The Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros is the most popular and successful single engine jet trainer of all time. Designed and built in Czechoslovakia during the cold war, the L-39 was developed to train pilots transitioning from simple propeller driven aircraft to front line Soviet fighters. Over 4000 examples were produced, serving with over 25 air forces around the world, and although production ceased in 1988 some 900 are still in service today. The jet was built to be extremely agile, durable, self sufficient, and tolerant of student pilot error. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in the 1990s several hundred examples found their way into private hands and are now regular attractions at airshows of all sizes. The jet is also popular with formation teams, serving with the world famous Breitling Jet Team and Vjazma Rus Aero Club, and even has its own competition class at the Reno Air Races.
This Lotus Simulations rendition of the L-39C Albatros bucks the trend in framerate sapping aircraft models by careful and considered design of geometry, textures, and code from the start. Built from the ground up for Shared Cockpit online training and multiplayer formation flight, as well as normal single player use, this aircraft is designed to maintain high framerate performance in all flight situations.
The Albatros features fully detailed virtual cockpits, in both dual and single seat versions, as well as a Reno racing variant and a special stripped down and ultra high performance model for those who participate in online formation flight teams. All of the L-39's instruments are rendered in full 3D for smooth and stutter free flight, and all of the plane's unique performance and handling quirks have been recreated, making this aircraft perfect for pilots who seek a challenging "stick and rudder" flight experience.
The Albatros features extensive and in depth systems modeling, including some with potentially hazardous consequences, and several unique and immersion enhancing special effects that have never before been seen in Flight Simulator X. Prime examples of these innovations are its revolutionary new light systems, and the return of VC canopy rain effects to FSX at last, something which was generally thought impossible.
Being built specifically to accommodate Shared Cockpit flight, all of the real L-39's rear cockpit instrument failure simulation systems have been replicated as well, allowing instructors to train students online in partial panel IFR flight or the handling of systems failures.
The flight dynamics and performance have been derived from personal developer experience flying a real L-39C and with extensive further input and testing by private L-39 owners.
The L-39's brilliant sound set has been provided by Turbine Sound Studios and almost every switch and system in the cockpit has associated sound effects for that extra layer of immersion.
In addition several models are pre-configured to accept Reality XP's excellent GNS430 GPS unit in the virtual cockpit.
Requirements: FSX with Service Pack 2, Acceleration Expansion, or FSX Gold Edition
Variants:
* 15 Dual Cockpit versions (9 military, 6 civilian, 6 with long range fuel tanks)
* 4 Single Cockpit versions (Front cockpit only, 2 military, 2 civilian)
* 1 Reno racing prepped version "Pipsqueak", fastest L-39 in the world
* 1 Special model for online formation teams (Front cockpit only, reduced special effects, blistering performance)
* 5 versions pre-configured for Reality XP GNS430 GPS in the virtual cockpit (Reality XP GPS software is not included)
* 17 unique real world paint schemes
Systems:
* Realistic engine management controls, spool time, throttle response, and temperature limits
* Saphir-5 jet starter APU with realistic operation and controls
* Realistic electrical bus functions & dependencies
* Main & emergency hydraulic systems with interconnect
* Emergency flap and gear deployment levers
* Pressurization system
* Diluter demand oxygen system, with potential for hypoxia effects and loss of consciousness from misuse
* EGT limiter self protection fuel cutout
* Engine damage modeling from misuse or flight in icing conditions
* Windshield & engine anti-ice functions
* GPS, navigation & communication radios
* Overspeed flap deployment self protection mechanism
* Emergency fuel pump
* Fire extinguisher
* Rear cockpit landing gear override
* Rear cockpit instrument failure simulation controls for partial panel flight training in Shared Cockpit mode
* Realistic fuel tank feed operation
* Realistic radar altimeter response
* All systems functionality based on real world L-39 operating manual and with extensive input from L-39 pilots and maintenance personnel
Flight Dynamics:
* Fully aerobatic and capable of stable spins and sideslips
* Realistic and sensitive response to AoA and load factor, a challenge to fly at the limits
* Performance based on personal developer flight time in a real L-39C and with extensive further testing by L-39 owners
Cockpit:
* Extremely detailed and complete Dual and Single cockpit variants provided, suitable for Shared Cockpit, formation, or solo flight
* Military and Civilian (no gunsight) cockpit variations included
* Projected and collimated electro-optical gunsight reticule in military variants
* High resolution and realistically shaded cockpit textures
* Cockpit textures are "zero load time". After intial aircraft load, they are always present when you return to the VC, no waiting.
