FSX Capital Airlines Airbus A319/A320

This freeware release features the Capital Airlines liveries applied to short- and medium-range twinjets from the renowned Project Airbus developers, incorporating the default Airbus A321 cockpit and sound. Originally operating as Deer Air under the umbrella of the Hainan Group, Capital Airlines officially began service under its current name in 2010. This package includes the full base model and repaints by He Lingyuan, delivering an immersive experience of flying with both the A319 and A320 fitted with IAE V2500 engines for Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Historical Insights on the Aircraft and Flight Operator

Capital Airlines, part of Hainan’s aviation portfolio, maintains a fleet of narrow-body aircraft that operate extensively on domestic routes. The featured models, including registrations such as B-6180 and B-6746, run with twin IAE V2500 engines designed to enhance efficiency and performance. These specific Airbus variants (A319 and A320) are well-regarded for their optimized wing shape and reliable avionics, making them a common sight in Asia’s busy skies.

Project Airbus Development Background

Founding and Early Endeavors: Project Airbus took shape during a turning point in simulator add-on design, when fidelity and precision were moving to the forefront. A collaboration between key contributors began with Thomas Ruth’s early releases, which evolved into a shared undertaking that quickly drew more creative minds.

Growth and Partnerships: Further enhancements and collaborations produced the successful A300, followed a short time afterward by the original A320. Each step pushed innovation, introducing advanced modeling techniques and XML-based features that were groundbreaking for virtual aviation.

Renewed Focus: Although Project Airbus paused briefly, it resurfaced with a fresh vision and an upgraded A320, accompanied by multiple other initiatives. This current model continues that tradition, demonstrating exhaustive detail while still remaining freely available.

Tailored Features and Technical Highlights

These A319/A320 renditions incorporate multiple XML-driven systems, which recreate realistic behaviors. Notable aspects involve:

• Pressurization Control [pressurisation outflow valve]: Regulates internal cabin pressure by venting air through adjustable outlets, including automatic opening below low taxi speeds.
• Ground Spoilers: Spoiler panels open upon landing roll or with specific user inputs.
• Pack Outlets: Variable cooling pack outlets respond to changing external temperatures.
• Idle Reverse: Involves a short delay mechanic when disengaging reverse thrust levers, replicating real engine behavior.
• Parallel Bogies: Used for multi-bogey landing gear configurations, as observed in certain operators’ fleets.
• Realistic Engine Wash: Visibility of jetwash effects only appears with active engines.
• Drooping Control Surfaces: Ailerons and elevators adopt a neutral “droop” position when the engines are not running.

Other enhancements include multiple entry and cargo compartment doors, double-strobe lights, dynamic reflections, and carefully crafted wing views for a deeper sense of immersion. The gear extension and retraction cycles are accurately modeled with full animations mirrored on real-world reference data.

Door and Cargo Hatch Operations

L1 Main Entry

Shift + E

L2 + Cargo Access

Operated via Tail Hook function, which is generally unassigned and requires a specific key command.

R1 + R2

Managed through Wing Fold controls, also typically needing user-assigned inputs.

Credits and Acknowledgments

The following individuals are recognized for their vital roles in crafting or improving this series of Airbus aircraft:

• Andy Warden: Exterior modeling
• Thomas Ruth: Virtual cockpit design, texturing, and XML logic
• Peter Binamira: Flight dynamics and audio elements
• Demetris Themistocleous: Fundamental textures and various liveries
• Alessandro Savarese: Base paints
• John Tavendale: Repaints
• Derek Mayer: Additional repaints
• Matthew Murray: Organizational structure and branding
• Gianmarco Bettiol, Nick Wu, Trevor Slack, Alexander Kvitta, David Bromwich: Invaluable feedback

Guest painters and supporters: Ben Jones, Dickson Chan, Jaco du Preez, Sheldon Fernandes, and Terence Pereira.

Flight Dynamics Feedback: Capt. Manny Osias, F/O Spike Acenas, Mark Bolatete, and Kester Masias.

Repaints for Capital Airlines: He Lingyuan.

Leave a comment