FSX McConnell AFB Scenery

Located in Wichita, Kansas (KS), this freeware add-on by developer Jim Cook provides a carefully enhanced representation of McConnell Air Force Base for FSX. It integrates the Boeing manufacturing plant and the Kansas Aviation Museum, while also including a refined layout of military-cargo parking spaces and upgraded facilities. Users can explore busy ground operations reinforced by static service vehicles and a fire station with trucks. In addition, certain default structures are replaced with more appropriate buildings and parking areas, effectively enriching the overall atmosphere for visitors who enjoy both commercial and military flight operations.

Key Improvements around McConnell AFB

• Boeing Plant Inclusion: Implements a detailed layout of the Boeing facility, reflecting the manufacturer's historical presence in Wichita.
• Kansas Aviation Museum: Features a visible entry to the museum grounds near the base, enriching the overall regional authenticity.
• Comprehensive Parking Additions: Introduces many Military_Cargo spots to mirror real-world aircraft staging areas, which is particularly advantageous for tanker and transport traffic.
• Enhanced Buildings: Removes select default hangars and structures, then adds custom replacements designed to suit Air Force operations.
• Static Vehicles & Fire Station: Improves realism with parked cars, light poles, and an operational fire station complete with engine trucks.
• Revised Taxiways & Aprons: Aligns ground routes more closely with current diagrams, ensuring smooth taxi operations.

Technical Setup and Prerequisites

All elements in this scenery use default FSX objects, eliminating the need for extra library downloads. Although Jim Cook recommends Just Flight’s Military Plus Packs to see relevant military aircraft traffic, this addition will still function properly without such packs. Utilization of Ultimate Terrain or FSGenesis landclass is optional for further environmental detail.

Accuracy is prioritized via extensive use of AirNav data and Google Earth for precise building placement and apron dimensions. The modifications have been implemented using Flight 1’s AFX tool (AFX [Airport Facilitator X]) and Instant Scenery for object placement. According to Jim Cook, similar updates to other Air Force installations may follow as his schedule allows.

Installation Procedure

1. Extract the files AFX_KIAB_JC.bgl and KIAB_JC.bgl.
2. Move the extracted files into your “Addon Scenery/Scenery” directory in FSX.
3. Restart FSX to activate the revised McConnell AFB.

Authored by Jim Cook

Leave a comment