XP11 LES C23 Sundowner (Mini Review)

[ryanbatc 12,857]

I purchased this little gem last night.  It was pretty much a mandatory purchase because I've been flying a real musketeer with my best friend around MN.  Anyway this C23 Sundowner is for XP11.40 from Leading Edge Simulations (modeler/texturer from the company that did the TBM900).  This plane differs a little from the one I fly.  The engine in the C23 is a carbureted 180 HP, and the panel is a little more basic than what I'm used to in the real musketeer.  Anyway, the model is really sharp and clean, the textures excellent.  The sounds....well sounds much like a real Sundowner!

For avionics they are a little limited but you've got a basic VOR indicator and ADF, along with the default Laminar 430.  I elected to install the RXP GNS430W in mine (just like my friend has in his Musketeer) - the plane integrates the RXP version natively.  There is no GTN support however.

Addon comes with three paint jobs - would love to see a USA registration....they are releasing a paintkit shortly.

Flying is pretty easy, plane handles beautifully in 11.40 (be sure to check use experimental model - my plane was overpowered before I checked that option in XP11 main menu).  I am seeing an early stall above the white arc so I need to check on that one with the dev, but everything else was ironed out with the exp fm.  You might see a few minor items - they'll be addressing the lack of bank angle lines/indexes on the attitude indicator soon.  Anyway the aircraft cruises around 115 KTAS or so.  It can fly at night, has some dimmable panel lighting, and exterior of course.  It also has a basic autopilot that will climb in VS mode, hold ALT, fly a HDG or track/radial/course.

There is not a maintenance addon module like a more expensive addon (unless I missed it), but for about 30 USD I think the price is very reasonable.  The manual does contain helpful info about the Sundowner as well as performance charts for different phases of flight (and the numbers are very close to rw).

Here are some pics flying around KSGS (St Paul, MN) and some of the southern MN farmland areas and shutdown at KFBL.

Untitled-1 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-2 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-3 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-5 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-6 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-7 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-8 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-10 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-12 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-13 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-14 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-15 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-21 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-23 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-24 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

Untitled-26 by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

[John F 2,423]

Nice pictures and nice mini-review. I always thought the absence of the Beech Sundowner/Musketeer/Sierra line in the flight sim world was an unfortunate oversight.

John

[Trachemys 11]

Hi ryanbatcund, I own the LES Saab 340 and is awesome, would you post some pics of the night cockpit lighting with all the dimmable panel/flood options available on this bird? I know the developers were talking with simcoders people about the wear maintenance rep hangar for this beauty bird or at least they will  be implementing some maintenance procedures. 

Wish you merry christmas!!

[Airfighter 150]

On 12/23/2019 at 5:03 AM, Trachemys said:

Hi ryanbatcund, I own the LES Saab 340 and is awesome, would you post some pics of the night cockpit lighting with all the dimmable panel/flood options available on this bird? I know the developers were talking with simcoders people about the wear maintenance rep hangar for this beauty bird or at least they will  be implementing some maintenance procedures. 

Wish you merry christmas!!

Just saw this question...here is the night lighting and with new upcoming Garmin G5 integration.

[ryanbatc 12,857]

2 hours ago, Airfighter said:

Just saw this question...here is the night lighting and with new upcoming Garmin G5 integration.

Ha!  What interesting timing.  My best friend just put a G5 in his Musketeer!

g5updatepost by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr