FSX CIA Twin Pioneer XW-PBP

This freeware repaint showcases a meticulously recreated Twin Pioneer once flown, under intriguing circumstances, in Southeast Asia. Initially constructed for Philippine Air Lines but never introduced into their commercial fleet, this airframe was later operated by Continental Air Services Inc. (often whispered to have CIA affiliations). Rob Richardson developed the base Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer model for Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration, and Peter Watkins designed this unique camouflage repaint, injecting historical depth and character into your virtual flying sessions.

Historical Insights into the Aircraft

The original prototype Twin Pioneer took to the skies in the mid-1950s. Its standout feature, the triple fin and rudder assembly, delivered remarkable slow-speed control. The design incorporated rugged, fixed tailwheel landing gear—critical for off-airport missions—along with two Alvis Leonides 531 radial engines (a variant often favored for high-lift STOL [Short Takeoff and Landing] operations). This adaptation made it a highly capable machine for operations in challenging locales such as Laos, where short, unprepared airstrips were common.

Connections to Southeast Asian Aviation

Although intended for service with Philippine Air Lines, “XW-PBP” bypassed regular passenger flights. Instead, it made its way to Laos in 1965 and joined the fleet of Continental Air Services Inc. for secretive relief tasks. Pilots engaged in immensely demanding ventures, which included airdropping sacks of rice and performing refugee evacuations in remote areas. Unfortunately, all three aircraft deployed by CASI met their end in accidents by 1973.

Installation Notes

Before adding this repaint, ensure you have installed Rob Richardson’s freeware Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer base model located in the Fly Away Simulation library. Within your main simulator folder, locate the SimObjects/Airplanes/Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer directory. Place this texture set into that folder. Then, open your aircraft.cfg and append the following entries, while incrementing “[fltsim.xx]” to the subsequent available number:

[fltsim.xx]
title=Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer XW-PBP
sim=Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=XW-PBP
kb_checklists=//Twin_Pioneer_check//
kb_ref=//Twin_Pioneer_ref//
atc_id=XW-PBP
ui_manufacturer=Scottish Aviation
ui_type=Twin Pioneer
ui_variation=XW-PBP
description=Powered by two Alvis Leonides 531 radial engines, the Twin Pioneer was a high-wing cabin monoplane with a triple fin and rudder assembly and fixed tailwheel undercarriage. The prototype Twin Pioneer, registered G-ANTP, first flew at Prestwick Airport on 25 June 1955. Flight trials proved that the aircraft had a very short landing run and the aircraft was displayed at the September 1955 Society of British Aircraft Constructors Show at Farnborough. Three pre-production aircraft were built for trials, and sales and demonstrations. In 1958, the 33rd aircraft was used as a prototype for the Series 2 with Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1340 radial engines which had been ordered by Philippine Air Lines. A Series 3 aircraft was also developed to use the improved Alvis Leonides 531 radial engine.

Developer Credits

Rob Richardson is the creator of the underlying Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer model. Peter Watkins is responsible for this specific layered paint scheme, painstakingly capturing the look of an aircraft that transformed into a pivotal resource in covert transport tasks. This repaint is entirely freeware, and the base model is likewise available without cost through the Fly Away Simulation archive.