FSX French Army (ALAT) Piasecki H-21C

This add-on offers a fully detailed French Army Aviation (ALAT) repaint of the Piasecki H-21C, designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It showcases the classic rotorcraft’s distinctive markings used in the Algerian theater, incorporating newly adjusted landing gear components for realistic visual accuracy. Created by Michel Gerard as a freeware package, this repaint leverages specially adapted model geometry from the original Piasecki H-21C by developer Mick Posch.

Technical Enhancements and Visual Elements

• Accurate Reproduction of ALAT Markings: Includes the roundels introduced on French H-21C fins from 1960, plus the Army Aviation crest and accompanying white serial number on a black background.
• Refined Landing Gear Configuration: Employs custom *.mdl files courtesy of the original author, ensuring the undercarriage reflects the French modifications seen at GH2 (Groupement d’Hélicoptères N°2) in Sétif.
• Authentic Color Schemes: The textures match operational details observed on H-21C “Workhorse” models deployed during the period of French service, now ready to enrich your rotorcraft fleet.

Installation Steps and Configuration

1. Prerequisite: Obtain the freeware H-21C base model by Mick Posch (located in the Fly Away Simulation library). Ensure it is already installed under “SimObjects\Rotorcraft\H-21C Shawnee.”
2. File Extraction: Unzip the provided archive (excluding screenshots plus *.txt and *.DIZ files) into your “FSX\SimObjects\Rotorcraft\H-21C Shawnee” folder with “using folder names” checked. Overwrite when prompted.
3. Sim.CFG Update: Copy the included [fltsim.xx] text into your aircraft’s config file. Change “[fltsim.xx]” to the next sequential number for your installation. For example, if your last entry is [fltsim.6], rename it to [fltsim.7]. Adjust other lines if necessary.

Sample Configuration Entry:

[fltsim.xx]
title=Piasecki_H21C_ALAT_GH2_ARM
sim=Piasecki_H21C
model=French Army 2
panel=
sound=
texture=ALAT-GH2-ARM

atc_id=
atc_id_color=0xffffffff

checklists=
ui_manufacturer="Piasecki"
ui_type="H21-C"
ui_variation=France ALAT GH2 Sétif ca. 1961
kb_checklists=Piasecki_H21C_check
kb_reference=Piasecki_H21C_ref

ui_typerole="Rotorcraft"
ui_createdby="Mick Posch"
description=As from 1960 roundels were introduced on the fins of French H-21Cs...

Historical Context and Operational Background

France operated 108 of these versatile H-21C helicopters, often nicknamed the “Workhorse,” starting in 1956. The majority served under Army Aviation (ALAT), with several briefly assigned to naval units until their transfer to the Army in 1960. Stationed primarily at Sétif – Aïn Arnat in Algeria, the fleet participated in both wartime and peacekeeping missions. The final group remained active until 1971, illustrating the aircraft’s durability in French service.

Author Notes and Disclaimer

This repaint was created by Michel Gerard. Special thanks are extended to developer Mick Posch for refining the 3D geometry. While every effort is made to confirm the reliability of these files, the author assumes no responsibility for any issues that may arise. Feedback and comments are always encouraged, and enthusiasts are invited to enjoy this freeware contribution to Microsoft Flight Simulator X rotorcraft enthusiasts worldwide.