Animations
Several animations are included: The canopy opens, the speed brakes spread out from the tail, a launch bar can be deployed, the pilot's head pans left and right, and bombs can be dropped. Additionally, the cockpit control stick can disappear to enable full view of cockpit instruments and controls. Operations are explained in the manual. Black smoke emits from the engines throughout the aircraft's flights.
| RAZBAM's ANIMATIONS | ||
|---|---|---|
 Speed Brakes Retracted |
 Speed Brakes Deployed |
|
 Canopy Closed |
 Canopy Open |
|
 Tail Hook Retracted |
 Tail Hook Deployed |
|
| Screen shots by Bill Stack | ||
Technical Matters
No minimum operating-system requirements or special simulator settings are recommended by RAZBAM.
The installation program installs the aircraft files in the SimObjects/Airplanes folder. The manual and paint kits are installed in the main FSX folder.
The five models and 15 liveries appear in the Aircraft Selection menu under "Rockwell/North American" as manufacturer and "RAZBAM" as publisher.
When the aircraft is loaded for the first time in the simulation session, users are asked whether they want to run the program "T2OWM.DLL." RAZBAM explained that this program is the weapons module enabling the use of ordnance in free flights. These ordnance interact both visually and in performance of the simulated aircraft, RAZBAM said. Users can choose from real-life-based aircraft weapons load outs. Using accurate weapons settings and switchology, flight simmers can use them in free flights, missions, or multiplayer.
The 28 WAV files in the Sounds folder come from IRIS Soundworks. The TACAN instruments were made by RAZBAM.
Technical support is through an email address posted in the Pilot Shop page about this product. Response to my questions was quick, thorough, and courteous.
Readers with technical questions not answered in this review should ask the developer, who is in the best position to answer such questions. Using the links below, go to the Pilot Shop page where the product is listed and described, then click on "Manufacturer Tech Support" in the right column.
| TECHNICAL & PURCHASE FEATURES | |
|---|---|
|
MSFS Version |
FSX |
|
Instant download from the Pilot Shop |
Yes |
|
Installation program |
Yes |
|
License key required |
No |
|
Copyright acknowledgment required |
Yes |
|
Manual included |
Yes |
|
Uninstall program included |
No |
|
Frame Rates |
Good |
|
Price |
$30 US |
Simulating the T-2 Buckeyes
Realistic simulations of the North American T-2 Buckeye by RAZBAM would include any type of training maneuvers that were done in the real-world T-2s such as high-altitude, high-speed formation, and aerobatic flights; basic and radio instruments; night and day navigation; and gunnery, bombing, and carrier operations. Short field take-offs and landings would be appropriate training in preparation for carrier operations. Aerobatics at simulated air shows would be realistic nowadays. RAZBAM says its T-2s are suitable for multiplayer simulations. Combat flights do not seem realistic, however, because the T-2 was never used for such.
More Information
More information about the real-world North American T-2 Buckeye is available from:
| REAL-WORLD IMAGES | |
|---|---|
 Warbird Heritage Foundation |
 United States Navy |
The Developer
RAZBAM develops aircraft for home flight simulation. Its founder and main 3D developer, mapper, and texture artist is Ron Zambrano. Others have joined his team over the years such as "retired naval pilots, CPO´s, texture artists, and lately, 3D developers, not to mention a great and unique software engineer who is taking us to the next level in realism and simulation accuracy," he said. Its other products include the A-7 Corsair, the Breguet Aliz, and the EA-6B Prowler.
Overall
The T-2 Buckeye by RAZBAM is very done. Its inside and outside appearances are accurate. Animations are very good. Its flight modeling seems realistic for such an aircraft, but I was unable to get the aircraft anywhere near its specified ceiling. The manuals are well-constructed. Tech support is useful.
Bill Stack
billstack@flightsim.com
Learn more about the North American T-2 Buckeye for FSX by RAZBAM.
Bill Stack is author of several books about flight simulation, a regular author in flight-sim magazines, and a contributor to Flight Sim Com. His website is www.topskills.com