Introduction Let’s go for a change, let’s go for a famous Russian freeware aircraft model from one of the greatest Russian builders/designers, Mr. Andrey N. Tupolev himself with one of his creations, the Tupolev Tu-154M. For many reasons I’ve decided to take this Russian aircraft model from the FS Pro Team. These guys are not only famous for their Tupolev models but they also offer the IIyshin-62M for free as well, including some scenery add-on programs and the airport of USNN. Ok, back to my Tupolev review. It’s not an unknown aircraft for me. While I worked for Lufthansa Technical Training, I traveled several times to Russia and Kazakhstan. Sometimes I flew with Lufthansa which automatically means with a Western aircraft, but other times I flew in a Russian model with Siberia Airlines and that was the Tu-154M. Apart of this, my students were always proud of their Russian models and because of this, I was invited to see one of the Russian models in the hangar or occasionally on the platform where hands-on training was given. One of the reasons to write about a freeware model could be that it offers a highly realistic model with lots of features, a great looking cockpit and many more of those things. That’s one of the main reasons to choose this freeware aircraft and dig into it and hopefully I will come to the conclusion that it really offers a great piece of software. Enough about this, let’s start with it! The “real” Tupolev Tu-154M Before starting with this great Russian airplane, I think it’s a good idea that Andrey N. Tupolev introduces himself. Andrey N. Tupolev - one of the greatest aircraft designers of the 20th century was born on the 10th of November, 1888 near city of Kimry. He finished school in city of Tver, graduated from Moscow Higher Technical School, became a student and a companion of N. Zhukovskiy - a “father of Russian aviation”.
Due to his activities, our country obtained powerful strategic aircraft which made it possible in post-war period to restore balance in “cold war” and to prevent world nuclear war. Under his leadership excellent military and passenger aircraft of different purposes were built which mostly defined tendencies in world aviation of the 20th century. A.N. Tupolev was elected as an actual member of Academy of Science of the USSR, honorary member of UK Royal Aeronautic Society and US Institute of Aeronautics and space. He was awarded with premium and golden medals named after Zhukovskiy, with six governmental premiums, the highest prize of International Aviation Sport Federation. He was thrice awarded with name of Hero of Socialist Labor and with the highest medals of the Soviet Union. He did so much that his name entered for ever the golden fund of technical progress. After A.N. Tupolev’s death the most powerful creative collective of aircraft builders was left. He managed to do so much mostly due to his brilliant human qualities. The Tupolev Tu-154 (Russian: ??????? ??-154) is a Soviet medium-range Tri-jet airliner similar to the Boeing 727. It was the mainstay of Soviet airlines for several decades and carried about half, or approximately 137 million, of the passengers flown by Aeroflot and its subsidiaries during that time. The aircraft has been exported to and operated by at least 17 foreign airlines. It remains the standard airliner for domestic routes in Russia and other states of the former Soviet Union, and to a lesser extent in eastern Europe. The Tu-154 is designed to handle unpaved and gravel airfields, and often operates in extreme Arctic conditions. The Tu-154 is powered by three rear-mounted low-bypass turbofan engines arranged similarly to those of the Boeing 727, and is slightly larger than its American counterpart. The original model had Kuznetsov NK-8-2 engines, while the Tu-154M has Soloviev D-30KU-154s. All Tu-154 aircraft models have a higher thrust-to-weight ratio than that of the 727 – this gives them superior performance, although at the expense of poorer fuel efficiency, which became an important factor in later decades as fuel costs grew. The cabin of the Tu-154, although of the same six-abreast seating layout, gives the impression of an oval interior, with a lower ceiling than is common on western airliners (Boeing or Airbus). The passenger doors are also smaller than on the Tu-154's western counterparts. Furthermore, luggage space in the overhead compartments is very limited. Like the Tupolev Tu-134, the Tu-154 has a swept back wing at 35 degrees at the quarter-chord line. The British Hawker Sidderley Trident has the same sweepback angle, while the Boeing 727 has a slightly smaller sweepback angle of 32 degrees. Like many other Soviet-built airliners, the Tu-154 has an oversized landing gear enabling it to land on unpaved runways, once common in rural areas of the Soviet Union. The aircraft has two six-wheel main bogies fitted with large low-pressure tires that retract into pods extending from the trailing edges of the wings (a common Tupolev feature), plus a two-wheel nose gear unit. Soft oleo struts (shock absorbers) provide a much smoother ride on bumpy airfields than Western airliners, which only very rarely operate on such poor surfaces. The passenger cabin accommodates 128 passengers in two-class layout and 164 passengers in single-class layout, and up to 180 passengers in high-density layout. The layout can be modified to what is called a winterized