A2A Wings of Silver Stratocruiser
Air to Air Simulations (www.a2asimulations.com) have created an incredibly detailed simulation of the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, for Microsoft FSX.
The A2A Wings of Silver Stratocruiser package comes with 4 period and airline correct liveries along with the famed Pregnant Guppy:
Aero Spacelines "Pregnant Guppy"
American Overseas Airlines
British Overseas Airways Corporation
Pan American World Airways
Northwest Airlines
Each airplane is modelled after a particular airplane, with a history of its own.
There is also a 124 page manual in pdf format which has been excellently created to replicate the look of the Stratocruiser pilot's manual. In it are detailed operating instructions for all the systems, maneuver profiles, and airplane checklists.
Airplane Background
The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser had it's first flight in 1947, and was first introduced into service by Pan American World Airways in 1949.
The Stratocruiser set the standard of luxurious air travel with a lower-deck lounge and bar. It had a long range (up to 4,600 miles) with a high cruising speed of 300-340 mph.
The airplane had a gross weight of 147,000 pounds.
The seating was configured for 55-100 passengers, or 28 sleeping berths and five seats.
The airplane dimensions are:
Wing Span 141', 3"
Length 110', 4"
Height 38', 3"
Flight Test
Positioned at San Francisco International Airport, we line up on the runway and prepare to take the Boeing Stratocruiser into the air.
The first thing you notice is the incredible visibility offered through the19 flightdeck windows. The windows even mist up if the defrost is not switched on !
As we accelerate for takeoff you can hear the authentic 3D engineered sound, the airplane roars down the runway.
At just over 100 knots the airplane leaves the ground, we're flying !
We climb out at 170 knots, reducing power to a manifold pressure at 50 inches MAP and 2550 R.P.M.
It's great to look back at the powerful engine on the wing, the airplane has four 3,500 horsepower, Pratt & Whitney R4360 engines.
The package offers the ability to sit in various flightdeck stations; pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, and navigator position. Each position has it's own detailed panels, and alternative view of the flightdeck.
The airplane's systems can all be controlled, so the serious simmer will enjoy learning more and operating the airplane as the real pilots did, for instance, with this type of airplane the engines need to be operated properly to avoid overheating.
The information and checklists in the manual provides correct procedures.
This add-on has 3d lights technology built in, so the airplane lights operate in the same way the real airplane did, with pulsing navigation lights, a rotating beacon which casts it's light at the appropriate angle and speed, and numerous other lights which faithfully replicate the lights on this amazing aircraft.
The external model is fantastic, with bump mapping and specular lighting, creating the accurate texture and reflective qualities of the airplane model.
Turning back towards the airport, the wing view shows the shear size of the wing.
Adding flaps we prepare for landing.
We touchdown, and apply the airplane's brakes.
Various 2d panels are also included, such as the crew reports (accessed using shift-2), which shows important airplane information.
There's also a controls panel, which allows you to operate systems like lights, doors, and engine flaps while in the external view.
The payload and fuel manager is nicely done, and you can adjust both payload and fuel to keep the airplane balanced, within c.g. and weight limits.
Summary
This wonderful airplane is a joy to fly, the view from the cockpit is spectacular.
Learning about and using it's complex systems provides the ability to get to know this historic airplane.
We highly recommend this add-on, head on over to Air to Air Simulations (www.a2asimulations.com) and try it yourself today !
