FS2004 1960's Dan-Air Avro 685 York C1 G-ANTK

Experience the fascination of the authentic 1960s Dan-Air Avro 685 York C1, meticulously reimagined for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. This freeware package features a classic transport aircraft that once supported post-war freight operations, served in the Berlin Airlift, and continued under Dan-Air’s banner until the mid-1960s. Thanks to its Gmax external model developed by Manfred Jahn, flight dynamics by Paul Edwards, and a careful repaint by Hans Hermann (Virtual Birds Factory), it delivers a historically rich simulation that aviation enthusiasts can enjoy.

Historic Background and Notable Transitions

The airframe first joined the Royal Air Force under the designation MW232. After a few years, it took part in the vital Berlin Airlift, flying alongside other Allied transport aircraft. Transferred to Dan-Air in July 1954 and registered as G-ANTK, it primarily handled cargo deliveries until May 1964. Following retirement, the fuselage was utilized as a bunkhouse before being preserved. Today, G-ANTK can be found on display in Duxford’s Hangar 2, illustrating its enduring significance among British aviation exhibits.

Preparation and Placement for FS2004

Before proceeding, confirm that you have the standard Avro York Base Package installed on your system. This core framework is essential for integrating the Dan-Air textures and model components.

1. Locate the Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator 9\Aircraft\Avro_York directory on your system.
2. Place the provided texture.gantk_02 folder into the Avro_York folder.
3. If you have not previously added the model.moyd directory (mentioned in the developer’s NOTAM), copy it into the same location now.

Updating the Aircraft Configuration

Open your aircraft.cfg file using a text editor. Append the following entry, substituting xx with the appropriate consecutive number. This ensures that the Avro York C1 G-ANTK variation is recognized by Flight Simulator 2004:

[fltsim.xx]
title =Avro York M24 gantk_02
sim = Avro York Merlin 24
model = moyd
panel =
sound =
texture = gantk_02
panel_alias =
sound_alias =
kb_checklists =Avro York_check
kb_reference =York Handling Notes_reference
atc_id = G-ANTK
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 1960s paint scheme
description = Avro 685 York C1 G-ANTK shown here in 1960s Dan-Air livery. Built at Yeadon in January 1946, entered RAF service with No. 242 Squadron RAF as MW232 that August. Joined the Berlin Airlift and in May 1947 moved to 511 Squadron at Lyneham. Converted for flight refuelling research at Fairey Aviation, then stored. Became in July 1954 G-ANTK with Dan-Air until retirement in May 1964. Used by Air Scouts at Lasham before eventual move to Duxford in May 1986. G-ANTK is now on display in Duxford’s Hangar 2. Gmax exterior model and paintkit 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

Team Credits and Technical Highlights

The Gmax model and paintkit were fashioned by Manfred Jahn, whose work captures the distinctive lines of the Avro York. Meanwhile, Paul Edwards enhanced the flight model (often referred to as FDE), ensuring reliable handling in various flight regimes. Finally, Hans Hermann of Virtual Birds Factory added the detailed Dan-Air repaint, replicating the airline’s color scheme from that era. Their combined efforts produce a faithful and visually striking aircraft, celebrating the essential role of this post-war transport in commercial and military aviation histories.