Reviews (by John)

I bought this to try in P3D 4.5 because it looked interesting. So first the good points. I tried the Rafale C version. The external graphics are excellent, from any angle. The cockpit is also well done in it's general appearance. Running on a high end pc the fps performance is exceptional, allowing all graphics settings to be maximised, even in cloudy conditions. Other things could be better. The sound set is not bad, but missing the intense afterburner crackle that would make it sound like a high performance fighter. The fonts on the instrument graphics are difficult to read, unless zoomed right in. However most of these can be memorised, so it's tolerable. The big issue I found was the flight dynamics. These are more arcade style than flight simulation. The roll rate was ridiculously high, even with a full weapons and fuel load. The rudder was over sensitive for this type of aircraft and the elevator relatively ineffective. The aircraft reacted to trim settings, but I could not see any reference to this, or indication of the setting in use. The most annoying characteristic is in a high rate steep turn, it behaves more like an overpowered Cessna. As soon as any back pressure is applied, it wants to climb, rather than turn. Swept wing aircraft are 'pulled' round a turn, within G limits, using power to maintain speed. It should only need very small bank adjustments to maintain height. I modified the aircraft config file which improved control reactions, but I'm not sure I can get it how I would want it. However other users may be less concerned with control effects, and for the graphics alone, the price is quite reasonable.

This software has been around for a while, but having seen a couple of recent negative comments, I wanted to indicate my own more positive impression. I have used the E-Jets v2 for several years with FSX and P3D v1.4, v2.2 and currently v3.2. all running on Win7 64 bit. In each case it has installed cleanly and operated correctly. I used the Estonia Migration Tool to install E Jets in each version of P3D, following the standard advice to install as administrator. I have seen no evidence of it 'messing up' any other addons, and I have quite a lot. Similarly, the E-Jet sound files are discrete to that product and stored in separate folders. If they have somehow affected other sounds, that suggests a faulty installation. This could be due to a corrupted download, or not following the recommended installation process. I use this software in a home cockpit and I have found the simulation to be surprisingly realistic. The systems modelling is quite comprehensive and the FMC is excellent. Almost every switch and button can be easily replicated in hardware, and they actually have some effect, although like another reviewer I am disappointed that the Fire systems are not working. Most important, the flight modelling is very well done and provides handling responses like a mid size airliner. Hand flying requires some anticipation, and regular use of the elevator trim. Overall I think this is a very good simulation which still stands up against many, much newer, software releases.