FSX Avro 730 Vigilant B.IA/SR. I/II

The Avro 730 Vigilant B.IA/SR. I/II is a freeware supersonic strategic bomber add-on that recreates a fascinating canceled concept from late 1950s Britain. It incorporates a stainless steel design for high-speed strikes and reconnaissance missions, and it has been carefully enhanced for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (and likely FS2004) to give virtual pilots a taste of Mach 3 flight at altitudes beyond 70,000 feet.

Overview of the Aircraft Project

Developed originally as the Avro Type 730 and halted in the aftermath of Duncan Sandys’ major 1957 defense policy decisions, this design was intended to be a long-range, Mach 3-capable platform. The freeware add-on presented here builds on Kazunori Ito’s base model, with additional refinements and optimizations contributed by 3/7charlie. These refinements include:

• Fully functional virtual cockpit (VC) with significant texture improvements.
• Custom flight dynamics and updated contact points to reflect realistic weight, dimensions, and canard placement.
• Compatibility with FSX-native gauges, autopilot, radio systems, and an MTI radar that detects AI air and sea targets.
• Mimicked afterburners and smoke system effects derived from freeware sources.

Performance and Flight Envelope

The Vigilant design targets intercontinental range capabilities with up to 98,000 lbs of fuel capacity. In typical operations, it can sustain a cruise at around Mach 2.5, with the potential to dash at Mach 3.2 under combat-weight conditions. Altitude performance during such missions can exceed 70,000 ft, and the aircraft can operate from runways of approximately 6,500 ft in length. Reverse thrust functionality is also featured in this mod, implemented to simulate the deploying of a drag chute when decelerating after touchdown.

Repaints and Special Schemes

To bring variety to the simulator, 3/7charlie has provided three distinct repaints referencing actual and hypothetical service markings. Two of these are 9 Squadron Waddington Wing liveries (one in the traditional white seen on V Force aircraft and another in later-era camouflage). The third repaint is a distinctive “raspberry ripple” scheme commonly associated with research and development organizations such as the RAE.

Payload and Stores Simulation

The add-on features a simulated payload station reflecting the bomber’s intended role. Although the model strictly drops target markers for gameplay reasons, the package includes a range of historically inspired weapon weights and designations. Thanks to a modification by Chris Skyes (with an effect by 37charlie), the WE177A target marker system can produce a detonative visual effect for practice bombing runs. These markers can be deployed in high-altitude, lofted toss, or low-level delivery modes to replicate various mission parameters.

Supported warload weights include conventional GP bombs, stand-off weapons, and representative nuclear devices (all listed only as references to the original concept). Examples of approximate loads range from a modest 600 lbs item to heavier stores of nearly 20,000 lbs total. The bomber’s target marker approach offers realistic practice for simulated high-intensity strike operations.

Installation Notes

To install, first ensure that you have the Kazunori Ito Avro Type 730 base package. Extract this Vigilant expansion pack into your main FSX directory, preserving its folder structure. Move the “model.I” folder from the original Ito package into the “Avro730 Vigilant B.I-SRII” folder among your aircraft directories, ensuring correct model references.

A saved flight is included, located in your system’s "Flight Simulator X Files" directory (usually within your Documents folder). This scenario loads in Sardinia with eight target markers ready for practice runs. For visual enhancements such as the afterburner effect, it is recommended to have IRIS freeware F-35 JSF textures installed, as certain shared effects may be utilized.

Disclaimers and Credits

Use this freeware add-on responsibly and comply with any relevant guidelines. Do not apply it to damaged surfaces or near any subjects like pregnant livestock. Under no circumstances should it be employed around sensitive governmental figures. This package is released “as is,” reflecting the best efforts of 3/7charlie and the original design by Kazunori Ito. Modify it as needed if you wish, but proceed at your own discretion.

Credited developers and contributors include 3/7charlie for the updated flight files and repaints, Kazunori Ito for the base model, and Chris Skyes for the original target-marker concept, as enhanced by 37charlie for the visual effect. This Avro 730 Vigilant B.IA/SR. I/II add-on offers a unique glimpse into a high-speed bomber that never reached frontline service but continues to fascinate enthusiasts and historians within the simulation community. All content remains freeware for fans to enjoy and explore in their virtual skies.