Introduction The age of plastic piston planes is firmly upon us. Starting around the turn of the millennium, these all-composite machines dropped out of the heavens and into our airports, challenging every conceivable notion of what a four-seat GA bird should be. Low, slow, and simple (relatively speaking, of course) went out the door as these next generation aircraft took the industry by storm, flying above 10,000 ft with ease at a surprisingly speedy clip while sporting gee-whiz gadgetry one thought only existed in the latest bizjets and commercial airliners. These advanced machines have firmly established themselves in our world, highly sought by many and selling like hotcakes. Eaglesoft, already well established in the MSFS aircraft add-on world with their highly respected line of bizjets, elected to take on one of the forerunners of this new world of piston singles - the Cirrus SR20-G2. This is their first foray into the realm of general aviation. Installation and Documentation The installer is available via download directly from Eaglesoft’s website, costing the user nothing until it is run. Utilizing the venerable Flight One Wrapper, I don’t think much has to be said about the basic installation of the package. Once the purchase has been completed, it pretty much self-installs directly to FS2004. It would be idiot-proof except for the fact that specific fonts must exist in Windows XP in order for the G2’s Avidyne MFDs to display all the goodies they are capable of. These six font types are sent in a zip file to the Eaglesoft Development folder, and must be moved to the OS’s FONT folder. Skip this step and your reward will be a lot of MFD pages missing a lot of data. The manual is a separate download via the Documentation page on the website, and details the cockpit systems and their operation. Within, there is no performance data or checklists present, but rest assured you’ll find them in sim. The Readme file also recommends the downloading of the real-world handbooks for both the SR-20 and the Avidyne systems at their respective websites. Believe me when I say that perusing these documents is worth the effort. Exterior Model The SR20 is a plane that is hard to mistake for anything else (except the SR22 that is). Her curvy decidedly modern lines truly stand out from the vast majority of the remaining GA community. And Eaglesoft has certainly done her justice in the modeling of her exterior. One only has to glance for a moment to recognize the effort on their part to get every aspect of this bird down pat. Basic shapes of the major components are spot on, and panel lines and rivets are subdued yet readily recognizable. But it’s the little things that you’ll spot here and there that truly stand out and make this package special. The RESCUE label below the pilot side window, the slightly less sharp but still legible sign on the external power receptacle door, flap hinge points… they’re all there. An especially dedicated panel exists that allows you to display all the eye candy of the aircraft, as is illustrated below.
Speed and style. All in one beautiful package. There are three primary visual variants of the G2 that are included in the add-on: FULL, LITE, and VC LITE. The latter two does away with either the VC or 2D realms respectively (a nice touch), while FULL holds on to both. Quite obviously, FULL is the way to go, but it is worth noting that out of three Eaglesoft products that I’ve owned so far, this was the first of them to have a noticeable impact on my system. In VC, with no traffic, fair weather and a locked setting of 25.0, the frames hummed along in the high 24’s, but had an occasional stutter down to the 17 – 18 range. Eaglesoft confirmed the complexity of this package is the reason for this hiccup (there’s a lot of processing going on with this puppy up and running). It did not detract from my overall enjoyment of flying the aircraft in FULL mode, but be advised that it does exist. The flipside is that I found that this glitch is nonexistent in the LITE version, blessed news for lower end systems. A
fourth variant also is included, geared towards owners of this package
demanding an even more faithful reproduction of their aircraft
of choice. Similar to
LITE in that a VC world does not exist, it is a special variant in which
we shall go into detail later.
Panels When it comes to an add-on aircraft’s 2D and VC panels, I’ve come to expect that one out-shadows the other. This was not the case in Eaglesoft’s SR20. Both are superior representations of the real things, both in appearance and general functionality.
Fine gee-whiz 2D gadgetry… in a Cirrus near you.
Prominent in either mode are the two Avidyne displays (a trio of backup flight instruments are provided, but trust me, you’ll hardly call upon for them). In 2D, clicking the upper half of the left one will bring up a slightly larger version of these twin screens for easier viewing. Not to say that it’s remotely difficult to make out the info in the standard panel, but it’s nice to have the option. Clicking the bottom half of either will bring up that associated MFD to full screen size, the ultimate in user friendly displays. Clicking the upper half of the right MFD brings up the standby engine gauge cluster with the right MFD still in sight. It’s not the easiest place to fly the plane from, but it was still nice that Eaglesoft covered all the bases. Rest assured that all the 2D panels are accessed via strategic click points in the 2D world, and in some cases through various Shift+Number key combos (dependant on visual model). Just to name a few, you get the throttle/fuel control pedestal, backup flight instruments, light and avionics controls, and the avionics stack (twin Garmin 430s, an STEC-55X Autopilot, and a Garmin GX-330 Transponder).
