FSX Unpainted (Air France) Airbus A318-111

This unique freeware package depicts an Airbus A318-111 for Microsoft Flight Simulator X in a partially finished (unpainted) Air France livery, with only the tail fully colored. Originally registered D-AUAF during final assembly at Hamburg Finkenwerder (EDHI), it transitioned to F-GUGB under Air France’s fleet designation. Developed by the Project Airbus team, this release also incorporates a repaint by Marco Fischbach. All necessary files are included for a straightforward experience on Fly Away Simulation.

In-Depth Look at the Unpainted Air France Livery

The Airbus A318 is known for its compact dimensions, yet it retains the performance qualities that define the A320 family series. With this variant’s maiden assembly taking place in Hamburg, the aircraft’s initial test registration (D-AUAF) highlights its temporary, factory-finished state. This model mirrors that transitional moment by showcasing the bare fuselage coat but featuring the iconic French tricolor logo on the tail fin.

Core Technical Details and Notable Enhancements

The Project Airbus development team has integrated a range of advanced XML-driven systems into this A318. While it mirrors realistic operation in several functional areas, it also complements Microsoft Flight Simulator X performance seamlessly. Some of the key elements include:

• Pressurization Outflow Valve: Regulates cabin pressure by venting air to the exterior, opening automatically below approximately 30 knots on the ground.
• Ground Spoilers: Engage rapidly upon touchdown to decrease lift and improve braking efficiency.
• Pack Outlets: Adjust based on ambient temperature, aiding realistic interior climate control simulation.
• Idle Reversers: Reverse thrust nozzles remain partially open briefly after being deactivated, offering increased immersion during landings.
• Parallel Bogies: In certain double-bogey configurations, these struts align systematically on touchdown, though not specifically modeled for this A318 variant here.
• Dynamic Jetwash: Visible exhaust flow while engines are running, enhancing realism during taxi and takeoff.
• Drooping Control Surfaces: Elevators and ailerons naturally drop whenever engines shut down.

Additionally, various exterior features round out the visual and functional realism:

• Opening Passenger and Cargo Doors for immersive ground operations.
• Custom Lighting Effects, including double strobes, beacons, and touchdown visuals.
• Dynamic Shine highlighting the aircraft’s surfaces in changing light conditions.
• Wing Views to offer accurate passenger perspectives.
• Landing Gear extension and retraction closely matching real-world timing.

Flight Deck and VC Highlights

Equipped with a virtual cockpit (VC), this model leverages Thomas Ruth’s texturing and XML coding for a user-friendly yet detailed experience. The cockpit environment aligns with Airbus’ well-known layout, providing straightforward instrument monitoring and system control. This approach enhances situational awareness throughout all phases of flight.

Operating the Aircraft’s Doors

The A318’s multiple doors and hatches allow varied ground services to connect simultaneously. By default, these are triggered by assigned key commands in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. If you plan to set them up manually, consider the following:

L1

Shift + E

L2 + Cargo Doors

Tail Hook (no default key binding)

R1 + R2

Wing Fold (no default key binding)

Installation Procedure and Compatibility

To install, extract the main folder from the compressed archive into your “SimObjects/Airplanes” location. Ensure any “Effects” files are placed within the main “Effects” directory of your simulator. This release has been tested with Service Pack 2 (SP2) in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, ensuring a stable experience.

Acknowledgments and Developer Team

This airplane is the result of extensive work by the Project Airbus group and numerous contributors. Special mention goes to:

• Andy Warden – exterior model design
• Thomas Ruth – virtual cockpit design, texturing, and XML coding
• Peter Binamira – flight dynamics and sounds
• Demetris Themistocleous – base textures and liveries
• Alessandro Savarese – base textures
• John Tavendale – liveries
• Derek Mayer – liveries
• Matthew Murray – corporate design and project organization
• Gianmarco Bettiol – photography and constructive feedback
• Nick Wu, Trevor Slack, Alexander Kvitta, and David Bromwich – additional input

Guest painters and supporting figures include Ben Jones, Dickson Chan, Jaco du Preez, Sheldon Fernandes, and Terence Pereira, with flight dynamics testing provided by Capt. Manny Osias, F/O Spike Acenas, Mark Bolatete, and Kester Masias. The repaint featured here is by Marco Fischbach.

By uniting detailed modeling with authentic textures, this unpainted Airbus A318-111 serves as a distinctive example of real-life aviation transitions, perfect for flight simulation enthusiasts looking for something unique to fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.