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/images/notams/notams22/pizz1121.jpgWe are pleased to announce that all pizzagalli.ch planesare, after several weeks of work, compatible with X-Plane 12. The latest is the AW-609. Also includes: F15Su33P30Su-57Su-75F19MV22 OspreySee all pizzagalli.ch aircraft at the FlightSim.Com Store

/images/notams/notams22/f19update.jpgF-19 is the designation for a hypothetical US fighter aircraft thathas never been officially acknowledged, and has engendered muchspeculation that it might refer to a type of aircraft whose existenceis still classified. Since the unification of the numbering system in 1962,U.S. fighters have been designated by consecutive numbers, beginningwith the F-1 Fury. F-13 was never assigned to a fighter due totriskaidekaphobia, though the designation had previously been used fora reconnaissance version of the B-29. After the F/A-18 Hornet, thenext announced aircraft was the YF-20 Tigershark. The USAF proposedthe F-19 designation for the fighter, but Northrop requested the"F-20" instead. The USAF finally approved the F-20 designation in1982. The truth behind this jump in numbers is Northrop pressed thedesignation "YF-20" as they wanted an even number, in order to standout from the Soviet odd-numbered designations. Despite this, thedesignations YF-17 and YF-23 were not skipped (although YF-20, YF-17and YF-23 all were prototypes and did not enter production phase). /images/notams/notams21/pizz1108/f19-2.jpgThe United States received the first Lockheed F-117 stealth fighterin 1982. During the decade many news articles discussed what theycalled the "F-19". The Testor Corporation produced a F-19 scalemodel. The company had decades of experience in producing highlydetailed models that pilots and aerospace engineers purchased, andused its sources in the United States military and defensecontractors. The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather and other mediadiscussed the model after its January 1986 introduction; when the realstealth aircraft crashed in California in July 1986, news stories usedthe model to depict it. Representative Ron Wyden asked the chairman of Lockheed Corporationwhy an aircraft that Congressmen could not see was sold as modelaircraft. The publicity helped to make the model the best-sellingmodel aircraft of all time, but it did not really resemble the F-117,which no doubt pleased those working with the real, secretaircraft. The F-117 designation was publicly revealed with the actualaircraft in November 1988. /images/notams/notams21/pizz1108/f19-3.jpgFeaturesFmodFully animated 3D exterior model with gear, flaps, flight controlsWeapon bay door opening matches selected weaponFully animated 3D interior cockpit model: with stick, throttle, rudder pedals, switchesEjection seatMultiple liveries available separatelySASL plug-in driven avionics and automated systemsDefault auto flap control options can be switched off for full manual control if desiredUser flight manual4K textures1 modelNav light selectionGarmin 1000Pilot automaticEngine systemsComplete NAV systemOptimized for XP11 and XP12 /images/notams/notams21/pizz1108/f19-4.jpgPurchase pizzagalli.ch - Northrop Grumman F19 Stealth For X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 See other pizzagalli.ch aircraft for X-Plane

/images/notams/notams22/pizz0717/pizz0717.jpgThe Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate; LTS, short for Light Tactical Aircraftin Russian), is a single-engine, stealth fighter aircraft underdevelopment by Sukhoi for export and for the Russian AerospaceForces.The Sukhoi Design Bureau also designates the aircraft asT-75 with marked registration RF-0075. The Su-75 Checkmate has a diverterless inlet, a v-shape tail andinternal weapons bays—all features intended to reduce radarsignature. The wing area appears large, which has been interpreted bycorrespondent David Axe to imply that Sukhoi designed the fighter tofly and engage in combat at high altitudes—40,000 feet or higher. –Wiki source. /images/notams/notams22/pizz0717/su-75-5.jpgFeaturesFlight manual userTexture 4KHud customRadome mobileMobile radar,Cockpit enhancement.Improved stabilityAuto Flapsg displayAutomated Avionics functionsMultiple weapon system display modesDynamic head movement in flight and taxiAuto ejection seatAnimated 3d model3D cockpit with multiple functions3-zone cockpit light adjustmentAnimation flapsAnimation canopyLanding gear with doorsIFR probeEjection seat commandTailhookChute.Expandable nozzlesDetailed 3D cockpitNav light selectionRadar display.Pilot automaticEngine systemsComplete NAV system.Weapon system panel. /images/notams/notams22/pizz0717/su-75-6.jpgPurchase pizzagalli.ch - Sukhoi-75 For X-Plane See other pizzagalli products for X-Plane

