Introduction:

Back in 2005, Avsim reviewed the then current version of RealAir’s SF-260.  Even with FS2004’s limitations, the SF-260 was able to receive the coveted Avsim Gold Medal for Excellence, with a 5 Star review score.  Since then, the entire aircraft has been remade from the ground up, mainly updates to take advantage of FSX’s enhanced features.  Rather than completely reviewing the SF-260 again, I will focus on what has been updated and on my impression of the SF-260 for FSX.  

What’s New

First off, the RealAir SF-260 for FSX is not a port-over model, but a completely new one designed from the ground up.  It is, however, very similar to the FS2004 model though, but has been improved to take advantage of some of FSX’s finer features such as 3D gauges, and bump-mapping.  The RealAir SF-260’s completely new model also contains a 100% new virtual cockpit.  There were no problems with the old VC, but the few small changes that were made enhance the realism exponentially, namely the click and drag operation of the radios, switches, and dials.  Looking towards my 3 O'clock from the all new VC, the amazing realism provided by FSX Bump-mapping on the wing became apparent.  I nearly crashed because I was riveted (no pun intended) to the detail of the panel lines and rivets.  After that vNDE (Virtual Near Death Experience) I saved my inspections for the ramp, safely on the ground during preflight.  Some of the other minor, but stunning improvements are the enhanced sound-set, and the wingtip smoke.  I cannot help but think how much better this product could potentially get in the future, by the time FS12 comes out you will probably not be able to tell the difference between this SF-260 and the real deal!        

 What’s Not

Some of the RealAir SF-260’s other features could not have been improved and were copied over to the new edition, namely the stall buffeting, torque effects, and the active pilot.  I found the buffeting to be an interesting, helpful, and extremely realistic feature.  When you use abrupt, high travel elevator movements, the SF-260, true to form thanks to its razor thin wing, has a small buffet, and begins to stall.  The buffet and stall are signified by an audible stall horn, a jolt to the airframe, and a rattling sound.  If you see/hear the buffet sequence, BACK OFF THE ELEVATOR!!!  I un-intentionally spun this aircraft many times pushing the limits as I learned to fly it.  Adding to the realism from the outside is the active pilot, who not only looks where you are going, but also scans the sky for traffic repeatedly.  An issue that I have had with many simulated aircraft dating from FS98 up to present day is that they pull to one side of the other from prop torque on takeoff, to a degree that is absolutely unrealistic.  I am pleased to say that the FDE experts have cured this problem.  The amount of things on the SF-260 that did not have to be changed speaks volumes to me about RealAir’s commitment to quality products.

Interior

While reinventing the SF-260 model for FSX, the boys over at RealAir did a decent job of providing a good looking interior, while preserving frame rates.  While the VC is not overly detailed, subtle texturing, 3D gauges, an amazing looking canopy, and the ability to look out over the drop dead gorgeous bump mapped wings provides a realistic experience that is second to none.  I like the approach that RealAir took, in that they did an outstanding job on the important parts of the cockpit (Gauges, Radios) and preserved frame rates by limiting the polygon count on the less important parts (who needs perfectly circular switches anyway).  Personally, I will take the extra 4 or 5 frames per second over 3D seatbelt buckles and moving armrests.  That said; the textures on the SF-260 cockpit give it a bit of sterile cockpit feel, which is probably a bit unrealistic considering that most SF-260s are at least 10 years old.  The RealAir team seemed to focus on the area directly in front of the pilot to focus the computer resources, as the seats and area behind the pilot are a bit blocky, and the entire cockpit below the panel seems to be less detailed than it could have been, but I really cannot complain as I was too busy looking straight ahead and flying the plane.  It is worth noting that the SF-260 was designed as a military trainer and, by nature, has a simple, but adequate cockpit, which is most likely well maintained and mostly free of paint chips and other defects.

Exterior

The exterior of the RealAir SF-260 for FS2004 was a great representation of the real Siai Marchetti product, and the FSX version has only gotten better!  The model has been created exclusively for FSX, but, I cannot see many differences between the FSX and FS2004 versions.  I do not know for sure, but I believe that the majority of the improvements for the SF-260 came in the form of FSX textures, bump-mapping, and other lighting effects.  The SF-260 comes with nine amazing liveries, all with left and right cockpit seat configurations.  They cover a broad variety of military and civilian operators from the famous yellow Belgian trainers with the shark mouth, to the gunship gray camouflage of the Air Combat USA “fighters”.  All the liveries are nearly identical to the FS2004 versions, but with the addition of FSX’s lighting effects the liveries seem to jump off the screen.  All the usual animations were present, including flight control surfaces, landing gear, flaps, and opening/closing canopy.  The model successfully captures the SF-260’s unique look, feel, and shape, and just like the real thing, looks good from all angles.    

