I just downloaded Project Tupolev's Tu-154, but I've been trying to find some information on it with little avail. Their website says that the FSX version is still a beta version, but I couldn't find any information on what has been left out of this beta version. For instance, the radios in the VC don't seem to work, and there appears to be very little English documentation. Does anybody know how much of the beta 3 version is operational and if there's a good tutorial for the 154?Thanks,boeing247

There's some good threads on S-O-H FSX forum, and one active contributor there SeanTK has set up a learning forum here: http://aviationcafe.co.uk/Index/viewforum.php?f=59&sid=61397436dd8ef479fb34a4e1dd42e3e7scott s..

Hi, I'm the "SeanTK" person that Scott mentioned in the above post.The Tu-154B-2 for FSX is a great, and very challenging FSX-Native addon, now in beta-3.Here are the official PT links...Download:http://files.protu-1...-154b2_fsx.htmlSupport Forum:http://www.protu-154.net/forum/The Tu-154 comes with a VERY extensive manual, in English, located here:(DriveLetter):Program FilesMicrosoft GamesMicrosoft Flight Simulator XProject Tupolevdocuments FS9pttu154_94eng.pdfThe manual is a hold-over from the FS2004 era, but almost everything (barring FSUIPC registration details, and the location of some 2D pop-up windows) is applicable to this FSX version.As it's still a progressive beta, some elements of the VC don't work yet, and it is advised to use the 2D pop ups for main panel and overhead panel configurations, although overall, most aspects of this aircraft work in the VC at this time. (The engineer's and autopilot/throttle areas work fine in the VC). I also sometimes find it easier to deal with the overhead and some other panel functions using the 2D popups, due to the plethora of buttons and switches.I would suggest sticking to beta-2 right now if you do not own the RealityXP GNS430...as beta-3 requires it to couple the autopilot to the GPS, whereas beta-2 allows you to use any GPS system. (I think it's an odd decision to require a freeware aircraft use a payware component for full functionality, but it's out of my control.)In my opinion, this freeware addon jetliner is right up there systems-wise in quality with a number of today's payware offerings. The downside to this is that the systems logic, layout, and many other factors are VERY different than your typical Boeing or Airbus series aircraft, and it takes quite a bit of getting used to. (Adapting to a steep learning curve).I encourage you to still try it out though...reading the manual is a must.....and perhaps register at the previously linked forum Aviation-Cafe (my Russian center is a subset of the larger Aviation-Cafe forum) if you would like additional help beyond what the "official" support forum offers.(In my opinion, the support forum doesn't cater to complete Tu-154 newbies as well, but I'll leave that up to you to decide.)I look forward to hearing about your progress with this often forgotten (or ignored?), excellent piece of FSX freeware.-Sean K.

Edited February 27, 201214 yr by STK

Okay, thanks. I saw that manual but I wanted to be sure it worked with FSX, too. Is the only piece of the autopilot that requires RealityXP the nav function? I'll probably just be using VOR navigation like in the Boeing 727, so if that's the only feature that it's missing, using the beta 3 shouldn't be a problem. (and as a side note, does the INS work? I can't seem to turn it on)I'll definitely want to learn the systems of this aircraft, though. I was very surprised to come across this. It's probably the best freeware on the market (funny, though, the best I had seen until now was a MiG-21, another Russian plane). I'll let you know how I'm coming along and ask any questions if needed.By the way, you wouldn't happen to know when the estimate for the next version is? I'm anxious to get the overhead panel working (everything else works, save the pressurization panel, no?).

Nevermind.

Edited February 27, 201214 yr by audiohavoc

Bram Osterhout,After proper joystick and system configuration, the autopilot should be able to maintain all functionality, minus the ability to track the GPS, if you do not have the RealityXP product and insist on using beta-3.The INS does indeed work perfectly. You can find information and a tutorial involving it starting on page 159 of the flight manual.As you know, this is a progressive beta. Unfortunately, I have no idea when the next installment(s) will arrive, and I doubt that even the developers know either! I'm sure that continuing functionality will be added to the VC over time.Regarding VC functionality:Everything works except for the following from my memory (note..I am using Beta-2 to maintain GPS capture ability, so some of this may have been addressed without my knowledge):Hydraulic status gauges behind VC yoke on main panel. Hydro status gauges on engineer's panel work fine.Fuel gauge on lower copilot's side main panel (all fuel gauges work on engineer panel though).TCAS on V/S indicator, along with corresponding digital transponder on main panel. Current transponder is old style, and is only accessed as a 2D popup by going into the top menu bar... Views-Instrument Panel- and selecting it in the drop down list (I cannot recall the model name at this time.)The Fuel Flowmaster gauge on the engineers panel cannot be set/adjusted in the VC. One must switch to the 2D version of the panel to set that knob. Other than that, everything else here works just fine. All of the fuel gauges here, including this one work fine once set though.One of the PA-56 switches can sometimes fight back on the upper engineer's panel. Just try clicking it again and it should set. (bug where it may deactivate one of the other PA-56 channels next to it. Simply another click will fix it).The overhead panel is, for the most part, better off ignored in the VC at this time until more functionality is added. There are a ton of switches up here, and while I believe some do work, it's just easier to access the 2D popup (Shift-4 I think) to be sure that you are getting everything.The pressurization system on the engineer's panel does not work. This never worked in any iteration of the B-2 version for FS2004 either. The first implementation of pressurization came with the Tu-154M model by PT for FS2004, and that airplane has not been released as an FSX version. I do not know if it ever will.Sometimes the nosewheel steering switch on the main(ish) panel (near the landing lights) fights back. Shift+1 with activation through the 2D will work.This is from memory, so I may be missing some small things....Again, I encourage you to check out my forum, as I doubt the mods and others here appreciate an extensive support topic on a complex freeware aircraft that distracts from more pressing FSX needs, and questions about payware items.http://aviationcafe.co.uk/Index/All in all, you can start up the plane from the VC, but you still need to use some 2D popups to set some radio and navigation features mainly on the overhead. I hope that this lack of overhead functionality doesn't discourage you too much. There is still a lot to learn from this aircraft, and everything is working correctly between using VC and 2D panels.-Sean K.

