FSX Army DHC-2 Beaver

This freeware add-on supplies a distinctive repaint for the default DeHavilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, featuring an eye-catching blue scheme inspired by the US Army. Created by Henry William, it requires the original base model (available separately in the Fly Away Simulation file library) since this download only includes the custom texture. With a short-takeoff-and-landing design that excels in rugged conditions, the DHC-2 Beaver remains cherished among bush pilots and historically served numerous military missions.

Canadian Heritage and Designed Purpose

The DeHavilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver first flew in the late 1940s and quickly became a trusted utility aircraft for remote operators. Its reputation for excellent performance on rough fields, along with the capability to adapt between wheels, skis, or floats, has made it a legendary workhorse across unprepared airstrips and backcountry destinations worldwide. The fuselage was shaped to carry extensive cargo, and the airframe design stresses stability during short takeoff or landing sequences. The Canadian manufacturers intended this aircraft to meet the needs of bush flying, yet many of these planes have also seen use with military and research organizations over the years.

Army-Themed Exterior Details

This repaint portrays a classic US Army-inspired "blue" color layout, a style once used on certain liaison or support aircraft. It integrates historically influenced markings but retains the iconic Beaver silhouette. Users looking for an alternative aesthetic to the standard camouflage or silver can appreciate this deeper color tone, which stands out starkly against natural terrains. It aims to recreate a field-ready look without detracting from the aircraft’s renowned operational flexibility.

Unique Attributes of This Release

• Authentic Appearance: Reflects US Army characteristics, aligning with historical references to specialty liaison planes.
• High Utility: Takes advantage of the DHC-2’s STOL proficiency, allowing short takeoff runs and precise landings even in virtual bush strips.
• Easy Customization: Includes toggles and settings for removing default tail number displays if you prefer a clean fuselage.

Essential Installation Steps

1. Extract the included texture.blue folder to a temporary location of your choice.
2. Locate the SimObjects directory in your Microsoft Flight Simulator X installation (commonly found at C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\DeHavilland_Beaver_DHC2) and place texture.blue there.
3. Open the aircraft.cfg file using a text editor and append the following section after the last [fltsim.x] entry. Then, replace “XX” with the next appropriate numerical value:

[fltsim.xx] title= DeHavilland Beaver DHC2 Blue arm sim=DeHavilland_Beaver_DHC2 model= panel= sound= texture=blue kb_checklists=DehavillandBeaverDHC2_check kb_reference=DehavillandBeaverDHC2_ref atc_id=N9766Z ui_manufacturer="de Havilland" ui_type="Beaver DHC2" ui_variation="Army Blue" ui_typerole="Single Engine Prop" ui_createdby="Microsoft Corporation" description="When pilots talk about the de Havilland Beaver, the word that inevitably comes up is workhorse. For more than 50 years this sturdy aircraft has flown into and out of remote locations aided by its power, all-metal ruggedness, wide stance, and short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) capability. Whether fitted with wheels, skis, or pontoons, the Beaver is a can-do airplane. Often referred to as a “flying half-ton truck,” the Beaver is more versatile, and tougher, than any light truck. It was designed from the beginning to meet the needs of Canadian bush pilots, and no better plane for the purpose has come along. After half a century of service, the Beaver is still the thoroughbred of workhorse aircraft."

Key Tail Number Note

If you do not wish to show the default alphanumeric tail sign, go to “Details” when selecting this newly added repaint in the simulator, and deselect the “Show Tail Number” option. This ensures the aircraft’s exterior appears just as intended.

Once you have completed these steps, simply launch Microsoft Flight Simulator X, select the Army Blue repaint, and take to the skies. Henry William has graciously provided this repaint for the community, giving enthusiasts a historically relevant variation of the evergreen Beaver to explore. Enjoy the realism of the bush-proven airframe blended with a unique military-inspired style.