version where some seats are taken out and a wardrobe is installed for passenger coats. The original requirement was to have a 3 man flight crew - Captain, First Officer and Flight Engineer - as opposed to 4 or 5 mans crew on other Soviet airliners. However, a fourth crew member, a navigator, is usually also present, at least in the former Soviet Union, due to the union rules. Navigators are no longer trained and this profession will become obsolete with the retirement of older Soviet planes. The plane's avionics suite, for the first time in the Soviet Union, is built to Western airworthiness standards. It includes an NVU-B3 Doppler navigation system, a triple autopilot, which provides an automatic ILS approach according to ICAO category II weather minima, an auto throttle, a Doppler drift and speed measure system (DISS), "Kurs-MP" radio navigation suite and others. Modern upgrades normally include a TCAS, GPS and other modern systems, mostly Western-made. Early versions of the Tu-154 cannot be modified to meet the current Stage III noise regulations and are banned from flying where those regulations are in force, such as Europe. The Tu-154M may use hush kits to meet Stage III and theoretically Stage IV however current European Union regulations forbid the use of hush kits to meet Stage IV. The Tu-154M would need to be re-engined to meet Stage IV within the EU, an extensive and potentially expensive upgrade. Tu-154 production started in 1970, while the first passenger flight was performed on 9 February 1972. Powered by Kuznetsov NK-8-2 turbofans, it carried 164 passengers. About 42 were built. The first upgraded version of the original Tu-154, the A model in production since 1974, added centre-section fuel tanks and more emergency exits, while the engines were upgraded to a higher-thrust Kuznetsov NK-8-2U. Other upgrades include automatic flaps/slats and stabilizer controls and modified avionics. Maximum take-off weight is 94,000 kg. There were 15 different interior layouts for the different domestic and international customers of the airplane, with seating between 144 and 152 passengers. The easiest way to tell the A model from the base model is by looking at the spike at the junction of the fin and tail; this is a fat bullet on the A model rather than a slender spike on the base model. As the original Tu-154 and Tu-154A suffered wing cracks after only a few years in service, a version with a new, stronger wing, designated Tu-154B, went into production in 1975. It also had an extra fuel tank in fuselage, extra emergency exits in the tail, and the maximum take-off weight grew to 98 tons. Also important to Aeroflot was that the increased passenger capacity led to lower operating costs. As long as the airplane had the NK-8-2U engines the only way to improve the economics of the airplane was to spread costs across more seats. The autopilot was certified for ICAO Category II automatic approaches. Most previously built Tu-154 and Tu-154A were also modified into this variant, with the replacement of the wing. Maximum take-off weight increased to 96,000 kg. 111 were built. Tail numbers ran from 85120 to 85225.
The Tu-154M is the deeply upgraded version, which first flew in 1982 and entered mass production in 1984. It uses more fuel-efficient Soloviev D-30KU-154 turbofans. Together with significant aerodynamic refinement, this led to much lower fuel consumption and therefore longer range, as well as lower operating costs. The aircraft has new double-slotted (instead of triple-slotted) flaps, with an extra 36-degree position (in addition to existing 15, 28 and 45-degree positions on older versions), which allows reduction of noise on approach. It also has a relocated auxiliary power unit and numerous other improvements. Manufacture continued through 2006. Maximum take-off weight increased first to 100,000 kg, then to 102,000 kg. Some aircraft are certified to 104,000 kg. Tail numbers are 85616 (prototype), production aircraft from 85606 and on (except 85804, which is re-imported Tu-154B-2). About 320 were manufactured. Production ended in 2006. No new airframes have been built since the early 1990s, and production since then has involved assembling airplanes from components on hand. This is the most widely used version in the former Soviet states. Ok, it’s now time to move on. It’s time to meet the simulated Tu-154M from the FS Pro Team! Installation and documentation Installation The automatic installer is straightforward. No complicated questions, no online activation and any of those things. Even the correct FS2004 directory is found, which is not that complicated since the Windows Registry offers the exact information. The FS Pro Team made it very clear but in case you haven’t seen it, the Tu-154M is only available for FS2004 and not for FSX. Stated very clearly with lots of arguments, there will be no FSX version and that’s the end of discussion, like it or not! Remember, when it is a payware product you could complain and have your thoughts about it. Since we’re dealing with a freeware product we can’t say anything and looking to those arguments, I think they have good points. Back to our installer which is by the way, already finished installing the 154M with two liveries. Other liveries are available on the FS Pro Team website but many more can be downloaded from – of course – AVSIM.Com and AVSIM R US (no affiliation).