The VC at night. VC brings everything together into a seamless virtual world; any clickable items in the 2D panels are interactive here as well. The textures for the instruments are almost as good as the exterior model (the Avidynes are not as bright as in 2D and become a tad hard to read in daytime), and pilot perspective is correct. Given these traits, plus the facts that cockpit night lighting truly shines in this mode (no pun intended) and the immersion into the luxurious interior of this aircraft can only be experienced in full here, many simmers will find it hard to give in to going back to 2D. However, use of the 2D Avidyne displays is a great incentive; the SPECIAL FEATURES section explains why. The only major problem with both the 2D and VC panels is the trim position indicator. On the real SR-20, both aileron and elevator trim indications are read directly off the sidestick. In this add-on, these indications are for display purposes only – the only way to determine it is to point the mouse at the stick representation on the 2D avionics stack window and get the value via FS2004’s ‘tool tips’ (trying to get the same from the VC stick came up with nothing). As this effectively obliterates the forward view, it isn’t the most practical way of setting trim in flight. The other side of the coin is much brighter though – the default trim position on load up is fine enough for takeoff, and subsequent trimming by ‘feel’ was a breeze. Additionally, Eaglesoft states that a service patch shall address this issue sometime down the road. Airfile Coming a very close second to the winning aspect of Eaglesoft’s little gem was the airfile. Eaglesoft is very proud of the fact that real life Cirrus drivers were used in beta testing to hammer out the flying characteristics of their SR20. It really shows in the end product. If there’s any one thing that you should remember about the G2, it’s that it’s fast for its power rating and configuration (this particular Cirrus outdoes a Piper Arrow’s maximum speed by 11 KTS, doing so at 75% cruise AND with it’s gear still hanging in the wind) And fast she is! On the takeoff roll, she’s deceivingly slow in acceleration (although she’s no slouch either), but the magic hits home once she gets those mains off the ground. Rotating at 75 KIAS, she jumps off the asphalt, eagerly accelerating to the target speed of 85 KIAS for the initial climb, clawing for the heavens at 1,000 FPM. Flaps up and further acceleration to the recommended 105 KIAS (trim up… she’ll sink) yields a climb rate of approx 1,200 FPM. These figures hint at the performance advantage this plane possesses over most of its contemporaries, and Eaglesoft nailed it in their rendition. Flying a fixed piston single just got a whole lot more interesting.
Resisting the urge to go autopilot, as is usually done, I took the 20 upwards by hand. She’s extremely stable, easy on the stick (unlike the real thing, which requires a bit of forearm muscle), and wonderfully maneuverable. Eaglesoft was unable to model the combination throttle/prop control of the real Cirrus, so this in this one chore where you’ll have to set the RPM’s manually (oh well, I guess we can’t have everything). The G2 had no difficulty climbing to my intended altitude of 9,000 ft, the climb rate never dipping below 600 FPM. At altitude, the SR20 was happily zipping along at a ground speed of 147 KIAS. It’s somewhat surreal when you realize that all this speed is coming from 200 horses, but such is the clean aerodynamics of the planes from Cirrus. From a fixed gear, piston single standpoint, this is quite a feat – the SR20 actually gives many piston twins a run for their money. Speaking of speeds and clean aerodynamics, it was in the descent that I explored this plane’s outrageous VNe speed of 200 KIAS (overstress finally occurred at approximately 210 KIAS). Coming in for landing, you quickly find out how little those laminar flow wings contribute to lift at low speeds; anything less than 70 KIAS and the G2 will be itching to return to Earth. Below 60, and she’ll head downstairs, like it or not, in a stall; very close as compared to the figure in the standard SR20 POH (for some reason, the stall warning horn didn’t kick in until roughly 10 KTS later). It’s a fairly docile affair, but you’ll lose A LOT of altitude in the process. It is recommended that considerable power be maintained during the approach, all the way down to crossing the numbers, if you’re aiming for anything that resembles a decent landing. This translates to a high approach speed of 85 KIAS, even with full flaps, and a final of roughly 75 KIAS, quite the challenge at fields with very short runways. All I can say is what real life Cirrus pilots are told by their instructors- practice practice practice! On the ground, she’s no different than any other prop in the default library of aircraft. Eaglesoft’s model is maneuvered by the rudder controls despite the fact that the real SR20 features a castering nosewheel and is thus steered by differential braking. Purists may be quick to point this out, but for me, it’s a better option than using F11 and F12, which cannot emulate the precise braking pressure needed for smooth turns. A setting of roughly 1100 RPM will provide more than enough power to keep you going down the taxiway. Sound The sounds of Eaglesoft’s SR20 are true enough to form, although there isn’t a whole lot to listen for. Other than the engine, which sounds uncannily like a 200 HP Continental as heard through an ANR headset (required in a plane that is relatively loud for it’s output), the rest is simply a few beeps, thunks, and hums. That’s not a negative observation, though. There REALLY isn’t a whole lot to listen for in a Cirrus, and from the mild beep of the STEC being turned off to the subdued tones of flap extension, the sound suite is overall accurate. There