The Ultimate Guide to the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update
FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update: A Must-Have for Helicopter Simulation Fans
If you are a fan of helicopter simulation, you probably have heard of or flown the Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil, one of the most popular and versatile helicopters in the world. You may also have tried the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil addon, which is one of the best helicopter addons for FSX and P3D. But did you know that there is a new update for this addon that brings Prepar3D V4 compatibility and a few visual and system optimizations? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this update, including its history, features, review, and FAQs.
FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update
History of the AS350 Ecureuil
The AS350 Ecureuil (or Squirrel) is a single-engine light utility helicopter that was developed by Aerospatiale in France in the early 1970s. The design was supposed to have an emphasis on simple construction and low cost maintenance. For the rotor head, a new Star Flex glass fibre head was installed, which was light, simple, and strong. The first AS350 flew in June 1974 with a Lycoming LTS101 engine, and a second prototype flew shortly afterwards with a Turbomeca Arriel IB engine. In October 1977, the type certification was received and the Ecureuil went into production.
For the American market, the LTS101 engine was retained and was shipped as the AS350C A-Star. For the rest of the world, the AS350B Squirrel rolled off the line with the Arriel IB engine. Initially, the Lycoming suffered from poor reliability, leading to the A-Star being called Falling Star however, subsequent modifications have made the type exceptionally reliable. In fact, it is now the preferred choice for law enforcement and government agencies in the US.
The initial Arriel powered B model aircraft were superseded by the BA model which took a slightly modified Star Flex from the new AS355 Twin Squirrel and increased the AUW from 4300 LBS to 4630 LBS. One of the models included in this update, the B1 model, fitted a more powerful Arriel ID engine and increased the AUW to 4850 LBS. The B2 model fitted a yet more powerful Arriel ID-I engine and increased the AUW to 4961 LBS. The most recent incarnation, and the other model included in this update, is the B3 model with a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine) controlled Arriel 2B1 engine and increased the AUW to 5071 LBS. The B3 model also has a longer tail boom and a higher tail rotor than the previous models.
The AS350 Ecureuil has been produced under different names and designations by Eurocopter and Airbus Helicopters, the successors of Aerospatiale. The AS350B2 is known as the H125, while the AS350B3 is known as the H125M for military use. The AS350 Ecureuil has also been developed into a twin-engine variant, the AS355 Ecureuil 2, and a high-altitude variant, the AS550 Fennec.
The AS350 Ecureuil has been widely used for various roles, such as aerial work, law enforcement, emergency medical services, tourism, filming, firefighting, and military operations. It has also set several world records, such as the highest landing and take-off on Mount Everest in 2005 by a B3 model. As of 2018, more than 4,000 AS350 Ecureuils have been delivered to over 100 countries.
Features of the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update
The FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update is a free update for owners of the original FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil addon. It adds Prepar3D V4 compatibility and a few visual and system optimizations to the addon. The update includes two versions (B1 and B3) and six variations of the AS350 Ecureuil, each with different cabin configurations, liveries, and features. Here are some of the main features of the update:
- Custom external and internal animations: The update adds realistic animations for the doors, windows, switches, levers, pedals, collective, cyclic, and other parts of the helicopter. The animations are smooth and responsive, adding to the immersion of flying the AS350 Ecureuil. - Cabin configurations: The update offers different cabin configurations for different roles and missions. For example, you can choose between passenger seats, cargo space, or medical equipment for your cabin. You can also change the visibility of some objects in the cabin, such as the fire extinguisher or the first aid kit. - 3D gauges: The update features fully functional 3D gauges for the cockpit instruments. The gauges are clear and accurate, showing you all the information you need to fly the AS350 Ecureuil safely and efficiently. You can also adjust the brightness and contrast of the gauges to suit your preference. - Working hoist systems and controllable search light on some variants: The update adds working hoist systems and controllable search light on some variants of the AS350 Ecureuil. These features are useful for rescue missions or night operations. You can control the hoist systems and search light with keyboard commands or joystick buttons. - Multiple platform support: The update supports both FSX and Prepar3D V4 platforms. You can install it on either platform or both without any issues. The update also supports DirectX 10 mode for FSX users who want to improve their graphics performance. - Liveries: The update comes with several liveries for each version and variation of the AS350 Ecureuil. You can choose from different colors, patterns, logos, and registrations for your helicopter. Some of the liveries are based on real-world operators of the AS350 Ecureuil, such as Air Zermatt or Heliswiss. - Painkit: The update includes a painkit for users who want to create their own liveries for the AS350 Ecureuil. The painkit contains PSD files with layers and guides for each part of the helicopter. You can use any image editing software that supports PSD files to customize your own liveries. - PDF manual: The update provides a PDF manual that explains how to install and use the addon. The manual also contains information about the history, specifications, systems, procedures, limitations, and performance of the AS350 Ecureuil. The manual is well-written and easy to follow.
