Since entering official Beta testing in January of this year, A2A Simulations have been working hard to showcase the upcoming Piper Comanche 250 at FSExpo in Houston.
Scott Gentile being interviewed by content creator, TwoToneMurphy, describes how the Comanche 250 has been designed and implemented with accuracy in mind. A2A Simulations is famous for their Accu-Sim range of aircraft, and now the same attention to detail, even in the last few moments before touching down, is built into the Piper Comanche to bring it alive within MSFS.
The detail continues with links to Scott’s real world experience of flying the Comanche. From flying through bumpy air and seeing slight wing stress to slipping down on approach, planting the aircraft on the ground, retracting the Johnson bar controlled flaps, it’s all modelled inside MSFS with the greatest of detail.
The video presentation exhibited the plethora of features that can effect the aircraft over a long period of time. In an effort to bring the immersion of flying and maintaining a real light aircraft, A2A Simulations has included the ability to complete a full walk around and pre-flight check where you can manipulate the ailerons, elevators and flaps, operate tie downs, check engine oil levels and conditions, fill the hold with baggage, your wing tanks with fuel and check for contaminants like water.
The Comanche will come with an extensive EFB and maintenance system which contains in-depth engine and system monitors. The Engine Analyser shows the detail down to each cylinder. The video showed three consecutive engine starts with consistent conditions, each start took varying lengths of time and vibrations as the engine splutters into life. When changing the conditions to cold, the engine takes a more reserved approach to starting, or rather not starting. Over time, the engine will start to vary in its performance with cylinders being coded to degrade. The video showed the engine spluttering a misfire which is also demonstrated in the visualiser and audibly at low idle as the engine pitch and sounds change.
The entire showcase was matched with impressive sounds that bring life to the aircraft. Scott showed how the team recorded the sound of the aircraft rolling across the ground without being interrupted by the sound of the Lycoming engine, by amusingly attaching the aircraft to a car via a rope and driving across the airfield.
The demonstration came to a close to show the aircraft in flight including a spin and recovery alongside some of the previously discussed tutorials that the team have been working hard to put together, before the final run with the Beta team and the upcoming release.