FSX-SE A flight with Airbus A340-600

[P_7878 6,728]

In Lufthansa, I had occasion to travel in A340-600 (the longest variant of the A340 family) several times. The 4-engine A340 planes always remind me of the Boeing 707. Unfortunately, A340 production has now ceased since 2011, a result of stiff competition from the B777. And, of course, with the (more efficient) B787 and A350 being already put into service now, the 4-engine planes (such as A340) will gradually disappear from the skies.

In our SIM, in terms of a decent payware for A340, Wilco Airbus Series Vol 2 probably comes closest. However, Wilco aircraft in my FSX collections, have received the least attention (i.e. purchased but not much used). So, today, I revived the Wilco A340-600 for a short flight over the Mediterranean from Rome to the (mountainous) island of Corsica (this island, is in close proximity of Italy, but actually a region of France, and famous as the birth place of Napoleon).

The Wilco A340 is obviously a dated SIM (roots in FS9), but it turned out to be a fairly enjoyable simulation, after all, which counts for me. It has, at least, functioning LNAV/VNAV control, and a reasonably good MCDU (as far as I can tell). Of course, it's not, by any means, of the training grade.

Since, most of you may not be having (or/and flying) this specific plane in your newer platforms, at the moment (and, also, "likely" we'll not see any advanced simulations of A340), I hope you enjoy here, as part of this flight, the images of this (rather elegant and graceful) plane one last time. Thanks for viewing. [WILCO/MSE/REX]

 

[bernd1151 5,977]

Great screenies and beautiful plane. Did you have a tailstrike at taking off 🙂

[Phantom88 3,288]

Gorgeous Colors

[John F 2,451]

Simply beautiful!

John

[P_7878 6,728]

3 hours ago, bernd1151 said:

Great screenies and beautiful plane. Did you have a tailstrike at taking off 🙂

Thanks! Regarding tailstrike, if I did, I didn't feel anything...nothing from (Wilco's) ECAM either...🙂...

Seriously, your point is well-taken. I'm aware of tailstrike issues with these long A340/B777 variants...that real pilots need to worry about. And, because of extra-long-haul flights, these planes must be so fuel-laden at T.O...

[Chock 17,769]

Might want to check out the BBS A340. Link here:

http://www.blackboxsimulation.com/index.php/products/airbus/airbus-a340/

The developer has its critics, but you can 'try before you buy' their A340 for free and decide whether you like it for yourself. I was impressed enough with it to buy it and then subsequently also bought a few of their other Airbuses, such as their A330 and 320/321. and this is in spite of me also owning the FSL one (I've got those Wilco ones too).

[P_7878 6,728]

Yes, Alan, I looked it up a bit. Reviews are mixed, but it seems like a good sim to me (although not of the caliber of AS/FSL), but I'll try the DEMO out. I think I'll fly this Airbus variant a bit more...a nice change of look from the twin-engine Airbus. Thanks!