PMDG 747-400 X Boeing 747 Add-On for FSX

Media Format

CD-ROM

Compatibility

Microsoft Flight Simulator X

Editorial

I've been an avid Flight Simulator fan for years. If you've ever played the game, you know there's nothing quite like being able to realistically fly today's aircraft from your computer.

My grandpa was an aeronautical engineer, he turned me onto flying the big jets in Flight Simulator and I haven't stopped since. If you're like me, you're constantly trying to get more and more realism from your flights. You're always trying new flight methods and exploring new routes. So, in my quest for new realism in Flight Simulator I purchased PMDG 747-400 for FSX.

It's a great add-on that adds a LOT of realism to the game for people who like to fly the greatest jet of them all, the 747. They did a lot of redesigning of the 3D models related to the 747 and it makes a huge difference in the immersion you feel when flying it.

Photo realism is what they were going for, and as long as you have a relatively modern computer, you're in for just that. On top of all of the new visual goodies that come with the game, there's some awesome new features too.

You can simulate random failures that force you to deal with new situations on the fly and they include an awesome operating manual, something any experienced 747 pilot has in his glove box! There really isn't anything they didn't think of when producing this game.

It blew my mind when I was landing for my first time and I began to overheat my brakes because I was braking too hard. The fact that they had thought to include that (and how easy it can be to overheat! be careful!) is simply amazing. I only wish all simulations were this complete.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking to get into a 747 on their computer today.

Manufacturers Description

The PMDG 747-400 package is the ultimate Boeing 747 add-on for FSX. This is the product that every virtual pilot should have in their aircraft collection. It's boasting stunning details, functionality, flyability and much more - all in one package.

The PMDG 747-400 X is the answer for 747 enthusiasts who demand exceptional functionality and visual appeal! Stunning photo real cockpit and exterior models combined with an accurate systems functionality. This package includes the passenger and cargo version for FSX.

The completely new models of the PMDG 747-400 X Queen of the Skies have been exclusively designed for FSX implementing new features such as specular lighting and bump mapping amongst others. In order to provide the sophistication, technical details and challenge of commercial airline flying to the enthusiast, the PMDG 747-400 X Queen of the Skies meets exacting standards for quality and completeness.

From the photo-real cockpit to systems programmed after engineering schematics, no effort has been spared during the extensive development process. This has been verified by a dedicated beta test team, comprised of aviation professionals, airline pilots and Flight Simulator experts.

Features

The PMDG 747 has many stunning features, some of which are listed below.

Exterior Model

• 3D Studio Max 747-400 & 747-400F Models - Accurately modeled down to the smallest detail complete with high resolution textures and three different engine variants
• Airplane Animations - Hundreds of animated parts on the exterior model bring the 747-400 to life, with realistic gear, flap and slat movement, all passenger and cargo doors operable (with corresponding indications in the cockpit) and all control surfaces moving like their real-world counterparts
• New FSX Features - the exterior model features new lighting, shine and bump map technology, as well as smooth non-segmented wing flex created with vertex animation as well as visual fuel dump and engine fire effects

Virtual Cockpit

• Dynamic Virtual Cockpit - Accurate within inches of the real flight deck, complete with photo-real textures, animated switches and knobs and beautiful night lightingNew FSX Feature - Internal VC lighting now also visible during the day time
• Virtual Cabin - In addition to the virtual cockpit, a section of the passenger cabin is represented for a virtual visit

Cockpit Features

• Panel Perspectives - You can now start flying the 747 from the First Officer's perspective and work your way up to the familiar Captain's perspective; the main panel perspectives provide large display space to provide clear views of the primary CRT or optional LCD displays with all necessary information for flight
• Complete Avionics - Sharp vector graphic cockpit displays matching their real world counterparts, all EICAS functions and lower displays working interactively with the aircraft's systems, and also displaying three engine variants (RR, GE, PW)
• Aircraft / Cockpit Systems - Functionality at the highest accuracy, programmed after engineering schematics to ensure everything behaves like on the real plane; 747-400F specific pneumatics systems are correctly modeled and the stabilizer tanks have been remove

