The A380, A400 and many others; including the first ever-the 777, fly in real life as they are designed to do by the computers that help create them.I remember listening the the 777 chief test pilot during the after dinner speech at the Avsim Denver show, when he was explaining how the Level D sim was built and in use before the actual aircraft flew; and when it did, it was the same as "flying" the sim.Newer Airbus products are no different.So comments like "it hasn't even flown yet" are pretty irrelevant when referring to the flight modelling of modern aircraft like the A400..........providing of course, that the developer has access to the simulator and the full assistance of the manufacturer ;-)Of course, I can't actually say what went on in Toulouse a few weeks ago ;-)

I, for one, find it extremely interesting that compagnies like ATR and Airbus have opened their doors to some of our best developers.In my view, it's an amazing testimony of the state of our hobby, and shows to which extent the "hard core" simmers can get it "as real as it gets". That Airbus Military would open their doors to the developers of Flight1 shows just how much credibility flight simming as achieved. The A400 promises to be quite a capable military airlifter, and I am sure that the folks from Flight1 will deliver a fine SIMULATED version of it. Access to real data by a group of already proven developers can only mean a good product, wheter or not it has flown in the "real" world. Since (at least for me) I will never take the controls of a real A400, the product that Flight1 will develop will more than likely suit my requirements!VFR_CanuckMy hangar: Flight1 PC-12, MAAM DC3, Carenado 182 RGII, Carenado 206 Stationair, RealAir SF-260, Dreamfleet A36 (with Turbo kit), Flight1 ATR, Captain Sim C-130

>Is there a forum for this 'bug' ridden aircraft please?>>It won't fly level with autopilot and the autothrust dosen't>work either?>>The manual is pathetic and lacks technical and proper>instruction.>>Shame really, this one could have big potentialI haven't had a problem with it not flying straight and level so far. And I've flown it a lot. As to the autothrottle how are you trying to set it? You have to put the thrust levers in 'climb' and leave them there for the whole flight, then your speed will take care of itself. As planes go she's like any other Airbus, the computer flies, you sit back and watch.I'd agree the manual could've been better though. But persevere, once you get the hang of it then you'll find it's quite a plane.

I hope F1 will do the same for the A380. Especially since it seems like they are on good terms with Airbus already.