Apart of the basic Tu-154M installation with some liveries, you will find some shortcuts under the Start button. You get them via Project Tupolev Tu-154M for MS FS2004 -> Utilities. The offered programs or control panel are: - Load
Manager Tu-154M - NVU
Calculator 5.1.0 Installer - OSC
PT 154 Installer Anything more? No, except for the installed manuals, but that will be discussed right away. Documentation As expected, some of the manuals are offered in the Russian language, but luckily for all of those who can’t read Russian there’s a comprehensive and didactically written manual in English. I’m talking here about the “manual Tu-154M” Acrobat file. All the things you need to know can be found here but one very important item; you really need to read this manual! It’s up to you if you read it via your PC screen or just for own convenience print it out. Watch out, it’s 262 pages long! Why is it so important to read the manual before and also read it during one of the many hours you’re going to spend in the cockpit? The reason to read the manual is because this FS2004 add-on model is, as far as I can judge and after reading the forum, unbelievably well simulated. Since all the placards, text, words etc. are in Russian, you and I can’t just look around and think this is this and that is that .. oops! After
spending so many hours in a lot of Western and American planes
as a licensed ground engineer, I do recognize lots of systems in
the Tupolev and looking at the gauges or instruments tells me most
of what it could be. However, there are lots of other switches
I have no clue what it is and then there’s something else,
not always are the switches and/or instruments mounted in the same “expected” location
as in Western aircraft, which makes the guess even more difficult.
Anyway, read the manual and you will have lots of fun with this
Tupolev Tu-154M. - I think it’s a Russian Operations manual (ÐËÝ Òó-154Ì.pdf), simply because I can’t read it and most of us can’t. Although I can’t read it, it’s still 257 pages! - Second Russian manual (Îïèñàíèå Òó-154Ì.pdf). It seems that this have something to do with system and panel description. It’s just 44 pages thick. - Here we go; the first English manual (Manual Tu-154M.pdf).This manual covers the following comprehensive chapters; Installation, General- and Detailed panel/system description, two flight tutorials, system startup and quick setup, how to navigate with the Tupolev and an appendix. - Two readme – English and Russian - Word documents. They deal with some background information of this version 2.02 Tu-154M as well as some tips and tricks. This is it but it's more then enough. The previously discussed English Tu-154M manual is a nice, didactical and comprehensive written book with lots of examples of how to handle the aircraft. Included are two flight tutorials and very important for some of us, the quick startup procedures. Forget the “quick” since there’s still a need to read and practice, but there’s more and this “more” can be found on the FS Pro Team website. Ok, what do they offer for rooky Tu-154M pilots? For this we need to dig into the Support forum and to be exact, you need to follow this link. This link guides you to some video movies. Very handy but I’ll warn you, the biggest one is 81Mb and since I’m not a Rapid Share member, the download takes a little longer then normal. Anyways, very nice and handy *.wmv video format films. More information about other Tupolev features can be found via this English Pro Team forum link. External model Where should I start discussing or criticize the external model? There’s no need for this. The external model with all its details and I also mean “tiny” details, looks awesome. I know, it’s very easy to write this down but believe me, it really is. The following screenshots are taken at Domodedovo, one of the major Moscow airports. I had a close look at the model from a certain distance but also some close-up shots. Even with the close up ones, there’s still a lot to see with enough tiny details. Let’s give you some examples; the main and nose landing gear. Even at the nose gear wires or hydraulic lines are visible. The main gear looks very strange with the three wheels behind each other – these days we will find this also on the Boeing 777 – but it seems to me that every component is simulated, within the FS9 limitations of course. It could be that I’m wrong, but the offered basic livery of Siberia Airlines or known as “S7”, is still the old color scheme. These days some or probably all Siberia aircrafts have been repainted into a “frog color jacket”. No, it’s not a frog but the fresh light green color with some yellow and red in between which looks like a frog, which is of course free of charge via the Fs Pro Team and AVSIM R US websites. By the way, what’s also well simulated or painted I should say, is the dirt on the tail area around the engines and the “simulated” grease behind the rudder and other places I didn’t mention or haven’t seen.
