FSX County Class Destroyers Scenery

This comprehensive freeware package brings a set of Royal Navy escort ships into Microsoft Flight Simulator X, with both County Class Destroyers and Leander Class Frigates meticulously modeled for varied naval operations. Created by Mike Hudson, these virtual vessels include static and AI variants, helicopter-capable decks, and multiple configurations. Enthusiasts can integrate them alongside aircraft carriers, or use them independently, to bring an extra layer of maritime realism to their simulator environment.

County Class Variants and Missile Systems

The included County Class Destroyers replicate key post-war Royal Navy guided missile designs. Two missile-capable versions appear:

• Original Fit: Positioned with twin 4.5-inch turrets, Sea Slug launchers, Sea Cat surface-to-air systems, and 20 mm Oerlikon mounts.
• Batch 2 Conversion: Replaces one forward turret with Exocet anti-ship missiles for heightened offensive reach.

Both variants can function as independent surface combatants or accompany carriers as essential escorts. Users are free to choose “with wake” or “without wake” models, depending on personal performance preferences or visual requirements.

Leander Class Frigates Included

For even broader naval coverage, three Leander Class Frigates are part of this add-on. These ships showcase distinct upgrades encountered across different service eras:

HMS Euryalus (F15)

Represents a Batch 1B fit with the standard 4.5-inch turret, Limbo anti-submarine mortar, and two 40 mm Bofors cannons—no Sea Cat system is present here.

HMS Leander (F109)

Modeled as a Batch 1A vessel reconfigured to carry Ikara and Sea Cat missiles along with a retained Limbo launcher.

HMS Andromeda (F57)

Shows off the Batch 3 modernization, featuring Exocet launchers, Sea Wolf systems, a removed Limbo mortar, and an extended deck designed to accommodate a Westland Lynx helicopter.

These frigates, like the destroyers, are available in both static and AI types, thereby facilitating a variety of mission setups and formation possibilities.

Technical Makeup and Visual Attributes

Each vessel is capable of helicopter landings, offering greater versatility in simulated operations. They incorporate standard navigation lights adapted for dawn, dusk, and night flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Although not strictly accurate to real-world visibility ranges at sea, these lights enrich the immersion factor. The accompanying wake effect can be toggled on or off to suit personal preferences.

Design Tools and Assembly

• Modeled using FSDS 3.5.1 (Abacus)
• Compiled with Microsoft Acceleration/SP2 SDK
• Static BGL creation executed through Library Creator XML by Arno Gerretsen
• Textures processed via DXTBmp by Martin Wright

While these recreations aim to capture essential features of Royal Navy ships, some variations from actual service specifications may exist, as reference images and public-domain resources guided much of the design.

Installation Guidance

Detailed instructions for installing the static and AI vessels are provided within their respective folders. Following these steps ensures correct placement and behavior, especially when forming task groups or carrier protection screens.

Usage Terms and Disclaimer

This collection remains freeware, and its original design and model content belong to Mike Hudson. Any form of commercial distribution or profit-based hosting is strictly prohibited. Operators may contribute repaints, but please upload only texture assets—avoid re-uploading the main model. Should these ships be utilized in publicly released scenery projects, ensure no commercial benefit is transferred, proper credit is given, and the vessels remain unmodified.

All files are used at the individual’s own risk. Although careful testing has been performed in FSX Acceleration/SP2 on Windows XP, every system environment may vary, and full reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Developer: Mike Hudson