Bell Boeing MV-22 OspreyPublisher: pizzagalli.chReview Author: Stuart McGregorSuggested Price: $22.00/images/fsc/wbicons/store-buy-now-button.png /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-10.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-11.jpgThe AircraftThe Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey MarineVariant (MV) is the real-life equivalent of the X-Plane 11 aircraftbeing reviewed here, and is a tilt rotor military aircraft with theunique ability to take off vertically like a helicopter, andhorizontally like a conventional fixed wing aircraft. The versatilityof this aircraft, its high speed and long range, coupled with asubstantial payload area, make it an ideal operational aircraft formilitary missions. The original real-life aircraft has been aroundsince the late 1980s, with the first reported V-22 flight being in1989, with the MV-22 Marine Variant arriving in the early 2000s. Thegood news is that the Osprey is still very much alive and well today,with reports of around 400 being built to date. Over the years severalvariants servicing different parts of the United States Military havebeen developed. The aircraft on review here is the MV-22 which wasspecifically developed for the United States Marine Corps. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-12.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-13.jpgInitial ThoughtsI obtained my copy at the FlightSim.Com Store, which other than thedeveloper's own web site, I believe is the only available outlet at themoment, and is priced at $22.00, which is reasonable in my opinion dueto the fact that you actually get two models for the price of one. Inthe download you will get the new MV22B-PV2 with 'classic' avionics,and it is described as more akin to the real aircraft, and the modernMV22-PV4 variant with Ebit system avionics. It is a moderately largedownload at a little under 300 MB for both aircraft, however they canbe downloaded separately if you only want one or the other. Beprepared for a bit of a wait if your internet speed is a littleslow. In the product description the developer describes their Ospreysas being inspired by one of their other models, the Leonardo AW609,however they also openly admit that their rendition of the Osprey isnot an exact replica of the real-life aircraft, more the developer'spersonal interpretation. I think it is important to know this so enduser expectations can be set right from the start, so thanks to thePizzagalli.ch team for being open and upfront. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-14.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-15.jpgAfter purchase, installation is simple, just a case of drop anddrag into your Aircraft folder. The documentation provided isinformative, with cockpit and flight manuals provided for eachvariant. There is also a separate manual for VR, which describes whichareas have click spots in the cabin to open doors, move seats, etc. AsI don't use VR, I was not able to test this out, however based on theinformation provided by the developer, I believe it is safe to saythat although some VR capability is provided, at this time this is nota fully equipped VR aircraft. In each of the flight manuals you will get an overview of theflight systems and avionics, as well as an explanation of theon-screen control panel which can be used to operate several systemswhen in flight. The manual images are quite clear and easy tounderstand, assuming you are fluent in English, however what wouldhave been useful in my opinion is an explanation of which inputcontrols to set up for the primary flight controls, i.e., pitch androll, yaw, throttle and thrust vector for the rotor tilt. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-16.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-17.jpgFor seasoned simmers I am sure you can work it out, however fornewer members it would perhaps be helpful. In the flight manual, youwill also get a detailed description of the Osprey's dimensions,history, characteristics, schematics and performance information. Inthis manual it also gives checklists on how to start and stop theengines, stow the wings as well as how to execute successful takeoffsand landings. The included screen shots help visualise the requiredrotor positions and this is extremely helpful even before you stepinto the cockpit. At the present time there are eight liveries provided (the same forboth variants), most being military based, and screen shots areprovided in the manual so you can see what is being provided beforeyou step into the sim. Contact details for the developer are alsoprovided along with a few links to further reading, however one thingthat was a little frustrating was the fact that not all linksworked. It was however incredibly positive that I used the emailaddress provided to ask the developer a question or two, and indeed Igot a speedy and helpful reply which was very much appreciated. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-18.