Is there nothing wrong or anything else to find? Probably there is but it’s not that easy to find. First of all because I don’t have the possibility to complete a real walk-around the Tu-154M and secondly, don’t forget it’s a freeware model. At the same time while writing this I must conclude that the overall quality of the model reflects the same or even a higher quality than some add-on payware models, so these guys did a great job! Virtual cabin/cargo compartments and animations This will be a very short chapter, although it depends on what you expect, what you want to see and if it has your interest. As written in most of my reviews, I’m not so interested in having nice looking cabins and cargo compartments unless the cockpit or flight deck is state of the art. Here the available cockpits are looking good and very realistic as far as I can judge, but there’s no virtual cabin, except for the very small cabin area related to the movable passenger doors. The lower cargo compartments are, when the doors are opened, simulated but I doubt this offers the real side wall panels and ceiling as in the real Tupolev. Does this mean it disappoints me? Absolutely not since it’s not on my priority list. What else is more animated? When active or selected; engine inlet covers – looking very realistic – and wheel blocks, pitot covers with red flags. Related to the aircraft model itself there are lots of things and during a thorough walk around check at EDDF, I lowered the flaps and slats and shot some pictures. Impressive to be honest. Even if the slats and flaps are down, there are still lots of details visible, like the slat tracks or flap spindles. Have a look for yourself, while I’m enjoying the great Aeroflot painting.
Overall conclusion of the quality of the external model, animations and virtual cabin and cargo compartments; very good and can compete with many payware models and certain components are even of a higher quality. Available cockpits 2D Cockpit Normally a 2D cockpit doesn’t offer anything more then a few sub-panels however, this Pro Team Tupolev offers lots of panels and before you know it you’re lost. Not completely true as long as you follow the manual. Don’t try to figure things out yourself unless you can read Russian. I can’t so therefore I need to follow the manual step–by-step. Even with my long real aviation maintenance experience, I’m lost in this aircraft. Certain instruments look familiar to me because of the instrument look and its lay-out, but others like light switches or even connecting APU or External Power, is suddenly more difficult since I don’t understand what’s written on the panel itself. The freeware Tupolev Tu-154M offers a lot of sub-panels and although I’m not able to show you them all, find here some screenshots of what can be selected. I need to write it again and again; please print out the manuals and read them carefully and take your time! You really need to do this since the aircraft systems are very well simulated thus the aircraft is pretty complicated. I wrote it before and it’s also applicable for me, when Russian is not your native language, you’re lost in the cockpit with all those Russian signs and inscriptions, so they made this wonderful 263 pages manual for all those who can’t speak and understand Russian! First let’s have a look at these screenshots, showing you the main instrument panel and many sub-panels including the ones from the flight engineer. Is there no co-pilot’s panel? No, that’s indeed missing and the Pro Team must have a good reason for that.
