The Benefits of FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012 for Flight Simulator Enthusiasts
FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012: A Review
If you are a fan of flight simulators, you may have heard of FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012, a highly realistic add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Lockheed Martin Prepar3d. This product is built after the Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 turboprop aircraft, which is one of the most advanced regional airliners in the world. In this article, we will review some of the main features and benefits of this product, as well as the different editions and prices available.
FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012 DRM Free
Introduction
FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012 is a flight simulator add-on that simulates the Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 aircraft with a high level of detail and accuracy. It includes an independent Flight Dynamics Engine (FDE), a Weather Radar, a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), a dual Flight Management System (FMS), a Headup Guidance System (HGS) (PRO edition only) and a shared cockpit feature (PRO edition only). It also features custom animations, lighting, sounds, effects and liveries.
This product is packaged into four editions: PILOT edition, PRO edition, TRAINING edition and AIRLINE edition. The PILOT edition is designed for home flightsimmers who want a state-of-the-art hardcore add-on but do not require complex features such as instructor panel system monitoring, circuit breakers simulation, failures simulation or shared cockpit. The PRO edition is designed for advanced users or airline pilots who want to improve their knowledge of the Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. It includes all the features of the PILOT edition plus the HGS simulation and the shared cockpit feature. The TRAINING edition is designed for professional pilots or flight schools who want to use the product for training purposes. It includes all the features of the PRO edition plus instructor panel system monitoring, circuit breakers simulation and failures simulation. The AIRLINE edition is designed for airlines who want to use the product for their own training programs. It includes all the features of the TRAINING edition plus customized liveries, manuals and documentation.
The prices of these editions vary depending on the platform (FSX or P3D) and the vendor (Majestic Software or Aerosoft). For example, the PILOT edition for FSX costs $52.99 at Aerosoft US Shop, while the PRO edition for P3D V3 costs $71.99 at Just Flight. For more information on the precise differences between these editions and their prices, please visit their respective product pages.
Custom Flight Dynamics Engine
One of the most impressive features of FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012 is its custom flight dynamics engine which is completely independent from the default FSX FDE. This means that it can run at a much higher rate than the default simulator FDE and avoid some of its inherent problems such as unrealistic aerodynamics behaviour or inaccurate wind simulation.
The custom flight dynamics engine simulates various aspects of the aircraft physics such as realistic wind simulation, icing effects, enhanced propeller physics including propeller discing and auto rotation, effects of propeller airstream on wing lift and icing effects on propeller, wings and flight surfaces. It also simulates ground effect during landing or takeoff phases.
The custom flight dynamics engine allows you to experience a more realistic flight behaviour of the Dash 8 Q400 aircraft in various weather conditions and scenarios.
Weather Radar
Another feature that enhances realism in FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012 is its weather radar which can display weather returns based on actual FSX weather or weather environment add-ons such as Active Sky Next or REX Essential Plus Overdrive.
The weather radar can work in two modes: weather mode and ground mode. In weather mode, it can interpolate weather returns based on FSX Weather Stations reports using different tilt angles to scan different altitudes. It can also simulate ground clutter effects such as buildings or mountains that may interfere with weather returns.
In ground mode, it can display surrounding terrain using different colors to indicate elevation levels. It can also simulate weather shadow effects such as areas where terrain blocks weather returns from reaching radar antenna.
The weather radar can help you plan your route according to weather conditions or avoid hazardous areas such as thunderstorms or turbulence zones.
TCAS
TCAS stands for Traffic Collision Avoidance System which is a system that helps pilots avoid mid-air collisions with other aircraft by providing traffic indication as well as traffic advisories (TA) and resolution advisories (RA).
FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012 simulates most of the ICAO-defined CASII functions which are based on Mode S transponder technology. It can display traffic information on both Navigation Display (ND) and Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI). It can also provide audio alerts such as "Traffic" or "Climb" depending on traffic situation.
The TCAS works with both AI traffic generated by FSX or virtual ATC network traffic such as Vatsim or IVAO using SquawkBox or FSInn clients.
The TCAS can help you maintain safe separation from other aircraft especially in busy airspace or during approach phases.
FMS Navigation, Fuel Management and Basic Performance
FMS stands for Flight Management System which is a computer system that helps pilots manage various aspects of flight such as navigation, fuel management and basic performance.
FSX Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 V1.012 simulates Universal 1E FMS which is one of the most advanced FMS systems available for regional airliners. It consists of two identical units that can operate independently or synchronously.
The FMS can provide navigation in three dimensions using Lateral Navigation (LNAV) which follows predefined waypoints along flight plan route; Vertical Navigation (VNAV) which follows predefined altitude constraints along flight plan route; Required Navigation Performance (RNP) which follows predefined lateral deviation limits along flight plan route.
The FMS can also provide fuel management by calculating fuel consumption rate based on current weight; fuel required to reach destination; fuel reserve required; optimal cruise altitude; optimal cruise speed; optimal descent profile etc.
The FMS can also provide basic performance by calculating takeoff speeds; takeoff distance; landing speeds; landing distance etc.