* Extremely Track-ir friendly. No holes or missing parts visible from anywhere in the cockpits, even with very aggressive Track-ir use.
* Unique and extremely effective new landing light system, which actually properly illuminates the ground (and other objects from the VC), a first for a Flight Simulator aircraft. These landing lights adapt smoothly to the time of day.
* Illuminated raindrops in front of the landing light bulbs in poor weather
* Animated virtual cockpit canopy rain effects, another first for a true FSX native aircraft
* Full 3D gauges throughout, including all of the behavioral quirks of their real life counterparts
* Gauges are all original Russian equipment and use the metric system (except altimeter)
* Stunning cockpit night lighting with adaptive red and white instrument lighting selections and independent controls for front and rear cockpits
* Progressive canopy icing effects
* Specular scratch effects on canopies in the sun
* Animated extensible instrument flight training hood for front cockpit
* Ability to hide control columns from view for IFR flight
* Realistic ground roll, G-load and stall buffet effects
External Model:
* High detail but extremely low overhead models, built for maximum rendering efficiency, especially in the performance demanding FSX multiplayer environment
* Variety of hardpoint and weapon/fuel tank configurations across the different variants
* Realistic external lights, all built into the model itself to avoid FSX clipping and separation problems. Strobe lights illuminate the ground.
* Highly detailed textures with full bump and specular mapping, and realistic shading and weathering
* Mechanical backup gear and flap position indicators on the wings unique to the L-39
* Extending animated ram air turbine
* Fully animated pilots that are reactive to aircraft momentum and raise their visors automatically during night flight
* Progressive surface icing effects
* Highly realistic plexiglass canopies with specular effects
* All of the typical expected animations such as flight controls, trim tabs, landing gear, flaps, speed brakes, canopies, and integral boarding ladders
Sounds:
* All primary sounds recorded from a real L-39C and produced by award winning Turbine Sound Studios.
* Full 3D spatial sound effects
* AI sound set included for enhanced aircraft sounds in multiplayer and AI traffic use
* Dozens of cockpit sound effects for almost all switches, controls, and systems, including cockpit G-suit pump.
Documentation:
* An extremely thorough and well illustrated 122 page operations manual is included (PDF format). This manual is available for viewing prior to purchase at http://www.lotussim.com/
Extras:
* Tutorial videos and paint kit are also available at the Lotus Simulations website
Recommended Hardware:
-Intel Core2duo 6600 or better cpu
-512 MB Nvidia or ATI graphics card
-Track-ir head tracking system
Requirements
FSX with Service Pack 2 or Acceleration
-Intel Core2duo 6600 or better cpu
-512 MB Nvidia or ATI graphics card
-Track-ir head tracking system
expansion, or FSX Gold Edition. DX10 Compatible.
Disc Space Required: 750MB
Don’t let the 2009 release date fool you, this plane has held up to the test of time. It’s as good or better than most newer addons.
Seriously, I have bought much newer aircraft that don’t meet the same standards as this L39 does. These days A lot of planes look really good but little attention paid to the flight model and systems. This Lotus Simulations addon while relatively old has a ton of character and oozes uniqueness. The flight model has clearly been given a lot of thought and developed with great care to meet high realism standards. When you fly the Albatross it doesn’t feel like any other plane in its class. It’s not very forgiving and can be challenging at times when you push its boundaries. This makes for a very fun plane to fly as it gives the impression of being a proper trainer simulation.
It has to be experienced to truly get it.
The variety of liveries and load outs are plentiful, with lots of eye candy. The night lighting is a huge stand out in the quality department. The landing lights actually light up whatever they are cast upon. Something a lot of modern developments still fail to do.
The price still seems a little high considering its age which can be detected when looking very closely at the smaller visual details. All the same I love this plane and it’s zero impact on frame rates. It’s truly is a must have.
Used with FSX Steam Edition Win 10 3.3ghz i7 16GB Ram Intel UHD630 integrated GPU
Was easy to install as it auto detected the location of my FSX SE drive location. Piece of cake, don’t be afraid fellow Steam Edition users.
Just installed and flied it in P3D V5.2 and it is good as it was when I got it 12 years ago.
All the instruments, gauges and levers are perfect and function well.
It works for me in P3D V4.5. I purchased it when it first came out and it's been one of my favorite AC. It was a quality AC back then and is every bit as good today. It's a timeless piece of art that everyone should have in their hanger. The only difference in P3D 4.5 is that the wing tip lights are not in their exact position while night flying. A small price to pay considering everything else works as advertised. If Real Air Simulations had done a jet this would be it! Highly recommended!!
