Mad Dog (Lago)
By FlightSim.Com Staff (November 10, 1999)
ad Dog! What's that? No, this is not for vets. This is the MD80 ("Super 80"), 82 and 83 jetliner simulator that "attaches" to FS98. I said, "attaches", as I mean that this alone, is more of a complete simulation than the entire FS98! Lago has done it again! The quality of this add-on is as good as the initial impression you'll get after holding the heavy box. Opening it up and seeing the quality of the contents will make you wonder if this is "just" an add-on.
It certainly is... but better than most. Lago has packed more into this box than Microsoft did with FS98. Inside the box you'll find a nicely case-packed CD, spiral-bound plastic reference guide, and the entire manual in several languages. How does Lago keep producing such quality for such a little price? I hope that add-on companies in this country would learn from Lago!
This product combines the talent of master panel designer Rodolfo Arata and the Lago staff. What you will get are dual versions of the panel for the MD80, 82, and 83. One version is slightly more simplified and best for novices, while the
"pro" version contains enough switches, systems, pumps, and logic to satisfy real MD jet drivers. In fact, many real pilots were used in designing this panel to insure its accuracy and realism. A complete overhead panel compliments the forward view. Both panels feature new technology for the FS base product. Some examples are the V-speed based airspeed indicator that calculates the V-bugs automatically for you, the thrust management computer that controls engine power for various phases of flight, the unique autopilot with its somewhat "foreign" switchology, an airline style altimeter, a glass EFIS artificial horizon unit with special modes as well as tape-style radio altimeter, fuel management computer, pop-up reference cards that show your V-speeds exactly for your own aircraft weight and hydraulic pumps switches that really do work! This is just on the main panel. The overhead panel contains the heart of the aircraft and will let you manipulate the fuel system, engine startup panel, external power supply, air-conditioning, GPWS, real APU and more! Just to get a flight started, you will need to follow the actual procedures that the real MD pilots use! Allow plenty of time, as most likely you're alone in your "sim cockpit" and will be doing the workload of two. My first time at getting powered up to engine startup took almost 30 minutes! But it is SO MUCH fun!
Mad Dog comes with several scripted adventures that will test your flying on many common air routes throughout western Europe. Also included is a special version of Lago's Italy 98 which means you're going to see some fantastic airports and terminals upon your various stopovers.
|
One of the neatest little extras that you'll discover is Lago's "active scenery". What this gives you is a live, animated pushback by tug and signalman whenever you want! No more slewing back from the gate. You'll now be able to order up a full push with exact distance and heading for the maneuver. This is similar to the freeware pushback gauges floating around, however, this one comes with the talking signalman and tug. Upon requesting push to a distance and heading behind the aircraft, the signalman will prompt you to release brakes and so forth. You'll see him "walk" along side your aircraft guiding the tug driver. You'll hear the tug's engines as well. Upon stopping, the signalman will walk over to the far side of the aircraft to prepare for engine-start hand signals! You can use this pushback with other FS aircraft!
It's really amazing to watch! Once he's in position, he'll clear you for startup and stay there until the first engine has come to life!
Lago's Active Scenery also includes a free "Mark-7 GPWS" Ground Proximity Warning System to use whenever you want with any airplane in your FS directory! The MD80 series has a built-in system, so you won't need to use this feature when running one of the MD80s, however this is great news for all your other airliners. Now, you don't have to load an adventure to have this fully functioning, system logical GPWS!
The aircraft are the best visual MD80 series I have seen to date. Flight models are "as good as I have seen" for any sim airliner. The MD80s have stable flying characteristics throughout but exhibit a slight "pitchy" tendency on rotation and flare, typical of stretched body T-tail jets. They have certainly captured the physics to go with the looks! In addition, you'll be pleased that they all come complete with a full set of sound effects taken from the real thing. You'll hear all kinds of aural panel sounds, unusual landing gear rumblings and more.
So we've really got six products in one here:
Mad Dog is simply as good as any add-on can get. To date, it's the most complete airliner simulation package I've ever seen for FS98. Despite some great freeware offerings out there, no one has put
 |