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-19.jpgWhen you first fire up either of the Ospreys, you will find anintriguing aircraft, half helicopter, half fixed wing, and thedeveloper has done a good job in modelling the overall feel of theaircraft in my opinion. By their own admission this is not an exactreplica, however looking at photos of the exterior of the real thing,I would describe it as a good match. For me, the exterior texturing insome places is what I would describe as functional when compared totop end payware aircraft out there. If you are expecting veryhigh-definition surfaces and details, you will not find those here.For example, the riveting on the tail, and around some of the doors isa bit 'rustic' and could be improved in my opinion. However, it doesthe job and hopefully this is an area that the developer will continueto work on as time goes by. I did enjoy the various military liveriesprovided and these are nicely done, with lots of details and decals,remarkably like the real thing from what I could find on theinternet. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-20.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-21.jpgThere are several animated cabin doors, including the internalcockpit door and the rear ramp, and these can be activated by eitherusing the onscreen panel, assigning a suitable button on one of yourcontrollers or by using your mouse. The other bonus was that the datarefs being used meant that my Saitek panels (switch, radio and multi)all worked as intended. For me this is important, as many developerstoday use their own data refs, which means that without specialistscripts, the panels are often largely redundant. A big thank you tothe developers from me for sticking with the default controlparameters. On The GroundOne feature I loved about the Osprey was the fact that you can stowthe wings and rotors, and this can easily be executed by using theremovable on-screen panel provided in the lower left of thescreen. There are several functions that can be activated from thepanel, including setting the rotor position, opening and closing thedoors and ramp, adjusting the flaps and landing gear, and there issomething very captivating, and to be honest a little bit freaky aboutwatching the rotors and wings moving into their stowed position. Itreminded me of a crab or a spider tucking away all their legs as theysettle in for the night. Conversely, when the rotors are returned tonormal operations, it is like a flower opening in the morning sun. Igenuinely loved this feature and spent quite a while going back andforth watching and listening to the smooth transitions taking place infront of me. Really nice, transformeresque...! /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-22.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-23.jpgOn the ground you have a real dilemma, do I taxi like aconventional fixed wing aircraft, or do I hover taxi, or go straightup like a helicopter? This is what I enjoyed most about the Osprey,the fact you have so many choices. I have a set of helicopter controlsthat I used to fly the Osprey, using the collective for throttle,throttle for rotor tilt and the cyclic for direction. This workedwell, and after a little practice, I was able to taxi along the groundand takeoff vertically without too many issues. It did take a while toget the hang of all the moving parts and particularly to get them inthe right order, as at times it felt a bit like rubbing your head andpatting your stomach all at the same time. It does take some practice,however once you get the hang of it, it feels extremelyrewarding. Slow and steady worked best... Walking around the Osprey you get a real sense of the size andpower of this thing, and it really does look impressive when sittingon the apron. I also like the animated crew, both the pilot andco-pilot, and the fact that their heads move in sync with thedirectional controls was a nice touch. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-24.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-25.jpgIn The AirThe Osprey flies nicely when in cruise, however that was probablyhelped by the fact I have a set of helicopter controls. I have afeeling it may be a little harder to control if you do not have a goodset of peripherals. Transitioning from vertical to horizontal flighttakes a bit of practice, however again with some patience andperseverance, it is extremely rewarding when you hit your sweet spot. In the cockpit many of the switches and controls are functional,and to be honest I preferred the 'classic' set up offered with theMV-22B over the Ebit glass panel option. I just really liked the feelof the various gauges and panels and found them clear and generallyeasy to read. The inclusion of an external camera is a genuinely nicetouch, and this along with the other information panels can beaccessed via the center CDU panel. From here you can accessinformation on fuel, power, lights, miscellaneous flight data and ofcourse the camera. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-26.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-27.jpgIn both variants, you can extend the refuelling probe, which is inthe nose of the aircraft, which was kind of cool in my opinion, andalthough I did try a couple of refuelling special starts, I couldnever find the tanker, so I never got the chance to really try out myclose quarter flying skills. Extending the fuel probe is nicelyanimated, although finding the button on the 'classic' variant toactivate it took me a little while.... (top tip...check to the left ofthe co-pilot's seat). As far as texturing goes, and very much like the exterior, if youare looking for super high definition and exact realism, you will notfind it here, however, that sort of realism typically comes at a cost,and in those cases, you are having to pay at least twice as much asyou do for the Osprey. In my opinion, the texturing provided in bothvariants is arguably a 7 out of 10, however it is perfectly adequateand fit for purpose. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-28.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-29.jpgThe engine sounds are rich and in keeping with the large rotors,and the overall flight experience was extremely enjoyable. There werea few small hiccups as I found instability with the autopilot attimes, and I could not hold my altitude. I did enquire with thedeveloper who was immensely helpful in providing some advice, howeverI never really managed to get this to work as I would have liked. Ishould however state that there is a decent chance that operator errorwas part of the issue, as other features such as heading and verticalspeed worked fine. In the 'classic' variant it is worth noting thatyou can swap the HSI and EFIS MAP around by clicking on a button onone of the pilot panels. This is a nice feature if you would like adifferent view from the pilot's seat from time to time. As mentioned,not everything is animated or simulated, however I had enough on myhands just mastering the flight transitions to really worry aboutthat, and oh yeah, did I mention landing? /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-30.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-31.jpgWell... that is a real challenge, and after a few hours flighttime, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the hardest thing tomaster! This needs your full focus and the ability to do multiplethings all at once. I can imagine that anyone who plays the drumswould be good at this... feet and hands all doing different things inperfect sync!! If you are really looking for something to test yourlevels of coordination, try landing the Osprey. I did eventuallymanage to get the aircraft on the ground in one piece after severalattempts, which was more a sense of relief than anything. Like allthings with aviation, practice, practice, practice and practice againis the only way to go, and the Osprey is an aircraft that needs flighttime to be able to master it to the required level. The good newshowever, is that as armchair pilots we have the magical reset button,and I can only imagine what real life pilots must have to go throughto be able to have full control of the Osprey. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-32.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-33.jpgFinal ThoughtsOverall, I really enjoyed my time in the Osprey, so much so, that Iwant to keep persevering to improve my skills. I can feel an aircraftcarrier landing coming on next to keep pushing my skillsenvelope. Yeah, perhaps there is some room for improvement when itcomes to a few of the textures, however the overall experience isextremely rewarding if you put the time in. For the asking price of$22.00, and the fact you get two variants for the price of one, makes itgood value for money in my opinion. Hopefully, the developers willcontinue to work on their creation and improve it over time, as it haslots of potential for further upgrades, both in terms of looks andfunctionality. /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-34.jpg /images/reviews/pizzmv22/t/pizzagalli-mv22-osprey-35.jpgMeantime, if you are looking for something just that little bitdifferent and you are up for a challenge, the Bell Boeing MV-22 Ospreyby Pizzagalli.ch may be just the aircraft for you! /images/reviews/pizzmv22/title3.jpgStuart McGregor Purchase pizzagalli.ch - MV-22 Osprey For X-Plane See other pizzagalli.ch aircraft

/images/notams/notams21/pizz1108/f19-1.jpgF-19 is the designation for a hypothetical US fighter aircraft thathas never been officially acknowledged, and has engendered muchspeculation that it might refer to a type of aircraft whose existenceis still classified. Since the unification of the numbering system in 1962,U.S. fighters have been designated by consecutive numbers, beginningwith the F-1 Fury. F-13 was never assigned to a fighter due totriskaidekaphobia, though the designation had previously been used fora reconnaissance version of the B-29. After the F/A-18 Hornet, thenext announced aircraft was the YF-20 Tigershark. The USAF proposedthe F-19 designation for the fighter, but Northrop requested the"F-20" instead. The USAF finally approved the F-20 designation in1982. The truth behind this jump in numbers is Northrop pressed thedesignation "YF-20" as they wanted an even number, in order to standout from the Soviet odd-numbered designations. Despite this, thedesignations YF-17 and YF-23 were not skipped (although YF-20, YF-17and YF-23 all were prototypes and did not enter production phase). /images/notams/notams21/pizz1108/f19-2.jpgThe United States received the first Lockheed