FS2004 Dan-Air Avro 685 York C1 G-ANTK

This complete freeware package brings the Dan-Air Avro 685 York C1 (registration G-ANTK) into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. It captures the essence of a post-war British transport aircraft once vital to both the Royal Air Force and commercial operators. Built by Avro and driven by the Rolls-Royce Merlin series, this rendition showcases the plane’s early Dan-Air freight configuration and historical significance.

Historical Background and Notable Features

The real G-ANTK began its journey as MW232 with the RAF in August 1946. It participated in the Berlin Airlift, hauling essential supplies in a challenging environment. Later entering service with Dan-Air in July 1954, it assumed cargo duties until retirement in May 1964. The physical airframe is now on display at Duxford’s Hangar 2, reminding enthusiasts of its storied past.

Avro York aircraft draw strong design parallels with the Lancaster bomber, although they were configured primarily for transport. Their four Merlin engines deliver reliable thrust, and the fuselage offers generous space ideal for cargo missions—traits that made each York a valued asset for both military and civilian carriers. Dan-Air, in particular, capitalized on these attributes, using G-ANTK for commercial freight services.

Key Installation Guidelines

• First, ensure the Avro York base package is present in your simulator’s files. This add-on integrates seamlessly with that base model.
• After unzipping, locate the “Aircraft\Avro_York” directory under “Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator 9”. Place the new texture folder (texture.gantk_01) alongside existing texture sets there.
• Open aircraft.cfg using a text editor (e.g., Notepad) and insert the supplemental [fltsim] entry below. Replace “xx” with the next incremental number to maintain a logical order.

[fltsim.xx]
title =Avro York M24 gantk_01
sim = Avro York Merlin 24
model = night
panel =
sound =
texture = gantk_01
panel_alias =
sound_alias =
kb_checklists =Avro York_check
kb_reference =York Handling Notes_reference
atc_id =
atc_id_color =
atc_parking_types =
atc_parking_code =
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=
ui_manufacturer = Avro
ui_type = Avro York M24
ui_variation = Dan-Air 1950s paint scheme
description = Avro 685 York C1 G-ANTK was built at Yeadon in 1946 and served the RAF as MW232. This variant joined the Berlin Airlift, later flew with No. 511 Squadron at Lyneham, and then went to Fairey Aviation for refuelling trials. Retired and subsequently obtained by Dan-Air in July 1954, it supported freight routes until 1964. Afterward, G-ANTK landed at Lasham and served as a bunk house before being moved in 1986 to Duxford, where it remains on display. Gmax exterior model and paint kit by Manfred Jahn, FDE by Paul Edwards, repainted in Dan-Air colors by Hans Hermann (Virtual Birds Factory).
visual_damage = 0
prop_anim_ratio = 0.99

Developers and Contributors

Manfred Jahn provided the Gmax external modeling and paint kit, ensuring an authentic external representation of the Avro York’s distinctive lines. Paul Edwards supplied the flight dynamics (FDE), making certain the aircraft’s performance reflects Merlin-powered characteristics. Finally, Hans Hermann from Virtual Birds Factory adapted the vintage Dan-Air livery, offering the classic color scheme for this specific model.

This freeware release continues to honor the aircraft’s operational past while granting Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 users an opportunity to fly a piece of early post-war aviation heritage in a convincing and historically faithful manner.