With the manuals in my hand I’m able to run literarily through the cockpit and find my way. Does it look realistic and are digitalized images used to create this cockpit? As far as I can judge, no digitalized images are used but on the other hand, the kind of sea green/blue panel paint is simulating a mat surface and so the choice of doing it in this way works perfectly and no digitalized images are needed. Surfing on Airliners.Net tells me that this green painting is not the only configuration which exists. I’ve seen a kind of light blue, dark blue and even light grey. Also, the gauges or instrument lay-out is not always the same. Even here differences can be found and thus the Pro Team instrument lay-out is based on “a” particular version. This is not strange since that’s always the case with simulated cockpits. There’s never a cockpit over the years of an aircraft which is and stays the same. Personal airline wishes are always implemented which result in different equipment and locations. By the way, the light grey cockpit seems to be showing a totally modernized lay-out. There’s no need to add screenshots here since those pictures are easily found on Airliners.Net and have nothing to do with the simulated Pro Team model. The old fashioned ADI (Attitude Direction Indicator) and HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator) are still there but for example, the weather radar is replaced by a modern version; a kind of FMS is installed (not sure if this is the correct name) or at least I see two (m)CDUs; one on the main instrument panel and one on the pedestal. The separate AP LATERAL. AP VERTICAL and AT (Auto Throttle) control panels are still on the same location. The flight engineer panel looks for me so far the same. Ok, just to give you the idea that modern technique is implemented here as well. Ok, back to the “Pro Team Tu-154M” configuration. Unlike with other flight simulator vendors, the pedestal is created in a different way. You won’t find a complete pedestal as with others, no, you will find a divided pedestal in two parts and when requested, it’s nicely repositioned on the main instrument panel. It’s a different way of presenting the pedestal. Nothing wrong with that. As you can see on the screenshots, not only the pedestal but many other panels are different then we’re used – sorry for the words – with Western airplanes. Different means that certain controls are re-positioned to another location like, for example, the FLAP/SLAT selector, stabilizer trim and GEAR handle, which are located on – let’s say – the glare shield panel. That the AP is divided into a separate lateral and vertical mode control panel is not strange since older Western planes had the same. Remember, don’t compare this Tu-154M with an Airbus A320, 737NG, 777, 747-400, MD-11 or Fokker 100 or whatever. It’s basically an older model with old fashioned systems and instruments, the same as we had in the Western world with older planes. Most important is the way the 2D cockpit is made and that looks very good or should I write “highly realistic”? That I can’t read anything of all the letters, I can live with that and at the same time I do see this as a challenge to learn the complicated Russian language. Conclusion; well drawn, created, simulated panels, system and instruments! Virtual Cockpit Based on the available gauge programming, the Virtual Cockpit looks good! Ok, sometimes it seems to me that there’s a possible 3D effect on the sidewalls, the window struts are missing or that it offers a cartoonish look. Is that fair? Yes and no. It’s my personal opinion and feeling, but on the other hand I know that the matt paint reflects an unrealistic look, while the real cockpit looks the same and that means that it looks good. Confused again! No, I’m not and after carefully studying the following screenshots, it tells me that every detail can be found here as well. The instruments look sharp even from close-up, the ADI sphere offers a kind of 3D effect, and as far as I’ve seen and tested, all instruments, switches, knobs etc. are working, even the flight engineer panel. What’s
a little less and without any depth are the flight engineer’s
and third (behind the pedestal) seat supports. At some locations
digitized images are used with the standard consequences of it.
While some images are nice and realistic, others look unrealistic
and blurry.
Apart from my critical look, I’m very enthusiastic about the simulated aircraft systems including the “door open/close simulations, which is bound to the pressurization system”, thus the normal Shift+E doesn’t work. I’m happy with the “custom autopilot, which is designed for this Tu-154M; with its sophisticated features such as authentic nose wheel steering modes, delay of airplane device reaction, trimming, reverse thrust and AP/AT handling including the Go-Around Mode can be introduced”. For this a special procedure is created while the joystick device gets access/inputs via DirectInput instead of API functions, with the benefit to increase the quantity of axis and control buttons. Because of this, a special calibration window is created which can be requested via the Pro Team menu within the 2D cockpit. I tried and followed this procedure for my Saitek Pro Flight components and although it seems to be a difficult procedure, it’s well explained in the manual starting at page 36 up to page 40. With this and many other VC items, I’m happy and thus forgetting the sometimes cartoonish look of certain components, in my personal opinion. Does it belong here; the available FPS? Yes, I think so and those are very good within FS9, keeping in mind the level of programming. Ok, this aircraft doesn’t have complicated EFIS, ECAM, EICAS, EADI, EHSI, INS, IRS or a FMC to simulate but on the other hand, it offers very detailed old fashioned instruments, a complete functional flight engineer panel, and thorough system simulations. One last word about the FPS. Remember one thing, which is not that strange compared to other add-on products; when undocking the overhead panel and the flight engineer panel, it will reduce the available frames and not by a little to be honest. A drop of around 5 FPS is the result of having too many additional panels open. Flight Dynamics
Now it’s time to fire up the whole aircraft by following the step-by-step procedure of “plane and panel setup”. I write “step-by-step” procedure on purpose. The manual helps you to start the APU and engines as well as pressurizing the aircraft and a few other things that needs to be done but remember, you need to do this by carefully reading these pages. It’s better or more convenient when you print them out, but that’s up to yourself. Anyways, don’t run through the pages otherwise you’ll be lost. Lost because the ground and cockpit crew voices are all in Russian and when you don’t understand that like me, you’ve got no idea what they are saying. Furthermore, carefully following the steps is needed because of the complexity of this aircraft and its designed systems. In normal English this means; it’s behaving like a real aircraft. Ok, after performing all the steps of this sub-chapter, my engines are running and the systems are operative so it’s time to go on with the next part, which is the setup of the remaining panels, instruments and systems. These pages go a little better although it’s still a wrestling party. All those Russian words which I don’t understand, I’m not used to this but again, see it as a challenge. We’re finally ready with all the preparations and cleared for pushback and taxi to runway 25L at EDDF. Since I’ve “trained” my Saitek pedals with the Tu-154M, I’m wondering if this works. It works great, that’s what I can tell you. We’ve said bye-bye to the ground personal and here we go. Our parking spot – V111 – is very close to runway 25L. Runway 25R was even closer, but for some reason we didn’t get this approval. Anyway, a little taxiing is nice and feels good. I don’t feel, or hear the rumbling noise of the taxi lights in the middle of the taxiway, but I can live with this. While arriving at the holding point of 25L I’ll take enough time to check everything. Normally it isn’t that complicated but here I need to re-check every item with the book. Before
I know it, I’m cleared for takeoff but oops, I forget something.