Wenn ich im nächsten Jahr auf den P3D V. 4 umsteigen und den FSX "begraben" werde, werde ich mich auf eine Menge neue Flugzeuge freuen.... aber diese hier werde ich schmerzlich vermissen. Das hier ist eine Ausnahme-Erscheinung unter den FSX-Flugzeugen und eines von sehr wenigen, bei dem man das "Urgefühl des Fliegens" in einem Flusi erleben kann, fern von "System-Griffekloppen", fern von all dem Gehabe - das ist ein Flugzeug, bei dem man vom ersten bis zum letzten Augenblick eines jeden Fluges das Gefühl hat, selbst zu fliegen und "arbeiten" zu müssen. Das Ding ist nichts für fliegende Sofa-Kartoffeln. Sie steckt alle anderen Trainer, die man im FSX geflogen hat in die Tasche, von der Just Flight "Hawk" T. Mk. 1 bis zur MIlviz T-38 "Talon"... alles dagegen kalter Kaffee.
Das Modell hat viele Eigenheiten des Originals, wie das Triebwerk, das vom Leerlauf bis zur vollen Leistung 12 Sekunden "braucht", das eigentümliche Fahrwerk, die Empfindlichkeit gegenüber Vereisung, der Fakt, das sie etwas untermotorisiert ist aber dafür sehr beweglich, mit harmonischer Steuerung und angenehm zu fliegen. Einfach ein echter Genuss...
Ich werde sie sehr vermissen... und hoffen, das sie doch "wiederkommt."
The absolute best aircraft you can get for FSX!....X 2
I can not believe it was a product of 2009. I have most aircrafts from PMDG, CERANADO , RealAir etc, but this one is the most interesting AC to fly with. After some minor and easy adjustment on taxi setting which made it becomes almost perfect. Although it didn't comes with the autopilot, however after half hour of study of the manual I can easily take the plane to anywhere up 900nm. But I have to take more time to learn every aspect of this superb AC such as the most unique instructor function and engine performance. For this price and accurate model, I think it bits 90 % of other ACs in the market up to date especially the military AC. Thank you Lotus, you just give me lots of fun after I got this plane. A piece of art, Good work!
Keines meiner ca. 50 FSX-Flugzeuge ist sorgfältiger, keines detailreicher gestaltet ! Dabei ermöglicht die Lotus-Albatros allerbeste System-Performance. Nie vorher war ich so FSX-süchtig und hatte solchen Flugspaß als mit diesem Aircraft. Schon seit mehreren Wochen !
Endlich hat auch 'mal jemand eine vernünftige Beleuchtung hinbekommen: Innen wie Aussen, selbst in DX10 makellos. Dieses Modell kann man schon fast als "Fotoreal" bezeichnen. Hinzu kommt ein absolut glaubwürdiges Flugverhalten und weitreichende Funktionalität der Knöpfe/Schalter. Tolle Animation der Klappen/Ruder...u.s.w. .
Ja stimmt, ich bin voll des Lobes und kann gar nicht aufhören. Wenn man gründlich nach Mängeln sucht,... na ja der Sound in der Beobachteransicht wäre vieleicht noch verbesserungswürdig, wegen der Wiederholleier. Aber das ist jammern auf sehr hohem Niveau. Mein ABSOLUTER Lieblingsvogel ! Unbedingt zu empfehlen.
The absolute best aircraft you can get for FSX!
I have a slow computer and most planes are not so frame rate friendly, I think this may be on par or even better than the default Cessna. A pure joy to fly, it supplies the most realistic flight experience available and I love that if you have any questions/concerns or comments they have a forum that's run by a real life pilot who happens to be a flight sim developer who happens to own Lotus Simulations who actually made this plane, you simply can't beat that for support.
This plane (like the real thing) doesn't climb like an F-22, does not have an autopilot, does not have a long range and lastly has no nose wheel steering. That equals a challenging and rewarding experience so if you want to take off, click on the autopilot and let it fly you all the way down the ILS with autothrottle engaged, this is the wrong plane for you.
I absolutely love this plane. If you are even curious, you should buy it. It is great. I purchased it quite a while ago now. Didn't want to submit a review until the shine wore off...it never did. And it is so much fun to fly in multiplayer mode. No need to do much else in FSX now for me. I am hooked on this plane.