The F-series was produced between 1972 and 1976, notable for its favorable power-to-weight ratio, which gave it incredible cargo capacity for its compact size: five passengers, half a ton of cargo, or a mix of both. This is the 1973 model with a full VFR panel, complemented by some optional elements offered by the manufacturer at the time, all while taking care to maintain the 1970s styling.
This is the amphibious version of the U206F, and like the standard variant, it includes both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine options. It also offers a couple of optional items, such as V-braces reinforcement and a custom ARP-GPS tablet.
The real aircraft wasn't designed for training, nor is this simulation; the U206 is a beast compared to other Cessnas of its size. Our main goal is to offer an immersive experience in an exceptional aircraft using standard 1970s equipment, ranging from adventures to short-medium scheduled trips.
In our opinion, this aircraft should be a must-have for your virtual airline collection. As a light passenger or cargo carrier, it's highly efficient for operating short distances or flying to remote areas where larger aircraft simply won't fit. Even if you're accustomed to other light aircraft, this model could offer you new challenges, with corresponding lessons.
External and interior model
Highly accurate and optimized modeling for good performance; every visible part on interior and exterior are modeled on detail
Elevator is affected by trimming due to the free airstream and the prop wash; the yoke feedbacks accordingly
Almost every moving part or mechanism is animated, including engine vibration and flexible items like antennas, and static dischargers
Texturing is applied depending on the relevance of the point of view, providing the user with a nice environment while keeps a friendly frame rate
Opened doors will be closed due to any source of frontal airstream, including propeller; the cargo backward leaf will be lost beyond some airspeed
The cabin can be full of occupants or cargo, depending on the cabin setting, as result of the individual payload station weight, as well as the floats baggage compartment
All characters have natural animations on heads and eyelids, and arms in the case of the pilot
Several cameras are included for external inspection or just as an alternative point of view. All cameras are adjustable
The landing and taxi light includes a spotlight effect which is stronger in low visibility days or nights
Virtual cockpit
Warm fully 3D ambience is experimented on the cockpit by the use of a right balance between shadows and lights, relaxing colors tone of upholstery
Vast interior lightning and illumination for a real feeling
Fully 3D instrumentation based on Cessna equipment and ARC 300 avionics series of the seventies, Autopilot included
Dynamic precipitation drops on windshield and windows
Many interior cameras are offered, including two from the outside view of doors which offer an extra perspective. All cameras are adjustable
Almost everything you can see in the cockpit is functional and/or animated. Including items that either generate heat or help to ventilate the cabin
Extensively use of mouse options over several buttons, switches, levers or animated objects; giving the user more flexibility and/or accuracy for dealing with the many cockpit functions
Paint schemes
N6127U yellow stripes
G-NRTH blue stripes
VH-ARP brown stripes
D-WASP dark stripes
Blank white without number
Systems and additional features
Additional tools for aircraft setup
Stall horn system is realistically replicated; you can even test it by hand
Custom sounds for switches, avionics buttons, engine, wheel bounces, stall horn and doors
A cabin temperature system based on heating sources or cooling (ventilation) devices
An oxygen system was included with the proper warning
An alternated air intake system is simulated, in case of flying on icing conditions
The User Manual is accessible from the cockpit, on the Kneeboard
A customized tablet-like ARP-GPS device was included for testing.