FSX British Airways Boeing 777-200ER

This complete freeware package features a British Airways Boeing 777-200ER in the “English Rose” livery (registration G-VIIS), originally modeled by Melvin Rafi and further adapted for FSX by David Grindele. It carries distinctive upgrades to flight dynamics, maintains the authentic shape of the Meljet design, and retains compatibility with A2A 3D Lights and Redux for enhanced lighting effects.

Aircraft Background

The Boeing 777-200ER is a wide-body, twin-engine airliner widely used for medium-to-long-haul routes. British Airways, a well-known global carrier based in the United Kingdom, has operated various 777 variants for international services. The “English Rose” scheme, reflected by registration G-VIIS, adds visual interest and highlights a British cultural motif. Originally introduced by Melvin Rafi under the “Meljet” label, this model sought to replicate correct geometry and functional elements for earlier versions of Flight Simulator. Later conversions brought it to more recent platforms, ensuring its legacy for modern simulator users.

Key Revisions and Enhancements

• Flight Dynamics: The air files and configuration data have been adjusted to optimize aircraft behavior in FSX. These refinements create improved handling without compromising realism.
• A2A 3D Lights Integration: Compatibility with A2A 3D Lights and Redux is maintained (program required separately) for expanded exterior lighting realism, including positional, landing, and strobe effects.
• Engine Cowling Animations: By pressing Shift + E, you can open the cowlings to reveal the jet engine internals, replicating maintenance access procedures.
• Jetway Docking: While stationed at a gate, using Ctrl + J enables the jetway model in FSX to connect or disconnect from the aircraft.

Model Preservation

The exterior structure and visual details remain faithful to the original Meljet concept. The emphasis on retaining high-quality textures and design elements ensures that this aircraft appears authentic within the simulator environment. Melvin Rafi’s original work has been honored by David Grindele’s dedication to keeping these repaints and models viable for contemporary platforms.

System Compatibility

Testing has confirmed reliable operation in FSX under both Windows Vista 32-bit and Windows XP. Other configurations may also function, but the updates were specifically tuned for FSX environments.

Installation Steps

1. Extract or copy the included “Aircraft” folder into your main “SimObjects\Airplanes” directory within FSX.
2. Open FSX, navigate to the aircraft selection menu, and look for “MELJET.” Choose the desired British Airways registration from the list.
3. No additional files are required for operation. However, installing A2A 3D Lights and Redux is recommended to leverage the full 3D lighting features.

Concluding Notes

This freeware add-on, developed initially by Melvin Rafi and brought forward to FSX standards by David Grindele, preserves the authenticity of the original Meljet Boeing 777-200 concept while modernizing its flight behavior. Enthusiasts of large twin-engine airliners will appreciate the attention to detail, distinctive “English Rose” livery, and fully functional animations. The careful enhancements to aerodynamics and integration of optional 3D lighting result in an engaging long-haul simulation experience within FSX.

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