F-117 stealth fighterin 1982. During the decade many news articles discussed what theycalled the "F-19". The Testor Corporation produced a F-19 scalemodel. The company had decades of experience in producing highlydetailed models that pilots and aerospace engineers purchased, andused its sources in the United States military and defensecontractors. The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather and other mediadiscussed the model after its January 1986 introduction; when the realstealth aircraft crashed in California in July 1986, news stories usedthe model to depict it. Representative Ron Wyden asked the chairman of Lockheed Corporationwhy an aircraft that Congressmen could not see was sold as modelaircraft. The publicity helped to make the model the best-sellingmodel aircraft of all time, but it did not really resemble the F-117,which no doubt pleased those working with the real, secretaircraft. The F-117 designation was publicly revealed with the actualaircraft in November 1988. /images/notams/notams21/pizz1108/f19-3.jpgFeaturesFmodFully animated 3D exterior model with gear, flaps, flight controlsWeapon bay door opening matches selected weaponFully animated 3D interior cockpit model: with stick, throttle, rudder pedals, switchesEjection seatMultiple liveries available separatelySASL plug-in driven avionics and automated systemsDefault auto flap control options can be switched off for full manual control if desiredUser flight manual4K textures1 modelNav light selectionGarmin 1000Pilot automaticEngine systemsComplete NAV systemOptimized for XP11 /images/notams/notams21/pizz1108/f19-4.jpgPurchase pizzagalli.ch - Northrop Grumman F19 Stealth For X-Plane See other pizzagalli.ch aircraft for X-Plane

Pizzagalli X-Plane Super Etendard ModerniseBy Alan Ashforth /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-09.jpgIntroductionThe Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard isa French carrier-borne strike fighter aircraft designed byDassault-Breguet for service with the French Navy. The aircraft is an advanced development of the Etendard IVM, whichit replaced. The Super Etendard first flew in October 1974 and enteredFrench service in June 1978. French Super Etendards have served inseveral conflicts such as the Kosovo war, the war in Afghanistan andthe military intervention in Libya. The Super Etendard was also operated by Iraq (on a temporary lease)and Argentina, which both deployed the aircraft duringwartime. Argentina's use of the Super Etendard and the Exocet missileduring the 1982 Falklands War led to the aircraft gaining considerablepopular recognition. The Super Etendard was used by Iraq to attack oiltankers and merchant shipping in the Persian Gulf during the Iraq-IranWar. In French service, the Super Etendard was replaced by theDassault Rafale in 2016. /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-01.jpg /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-02.jpgFrom 1991, the original pure attack Etendard IVMs were withdrawnfrom French service; though the reconnaissance version of the EtendardIV, the IVP, remained in service until July 2000. In response, theSuper Etendards underwent a series of upgrades throughout the 1990s toadd new capabilities and update existing systems for use in the modernbattlefield, designated Super Etendard Modernise (SEM), and this isthe model produced by Pizzagalli as freeware. I really enjoy Pizzagalli's payware aircraft, and this freewareoffering has the same qualities I have come to expect fromhim. Accurate modelling, good frame-rates, great choice of models anda nicely designed cockpit/panel and controls. InstallationI downloaded my copy of the Super Etendard from the store and oncedone, it was a simple case of extracting the zip (139 MB in size) andcopying the folder over to my X-Plane "Aircraft" directory. /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-03.jpg /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-04.jpgDocumentationIncluded in the package is a detailed and full color 10-page PDFfile which provides information on the cockpit controls, plus theexternal parts of the aircraft. For a freeware model, this is a nicebonus. ExteriorThe current aircraft package comes with two liveries (French navyblue, and grey camo), both excellent quality with just the rightamount of shine and detail. There is also a nicely detailedundercarriage and cockpit adding to the effect. The model hasunderbody airbrakes and two position flaps, along with an option forthe undercarriage to be either manually controlled or automatic. Thecanopy is also animated and is controlled from a lever on theright-hand side of the cockpit. The same is for the tail hook, whichis controlled this time, on the left-hand side of the panel. /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-05.jpg /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-06.jpgInteriorThe cockpit is done well, with mostly steam gauges which arecorrect for this period (1970-90s). Though not all the switches work,all the important ones do, and this provides enough functionality toreally enjoy flying