C-130 Hercules Review (FSX FS9)
Published by Just Flight
Review by Martin Wilby
January 2009
Introduction
This review focuses on Just Flights C-130 Hercules, designed for both Flight
Simulator X and Flight simulator 2004, originally developed by Captain Sim
and now available from Just Flight in the form of a professionally packaged
DVD.
Included with the DVD is an extensive 240 page printed flight manual and in
addition, 245 pages available in PDF file format once installed. The
manual includes everything the flight simulation enthusiast requires in
order to operate this iconic military transport in accordance with real
world procedures, within the limits of Flight Simulator X and 2004. The
package offers 12 Hercules variants in 28 authentic liveries, in short, the
complete C-130 experience.
This is a relatively mature product with several service packs already
released for the Captain Sim download version. The Just Flight version
benefits from those service packs and in addition, further updates and fixes
are available on the publisher’s web site.
The C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four engine turboprop military
transport aircraft and the main tactical airlifter for many military forces.
There are in excess of 40 models and variants serving with more than 50
nations worldwide.
This remarkably versatile aircraft was originally designed as a troop,
medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft and is perfectly capable of
operating from an unprepared runway. In addition, the versatile airframe has
also been utilised in a variety of other roles, for example, as a flying
gunship, a search and rescue aircraft, scientific research support, weather
reconnaissance, aerial refuelling and the aerial fire fighting role.
The C-130 Hercules and its variants have had the longest continuous
production run of any military aircraft in history, and during more than 50
years of service has participated in countless military, civilian and
humanitarian aid operations.
External Model and Features.
I am not the kind of virtual pilot that spends an inordinate amount of time
admiring the aircrafts exterior, I much prefer to spend my time, as a real
world pilot would, within the confines of the cockpit. However,
despite my 2D panel predilection, I was absolutely blown away by the add-ons
exterior detail and animated features and found myself gaping in awe at the
quality of the developers work.
Numerous features are available for the flight simulation enthusiast’s
appreciation; the radar dome swings wide, exposing the oscillating dish and
the escape hatches open, ready for a rapid evacuation. From the
undulating weld lines on the engine nacelles to the wear and contamination
on the extended flaps, the exterior does not disappoint and with 28
authentic liveries to choose from the C-130 enthusiast’s satisfaction with
the exterior is incontestable.
Cockpit Availability and Features
It is evident as soon as the 2D panel is selected, that the quality of
the exterior carries over into the cockpit. I must admit, I am usually less
than enthusiastic in regard to worn panels, favouring the brand new
unadulterated look of the modern glass cockpit, however, such a thing would
be wholly inappropriate in a classic aircraft such as the C-130 and the
developer has done a remarkable job of retaining a quality panel while still
capturing the worn out look of a mature cockpit. Unfortunately, the
classic, worn cockpit is all the developer provides even for the ‘J’ and ‘H’
variants that in reality are now outfitted with up to date glass cockpits.
There are plenty of requests on the developer’s forum for a glass cockpit
upgrade, so hopefully Captain Sim will consider this option, it would
certainly add the necessary realism to the latest variants.
The 2D panels are accessed either by use of the keyboard shortcuts, shift
1-9, or from the panel switcher provided and with a plethora of 2D panels
available this is a welcome addition. All of the 2D panels have
excellent clarity even on a CRT monitor set to a relatively low resolution.
Although, as the panels are by necessity highly populated with instruments,
the readability is at times compromised to a degree. However, this is only a
minor criticism and does not detract from the enjoyment of the product.
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