Panels

Like nearly every side by side military trainer, the SF-260 is flown from the right seat as there is a single set of throttles mounted in the center, and this is the most realistic position for a future “jet jock” to be seated.  (Left hand throttles, right hand stick)  Though I have had some right seat FS experience, I have nearly my entire virtual pilot career from the left (or front) seat.  Being a left seat pilot, it took me a bit of time to get used to the sight picture from the cockpit of the SF-260 for ground operations, and I was quite a way from the centerline for my first few takeoffs, landings, and taxiing around the airport.  My guess is that some real SF-260 owners also had this problem, as RealAir modeled a left seat version of the SF-260 for the first time.  I flew the left seat version later on, but I preferred the authentic military trainer seating arrangement and went back to the right seat after less than an hour of stick time.  The cockpit is well equipped with all the bells and whistles necessary for successful IFR flight.  RealAir did a great job of replicating the SF-260’s radio stack and autopilot, which I can tell you from personal experience (though not in an SF-260), are very accurate.  RealAir just about did away with the 2D cockpits for the SF-260, and instead uses set VC views that cannot be panned around, thus creating the 2D panel effect without actually having a 2D panel.  The old FS2004 2D panels have been included in the package and modified to run the FSX gauges, but can only be activated using the RealAir Configuration Panel.    

Documentation and Config Panel

The RealAir team has included a very thorough set of documents.  The documentation comes in the form of three PDF files: A General Guide, Checklists, and an Autopilot manual.  All three cover the operation of the aircraft, from simulation settings up through landings and advanced maneuvers.  RealAir also included a configuration utility (RealAir Config Panel) that allows you to view any of the manuals, install any patches/updated direct from RealAir, display the alternate 2D panels, adjust buffet strength, or visit the RealAir site.  I found this panel useful as I could just open it up and find the document that I needed rather than messing around searching my hard drive for the location of the manuals.  

Flying Qualities

RealAir has built a reputation on creating realistic and fun flight dynamics packages, and I am glad to say that the SF-260 is no exception.  It handles beautifully in all conceivable ways, as does the real thing!  The SF-260 is much more than a high performance aerobatics machine though, as its high cruise speed and full compliment of IFR equipment makes for a great cross country flying experience as well.  The control harmony of the SF-260 allows for impressive and smooth aerobatics, but when using small stick motions, it is also an incredibly stable cruising machine.  The SF-260 is definitely has strong aerobatic capabilities, and is flown my numerous civilian flight teams as well as military training wings, but it lacks the excess power and ultra rapid response handling of say, an Edge 540 (or any other unlimited category aerobatics aircraft), and should not be treated as such.  I found this out the hard way with a virtual death while attempting a lap of the Red Bull Air Race Detroit track.  Despite its great control harmony and fighter-like (Well, for a GA aircraft anyway) handling qualities, the RealAir SF-260 has the same drawbacks of the real aircraft:  Stalls.  Just like in reality, the SF-260 is either “Flying, or Falling like a brick” due to the thin wing.  When too much elevator is applied, the result is almost always a stall, or if banked, a spin.  Intentional stalls and Spins are quite fun in the RealAir SF-260, thanks to the masterfully designed FDE.  It is the first aircraft that I have flown that accurately simulates a spin (And the proper technique for ending/recovering from a spin).  The major FDE/AIR update to the FSX version was a minor change that has the aircraft continuing the spin even when the stick is centered.  After shoving the stick into the panel and stomping on the opposite rudder, the SF-260 recovers like a champ, but be careful not to pull out of the dive too hard… 

General Impression

I found myself having so much fun flying the SF-260 that I neglected to follow my flight test plan, and ended up spinning repeatedly and performing aerobatics.  I lost myself in the SF-260 numerous times, which is the highest compliment that I can pay to any virtual aircraft.  The RealAir SF-260 provides a spectacular combination of eye-candy, frame rate friendliness, and, as far as I can tell, an FDE/Airfile that is as realistic as possible in FSX.  I would strongly recommend this aircraft to anyone interested in military trainers, aerobatic aircraft (though it is no Edge 540), or just a good all around GA plane that will get you wherever you want to go fast, and possibly with a few barrel rolls along the way.  Happy Spinning!