the plane. The texture in the cockpit is a darkmottled effect. In the center panel the designer has made two smallG1000 panels available, and when clicked on, they pop out for ease ofuse. It has a basic HUD which is useful for carrier landings and has auseful feature which shows the point where you are currently going toland. SoundsThis aircraft comes with a very nice sounding FMOD sound package,which greatly adds to the emersion. As you pan the camera around theoutside of the aircraft, the FMOD provides different sounds dependingon how close to the engine you are. Also, when in the cockpit andlooking left and right, you'll hear the different engine sounds too,which makes the flying experience much more realistic. /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-07.jpg /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-08.jpgFlight ModelThe flight model, like on all Pizzagalli's aircraft, is excellent,and a joy to fly. The rolls and turns feel just right for an attackaircraft; not as fast turning as a fighter, but not sluggisheither. In other words, just right. The weapons are another nice feature and work extremely well. TheMatra Magic AA missiles lock on and track very accurately, as does thefamous Exocet when hitting ship targets. Even the SNEB rockets workproperly (which had been broken for years), and this was due to arequest from Pizzagalli, asking Laminar Research for a fix. Well, theX-Plane team managed to do just that! A great result by allconcerned. ConclusionIn summing up, I would say this is a payware quality aircraft byPizzagalli, and a real gift to the X-Plane community. /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-11.jpg /images/reviews/etendard/t/Super-Etendard-Modernise-10.jpgThe great thing about this freeware aircraft, is that it is acomplete package from an experienced designer and modeller. This is an aircraft I feel a great many X-Plane users willenjoy...I know I did. Alan Ashforth Get the pizzagalli.ch - SEM Super Etendard Modernis For X-Plane at the FlightSim.Com Store See other aircraft from pizzagalli.ch

Agusta Westland AW609 TiltrotorPublisher: pizzagalli.chReview Author: Alan AshfordSuggested Price: $25.00/images/fsc/wbicons/store-buy-now-button.png /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-31.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-03.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-04.jpgThe Story Of The AW609The BA609 drew on experience gainedfrom Bell's earlier experimental tiltrotor, the XV-15. In 1996, Belland Boeing had formed a partnership to develop a civil tiltrotoraircraft; however, in March 1998, it was announced that Boeing hadpulled out of the project. In September 1998, it was announced thatAgusta had become a partner in the development program. This led tothe establishment of the Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company (BAAC), a jointventure between Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland, to develop andmanufacture the aircraft. In 2009, Bell wanted to pull out and at the 2011 Paris Air Show,AgustaWestland stated that it will assume full ownership of theprogramme, redesignating the aircraft as "AW609", and that BellHelicopter will remain in the role of component design andcertification. In November 2011, the exchange of ownership wascompleted, following the granting of regulatory approval - mediaestimated that the transfer happened at little cost. /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-01.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-02.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-05.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-06.jpgAs of 2015, Bell continues to perform contract work on the AW609 programwhile considering commercial potential for the bigger V-280 tiltrotor, wheremilitary production may reach larger numbers and hence reduce unit cost. However, in 2016, Bell preferred the 609 for commercial applications andkept the V-280 for military use only. The aircraft's purpose is to take offand land vertically but fly faster than a helicopter. It can carry between 6 to 9 passengers, fly at a maximum speed of 316 mph,and has a range of 863 miles. InstallationThe installed size is 188 MB, and as there's no serial number to worryabout, installation was swift and straight forward. /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-07.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-08.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-09.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-10.jpgDocumentationA concise and very detailed 26-page pdf manual is included in the aircraftfolder, and this is well laid out with diagrams and key labels for every dialand switch on the AW609. It is essential reading, as the aircraft is more complex than a regularaircraft, or even a helicopter, and it will get you up and running in notime. The exterior is smooth and clear, and on the whole, is well done. Not upto the latest standards, but it does look good and keeps a healthyframe rate. The undercarriage is nicely modelled as are the pilots. Therotors when spinning look a little odd though, because the static part thatshould disappear, doesn't fully. It comes with sixteen liveries, and all in three model variants. The CGmodel is for the medi-vac mission, the SH model is the nine seat passengerversion, and lastly the VIP model is the erm...oh yeah, VIP variant. /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-11.