The Vickers VC10 is a classic medium to long-range, narrow body commercial passenger jet aircraft built by the British company Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd. The prototype first flew on June 29, 1962. Based on BOAC specifications, the VC10 was designed to operate on long distance routes and capable of hot and high operations from African airports. There are basically two versions of the VC10: the 109-151 seat Standard version and the 139-174 seat Super version. Despite it's sophisticated design, the VC10 never became a commercial success due to bad timing of it's debut and high operating costs. Only 54 airframes were build when the production of the VC10 ceased in 1970. After years of service with various airlines, a large number of VC10s were bought by the RAF and converted to air to air refueling aircraft. Many of them are still in service.
Addictive Simulations is developer of various classic British aircraft. Their VC10 package contains three VC10 models (civil and military versions), various liveries, panel, virtual cockpit, sound package and brief manual. The exterior is detailed and the liveries are of average quality (although some of them have too much reflection). Many cockpit systems are modeled and can be accessed from the realistic looking panel. The virtual cockpit looks simple and not all buttons and handles are clickable. A wingview is not available.
The flight dynamics are excellent. The control inputs are a bit slow, just like it should be on an old aircraft like the VC10. The engine sound inside the cockpit is great, especially when the engines are at full power. At that time, you'll see black smoke coming from behind the engines. There aren't many special animations, only two passenger doors that can be opened. It's quite strange to see static textures of the entrance when the doors are open (see screenshot #6). |
|