Additional Features

• Failures Module - Set failures at random intervals or target specific systems with variable and progressive damage factors
• Sound Set - Recorded from the real flight deck, the sounds are complete from the three different variants of powerful jet engines to the fire warning bells
• Operating Manual - 350+ pages including operating procedures, limitations and more
• Free Add-on Liveries - Dozens of colorful airline liveries will be made available for download upon product release

Additional 747-400 Details

• Flight Performance Model - Developed from scratch by our own aeronautics professional, the flight characteristics operate within a narrow margin of operator's specifications
• Customizable Options - Change units, flight director styles, IRS alignment times, engine variants and more
• Professional Features - Complete IRS system, Autopilot includes VNAV, LNAV, FL CHG and is capable of performing full autoland in the strongest of crosswinds
• New Night Lighting Technique - At night, this airliner cockpit will illuminate in all its glory, with three different intensities and complete standardization between the virtual cockpit and 2D panel night appearance
• Panel State Loading - From cold and dark to cruising level, the airplane can be loaded to be configured in different setups
• Flight Management Computer (FMC) - Interactive FMC operating to real world standards with highly accurate fuel/distance/time predictions - Functionality includes: SID/STAR Procedures / Two Independent FMCs Operative / IRS Position Interaction / Accurate Cost Index Functionality

Some Aircraft System Details

• Custom Engine Model
• Engine Flame-Outs during heavy precipitation and at V speeds possible
• Variable Damage Factors for Systems and Engines
• Auto-Start (auto-relight) and Windmill Modeled
• Fuel Management System with Accurate Cross-feed and Balancing
• Excessive Braking will cause Brake Pad Overheat

Some Autopilot Features

• Certification standard model of sideslip control during final stage of approach and runway centerline tracking on the ground (rollout) during fully automatic CATII/III type approach
• Custom designed parameters for most realistic behavior
• LNAV/VNAV accurately modeled

Included liveries

Many great liveries are included with the PMDG 747 pack, with many of the major airlines featured you probably won't even need to download any more to get the exact repaint you want. Included liveries are below.

747-400

• PMDG House Livery (GE)
• Air Canada (GE)
• ALL NIPPON (GE)
• Saudia Aribian Airlines (GE)
• Lufthansa (GE)
• Air France (GE)
• PMDG House Livery (PW)
• United Airlines (PW)
• Northwest (PW)
• Iberia (PW)
• PMDG House Livery (RR)
• British Airways (RR)

747-400 F

• PMDG House Livery (GE)
• Air France Cargo (GE)
• Emirates Skycargo (GE)
• EVA AIR CARGO (GE)
• KLM CARGO (GE)
• UPS (GE)
• USAF UC25A (GE)
• PMDG House Livery (PW)
• Fedral Express (PW)
• PMDG House Livery (RR)
• CARGOLUS LX-VCV (RR)
• Cathay Pacific Cargo (RR)
•  

Additional free liveries for the PMDG 747-400 X are available from the developers website at PMDG Simulations.

This unique product comes with a huge manual and detailed information about flying an airliner.

System requirements(minimum):
Microsoft Flight Simulator X (Service Pack 2)
Windows XP (SP2), Windows Vista, Windows 7
3 GHz or multi-core processor+
1 GB RAM+

Video

Reviews

"There's much more in this package to enjoy—cockpit ambient sounds tailored to each engine variant, audible callouts (selectable), and finally documentation that is as thorough and clearly presented as any I've seen. There's also PMDG's visual Load Manager utility, used to configure passenger and cargo loading and compute the flight's zero fuel weight and fuel load." - Avsim

"Very nice aircraft. PMDG has a reputation for turning out impeccably and realistically simulated aircraft. Although the technology used to create this plane is a bit out dated compared to what's available today, this aircraft is still one of the best designed. If you have never tried PMDG aircraft, I think you should start now." - FlightSim

"This add-on is simply fantastic. Works great on my 2006-ish computer (Athlon X2 4600+ and GeForce 7950 GT/OC video). Every (every!) system modeled. Great, realistic auto-land. Takes nDac downloads to the FMS fro TOTAL up-to-date realism. Beautiful FREE liveries - cargo and even Air Force 1! All cargo doors work... wings flex... handles like the real thing… the list goes on. Bottom-line: pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for - this type of add-on is what it's all about." - FlightSim