The Vans 727-200

The Boeing 727, sometimes called the "Whisperjet" (as a result of the rear-mounted turbofan jet engines, passengers seated forward in first class could actually hear each other whispering, which was quite unique in a time that hearing someone whispering aboard a jet plane was not possible due to loud engine noise), is a classic mid-size narrow-body trijet.

The Vans Aircraft Company developed this Boeing 727-200 in 5 different STAGE III versions: 727-200adv, 727-200qw, 727-200re, 727-200qwre (super 27) and 727-200h. The exterior model is detailed and represents its real world counterpart well. Each model pack includes a few liveries, which is great, because there aren't many 3rd party liveries available for these models. All usual animations are present and also a few special animations: Moving baggage carts, catering truck and fuel truck and airstairs in the tail. These animations are activated by the wingfold and tailhook commands.

The flight dynamics seem realistic, but it is not easy to keep the aircraft in the air with full flaps (possibly) due to an incorrect stall speed setting. Also, don't try to land with extreme crosswind, or you'll be sorry. The rudder yaw is animated correctly, but it doesn't have much effect. And finally, the thrust reversers of the qw, re and qwre versions seem to deploy unrealistically fast. Despite these flaws, this Boeing 727-200 is still a very nice and good looking aircraft with a number of special animations which are quite unique for a freeware package!









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