The Beech A36
from Phoenix Simulation Software is another fine example of what I consider
to be a great add-on for FS 2000. Many have offered aircraft, panels and
sounds for FS2000, however only as separate files! There are not many complete
packages like this available. I have in the past reviewed such fine aircraft
from PSS as the SR71 “Blackbird” with all the bells and whistles that make for a great add-on. Now I had
the opportunity to examine and test the Beech A36 for FS2000. I think this latest
effort from the PSS team is one of the best additions to their library.
Aircraft History The Beechcraft Company (now a subsidiary of Raython) has been around for many years; their aircraft have evolved over the years as well, especially the Beech A36 and its twin cousin, the Baron. The real A36 offers the latest in state-of-the-art technology. This is a closed cabin 6 seat low wing monoplane with a 245 mph maximum speed; Max cruise speed is 230 mph, Certified ceiling is 25000 ft., Max range is 1291 nm, and Approach Speed is 66 mph. In the A36J "Propjet" version its power plant is an Allison Gas Turbine Model C350 B17 producing 420 shaft horsepower at 25,000 feet altitude. As the third member of the Bonanza family, the A36 was introduced in 1968 as the Model 36 six-seat utility aircraft. It is basically a slightly lengthened {0.25m/10in) version of the V-tailed Model 35B, combining the conventional tail unit of the Model 33, and the strengthened landing gear developed for the Beech Baron. It also has double doors on the starboard side of the fuselage, making it easier to load or unload cargo when used in a utility role. These cargo doors are available optionally for the Model 33/35 aircraft. A turbocharged version has been available since 1979 under the model designation B36TC Turbo Bonanza. Production of Model 36 Bonanzas in their various configurations totaled some 3,390 by early 1989. Brief mention must be made of two military versions of the A36 Bonanza. Under the designation QU-22B a number were provided with special avionics equipment under the USAF's 'Pave Eagle' program. With this they were deployed in Vietnam to pick up and relay to a ground station the data transmitted from acoustic sensors. Intended to keep track of enemy movements in the dense jungle, the sensors were airdropped along known or suspected transport routes. To meet the requirements of the USAF's 'Pave Coin' competition, Beech developed a close-support two-seat armed version of the A36. Designated Model PD 249, this prototype was evaluated with a wide variety of weapons, carried on underwing racks that could accommodate loads of up to 535kg (1,1801b), but no production examples were built.
Installation
Once you get this aircraft, installation is very easy. It’s a EXE file that loads the aircraft
and all file components into their proper file locations; there is no
need to go through the tasks of manually installing the file, which could
be problematic if you are not to sure how to do it! Phoenix has reported
one install problem. If you have a previous install.dll in your windows/temp
directory the install will crash. Simply rename the existing install.dll
and run the Phoenix install again and it will run with no problems.
The best way to get the full effects of flying the plane is to set your aircraft to
“Realistic” mode within FS2000.
The Panel
Once the plane is loaded, you’ll see a greatly realistic looking and quite functional
panel. It’s complete, with an on-board GPS and large gauges. The rendering
of the gauges during flight is smooth and realistic. All of the gauges
are new ones from Alex Bashkatov and include a new audiopanel, ADF, ComNav,
GPS and transponder. The GPS is a new design that provides precision location
of current position and a navigation computer. The GPS' features include:
Flight Dynamics
The tested Bonanza A36J "Propjet" dynamics are right on the numbers. The plane reacts as I would expect
a prop jet conversion to handle. She lifts off at around 70 KIAS
and climbs out at about 80 KIAS. the normal climb is at about 100 to 120
KIAS with a top cruising speed of over 200 KIAS. Cruising speed is effected
by altitude and as would be expected it increases with altitude. At the
maximum rated ceiling of 25,000ft, the aircraft will approach 245 KIAS.
On landing approach, gear down is 154 KIAS, with 0 to 15 degrees of flaps below 154
KIAS; and 15 to 30 degrees below 126 KIAS. Final Airspeed is 85 to
90 KIAS with flaps up, and 80 to 85 KIAS with flaps down. Landing distances
are about the same as the unmodified version of the A36.
The A36 allows this and so much more; from its great flight dynamics to its realistic
sound, it’s a really great add-on. Its take-off is smooth, it flies like a dream,
and lands very smoothly.
Exterior Appearance
With a cream paint job, excellent exterior detail including the tip tanks with their
winglets, this is an aircraft that looks ready to fly on its own. There are
no bleeds and the paint scheme blends smoothly from section to section.
The landing lights unfortunately still don't actually light the runway—but
that is an FS2000 issue that no designer has resolved. Nevertheless, in the exterior
view these add to the night realism when they are on. So do the strobes, which
are reflected off the body of the aircraft as in real life—as opposed to
just blinking. I especially like the cockpit exterior side views and the fully-detailed interior views looking to the side or looking back from the cockpit. This plane looks like the real thing from any perspective.
The Manual
The manual is in two parts; the first section provides some history of the Bonanza
as well as a complete check list for flying it. The second part is a detailed
explanation of all the gauges and how they function. They are very detailed
and should provide any pilot with the information they need.
Last Words
Personally, being a real world pilot, I enjoy as much realism as I can get with a simulator!
And I really enjoyed flying this plane and feel that it’s a great add-on!
It’s a nice looking plane; as you view from the outside it has all moving
parts and even has a pilot sitting in the cockpit, which to me is a nice
touch!
Most of the add-ons that I have seen lately have been of the large commercial jets, so it's nice to see this series of smaller private aircraft being offered. I enjoy flying smaller aircraft—both real and simulated—since my retirement two years ago from a major airline. Though I think the large jet add-on’s are great, some of the people who fly sim’s will never experience flying a real commercial jet; however
most can get their private pilot license and enjoy flying for real—and even get some practical experience from flight simulation. The Beech A36 reviewed here will give you a sense of real flight.
Phoenix Simulation Software has come up with a great aircraft package once again, and watch for their soon to be released Hawker 800. If you like biz jets, this is the one to get! It’s a complete package with both the aircraft and panel (upper, main and lower). As for the Beech A36, there were no faults that I found.
For more information and to purchase this aircraft, click here.
Credits:
Graham Waterfield - Visual models, textures, flight dynamics, panel layout |
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