Okay, thanks. I saw that manual but I wanted to be sure it worked with FSX, too. Is the only piece of the autopilot that requires RealityXP the nav function? I'll probably just be using VOR navigation like in the Boeing 727, so if that's the only feature that it's missing, using the beta 3 shouldn't be a problem. (and as a side note, does the INS work? I can't seem to turn it on)I'll definitely want to learn the systems of this aircraft, though. I was very surprised to come across this. It's probably the best freeware on the market (funny, though, the best I had seen until now was a MiG-21, another Russian plane). I'll let you know how I'm coming along and ask any questions if needed.By the way, you wouldn't happen to know when the estimate for the next version is? I'm anxious to get the overhead panel working (everything else works, save the pressurization panel, no?).

Edited February 27, 201214 yr by STK

I got it installed and running, didn't have much time to play with it, but did get it up in the air. Kind of reminds me of learning the Concorde-X. Really looking forward to learning this aircraft, and perhaps a little Russian too :( .

Okay, thanks for the tip on the INS. I did check out your forum yesterday--I applied that VC lighting tip you posted. Very handy.A few last questions, though:Will updates always be posted to the Project Tupolev forum?Does the INS work in the VC?Is there anywhere I can get more liveries for the Tu-154? I can't find any.thanks!

Okay, thanks for the tip on the INS. I did check out your forum yesterday--I applied that VC lighting tip you posted. Very handy.A few last questions, though:Will updates always be posted to the Project Tupolev forum?Does the INS work in the VC?Is there anywhere I can get more liveries for the Tu-154? I can't find any.thanks!

1. Yes, updates will always be posted in the PT forum (they're not trying to hide news from you), probably in this thread:http://www.protu-154.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=123732. The INS works fine in the VC (at least the display does, I haven't tried typing on it), but it's easier to manipulate using the 2D pop-up.3. I listed almost all the liveries I know of here:http://aviationcafe.co.uk/Index/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=1304Keep in mind that FS2004-era liveries for the Tu-154B2 work just fine with this FSX version, after adding a thumbnail and doing the other necessary modifications. (Adding a texture.cfg file to the texture's folder for the VC of your choice and appropriate aircraft.cfg changes).

Excellent! Thanks for the liveries.And I know I said those were my last questions, but I have two more (sorry! if I have any after this I'll just post them to your forum as you've said): Is the joystick configuration necessary, or does it just make things easier to use? Also, what adjustments do I need to make to the aircraft.cfg file entries for FS9 aircraft (mainly, how do I know whether to assign a texture to the 70 or 90 model--the texture didn't come with a readme)(and just to be sure, can I use VOR navigation without any other configuration like НВУ? And what exactly is НВУ? again, sorry for all the questions, it's just, as you said, that this aircraft is very different from anything else I've flown)

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by boeing247

Excellent! Thanks for the liveries.And I know I said those were my last questions, but I have two more (sorry! if I have any after this I'll just post them to your forum as you've said): Is the joystick configuration necessary, or does it just make things easier to use? Also, what adjustments do I need to make to the aircraft.cfg file entries for FS9 aircraft (mainly, how do I know whether to assign a texture to the 70 or 90 model--the texture didn't come with a readme)(and just to be sure, can I use VOR navigation without any other configuration like HBY? again, sorry for all the questions, it's just, as you said, that this aircraft is very different from anything else I've flown)

The joystick config as well as disabling your joystick in the FSX controller settings is mandatory. I also noticed that when setting up my Saitek yoke and quadrants in the joystick config app, the app incorrectly reads the button numbers of the joystick (i.e. joystick button 5 shows up as button 4) so I had to play around with the button numbers in the config until it read the button I was pushing.

Excellent! Thanks for the liveries.And I know I said those were my last questions, but I have two more (sorry! if I have any after this I'll just post them to your forum as you've said): Is the joystick configuration necessary, or does it just make things easier to use? Also, what adjustments do I need to make to the aircraft.cfg file entries for FS9 aircraft (mainly, how do I know whether to assign a texture to the 70 or 90 model--the texture didn't come with a readme)(and just to be sure, can I use VOR navigation without any other configuration like НВУ? And what exactly is НВУ? again, sorry for all the questions, it's just, as you said, that this aircraft is very different from anything else I've flown)

Audiohavoc is correct with the joystick stuff. It is mandatory.Regarding the other questions...I'll address those in my forum in the coming hours (read: when I have time later today or tomorrow at the latest).Thanks,-Sean K.

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by STK

Hi

 

 

 

An update has just recently came out, and there is now a native GPS in the plane. Do you know how to activate it?

 

BTW, is there any way to integrate a RealXP 530 GPS unit into the plane?

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Csaba