FSX French Army H-21C

Experience a meticulously updated French Army H-21C, adapted for Microsoft Flight Simulator X with an authentic finish drawn from 1959 operations in Algeria. Developed by Michel Gérard as a repaint for Mick Posch’s freeware Piasecki H-21C model, this add-on integrates new .MDL tweaks to more closely replicate the distinctive landing gear configuration found on French machines.

Enhanced Configuration and Historical Notes

This rendition depicts an H-21C serving under the French Army Aviation (ALAT), an organization that began employing the H-21C—informally known as the “Workhorse,” due to its cargo and troop-carrying capabilities—in 1956. While deployed in Algeria with GH2 (Groupement d'Hélicoptères N°2) at Sétif – Aïn Arnat, the H-21Cs fulfilled missions ranging from medical evacuation to general transport. Officially, 108 airframes were delivered to French forces, making them the largest foreign operator of this Piasecki rotorcraft. Some had partial naval duty until 1960, after which they were transferred entirely under the Army’s umbrella.

Exterior Scheme and Badge Placement

Operators often flew these helicopters without prominent national insignia, yet some variants carried fuselage roundels, fin markings, and code letters. This repaint features the GH2 emblem on the rear starboard side and a unit badge situated behind the cabin door. These marks reflect historical practices seen on certain H-21Cs aligned with ALAT, though the roundels sometimes appeared on the fuselage top and bottom for identification.

Model Adjustments

Courtesy of Mick Posch, specially modified .mdl files have been incorporated to adjust the landing gear. This refinement accounts for localized differences noted on H-21Cs in French service. The fundamental shape remains faithful to the Piasecki airframe, yet these subtle tweaks improve visual alignment with real-world historical photographs.

Installation Procedure

1. Unzip the freeware repaint package into your sim’s FSX\SimObjects\Rotorcraft\H-21C Shawnee folder. Confirm that you have “Use folder names” enabled so that all textures and updated model files arrive in the correct directories.
2. Permit overwriting if prompted, ensuring this specialized gear configuration is applied.
3. Open sim.cfg in the same folder and paste the following text, where [fltsim.xx] is updated to the next available sequence number:

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[fltsim.xx]
title=Piasecki_H21C_ALAT_GH2_ARI
sim=Piasecki_H21C
model=French Army 2
panel=
sound=
texture=ALAT-GH2-ARI

atc_id=
atc_id_color=0xffffffff

checklists=
ui_manufacturer="Piasecki"
ui_type="H21-C"
ui_variation=France ALAT GH2 Sétif 1959
kb_checklists=Piasecki_H21C_check
kb_reference=Piasecki_H21C_ref

ui_typerole="Rotorcraft"
ui_createdby="Mick Posch"
description=Aircraft is seen here devoid of national markings, although some machines wearing this scheme with fin serial and code letters did have upper and lower fuselage roundel. It sports the unit badge behind the cabin door and the GH2 logo on the rear starboard fuselage side. Repaint by Michel Gérard.

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In-Service Insight

The French H-21Cs operated extensively both on military missions and for humanitarian support. Despite their angular fuselage shape and robust size, these airframes demonstrated reliability while airborne, partly due to their potent radial engine and tandem rotor layout. Through 1971, a select few continued serving the French Army, long after other nations retired the type.

Disclaimer and Feedback

This repaint is distributed purely as a freeware enhancement. The base Piasecki H-21C model by Mick Posch is also freeware and must be downloaded separately from the Fly Away Simulation library. As always, should an unexpected computer mishap occur—like a coffee-related spill or a mischievous pet devouring essential hardware—the author (Michel Gérard) cannot be held responsible. Feedback or comments regarding any performance characteristics or visual details are welcome and appreciated for further refinements.