FSX USAF EB-57A

The following modification offers a detailed repaint replicating a United States Air Force EB-57A. Created by Henry William, it is tailored for AlphaSim’s English Electric Canberra model within Microsoft Flight Simulator X. The genuine B-57 series, derived from the British-designed Canberra, was adapted by Martin in the United States for operational deployment. While the core airframe remained faithful to the original high-altitude bomber layout, modifications led to the EB-57A variant configured for specialized electronic warfare roles.

Highlighted Aircraft Details

The American EB-57A represents a conversion of an earlier Canberra frame, incorporating electronic countermeasure apparatus and training instruments. This particular lineage served both as a target aircraft for interception exercises and as a testbed for radar and avionics systems. AlphaSim crafted the base model’s geometry to capture the Canberra’s distinguished wingspan and narrow fuselage. Meanwhile, Henry William’s repaint focuses on replicating the tactical markings and color schemes typical of the USAF.

Key Visual Enhancements

• Accurate Unit Insignia: Presents the USAF tail band and uniform markings seen on historical EB-57A squadrons.
• Refined Texture Layering: Uses enhanced shading for rivets, panel lines, and subtle weathering effects.
• Distinctive Nose Section: Preserves the identifiable cockpit canopy shape, reflecting the Canberra’s distinctive bubble canopy design.

This release provides textures only, requiring AlphaSim’s Canberra B.2 model. Users must possess that add-on to fully utilize this repaint’s features.

Installation Guidance

1. Extract the provided package to any preferred location on your system.
2. Locate the “texture.eb57a” folder and copy it into the following directory (by default):
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\ALPHA EE Canberra
3. Edit the aircraft configuration file (aircraft.cfg) with a text editor. Append the snippet below at the end of the relevant [fltsim.xx] entries, ensuring you replace “xx” with the next appropriate sequential number.

[fltsim.xx]
title=ALPHA Canberra B2 3 eb57a
sim=ALPHA_Canb_B2
model=
panel=
sound=alias=\Hunter FGA9\Sound
texture=eb57a
KB_checklists=canberra_check
kb_reference=
ui_manufacturer=English Electric
ui_type=Canberra B.2
ui_variation=EB57A
ui_typerole="Bomber"
ui_createdby="AlphaSim Ltd"
description=© ALPHA Simulations 2005

The English Electric Canberra was introduced in 1950, with some versions serving well into the 21st century. Adopted as the Martin B-57 for the U.S. market, variants encompassed high-airborne reconnaissance, atomic strike, and e-warfare tasks, among others. Several altitude and speed achievements underscored its groundbreaking design. In 1957, a rocket-augmented Canberra surpassed 70,000 feet, an astounding record at the time.

atc_id_color=0x00000000
atc_heavy=0
atc_id_font=Verdana,-11,1,600,0
visual_damage=0
atc_id=WJ861
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=
atc_parking_types=MIL_COMBAT

Notably, the sound is aliased to the Hawker Hunter pack created by David Garwood. If that aircraft is not installed, please redirect the sound alias to any suitable audio folder from your existing fleet.

Once all steps are complete, launch Microsoft Flight Simulator X, select the updated AlphaSim Canberra, and load the newly applied EB-57A textures.

Credit and Acknowledgments

This comprehensive repaint was developed by Henry William atop AlphaSim’s Canberra platform. Enthusiasts of the classic Martin B-57 series will appreciate this rendition, which preserves key signature traits of the original electronic warfare model. Enjoy exploring varied mission profiles with this meticulously designed add-on.