FS2004 Altair DeHavilland DH104 Dove VH-CJX

This repaint set brings the distinctive “Altair” livery to the de Havilland DH104 Dove in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, with detailed textures applied in DXT3 format. Model author Derek Palmer originally created the freeware DH104 base package (not included here), and this add-on focuses on repainting the aircraft as VH-CJX, an example operated by the now-defunct Altair. The repaint is developed by Clive Ryan.

Unique Characteristics of This Altair Livery

The chosen scheme reflects what Altair employed while transporting personnel for West Australian Petroleum (WAPET) in the late sixties and early seventies. The eye-catching blue and red stripes are reproduced on the wings and fuselage, matching Altair’s real-world color patterns. Altair eventually expanded operations with refurbished De Havilland Devon aircraft in May 1972, registering them as VH-CJX and VH-CJY.

About the De Havilland DH104 Dove

The Dove series (sometimes referred to as the “Devon” in certain military variants) emerged as a post–World War II successor to de Havilland’s earlier smaller passenger aircraft. This short-haul platform gained popularity for its reliability and comfortable cabin design. It featured twin-engine capability, offering airline operators greater safety margins and operational flexibility on regional routes. In later years, various modifications and overhauls (such as the Devon conversions) allowed carriers like Altair to extend usage in demanding environments, including daily runs to coastal areas.

Installation Procedure

• Obtain the freeware Derek Palmer DH104 Dove base model (DH104V1.ZIP) from the Fly Away Simulation library.
• Unzip this repaint package directly into the main “de Havilland DH104 Dove” folder inside your FS9 aircraft directory.
• Open the aircraft.cfg file for the Dove and add the following entry (replacing xx with the next available number):

[fltsim.xx]
title=de Havilland DH104 Altair CJX
sim=Dh114-2A
model=2
panel=
sound=
texture=CJX
kb_checklists=DH104_check
kb_reference=DH104_ref_2
ui_manufacturer=de Havilland
ui_type=DH-104 Dove
ui_variation=DH-104 Dove Altair VH-CJX
atc_heavy=0
atc_id=VH-CJX
atc_airline=Altair
atc_flight_number=
description=Altair commenced operations in the late sixties with Piper Navajo VH-CJB. The airline held a contract with WAPET for personnel transport to Barrow Island, leading to frequent flights. Two refurbished Devon aircraft, VH-CJX and VH-CJY, were added in May 1972. By 1972, Derek Froud joined as Altair’s third pilot. He remains active in the flightsim community as a beta tester for classic aircraft and scenery.

Additional Notes

This add-on strictly includes the repaint textures; the base aircraft package by Derek Palmer is essential for proper functionality. The files incorporate DXT3 compression (compressed format) for efficient performance in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. The entire repaint adheres to the real-world markings Altair used, showcasing the short-lived legacy of this regional carrier. Clive Ryan ensured that the textures capture authentic details, making this package an excellent choice for enthusiasts who enjoy historically based liveries on classic British twin-engine aircraft.

Enjoy the repaint and experience this classic Dove in its Altair attire during your virtual flights!