I need to reduce the nose wheel steering from 63° to 10° via
a switch on the LH lower part of the overhead panel, visible via
the main instrument panel. And guess what, it works! The nose wheel
steering is dramatically reduced during the takeoff roll. I know,
it’s just a simple action but its simulated and dammed good! By the way, very strange and at the same time impressive how the main gear is retracted into the specially designed areas, not like with most Western aircraft into the center fuselage but as said before mounted in the wings, in a wing canoe area. The FD bars are normally out of view during the whole flight and are only used during ILS guidance; is it strange? Compared to what we’re used to, yes it is but when you’re used to Russian planes and procedures, it’s normal. Again something learned because that’s really the last thing I expected! Steady and gracefully the Tupolev is climbing to our cruising altitude and since I haven’t real ATC, I can climb to any level I want. I’ve chosen 11.100 meters (page 243 of the Tu-154M manual). Oops, you’re lost? I’m sorry but within the Russian airspace we don’t work with feet, inches and PSI. All what is used is according to the ISA Standards and that means meters instead of feet. Ok, for all the others; 11.100 meters equals around 36.400 feet. By the way, when you want to fly the aircraft, keep this in mind. You can forget all those things you know from Western airplanes since Russian models use their own standards and for a good reason.
While climbing I decide to fly by hand and not connect the AP. Nice but it means a lot of things to check like my IAS speed, VS of the aircraft and many other things. One thing that immediately can be seen is the way things are made. Although all kinds of tiny external details are created, all kind of performance items are also very well simulate like, for example, the engine RPM increase/decrease. That’s unbelievably realistic – read spooling up and down and that’s even the case when you use the F1, F2, F3 or F4 keyboard buttons. This is also applicable for the spoilers extend/retract command. Suppose you use the keyboard command “/”, even then the spoiler panels move slowly UP or DOWN and not as seen with many other freeware and payware models, boom UP and boom DOWN! This
is just an example of the many “special homemade” features.
It’s really great flying this model and reviewing it although
it cost a lot of time mastering it. Don’t think you can fly
right away after the installation process is finished. Forget it;
PERIOD OUT! This freeware model is simulated at a very high level
with many “things” and because of all those “things” you
can’t use regular MSFS commands to get it running. Because
of this and the Russian cockpit inscriptions, you need to read
a lot before getting an idea how this baby works. Is it then a
nightmare to master it? In the meantime, we’ve reached our cruising altitude and playtime is over. It’s now time to connect the AP and separate AT unit, which costs me also a few moments to understand how all this works. Altogether, impressive! The flight time to UNNT (Novosibirsk Tolmachevo International) is around 5 hours, depending of course on many other things, which gives me the time to look around in the VC and of course, outside, which is for this occasion the green colored S7 livery.
