Aerospatiale SA-2 Samson (Avatar) for FSX

Media Format

Immediate Download

Compatibility

Microsoft Flight Simulator X

File size

349 MB

Featured in the 2009 summer blockbuster film Avatar, the Aerospatiale SA-2 Samson is a reconnaissance aircraft in the service of the human Resources Development Administration. With a length of 15.9 meters and a width of 14.99 meters, the SA-2 can reach speeds of 144 knots, and as such functions as a light transport and reconnaissance craft on the planet Pandora, as well as elsewhere.

Although not designed for use in combat situations, the SA-2 is armable with a variety of light weapons, including MBS-9M Hydra rocket launchers and a side-door M60 machine gun. Before its adoption by the Resources Development Administration, the Aerospatiale SA-2 Samson was extensively field-tested in rugged conditions on planet Earth, including locales as extreme as the Himalayas and Antarctica. Performing superbly in such conditions, and with a minimum of maintenance and upkeep required, the SA-2 Samson was selected by the Resources Development Administration when it became clear that a reliable and versatile vertical take-off-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft was needed for extensive ground operations.

With twin ducted coaxial propeller fans, the SA-2 Samson has extensive maneuverability and mobility. With each fan capable of independent rotation, the Samson can rapidly shift direction and velocity as the situation requires. This model is a faithful rendering of the Aerospatiale SA-2 Samson featured in the film.

The specifications are all here in perfect detail: the dual coaxial propellers, the speed and maneuverability, the winch that allows for rapid transportation of external cargo, and the rugged yet lightweight depiction the craft is known for. Three variants are available, featuring the fully-fledged assault craft with Hydra rocket pods and fixed .50 caliber machine guns, the assault craft with a cabin crew, and an unarmed version functioning purely as a transport.

With HD textures, a detailed interior as well as exterior, and realistic flight dynamics, this model is an outstanding rendering of the Aerospatiale SA-2 Samson.

Manufacturers Description

The Samson is a twin turbine, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) ducted-rotor vehicle. It is designed to carry out mostly non-combat missions. It can be used to drop supplies and personnel at distant field sites. Its heavy-duty winch can lift portable lab modules. The aircraft features minimal armament for defensive purposes only, making it an easy target in a battle against weaponry. Its closed-rotor system and cutters on leading edges allow for safe operation in rainforests. The Samson has two stub wing pods, one on each side, that can fire either air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles. In addition there are two manually operated door guns, in either 50 or 30 caliber. The Samson is not designed as an attack aircraft, so it is not armored, although there is some composite armor in the pilot’s seats and the dual-layer canopy can withstand strikes from smaller firearms. The Hydra 50 caliber gun can be mounted on either side for manual operation, because of its grip configuration. The pedestal may be locked with pins to form a rigid mount for fixed-forward firing, controlled by the pilot.

The cockpit can be sealed from the outside atmosphere and gives seats for four personnel. Standard emergency equipment is the built in fire suppression system, portable fire extinguishers, emergency beacons, trauma medical kit. An onboard air generator supplies enough air for multiple repress cycles of the cockpit and the cabin separately, which allows personnel to move from the cockpit into the depressurized cabin through a pressure door or allows the crew to exit and re-enter the aircraft multiple times.

Typical operating configuration is cabin doors off during flight. All seats have four-point restraints, and the gunnery stations have safety lanyards to secure the gunners. The vehicle is typically piloted from the right seat, but has dual controls. Downward visibility is excellent, with big chin-bubbles and inward cambered lower door window, which is ideal for operations in hover. The maximum speed in normal operations is 145 knot. The Samson is capable of carrying long-line sling loads with a typical belly hook and winch arrangement.

This add-on represents three variants

• Assault with fixed 50 cal. machine guns
• Assault with cabin crew
• Transport

Features

• Accurate and detailed interior and exterior visual models
• Custom exterior and interior animations
• HD textures
• Fully clickable dynamic virtual cockpit
• Perfectly flyable from the VC
• Realistic flight dynamics
• Includes low-definition and high-definition versions for all variants
• Working machineguns in the fixed mount variant
• PDF manual
• Paintkit

This add-on requires Acceleration Expansion Pack for FSX preinstalled to work properly.