visual presence in the simulator environment.

Ready to download Vans RV4 Silver Bullet?

Free for all simmers · 21.25 MB · Scanned clean

File information

Filename
SilverBullet.zip
File size
21.25 MB
Virus scan
Clean (scanned with ClamAV)
Access
Freeware
Content rating
Everyone

Download speed: Free tier is capped at 0.5 Mbps (this file takes approximately 6 mins at the cap). PRO members download at full line speed.

How to install this mod

FSX / P3D add-on
  1. Extract the downloaded archive

    Use 7-Zip (free) or WinRAR to extract the ZIP to a temporary folder. Don't install while still zipped — the simulator can't read inside ZIP files.
  2. Place files per the readme

    Most FSX add-ons go into one of: SimObjects\Airplanes\, Addon Scenery\, Effects\, or Gauges\.
  3. Always read the included readme

    Every mod ships with a readme.txt or README file. It tells you exactly where files go, what dependencies are needed, and any quirks specific to this add-on.

What’s inside this archive

The archive SilverBullet.zip has 192 files and directories contained within it.

File Contents

This list displays the first 500 files in the package. If the package has more, you will need to download it to view them.

Filename/Directory File Date File Size
Read Me First.txt11.19.06669 B
Rv4 Silver Bullet11.19.060 B
Aircraft.cfg11.19.0612.13 kB
model11.19.060 B
Model.cfg08.06.0627 B
vans rv4.mdl08.06.06579.77 kB
panel11.19.060 B
decal_extra_300s_2.bmp05.12.06257.02 kB
extra_background.bmp05.12.06769.02 kB
Extra_Gauge_Backgrounds.bmp05.12.06257.05 kB
Extra_XML.cab09.04.06511.75 kB
panel.cfg07.23.064.64 kB
RSDG_RV4.air10.26.0610.50 kB
sound11.19.060 B
c4wind4.wav07.10.06274.56 kB
canopy_latch_close.wav05.12.0695.79 kB
canopy_latch_open.wav05.12.0684.69 kB
ee1a.wav05.12.0654.81 kB
ee1b.wav05.12.0636.19 kB
ee2a.wav05.12.0643.81 kB
ee2b.wav05.12.0642.25 kB
ee3a.wav05.12.0619.81 kB
ee4a.wav05.12.0644.31 kB
eep1a.wav05.12.0657.79 kB
eep1b.wav05.12.0658.79 kB
eep2a.wav05.12.0667.29 kB
eep2b.wav05.12.0658.79 kB
eeshuta.wav05.12.0631.69 kB
eeshutb.wav05.12.0635.75 kB
eestarta.wav05.12.068.75 kB
eestartb.wav05.12.0635.29 kB
ewind.wav05.12.0629.19 kB
Extra_Prop1A.wav07.10.0645.70 kB
Extra_Prop2A.wav07.10.0645.70 kB
Extra_Prop2Ab.wav07.10.0669.42 kB
Extra_Prop2Ac.wav07.10.06131.16 kB
Extra_rpm01.wav07.10.06354.31 kB
Extra_rpm02.wav07.10.06617.25 kB
Extra_rpm03.wav07.10.06544.90 kB
Extra_rpm04.wav07.10.06383.12 kB
Extra_Shutdown.wav07.10.06407.06 kB
Extra_Starter.wav07.10.06232.87 kB
Extra_Startup.wav07.10.06494.08 kB
sound.cfg07.10.0612.27 kB
wind_general.wav07.10.06269.64 kB
xee1a.wav05.12.0654.31 kB
xee1b.wav05.12.0638.19 kB
xee2a.wav05.12.0648.81 kB
xee2b.wav05.12.0648.75 kB
xee3a.wav05.12.0629.31 kB
xee4a.wav05.12.0641.31 kB
xeep1a.wav05.12.0657.79 kB
xeep1b.wav05.12.0658.79 kB
xeep2a.wav05.12.0667.29 kB
xeep2b.wav05.12.0658.79 kB
xeeshuta.wav05.12.0624.75 kB
xeeshutb.wav05.12.0625.75 kB
xeestarta.wav05.12.065.31 kB
xeestartb.wav05.12.0630.29 kB
xExtra_Prop1A.wav07.10.0645.70 kB
xExtra_Prop2A.wav07.10.0645.70 kB
xExtra_rpmf01.wav07.10.06217.49 kB
xExtra_rpmf02.wav07.10.06226.46 kB
xExtra_rpmf03.wav07.10.06262.45 kB
xExtra_rpmf04.wav07.10.06237.50 kB
xExtra_rpmr01.wav07.10.06285.84 kB
xExtra_rpmr02.wav07.10.06268.95 kB
xExtra_rpmr03.wav07.10.06274.75 kB
xExtra_rpmr04.wav07.10.06218.38 kB
xExtra_Shutdown.wav07.10.06181.03 kB
xExtra_Starter.wav07.10.06120.94 kB
xExtra_Startup.wav07.10.06151.69 kB
texture11.19.060 B
$panel08.06.06768.05 kB
$panel_108.06.06768.05 kB
Glass.bmp11.11.065.05 kB
helice.bmp08.06.0685.43 kB
rv-4.bmp11.15.064.00 MB
rv-4_vc.bmp08.06.06512.08 kB
thumbnail.jpg11.19.06163.97 kB
Thumbs.db11.15.0620.00 kB
Screenshot.jpg11.19.06243.27 kB
Silver Bullet11.19.060 B
Read Me First.txt11.19.06669 B
Rv4 Silver Bullet11.19.060 B
Aircraft.cfg11.19.0612.13 kB
model11.19.060 B
Model.cfg08.06.0627 B
vans rv4.mdl08.06.06579.77 kB
panel11.19.060 B
decal_extra_300s_2.bmp05.12.06257.02 kB
extra_background.bmp05.12.06769.02 kB
Extra_Gauge_Backgrounds.bmp05.12.06257.05 kB
Extra_XML.cab09.04.06511.75 kB
panel.cfg07.23.064.64 kB
RSDG_RV4.air10.26.0610.50 kB
sound11.19.060 B
c4wind4.wav07.10.06274.56 kB
canopy_latch_close.wav05.12.0695.79 kB
canopy_latch_open.wav05.12.0684.69 kB
ee1a.wav05.12.0654.81 kB
ee1b.wav05.12.0636.19 kB
ee2a.wav05.12.0643.81 kB
ee2b.wav05.12.0642.25 kB
ee3a.wav05.12.0619.81 kB
ee4a.wav05.12.0644.31 kB
eep1a.wav05.12.0657.79 kB
eep1b.wav05.12.0658.79 kB
eep2a.wav05.12.0667.29 kB
eep2b.wav05.12.0658.79 kB
eeshuta.wav05.12.0631.69 kB
eeshutb.wav05.12.0635.75 kB
eestarta.wav05.12.068.75 kB
eestartb.wav05.12.0635.29 kB
ewind.wav05.12.0629.19 kB
Extra_Prop1A.wav07.10.0645.70 kB
Extra_Prop2A.wav07.10.0645.70 kB
Extra_Prop2Ab.wav07.10.0669.42 kB
Extra_Prop2Ac.wav07.10.06131.16 kB
Extra_rpm01.wav07.10.06354.31 kB
Extra_rpm02.wav07.10.06617.25 kB
Extra_rpm03.wav07.10.06544.90 kB
Extra_rpm04.wav07.10.06383.12 kB
Extra_Shutdown.wav07.10.06407.06 kB
Extra_Starter.wav07.10.06232.87 kB
Extra_Startup.wav07.10.06494.08 kB
sound.cfg07.10.0612.27 kB
wind_general.wav07.10.06269.64 kB
xee1a.wav05.12.0654.31 kB
xee1b.wav05.12.0638.19 kB
xee2a.wav05.12.0648.81 kB