are also a couple of noises in this plane that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in FS2004, as you’re about to find out. Special Features On the merits already covered, Eaglesoft’s SR20-G2 would have zero problem standing on it’s down two feet, but the company was not satisfied to leave well enough alone. Indeed, two features included as standard, and one optional, come together to make this excellent product even better. First is the trademark feature of a Cirrus aircraft - it’s integral airframe parachute (AKA – Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS)). I’m sure I’m not the only person who is interested in how Eaglesoft handled it’s representation in FS2004. While I have not personally experienced deploying this lifesaving device (and I hope I never do), there are photos and video of the event to reference. Compared to the test deployment info, the developers of this plane did a good job in emulating this very special and unique act. It takes four clicks of the mouse on the associated area to deploy CAPS – one to remove the cover, another to pull the safety pin, the third to arm, and fourth to go BOOM. Cutting the mixture and nosing up slightly, I bled my airspeed down to 80 KIAS, then ‘pulled’ the handle. The results were dramatic. A muffled explosion, followed by the distinct WHOOSH of a rocket sounded from the rear and the nose pitched up suddenly, perhaps 10-15 deg. An outside glance showed a panel pop off from the rear of the plane and the chute subsequently deploying in three distinct phases – tightly waded, unfurling, and fully deployed. The Cirrus slowed dramatically, finally ending up at near-zero airspeed and oscillating gently in the breeze, nose low as it descended (although the chute seemed to ‘lean-in’ towards the nose). It didn’t stop there, but I won’t spoil the rest of the sequence for you. Overall, it was a enjoyable piece of animation, highly entertaining, and one I’m sure many will delight in.
CAPS Deployments – Left is good, right is not. Be advised that the system does have it’s limitations. It likes calm winds, wings level, and a reserved amount of speed to ensure any measure of success – exceed any of these and you’ll see how bad BAD can get. I intentionally tested CAPS 10 KTS beyond the written limitations (135 KIAS), just to see how a failure goes. Four clicks and a BOOM, the familiar pitch up occurred as well as the zeroing of airspeed, but the chute did not tear free of the plane. Instead, the aircraft pitched, yawed, and rolled violently and uncontrollably, overstressing the airframe well before I got back to Terra Firma. Be advised that failures will happen, even with a picture perfect deployment in windy conditions, but if you’re out to buy this package solely for thrill of using the chute, you might want to check around for a skydiving simulator. Also included in the package, as previously mentioned, is a highly faithful reproduction of Avidyne Flight Displays. In my opinion the highlight of the package. Eaglesoft has gone over the top with these twin displays, and I seriously had to question reality as I delved into their inner workings. From the integral checklists of the individual phases of flight to the airport information window that you can call up to the primary flight display while enroute, these little screens are so true to form and function that even a former Cirrus Demo Pilot I showed them to was impressed by its accuracy. I could’ve easily mistaken my computer workstation for a Cirrus cockpit.
Be careful. Once you try Avidyne, you may never go back The vast majority of the functions in the real Avidyne made it into Eaglesoft’s little SR-20. In fact, the simulated unit is chocked full of so much info that you could easily pass an hour just exploring its menus. Performance charts, lean assist, TCAS, emergency checklists, the works! It even ties in with flight plans programmed into the Garmin 430S. Admittedly, not quite everything is modeled in this dynamic duo (terrain representation & airspace overview didn’t make it, I could never quite nail down some of the performance numbers, etc), but the remaining amount of functionality that did make it into these two panels makes it so close to the original that it’s eerie. Overall, this system could easily be the deciding factor in drawing a simmer to this plane (as it does a real pilot to the real deal). The last item – the optional one – is relegated exclusively to N430SR LITE, a courtesy to real world Cirrus pilots by Eaglesoft to make their SR20 as accurate as possible. The modeled twin 430's are not completely independent in operation (ie – two flight plans running simultaneously), nor can they be utilized to map out a flight plan (must be done in Flight Planner - other features, such as DIRECT TO and AIRPORT INFO/APPROACHES remain intact). The only way to get past this restriction is through the use of Reality XP’s Garmin 430 Add-On. True Cirrus aficionados wanting this functionality can meld the two products together, allowing for full use of the two GPS’s. Summary They don’t get any better than the SR20-G2. Eaglesoft went above and beyond on this release, going so far on modeling the specific systems and individual flying quirks of this machine that it blurs the line between an enjoyable recreation and a high fidelity simulation of the plane. Despite the minor FPS ‘stutter’, the faithfulness to the aircraft in question plus the excellent recreation of the Avidyne system makes this the finest Cirrus representation to date. In closing, if you’re on the lookout for an MSFS aircraft that is as real as it gets, the G2 fits the bill quite nicely. Reviewer’s Note – Special thanks to Ms. Drea Hindman, Flight Instructor and former Cirrus rep, for her assistance in reviewing key items of this package. |
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