FSX Air-Glaciers AS350 HB-XQJ

This add-on provides a versatile repaint for the payware Nemeth Design AS350B3, meticulously crafted to replicate Air-Glaciers’ HB-XQJ. It is offered by developer Valentin Rime at no cost for interested helicopter aviation enthusiasts. Despite the free release, please note that you must own the corresponding Nemeth Design base package and, if applicable, the dedicated expansion pack to access all functional variations of this repaint.

Distinctive External Texture for AS350B3

The latest repaint captures the characteristic Air-Glaciers livery (registration: HB-XQJ) with precise color detailing. Air-Glaciers, recognized for its aerial rescue and transport operations across Swiss alpine environments, uses the AS350 series for numerous tasks, including scenic flights, cargo lifts, and rescue missions in high-altitude areas. The AS350B3 model features a single-engine layout and a fenestron tail rotor system (note: “fenestron” is an enclosed tail rotor design commonly used in modern helicopters) that provides efficient handling and excellent maneuverability, particularly beneficial in mountainous terrain.

Livery Configuration Variations

This package presents three configurations tailored to different mission profiles:

• AS350B3_trans: Standard configuration for general transport operations.
• AS350B3_hoist: Specially equipped version with a functional hoist mechanism for lifting supplies, vehicles, or rescue gear. You will need the “AS350 Ecureuil expansion pack” to enable this variant.
• AS350B3_hoist_b: Dedicated heliski option, also requiring the “AS350 Ecureuil expansion pack.” This setup mirrors real-world heliskiing tasks by allowing specialized attachments and cargo points.

Install Procedures

Before installation, confirm you have the payware Nemeth Design AS350B3 base product set up in your simulator directory. Then, follow the steps below:

• AS350B3_trans:
  • Place the texture.HB-XQJ folder inside: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\Simobject\Rotorcraft\AS350B3_trans.
  • Open the aircraft.cfg file in the same folder and insert the provided code snippet from “add_to_aircraft_cfg.” Replace xx (within [fltsim.xx]) with the next available sequential number.
• AS350B3_hoist:
  • Place the texture.HB-XQJ folder into: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\Simobject\Rotorcraft\AS350B3_hoist.
  • Edit the aircraft.cfg in the same directory by adding the section from “add_to_aircraft_cfg,” again updating xx as necessary.
• AS350B3_hoist_b:
  • Place the texture.HB-XQJ folder into: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\Simobject\Rotorcraft\AS350B3_hoist_b.
  • Append the included text to your aircraft.cfg file and adjust the numeral for [fltsim.xx] accordingly.

Key Considerations

To explore the full functionality of the hoist-equipped versions, ensure the “AS350 Ecureuil expansion pack” is installed. If you do not own the Nemeth Design payware model, it must be acquired separately from a reputable flight simulation store (for example, a recognized payware platform such as SimShack) before these textures can be used.

All credit for this visually realistic repaint goes to Valentin Rime, who carefully enhanced the fidelity of the Air-Glaciers look for the flight simulation community, blending operational authenticity with vibrant detail. This addition brings a fresh dimension to virtual helicopter tasks, particularly for those who enjoy alpine flying and cargo-based missions.

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