Hi,

I'm considering getting the Fenix A319/A321 expansion, as I currently only have the A320 base pack.

I was wondering, is the only difference the external model (and changes to performance, numbers and flight dynamics)? 

Are the cockpits identical between the A320 Base Pack, and the A319/A321?   

Is the sound pack the same or is it customized for the A319/A321?

If it's literally just the external model and some performance tweaks, I think I'll just leave it but if there are other changes to justify the purchase, I'd be tempted.

Those who have the expansion, do you think it was worth it?  Was it worth the cost to have the smaller and longer models too?

Thanks in advance.

Edited February 2Feb 2 by JYW

7 minutes ago, JYW said:

Hi,

I'm considering getting the Fenix A319/A321 expansion, as I currently only have the A320 base pack.

I was wondering, is the only difference the external model (and changes to performance, numbers and flight dynamics)? 

Are the cockpits identical between the A320 Base Pack, and the A319/A321?   

Is the sound pack the same or is it customized for the A319/A321?

If it's literally just the external model and some performance tweaks, I think I'll just leave it but if there are other changes to justify the purchase, I'd be tempted.

Those who have the expansion, do you think it was worth it?  Was it worth the cost to have the smaller and longer models too?

Thanks in advance.

The expansion is literally a 1-1 (or as close as you think Fenix can get, which is pretty close) the 319 and 321. So where the cockpit is similar in real life, it is similar in the sim. Where it's different, it is different in the sim. 

There's nothing really copied and pasted that should NOT be there - obviously the planes are very close together in how they look and fly, that's part of the point. But they are true to life as much as can be. So if you are interested in these specific planes, get them. If you aren't interested in these models, then stick with the 320 and get the A340 or A350 or something else that is largely different from the 320/21/19

 

Im sure Fenix simulates all the subtle differences between the different models, including the flight dynamics. The A321 for example has options for additional fuel tanks I believe. 

they each fly differently 

https://fenixsim.com/blog/entries/2024-08-15_introducing_a319_and_a321/

 

Ok, this sounds good 👍

I said in my OP that I knew they would fly differently and have different performance numbers behid them.

Some differences in the cockpit is what I was looking for.  It sounds like the nuances are there and not just a 'copy and paste' from the A320.

 

In reality there's not a lot of difference in cockpits between the A319 and A320, IIRC.

The A321 has a slightly different overhead panel, which is simulated correctly.

The engine sounds are noticeably quieter in the cockpit of the A321 (as they are farther aft from this viewpoint) and louder on the A319 (for the opposite reason), compared to the A320.

2 hours ago, bigifooti said:

they each fly differently 

https://fenixsim.com/blog/entries/2024-08-15_introducing_a319_and_a321/

 

Reading this development blog for the A319/A321 led me to go straight to Fenix and buy the expansion 😊  The amount of care, attention and specifics applied to the 319 and 321 is fantastic.

I'm currently in the climb in the A321 on a Winter holiday flight from EGNT to GCLP.  The current forecast VAPP speed for my approach is eye-watering at 151 kts!  .... welcome to the A321! 😄

Really pleased I bought the expansion 👍

Edited February 2Feb 2 by JYW

For the cost and what you get for it....solid no-brainer for adding the 319/321 to your fleet.   I use real world routes and aircraft (thanks flightradar24), and with the full Airbus line-up, I don't have to pretend the A320 is a 19 or 21 if the route I want to fly calls for one.

Plus, they do handle differently...and the one thing that'll get ya is that the A321 has a potential tail strike if you try to take off like an A320.  Most instrument panels even have a placard noting that you're in a 321 and beware of a tail strike.  You gotta' rotate her slowly, and almost every takeoff (as far as I know) is a flaps 2 vs flaps 1 on the other busses. And a slightly higher rotate speed.  All this so she lifts off the ground as much as rotates, to avoid that dreaded tail strike.🤔

The A319 is a blast to fly....loads peeps and paxs faster (of course), and is a welcome addition when I find a route that calls for her.

I'm flying the Fenix Busses more than Boeings now (unless I'm testing)...and this is the 1st time in my long simming career that I can say that...a testament to how good the Fenix Busses are.

Can't wait for the NEOs...and whatever else Fenix brings to market. 🙂

In addition to the tail strike risk on the A321, the A319 is noticeably more difficult to slow down in descent, requires a bit of different planning.

I'm with Steve though, I like being able to fly whatever variant I see on the real world flight I'm simulating.

Now that I have the A321, I never fly the A320 again—because the A321 feels heavier and looks better.

The A319 also has better STOL performance than the A320. There's some airports on BAs network which are restricted to an A319 (or an A32N, not a ceo) because of the short runway length, such as Florence LIRQ and a new route to Guernsey EGJB in the Channel Islands, which starts in April. Both of these airports have sub-1500m runways, which are too short for a loaded A320ceo.

Edited February 3Feb 3 by Tom Wright

Key West is another airport that is served by the A319 but not the bigger airbuses.  Fun departure off the short runway then not overflying the Navy base next door.

18 hours ago, Steve Dra said:

Plus, they do handle differently

Yes, I discovered this last night, when I couldn't slow down my hot and high A319 for love nor money! 😄

Very different experience and I'll be taking the A321 out for it's maiden voyage this evening.

So pleased I got the expansion - I don't know why I waited so long.  It's a must have!

Edited February 3Feb 3 by JYW

Ya wanna try the the toliss Airbuses in XP12…. Very very authentic …. You truly feel like you flying an airbus…. Love the fenix buses too aswell 👍