FSX Short S.25V Sandringham

The Short S.25V Sandringham is a freeware add-on that recreates a commercial flying boat developed from a wartime patrol aircraft. It retains the distinctive marine-airframe design of its military predecessor yet delivers comfortable civilian travel. In this release, you will find the original base package, multiple authentic liveries, and refined compatibility for both Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.

Transformation into a Passenger-Oriented Aircraft

The Sandringham evolved from the Short Sunderland, a renowned maritime patrol flying boat with a history of overseas operations during World War II. Technicians removed many military fixtures and replaced them with commercial amenities, resulting in a passenger-oriented cabin layout. Though the deep hull shape remained primarily unchanged, the aircraft gained more streamlined fixtures and fewer defensive elements, reflecting its new civilian purpose.

Historic and Operational Background

Operators worldwide recognized the Sandringham’s versatility in servicing remote areas. Its amphibious-like capability, combined with adequate range and fuselage dimensions, allowed it to land on water and handle moderate seas. This functionality contributed to the swift adoption of the airliner by prestigious carriers across continents. Despite its origins as a patrol craft, the Sandringham thrived in peaceful passenger transport, linking distant regions and lakeside terminals.

Detailed Livery Collection

This package includes carefully rendered color schemes representing iconic airlines of the period, such as BOAC, Norwegian Air Lines, SAS, RAI, and Aerolineas Argentinas. Each paintwork highlights distinctive design elements, from tail markings to fuselage lettering. These liveries aim to capture the unique identity of each operator, immersing enthusiasts in the golden era of transoceanic boat-plane travel.

Visual Highlights

The exterior model showcases the large single-step hull, overhead wings with sturdy floats, and Pratt & Whitney radial engine nacelles (where appropriate). In particular, the distinctive tailplane geometry is faithfully reproduced to convey the aircraft’s unique silhouettes on approach and when settled on water.

Enhanced Flight Simulation Compatibility

Version 2 has been meticulously adapted for modern simulators, ensuring smooth operation under Microsoft Flight Simulator X as well as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Flight dynamics have been updated to better reflect the aircraft’s handling on water runways. The refined revision enables sharper shading, enhanced reflections, and compatibility with contemporary hardware setups.

Attention to Marine Handling

Since this flying boat must navigate aquatic surfaces, special flight files account for unique buoyancy and thrust patterns on takeoff from water. The designers strived to replicate the authentic experience of transitioning between land-based operations and maritime landings, an aspect not typically encountered with conventional landplanes.

Credits and Contribution

This freeware add-on, complete with its base model, has been developed and released by Jens B. Kristensen. His work brings vivid historical aviation directly into your simulator, offering enthusiasts a chance to command an aircraft that once spanned underexplored air routes and remote seaports.