FSX Swiss Airbus A320

The Airbus A320, sporting Swiss International Air Lines’ distinctive livery, brings an authentic touch to your virtual flights. This freeware package integrates the Project Airbus model and has been tested in Microsoft Flight Simulator X with Service Pack 2, including a fully functional virtual cockpit. Repainted by Tobias Viltz, it ensures you enjoy a faithful rendition of the Swiss fleet’s short-haul mainstay. Below, you will find instructions and details regarding the aircraft’s technical features, installation process, door operations, and contributors, all designed to enhance your simulation experience.

Notable Avionics and Model Characteristics

The A320 family revolutionized short to medium-range airline service with its advanced fly-by-wire controls and ergonomic flight deck, and the Project Airbus rendition integrates several unique elements. These include:

• Pressurisation outflow valve (manages internal cabin pressure by venting air below 30 knots on the ground)
• Ground spoilers (support stable slowing on touchdown)
• Pack outlets (vary opening extent based on temperature conditions)
• Idle reversers (remain partially deployed for a short period after disengagement, or fully extend when only idle reverse thrust is engaged)
• Parallel bogies (featured on double-bogey variants used by some operators)
• Dynamic jetwash (actively displayed whenever the engines are running)
• Dropping surfaces (ailerons and elevators lower automatically once the engines shut down)

Exterior and Cabin Enhancements

The package offers a high-fidelity exterior model under the Project Airbus framework. In addition to the iconic Swiss branding, various functions are XML-controlled to emulate correct system responses. You will also enjoy:

• Operational passenger and cargo doors
• Custom lighting effects, from dual strobe scenarios to navigation and beacon beams
• Dynamic shine across the airframe for realistic reflections
• Wingviews capturing the characteristic leading edge devices and overall wing geometry
• Accurate landing gear sequence timing for extension and retraction

Airline Background and Usage

Swiss International Air Lines is the flag carrier of Switzerland, primarily operating the Airbus A320 family across its European network. The real-world A320 complements their short-haul operations with modern avionics, efficient engines, and streamlined cabin designs. This repaint, crafted by Tobias Viltz, closely mirrors the airline’s official paint scheme, reflecting the signature red tail fin married with Swiss iconography. Enthusiasts seeking an immersive recreation of Central European routes can therefore enjoy detailed fidelity both externally and within the virtual cockpit.

Deploying the Aircraft in Your Simulator

Installing this freeware package is straightforward. Extract the ZIP file into your Microsoft Flight Simulator X “Aircraft” directory. Locate the included “Effects” folder and move its contents to the main “Effects” directory in your simulator. Once installed, the Swiss International A320 should appear in your aircraft selection menu, ready to operate on your favorite short or medium-haul routes.

Door and Hatch Operations

L1 Door

Use the default exit combination (Shift + E by default).

L2 and Cargo Doors

Manipulate via the “Tail hook up/down” command (unassigned key binding by default).

R1 and R2 Doors

Controlled by the “Wing fold/unfold” function (unassigned key binding by default).

Project Airbus Team and Repaint Credits

This comprehensive A320 build is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Project Airbus Team, both past and present. Below are the key contributors to the external model, flight dynamics, and liveries:

• Andy Warden – External model design
• Thomas Ruth – Virtual cockpit design and texturing, XML coding
• Peter Binamira – Flight dynamics and sounds
• Demetris Themistocleous, Alessandro Savarese, John Tavendale, Derek Mayer – Base textures and liveries
• Matthew Murray – Corporate design and organization
• Gianmarco Bettiol, Nick Wu, Trevor Slack, Alexander Kvitta, David Bromwich – Imagery and feedback

Repaint by Tobias Viltz, incorporating Swiss International Airlines’ official markings.

Special thanks to guest painters Ben Jones, Dickson Chan, Jaco du Preez, Sheldon Fernandes, and Terence Pereira, as well as flight dynamics testers Capt. Manny Osias, F/O Spike Acenas, Mark Bolatete, and Kester Masias for their valuable input.