FSX French AF Beech Expeditor Mk.3N GTLA 2/60

Immerse yourself in an authentic piece of aviation heritage with this meticulously crafted freeware repaint. Created by Michel Gerard for the Beechcraft D18S model, originally developed by Milton Shupe and Scott Thomas and adapted for Microsoft Flight Simulator X by David Carroll, this package delivers the shiny metallic finish once seen on a French Air Force Beech Expeditor Mk.3N. Enthusiasts can install this repaint into the freeware base model (available in the Fly Away Simulation library) for a rich and historically accurate flying experience.

Detailed Exterior Aesthetics

The distinctive gloss of the natural metal surfaces is faithfully reproduced, capturing the nearly chrome-like sheen that once turned heads on the tarmac. This finish mirrors the real GTLA 2/60 aircraft of the mid-1960s, which the French Air Force maintained in pristine condition. The propeller spinners and various antenna configurations have been thoughtfully replicated, reflecting how expeditiously each airframe was modified through its service life.

Background On The Airframe

Originally bearing the Canadian registration RCAF S/N 2285 (C/N CA83), this Expeditor Mk.3N was transferred to the French Air Force in 1959. During its service with Groupe de Transport et de Liaison Aerienne (GTLA) 2/60, its reflective surfaces stood out among other station-based aircraft. Later on, the aircraft also spent two and a half years with ELA 43 under the designation “43-BE (F-SCBE)” before ultimately being struck off charge in 1972.

Over the years, the French armed forces used several Beech Twin variants, including the Expeditor and the Navion. The Air Force alone took delivery of a total of 78 differently sourced airframes, many of which were provided under the MDAP (Mutual Defense Assistance Program). A notable portion came directly from the Royal Canadian Air Force, showcasing how these robust aircraft frequently found renewed purpose under multiple operators.

Maintaining Historical Accuracy

French Air Force examples commonly displayed natural metal finishes, with some units opting for an especially glossy look. In the late 1960s, certain fuselage tops were painted white, but photographic evidence indicates that most aircraft continued to feature polished metal. Variations in antenna layouts and DF loop fairings were common, making each airframe slightly unique. By comparison, the French Navy favored an overall silver coating on its Beech Twins, albeit with a less reflective sheen.

Installation Process

Installing this repaint into your simulator is straightforward. Extract the “Texture.France_285” folder to your FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\D18SX_DC directory, keeping folder names intact to preserve the correct file structure. Then add the following lines to your aircraft.cfg, taking care to replace [fltsim.XX] with the next available sequence number:

[fltsim.XX]
title=Beech Expeditor Mk.3N French AF 2285
sim=D18S
model=xdc
panel=xblk
sound=
texture=France_285
kb_checklists=Beech18_check
kb_reference=Beech18_ref
atc_id=FAF 285
ui_manufacturer="Beechcraft"
ui_type="Expeditor Mk.3N"
ui_variation="French AF GTLA 2/60"
ui_typerole="Twin Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Shupe-Carroll"
description="Expeditor Mk.3N French Air Force GTLA 2/60 mid-sixties. D18 VC model by Milton Shupe modified with permission."

Once these steps are completed, you will find the aircraft listed in the menu as: Beechcraft Expeditor Mk.3N French AF GTLA 2/60.

Important Notes

This repaint is exclusively designed for the freeware Beechcraft D18S model, which must be acquired separately. The artist, Michel Gerard, does not assume responsibility for any unexpected personal mishaps, such as hardware issues coinciding with the addition of this repaint. Moreover, feedback is appreciated and may assist in improving future contributions, though it is understood that free add-ons often receive minimal user response.

Release Date: July 2010