CLS have released the 340-600, does anybody have any idea how good it is, I have all the PSS busses and would love the 600 to complement the series, but how does it compare to the PSS version?cheers

The visual model is STUNNING! particularly the wingflex and the landing gear animations (the gear don't sink into the runway on landing!)The panel is very basic and, while nicely done, only operates from a default MSFS flight plan. The FMC is very basic and not very functional, though.The virtual cockpit is beautifully done, however unless you have an extremely high-end system, you will suffer from very poor framerates. CLS has released a set of lower resolution VC textures, but I haven't had the chance to try them to see if this helps the frame rate problem.The sounds are ok... nothing spectacular...The flight dynamics are good... and though I'm not a real-llife A340-600 captain, I think it definitely FEELS like a "heavy" aircraft, especially when landing... it's a joy to fly by hand!I'm thinking of trying to merge the PSS panel to it, though.. just to see if it works! It's a good investment, if just for the visual model alone!Alex

cheers alex, must agree the outside looks very nice, but the cockpit does not look to good, how does the fly by wire work, can you stall it? to my mind the main problem with the PSS jets is you can stall/crash them. there are a couple of free 600s out there i think they are for fs8 though. for

Yes, from what I've seen I agree w/ both of you in regards to the CLS panel. Has anyone heard of a merge w/ the PSS A340 panel? I would love to buy the CLS A346, but to be honest with you, most a/c that doesn't have a fully functioning FMS, or at least have most of the FMS implemented, just sits in my hangar, never to be used.Thanks to any and all replies.-Ely

Bruce, I don't believe FBW is modelled, nor do I think it's really possible within FS limitations. The only other -600s I am aware of were the Simubuild and the Flightcraft versions which are simply not in the same ballpark as the CLS version as far as visuals, animations, FDE and framerates (with all due respect to the freeware authors of both those versions).Ely, A merge with the PSS panel should be theoretically possible. But two things to keep in mind: A) The -500/600 panel looks a little different than the -200/300 panel; :( More importantly, the -500/600 series has completely different engines, more range, larger fuel capacity and is much heavier, so none of your performance data will work. In that respect I don't think the PSS FMC will add to the realism. The biggest FPS hit on my system seems to have been the original soundpack. There is a smalller soundpack available now that makes the whole thing run much smoother. I have to do more testing though with the VC. If you want to see some more screenshots, I posted pics from a flight FAJS-FACT on the SAA version in the screenshot forum (link below). She does handfly beautifully and exactly how you would expect from a plane this size. I did three landing patterns and then the one full flight sofar, all with manual landings, and nailed each and every one of them. http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...id=227025&page=

If a suitable A340 were to be released, I'd be first in line to buy it, but judging from the descriptions and screenshots on their webpage, this really isn't it. I am particularly suspicious when basic FS9 features are listed as features of the addon:"Use of the default MSFS payload and fuel editor.- Use of default MSFS flight planner and Navigation Log for accurate flight/fuel planning."I also have no idea what they mean when they say:"- CLS "True Feel" correct performance and feel based on FAA Level D simulators.""- More than 60 individual contact point definitions and damage profiles throughout the aircraft- More than 15 individualize effects attached to the physical properties of the aircraft"Overall, the aging PSS A340 is a much better value. Add Bob Scott's new and improved FDE to it, or, alternatively, adjust a few properties yourself, then download the freeware liveries from PSS's webpage - and you have a perfectly flyable aircraft. The numerous tutorials should get you in the air quickly. This offering from CLS seems like another example of going 1 step forward and 5 steps back. ricardo

Ricardo, I don't think you're quite being fair. Yes, it's a simplified panel and as such it doesn't have advanced functions. It is a lot more than default features. Yes, the PSS panel is certainly more detailed in with greater systems simulation, but their external models have always been abysmal. I bought their panels specifically for use with the far superior POSKY models.

Sheesh Ricardo! that's some rig you have there! :-eek

regardsEd

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/edetroit100/holy.gifAMD Athlon 64 3500+, 1024Mb PC3200 DDR, 300Gb HD 128Mb DDR Nvidia 6600GT PCI Express, Audigy 2 ZSCH Products Yoke, Pedals and Throttle Quadrant

>Ricardo, >>I don't think you're quite being fair. Yes, it's a simplified>panel and as such it doesn't have advanced functions. It is a>lot more than default features. Yes, the PSS panel is>certainly more detailed in with greater systems simulation,>but their external models have always been abysmal. I bought>their panels specifically for use with the far superior POSKY>models. That is more than I am willing to pay for an external model and limited FMS and autopilot functions. Unfortunately, the exchange rate makes this a poor value in my opinion for those of us across the pond. ($43.00 US).Bob...

Not sure what prices and exchange rates you are looking at, but at today's exchange rate according to oanda.com 23.95 Euro = 28.45811 US Dollars. Hope that helps.

Hmmm... Thanks, Misha. -Ely

Oh dear another disappointing effort at the A340! After the PMDG 747 and the LDS 767 anything less in the systems simulation area just doesn't cut IMHO esp at 40 Aussie dollars!Bruceb

>Not sure what prices and exchange rates you are looking at,>but at today's exchange rate according to oanda.com 23.95 Euro>= 28.45811 US Dollars. Hope that helps.Well I was converting POUNDS to dollars. I guess some of us across the pond need to review monetary symbols! LOL. Thanks.Bob....

Just got it and I like it. Systems not authentic but still fun to fly and the exterior model is incredible. A little tough on frames,down to 14 (Locked at 18) leaving Hong kong VHHH on my way to Singapore Changi. Make sure you have enough computer for it. Someone mentioned an alternate soundpack will help frames. Have to try that.

I am a little surprised that no one from CLS came here to offer the redeeming points of this simulation. I saw the screenshots and aside from the VC and cockpit (which are just ok) I was highly impressed with the model. It seems as if it would make it a worthwhile thing for CLS to find an advanced systems and panel designer to bring the rest of the plane up to snuff. Release a Professional update (call it what you may), set a reasonable price on it, and I am sure more than half of your existing customers would upgrade. Heck! You'd attract people like myself, new buyers, who held off on purchasing the model for the sake of visuals and sound alone. I would be willing to pay same (if not higher) amount for a realistic 346 as I did for PMDGs 747. Then again, I might be one of the only people out there that thinks that ultimate systems realism and implementation is worth $50-60 with a realistic model, physics and a soundset. CLS? I know you guys read this stuff. How 'bout it? Cheers,