xee2b.wav05.12.0648.75 kB
xee3a.wav05.12.0629.31 kB
xee4a.wav05.12.0641.31 kB
xeep1a.wav05.12.0657.79 kB
xeep1b.wav05.12.0658.79 kB
xeep2a.wav05.12.0667.29 kB
xeep2b.wav05.12.0658.79 kB
xeeshuta.wav05.12.0624.75 kB
xeeshutb.wav05.12.0625.75 kB
xeestarta.wav05.12.065.31 kB
xeestartb.wav05.12.0630.29 kB
xExtra_Prop1A.wav07.10.0645.70 kB
xExtra_Prop2A.wav07.10.0645.70 kB
xExtra_rpmf01.wav07.10.06217.49 kB
xExtra_rpmf02.wav07.10.06226.46 kB
xExtra_rpmf03.wav07.10.06262.45 kB
xExtra_rpmf04.wav07.10.06237.50 kB
xExtra_rpmr01.wav07.10.06285.84 kB
xExtra_rpmr02.wav07.10.06268.95 kB
xExtra_rpmr03.wav07.10.06274.75 kB
xExtra_rpmr04.wav07.10.06218.38 kB
xExtra_Shutdown.wav07.10.06181.03 kB
xExtra_Starter.wav07.10.06120.94 kB
xExtra_Startup.wav07.10.06151.69 kB
texture11.19.060 B
$panel08.06.06768.05 kB
$panel_108.06.06768.05 kB
Glass.bmp11.11.065.05 kB
helice.bmp08.06.0685.43 kB
rv-4.bmp11.15.064.00 MB
rv-4_vc.bmp08.06.06512.08 kB
thumbnail.jpg11.19.06163.97 kB
Thumbs.db11.15.0620.00 kB
Screenshot.jpg11.19.06243.27 kB
text1.txt11.19.06347 B
Thumbs.db11.19.069.00 kB
text1.txt11.19.06347 B
Thumbs.db11.19.069.00 kB
flyawaysimulation.txt10.29.13959 B
Go to Fly Away Simulation.url01.22.1652 B
Screenshots10.17.190 B
screen-1.jpg10.02.19389.55 kB
screen-10.jpg10.02.19188.04 kB
screen-11.jpg10.02.19361.53 kB
screen-12.jpg10.02.19268.79 kB
screen-13.jpg10.02.19138.50 kB
screen-14.jpg10.02.19192.30 kB
screen-15.jpg10.02.19207.17 kB
screen-16.jpg10.02.19141.57 kB
screen-17.jpg10.02.19178.47 kB
screen-18.jpg10.02.19162.66 kB
screen-19.jpg10.02.19169.54 kB
screen-2.jpg10.02.19252.52 kB
screen-20.jpg10.02.19177.97 kB
screen-3.jpg10.02.19114.14 kB
screen-4.jpg10.02.19121.72 kB
screen-5.jpg10.02.19137.74 kB
screen-6.jpg10.02.19151.05 kB
screen-7.jpg10.02.19131.07 kB
screen-8.jpg10.02.19388.24 kB
screen-9.jpg10.02.19157.54 kB

2 comments

Read what other simmers think, or add your own.

Leave a comment
Comments below are opinions of individual posters and don’t always reflect Fly Away Simulation’s views. Every comment is manually moderated before publication.
  1. MitchellPhillips PRO

    Very nice airplane! The texture is nice and shiny, it flies very well. It would be even better if there was a "cockpit view".

    Link
  2. RGutierrez PRO

    How to install (and be in order) a new airplane in the FSX airplane folder?

    Link

Leave a comment

Replying to

Used only for your Gravatar avatar — never shown publicly or shared.

Minimum 30 characters 0
Your comment is reviewed by a moderator before publication. Spam, abuse and self-promotion are removed.