FSX French Navy H-21C

The French Navy H-21C repaint for Microsoft Flight Simulator X offers a highly detailed rendition of the iconic “Flying Banana” airframe adapted to French naval operations in Algeria around 1956. Created by Michel Gérard and featuring specialized model adjustments courtesy of Mick Posch, this package accurately reflects the unique landing gear arrangement seen on the fleet’s borrowed helicopters.

Technical Details of This Naval Rotorcraft Variant

This repaint is based on the Piasecki H-21C “Workhorse” – a tandem-rotor helicopter renowned for its large payload capacity and robust design. The variant portrayed here corresponds to the short-lived period when the French Navy briefly employed around ten of these aircraft in Algeria. After only a few years, the seven surviving helicopters reverted to the French Army Aviation, yet the service history left a distinctive mark on naval rotorcraft operations.

Enhanced Landing Gear Configuration

With the help of Mick Posch, specially tweaked .MDL files were supplied to align the landing gear position more precisely to the French Navy specification. This modification ensures that the visuals conform to historical photographs from Algeria. Each detail has been carefully verified, offering an authentic experience for those who appreciate accurate rotorcraft repaints.

Installation Procedure

Before installing this repaint, you will need the original freeware Piasecki H-21C model, which can be found in the Fly Away Simulation library. Once you have the base package installed, follow these steps:

• Extract all files from the repaint archive (except for the screenshots, .txt, and .DIZ files) into your FSX\SimObjects\Rotorcraft\H-21C Shawnee directory. Make sure “using folder names” is enabled so that directories remain intact.
• Allow file overwrites if prompted. This process places the repaint textures and updated model files in the correct folders.
• Open the sim.cfg file associated with the H-21C. Copy the repaint-specific code below and paste it under the existing [fltsim] entries, adjusting “[fltsim.xx]” to the next sequential number.

[fltsim.xx]
title=Piasecki_H21C_MARINE_31F
sim=Piasecki_H21C
model=French Army 1
panel=
sound=
texture=MARINE
atc_id=
atc_id_color=0xffffffff
checklists=
ui_manufacturer="Piasecki"
ui_type="H21-C"
ui_variation="France Marine Flottille 31F"
kb_checklists=Piasecki_H21C_check
kb_reference=Piasecki_H21C_ref
ui_typerole="Rotorcraft"
ui_createdby="Mick Posch"
description="This aircraft is one of the ten H-21Cs that were briefly operated in Algeria by the French Navy (Flottille 31F); after four years of service with the Navy, the seven surviving machines were handed back to the Army Aviation. Repaint by Michel Gérard."

Historical Context of the French Navy H-21C

Between 1956 and the early 1960s, the French Armed Forces took delivery of 108 H-21Cs, making them the largest foreign operator of this model. Most of these airframes saw duty under the Army Aviation (ALAT), but a small contingent operated under Navy designation at Sétif – Aïn Arnat in Algeria, assigned briefly to Flottille 31F. Despite the short naval tenure, these helicopters performed vital transport and support missions, demonstrating excellent operational reliability in challenging conditions.

Performance and Service Records

Although the H-21C’s dual rotor system was not entirely conventional, it provided impressive lifting power. During its years in Algeria, the French Navy relied on these helicopters for cargo transport and troop deployment. Even beyond military actions, this rotorcraft became indispensable in search-and-rescue operations and other demanding missions until it was eventually withdrawn from service.

Developer Credits and Disclaimer

This repaint is the work of Michel Gérard, with invaluable assistance from Mick Posch providing adjusted model files. If your system faces unforeseen issues like hardware malfunctions or accidental beverage spills after installing these files, the authors are not responsible. User feedback is always welcomed and helps refine future enhancements.

Enjoy flying this beautifully rendered French Navy rotorcraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, and experience historical naval aviation from an earlier era – all from the comfort of your own cockpit.