FSX Lockheed RT-33A Photo Recon

This freeware release recreates the Lockheed RT-33A photo reconnaissance variant, an offshoot of the famed USAF trainer. It is based on Tim Conrad’s original T-33 package and enhanced by Mark Rooks of RDG Aircraft. Pilots will discover a meticulously adapted two-seat platform, complete with advanced cockpit features, camera housing in the nose section, and special effects tailored for Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Key Historical and Technical Highlights

The RT-33 emerged from Lockheed’s P-80 Shooting Star lineage, which first took flight in the mid-1940s. Engineers refined the T-33 design to serve in reconnaissance roles, allowing operators to equip oblique photography equipment. Notably, this model carried cameras measuring 12-inch focal length in the forward section and 6-inch units for lateral and vertical stations (often referred to as the “tri-met” setup). Historians frequently nickname the T-33 “The Ace Maker” due to its remarkable utility in honing pilot skills post-World War II.

Visual and Functional Upgrades

• 3D and 2D Virtual Cockpits: The cockpit synergies combine fully operational gauges drawn from Tim Conrad’s F-5 instruments, delivering precise readouts and a practical interface for navigation.
• Photo Recon Adaptations: An added nose for camera gear along with separate side and vertical mounting placements, matching real-world configurations.
• Refined Effects: Includes optional engine smoke effects to replicate operational realism. Users can enable or disable this feature according to personal preference.
• Supplementary Materials: A small collection of historical notes and imagery illustrating the aircraft’s background and development.

Installation Steps

1. Unzip the downloaded archive to a temporary directory on your system.
2. Locate the folder named “USAF RT-33A Recon Photo.zip” and place its contents into the Aircraft directory of your simulator installation. By default, on many setups this is found at C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes.
3. Ensure you have all six essential folders (CFG, Airfile, Model, Sound, Panel, and Textures) copied into the chosen aircraft folder. They must be fully unzipped.
4. Open the Gauges folder from the download and move the contents into your main FSX Gauges folder.
5. Open the Effects folder and move those files into your FSX Effects folder. If you prefer not to use engine smoke, you can omit this step.

Remarks from the Creators

Textures and updates are courtesy of Mark Rooks (RDG Aircraft). The core model and much of the gauge architecture come from Tim Conrad, known as “Piglet,” under Piglet's Peculiar Planes. He emphasizes that the model is a product of independent craftsmanship, brought to life with careful attention to detail.

Disclaimer

This freeware package is provided as-is. Neither RDG Aircraft nor Piglet's Peculiar Planes holds responsibility for any potential issues or damages that may arise. By installing these files, you acknowledge that you assume all associated risks. All shared components were free of viruses at the time of release.

Enjoy your new repaint and recon features, and feel free to explore various photoreal missions in Microsoft Flight Simulator X with this unique RT-33A!