This A320 model is a very complex and realistic simulation, not a toy. Realism of flight model, FBW system, autoflight system and more is unsurpassed on PC level. Just the PFD and the programmed codes behind are more complex than many complete payware aircraft on the market. Among others, hydraulic, electric and pneumatic systems are simulated, including their respective EFIS indifactions and some major warmings. NORMAL procedures are covered, as well as the most commun ABNORMAL, but not EMERGENCY.

With version 8+ we introduce improved aerodynamics and make best benefit of the XP11 engine model. Both, aerodynamics and engine physics, have been tuned and tested for a period of more than three months, now probably representing the most realistic performance available for desktop simulation. Lift and drag factors of all components have been corrected, in order to meet real data. N1 to thrust relation of all engine types have been adjusted, so climb performance as well as the descent path are now very close to the real ones. - An improved FMS (MCDU) with SID/STAR selection is under development. A first release should be available within a few months.

This aircraft models come with highly detailed, animated exterior models, and a top notch 3D cockpit, apart from an attractive, highly functional 2D panel. We have been working for months on new high resolution graphics for the Engine Warning Display and System Display. They shall also be the basis of a new homecockpit version. Thereby all major systems, like engine indicators, APU, electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, HAVAC, doors etc. have been double-checked against documentation, life fotos and videos of the real aircraft, which sometimes showed differences to the official documents. So the result in many aspects should be more authentic than anything we ever did before, e.g. we have got thrustrating computation of the IAE engines to a max. error ≤ 0.001 EPR from the real values. Text messages, warnings, and ND have not yet been upgraded. Here are a few screenshots of the new displays, which can be enlarged to about 1:1 scale to demonstrate resolution: SEE PICTURES!

Nevertheless our focus is not that much to provide eyecandy, nor bringing to you the illusion of being an Airbus pilot flying Hundreds of passengers from A to B. Our main objective and determination is to make you familiar with how an Airbus flies, how the basic procedures are like and how the aircraft reacts on what you are doing.

Aircraft models equipped with winglets or sharklets really simulate the different aerodynamic effects, resulting in ~0.15° less AOA for the sharklet version, at a given grossweight, speed and altitude. The crew can trade this advantage for more range, or speed, or payload, or less fuel consumption. Though differences are not huge, it is interesting to have the direct comparison on your desktop.

Complexity of these models makes it not the first choice for a beginner in X-Plane of flight simulation. It takes a lot of patience, learning about all the systems and get accustomed to the various procedures. If the aircraft is loaded Cold & Dark, it is really disconnected from power and all systems are shut down. You need to go through the procedures of re-animation, including a full ADIRS alignment, which takes between 5 and 17 minutes, depending on geographic latitude, typically 8-10 min. This time should be used for flight preparation and MCDU data entry. Loading the aircraft with engines running makes it ready for immediate use.