For the last part of the flight I’ve decided to fly the Tupolev manually. Not that easy by the way but the AP is so complicated that it needs a lot of practice to understand how it works but more important, that you can fly with it. The manual offers enough information on how to master this Russian AP and separate AT, so I guess I’m the problem. Is it then that I’m not able to understand this AP and how to use it? No, that’s not true but thinking of how an old Western AP works comparing with this version, that’s something you can forget. Mainly I think because of the Russian language everything on the AP and AT panels is abracadabra for me. Whatever, we’re descending to an altitude of 1000 meters, while coming close to UNNT. There are some clouds but in between them I can see the airport and lucky for me, the ground as well. I can’t say it enough; the simulated freeware Tupolev doesn’t fly at all like the default FS9 ones. No, instead of that it flies like a real aircraft. I have to admit that I really don’t know how a real Tu-154M flies, but this replica gives me a very realistic feeling.
The final approach – flown by hand – goes pretty good. Ok, I’m a little off track from the center line but I can manage that. Together with virtual visitors who made the necessary screenshots for me, I’ll taxi towards the apron. We’re not allowed to park at one of the gates but that doesn’t interest me. We made it! I didn’t use all the navigation, AP and AT systems because flying by hand is sometimes nice and also because of the complexity of the navigation systems. Don’t worry; the manuals, tutorials etc. should give you more then enough information and when you’re not happy or still can’t follow it, there’s the FS Pro Team forum. There’s always somebody who is able and willing to help you. What else can I write about my flight experience with the Tupolev Tu-154M? I’m impressed and not only about the flight dynamics, but I’m also impressed about its tiny external and internal (cockpit) details. Sound Normally I’ve got a good idea of the recorded sounds from the engines, APU, cockpit environment and others. Although I’ve flown in the Tupolev Tu-154M, I can’t remember all of that. Looking back to the Tupolev model including the available cockpits, I think I can truly say that every recorded piece of sound equals the real one. I know, I’m not sure about this statement but since every part / component of this aircraft is made with so much love, I think just as much love was put into the recorded sounds as well. Apart of the aircraft sound, it’s also nice that they included voices from the cockpit crew and ground personal, to make at “just” a little more realistic then it is already. The only problem for me is that I’ve got no idea where those guys are talking about! Summary / Closing Remarks Ok, let’s start with the price. This download product cost you €0.00, which equals I believe 0.00 US$. You’re right it’s a free downloadable product! The offered quality, animations, eye for details and manuals and whatever else I’ve forgotten could be compared with payware models. Although you’ve got a hard time reading all the manuals because the whole cockpit is full of Russian characters, it’s still a huge challenge to just go for it. Normally I prefer payware products but this time I decided to go for this awesome freeware Russian model. I’m impressed and not because its freeware. I’m really impressed that many aircraft systems are simulated, even the flight engineer panel. It sounds so logical; do this, simulate that, and combine that all together, but it isn’t. If it was that easy, then many payware add-on models could create the same high level simulation. Ok, the recently released PMDG MD-11 is also a great product but that’s not for free. Anyway, the simulated Tu-154M is a nice plane to fly, for short and longer distances and hopefully this Pro Team group comes out with a new model, perhaps a Airbus A310-200/300? I know, that’s not a Russian aircraft but it would be great when there’s a freeware developer who’s able to simulate a great Airbus aircraft with the same level of detail as this Tu-154M. What else to say about this great FS Pro Team product? I don’t know. Does it mean there’s nothing wrong with the aircraft or the aircraft systems do not operate as the real aircraft? That’s difficult for me to answer. First of all because a developer will never say which systems aren’t simulated, secondly I can’t read Russian, which means I have to accept that all the signs, letters, words etc. on the panels are correct and lastly, I don’t know the technical details of the aircraft apart of the offered manuals. While writing this I do have the idea that many aircraft systems, including the navigation equipment, is simulated to give the flight simmer the “as real as it gets” feeling. Does it mean I covered every detail of this aircraft? I know for sure that I missed certain parts but the general impression is that I covered many parts. No, I didn’t go into the complicated navigation systems or other simulated aircraft systems but this review should get your attention and you need to see it as a challenge to try it out. Believe me, when you download and install this software, you will become an enthusiastic Tupolev pilot too. Probably there’s one item to warn you about. If you think you can install it, switch on the systems without reading the manuals and fly away, then this is not the airplane you’re looking for unless you’re a Tu-154M pilot and/or flight engineer. Altogether, I think when you see it as a challenge to learn something new, then you’ve found a great FS9 add-on aircraft and with this in mind and looking to all the details, I think the FS Pro Team members and others have done a great job. |
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