I am interested in purchasing a smaller aircraft for less-automated, shorter flights in FSX. I would prefer an aircraft with the following characteristics (in order of significance):

• Garmin G1000 or glass cockpit system (preferably similar to the Garmin G1000)
  
• High-quality visual model (preferably HD)
  
• Accurate, realistic systems
  
• Dual engine, so that nothing blocks the forward view
  
• Wing below windows
  

I have found the Flight1 Cessna Citation Mustang, but am concerned that it may be lacking in terms of visuals compared to today's standards. I like Carenado's visual models, but have not found an aircraft with the nice large navigational displays of the G1000 that I really really like. Conceptually, the Mustang seems to be the most attractive option. The Carenado Super King Air would probably be my current second choice, followed by the Malibu.

 

Any opinions from users with both aircraft or other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Mmmmmm... The Mustang looks excellent, I find the graphics crisp and up to date. Perhaps you were thinking of the Citation X? The only issue I've got with the mustang is the heavy hitting glass gauges (but they do allow navigraph updates). Also it doesn't have a working VNAV but they say it's too costly to make one for a $50 product. Other than that the fde is superb, smooth hand flying possible. The model is wonderful inside and out, and the stall speed approaches small cessna speeds. You can really get into small strips if you need.

 

The Carenado G1000 is nothing more than the default G1000 with some extra features... there's no navigraph insertion etc. The Malibu is good if you use RXP 430w or 530w. But it's not that fast even at altitude.

 

My pick would be the F1 Mustang. As a side note, have you overclocked your Ivy Bridge cpu? That would help a bunch!

Thanks for the thorough reply.

 

I am referring to the Flight1 Cessna Citation Mustang. I was concerned about the Mustang, as it is getting old, and I recently saw a forum post that recommended graphics updates in a possible second version. I would be able to make use of the Navigraph updates, though, as I have purchased a few cycles. I did not know that the Carenado G1000 was so basic. I was mainly attracted to the visual quality, but the Malibu still seems like a solid second choice.

 

I have not overclocked my CPU. Is such a practice risky on a stock (Dell XPS 8500) computer? What types of frame rates are you getting with the Mustang and, for comparison, a PMDG aircraft (preferably the B747, as that is the only one I currently own)?

 

My current performance is quite mediocre. I barely get 25 frames per second with the PMDG B747 and the QualityWings B757, particularly in the virtual cockpit. I have tried both *******'s and Word Not Allowed's tweaks, although I have not seen any improvement. The AMD graphics card really makes things hard to tweak, and I find that I am getting lower frame rates when I do not use an external limiter or set my frame rates to a locked value.

I would strongly support the Mustang as the plane to get, based on your needs / wants..

It is a "semi-professional" release that is very immersive and satisfying to use.

 

If you get a Carenado aircraft, make sure you also get a Reality XP GNS that fits in the panel.

As said above, the Carenado "Garmin"s are really basic, and ultimately frustrating to use.

 

The King Air is nice, but the autopilot is located on the floor, so it is awkward to get at...

 

With the Mustang, you have everything in front of you, more like your 747..

I really like the phenom 100 by feel there it meets your requirement and on my system gets better fps than the mustang

Performance wise, the Phenom is great - be careful, though, G1000 wise it is also very basic...

I would strongly support the Mustang as the plane to get, based on your needs / wants..

It is a "semi-professional" release that is very immersive and satisfying to use.

+1 on the satisfaction level...especially when you read the manual front to back, 'learn' the proper procedures to fly it and put them into practice, the sense of joy is immense! The aircraft will reward you for your efforts!

Kodiac has a G-1000 :

http://www.lionheart...imulations.html

Another +1 for the Mustang. Bought it the week it came out and logged about 5 hours in it this past weekend. There isn't a better G1000 simulation out there. As mentioned, the Kodiak and Carenado are basically skinned versions of the default.

 

The Mustang is a blast to hand fly, with a 90 kt approach speed. Short fields are no problem. There are no issues with graphics being dated. It looks as good as any new plane out there.

 

As far as performance, I have no issues at all. I am locked at 30 fps and, with the exception of heavy weather or massive airports, it never drops. As far as VNAV not being simulated, I don't care. Engage AP, set FLC mode to 170kts and climb away. I don't miss VNAV.

 

I would rank the Mustang as my most flown plane.

Thanks for all of the responses. I believe I will purchase the Mustang if performance is adequate.

 

For those of you who recommended the Mustang (or own it), could you please discuss the frame rates you are getting compared to other payware aircraft? Has anyone else experienced the frame-rate-heavy features that Ryan described?

I'm getting pretty good frames on my i5-2500k at 4.2GHz and a 560Ti, heavy weather and addon scenery but I have to adjust the settings and do without autogen with this plane. I fly online on Vatsim and IVAO most of the time.

 

When I first bought it I used it on a Core 2 Duo E6750 at 2.6 GHz and a Geforce 8800GT. With that rig I had to turn down all my FSX settings pretty low, but it still worked fine.

 

It's a solid addon with no memory leaks to speak of, so while you do get lower FPS you don't necessarily CTD at all. At least I never have. It's also the ONLY "serious" G1000 simulation out there to date, not counting the F1 182T's G1000 which is basically the same. So if you want to try a G1000 in FSX you'll have to buy either the F1 Mustang or the F1 182T.

 

Remember that you can always return it within a month if your rig is unable to handle it, but it's a matter of adjusting FSX settings down until you find what's right for you.

If what's important to you is a VLJ + a solid 1000 implementation, I agree with the others. The only choice is the F1 Mustang. You've mentioned the Carenado JetProp several times, but keep in mind that the JetProp is G500 equipped, and good functionality is driven more by the RXP GNS 530 and 430 that I have attached, not the G500 itself. The functionality of the G500 is fairly limited.

 

Don't get me wrong, I love and fly the heck out of my JetProp while I rarely touch my Mustang but my criteria are different from yours.

 

As for performance, the Mustang does fine on my modest system and seems no worse than planes like the JetProp or Carenado C90 for me, and in terms of graphics, I'd rate the VC as solid - not on the level of a newer Carenado or the Milviz B55, but still good.

 

With what you're looking for and Flight1's money back system the choice for you seems easy. Get the Mustang and see how it goes. If it doesn't meet your needs, all you're out is a bit of time, and you're not going to find a better G1000 implementation anywhere unless and until something new comes out.

 

Good luck,

 

Scott

It's the toughest on fps that exists today. You definitely want to OC your CPU.

 

p.s. hmm I see others don't have the issue I do. Either way the mustang has always been rough on performance. Probably because I crank all my settings and the G1000 just pushes my system further. It could be a AA setting too.

 

 

Owen, whatever you decide, Flight1 has a 30 day return policy.

It's the toughest on fps that exists toda

 

Same here Ryan. Its the only aircraft I own that I notice a big impact on performance. In the olden days, they all did.

Thanks for all the input, guys. I just purchased the Mustang, and so far, performance is similar to the performance I experience with the PMDG B747. I am looking forward to reading the manual and learning how to fly this thing properly now!