SIKORSKY S-55 FSX P3D

I am new to simulation helicopters. This one caught my attention since, as an older (60!) simmer I wanted a helicopter that dated from the days of my own youth. I remember building a scale model of the S-55 as a kid way back in the 60's. I always admired the macho look of this machine. This is by far superior to the helicopters that come standard with Prepar3D. It is NOT easy to land, but if you configure a second joystick to replace (for helicopters, at least) you current throttle, this bird will reward you with a fair bit of challenge and realism. The collective (pitch) can be configured separately from the throttle if you have a twist-grip second joystick, which adds to a more realistic helicopter "feel." I think the visual model, while not quite as top-notch as some other offerings, is quite good. The VC is also good. On the downside, the manual could be a little more complete ( I still can't figure out how to open those clamshell doors hiding that big radial engine) and I wish they had included a few more liveries (US Navy would have been nice), but for the money, I am having a blast with it and would buy it again. If you are looking for a respectable, enjoyable vintage helicopter that is Prepar3d v.4 ready, you won't go wrong with this one.

The model is nicely built and you should not miss this vintage helicopter. -
The technical support from the MP Design is friendly and supportive. -
I have no reservation to recommend you to keep this classic heli into your hanger.

Very detailed model. A westland version in RAF and RN colours will be great as well

Great helo! my new favourite. I can't speak for flight modelling since I've never flown or even been in a helicopter before but compared to other FSX/P3D helos it is very good. It's got a cool camera shake effect which greatly enhances the flight immersion. Engine sounds are really nice and unique. Landing requires actual practice, you can't just pull back on the collective and think it will just UFO land like some default copter. If you do, it will just fall right out of the sky. This falls in line with some DCS World copters I've flown before. The 3D model itself is very nicely made, I don't understand some complaints about bump mapping etc because the model itself is well above average in quality and the paintjobs are TRUE HD because they are just as crisp zooming in or out. The cockpit (plexi?) glass bends and reflects really nicely and the rotor parts are very detailed. This without a doubt my new favourite FSX/P3D helo and that says a lot since I prefer helos in X-Plane or DCS: World. I don't get the gripes some people have with this product. I've flown several different copters in FSX/P3D and very few of them seem realistic or challenging to fly and they usually lack "character". This one is both a challenge and fun to fly and it has character in abundance. Only thing I'd like to see is some more paint-jobs. I'm glad I've got it and it's great fun for all those Orbx explorations/ad-
ventures. Don't hesitate if you're thinking about getting it, I did but still got it and haven't regretted it at all! Thanks MP Design Studio for a really fun and awesome copter!

Again a poorly explained FS2004 designed model in FSX, again no spec or bump mapping and poor rotor animation and poor VC shadows, the models appearance is what was expected pre 2006. FSX default model have more detailed mapping than this over priced package. Its just slightly better than the old Virtavia S55 which is now freeware As mention the quality is something that was expected over 10yrs ago, for todays baseline standards 18Euros is too much to ask for this flat plain fs2004 looking model