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-12.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-13.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-14.jpgInteriorJumping into the cockpit, you are greeted by a very well designed andmodern interior. The default X-Plane G1000 system is used, along with somesecondary steam gauges. Everything else is custom made by Pizzagalli, and very cleverly donetoo. The main panel top has the autopilot and then to the left and right sidecomes the tilt degrees, flaps and undercarriage settings and ECAM panel. Thecenter console has the radios and lights, while on a pintle mount there areswitches for speed brake and flaps. Finally in the cockpit the overhead unithas electrics, fuel and starters, light switches doubled up, and warningattenuators. The custom high-resolution switches and dials are very clear and are thehighlight of the cockpit. At the bottom left of the screen are seven quick keysfor the three doors opening, auto flaps, auto undercarriage and two rotortilt positions of 88 and 0 degrees, very useful. /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-27.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-28.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-23.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-24.jpgMoving back into the passenger area, there are three doors, one of whichis a large sliding door, and all can be open and closed with its ownhandle. The seats and interior are well modelled and have enough detail foremersion. There is one small problem, when moving back towards the cockpityou can see a small crack in the upper body, where the sky is visible. Otherthan that, I really like the three different interiors. SoundsThe W609 comes with FMOD sounds, and do a good job of bringing theaircraft to life. Inside is very quiet, which can be a good thing, as you canhear all the clicks as you begin to start the engines, while outside givesmany different sounds as you pan around the aircraft, from the jet whistle atthe front, to the beating rotors from the side and rear. FlightThis is one of the aircraft's strengths; it is great fun to learn and flyproperly. As with any aircraft, smooth and gentle is the way, at least untilyou have some hours on this type. /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-19.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-20.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-21.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-22.jpgIt has very good stability, and you can soon learn to hover and positionthe AW609 with a vertical landing, wherever you like, even on a ship. Always watch out for the critical point of coming from forward flight tozero speed, as it can need some correction to keep straight, until it settlesdown and you can reduce power gently for a vertical landing. The auto pilot works really well in forward flight, though if you whack itup to full speed and then switch on the AP, it can start hunting up and down,a typical X-Plane 11 result, and the remedy for this is to reduce speed. Iput the AP speed down to 200 kts and the aircraft then followed the APinstructions very well, even climbing and turning at the same time. Then in10 kt increments, I increased the speed back up to 250 kts, and it was stillperfectly steady, following the autopilot. Then to land I took over, pressed the quick key for 88 degrees rotorangle, put on the airbrakes and auto flaps and auto undercarriage, which letme focus on reducing power while keeping the aircraft level while slowingdown and descending, then apply throttle to reduce descent and feel where thehover point is, all with the throttle. /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-17.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-18.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-25.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-26.jpgConclusionThis is an excellent add-on for anyone who likes something different, anda challenge to get to know, especially for the low price. The sixteen liveries and three different models, along with all the custominstruments make this a good package. As with all Pizzagalli's aircraft, they are not cutting edge on thegraphics, but do the job well and are a joy to fly, especially for those ofus with older computers that can struggle with some of the latestofferings. /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-15.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-16.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-29.jpg /images/reviews/pizaw609/t/pizzagalli-aw609-xp-30.jpg/images/reviews/pizaw609/title3.jpgAlan Ashford Purchase pizzagalli.ch - Agusta Westland AW-609 For X-Plane See other pizzagalli.ch aircraft for X-Plane 11