Review of the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update
The FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update is a great addon for helicopter simulation fans who want to fly one of the most popular and versatile helicopters in the world. The update improves the visual and system performance of the AS350 Ecureuil, making it more compatible with the latest simulator platforms and hardware. The update also enhances the realism and immersion of flying the AS350 Ecureuil, adding more features and options for different roles and missions. The update is easy to install and use, and comes with a detailed manual that covers everything you need to know about the addon. The update is not perfect, however, and there are some minor issues and drawbacks that you may encounter. For example, some users have reported that the sound quality is not very good, and that the engine sound is too loud and repetitive. Some users have also complained that the flight dynamics are not very realistic, and that the helicopter is too easy to fly and control. Some users have also noticed some graphical glitches and errors, such as missing textures or flickering shadows. These issues may vary depending on your system configuration and settings, and may not affect your overall enjoyment of the addon. The update is also not very innovative or original, as it is based on an old addon that was released in 2011. The update does not add any new features or content that were not already available in the original addon, such as new models, variants, systems, or missions. The update is mainly a compatibility and optimization patch, rather than a complete overhaul or expansion of the addon. The update is also not very cheap, as it costs $35 USD for new customers who do not own the original addon. This price may seem high for an old addon that has been updated with minimal changes. However, if you already own the original addon, you can get the update for free, which is a great deal. You can also wait for a sale or a discount to get the update at a lower price. Here are some of the pros and cons of the update: Pros: - Adds Prepar3D V4 compatibility - Improves visual and system performance - Enhances realism and immersion - Adds more features and options - Easy to install and use - Comes with a detailed manual - Free for owners of the original addon Cons: - Sound quality is not very good - Flight dynamics are not very realistic - Graphical glitches and errors - Based on an old addon - No new features or content - Costs $35 USD for new customers Conclusion
The FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update is a must-have for helicopter simulation fans who want to fly one of the most popular and versatile helicopters in the world. The update adds Prepar3D V4 compatibility and a few visual and system optimizations to the original addon, making it more compatible with the latest simulator platforms and hardware. The update also enhances the realism and immersion of flying the AS350 Ecureuil, adding more features and options for different roles and missions. The update is easy to install and use, and comes with a detailed manual that covers everything you need to know about the addon.
The update is not perfect, however, and there are some minor issues and drawbacks that you may encounter. The sound quality is not very good, the flight dynamics are not very realistic, and there are some graphical glitches and errors. The update is also based on an old addon that does not add any new features or content. The update also costs $35 USD for new customers, which may seem high for an old addon.
Overall, we recommend the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update for helicopter simulation fans who want to fly one of the most popular and versatile helicopters in the world. The update improves the visual and system performance of the AS350 Ecureuil, making it more compatible with the latest simulator platforms and hardware. The update also enhances the realism and immersion of flying the AS350 Ecureuil, adding more features and options for different roles and missions. The update is easy to install and use, and comes with a detailed manual that covers everything you need to know about the addon.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update:
Where can I buy the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update?
You can buy the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update from Nemeth Designs' official website: https://www.nemethdesigns.com/payware/67-aerospatiale-as350-ecureuil-fsx-p3d.html. You can also buy it from other online stores that sell flight simulation addons, such as SimMarket or FlightSim.com.
How much does it cost?
The FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update costs $35 USD for new customers who do not own the original addon. If you already own the original addon, you can get the update for free from Nemeth Designs' official website: https://www.nemethdesigns.com/payware/67-aerospatiale-as350-ecureuil-fsx-p3d.html. You can also wait for a sale or a discount to get the update at a lower price.
How can I install it on my FSX or P3D?
The FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update comes with an installer that will guide you through the installation process. You just need to run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to enter your name, email, and serial number that you received when you bought the update. You will also need to select the simulator platform (FSX or P3D) and the installation folder. The installer will then copy the files and folders to your simulator directory. You can also uninstall the update using the same installer.
What are the system requirements for running it smoothly?
The FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update has the same system requirements as the original addon. You will need a PC that can run FSX or P3D with at least the following specifications:
Minimum
Recommended
Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10
Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
2.0 GHz processor
3.0 GHz processor
2 GB RAM
4 GB RAM
256 MB graphics card
512 MB graphics card
1 GB free hard disk space
2 GB free hard disk space
DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
Mouse, keyboard, joystick or yoke
Mouse, keyboard, joystick or yoke with pedals and throttle
Internet connection for activation and updates
Internet connection for activation and updates
You may also need to adjust your simulator settings and options to optimize your performance and graphics quality. You can refer to the manual for more tips and suggestions on how to improve your experience with the update.
How can I contact Nemeth Designs for support or feedback?
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions regarding the FSX Nemeth Designs Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil Update, you can contact Nemeth Designs by email at support@nemethdesigns.com. You can also visit their official website: https://www.nemethdesigns.com/, where you can find more information, news, updates, and forums about their products. dcd2dc6462