Douglas DC-3 Dakota (P3D)

Fly The Highly Detailed Iconic Aircraft!

The DC-3 as it was first known, popularised air travel in the USA in the 1930’s and went on to fly with most of the world’s major operators along with countless smaller passenger and freight carriers all over the globe.

Due to its rugged design properties and inherent adaptability, it did not take long for the military to recognise the potential in the DC-3. The type became known as the C-47 and was delivered to the US Army Air Force in a variety of specification to suit any purpose. As a troop carrier it delivered paratroops to drop-zones in every theatre of war. It re-supplied beleaguered armies with ammunition and supplies and evacuated the wounded from often inaccessible locations.

In peace-time, the DC-3 “Dakota” carried millions of passengers, flying in just about every country in the civilised world. With close to 2,000 examples still flying today, it is worth remembering that this design is now 86 years old!

Modern, “revitalised” DC-3s can be had with turbo-prop engines and sophisticated avionics packages which should see this piece of iconic aviation engineering operating for at least another 30 years.It is hard to think of another aircraft that can match the C-47/DC-3 in capability, endurance and reliability. “The only worthwhile replacement for a DC-3 is another DC-3” . Sadly true, it is unlikely that we shall ever see the like of the design, ever again.
 
In our simulation tribute, we have attempted to bring you something of the way it feels to fly one of these legends. A bone-shaking, rattling ride - often flying by the seat of your pants and relying on your flying skills and navigation prowess to get you through! You can sample several different civilian variations.

Many of the real-world functions of the design are replicated, including accurate engine start and management routines, correct operation of hydraulics for landing gear and flaps and a “working” original Sperry Gyro-pilot. There’s even a navigation sextant for those with the spirit to use one!

For modern pilots, we have included integration with the excellent Flight 1 GTN 750 and Rex/Milviz WX weather radar array. If you have these excellent softwares, the panels are already set up to accommodate your gauges. You are able to fly the “Dak” in its original form or with modern avionics and nav-aids we can promise you a truly satisfying simulation experience.

EXTERIOR MODELS

• Pratt & Whitney engined, left passenger door
• Pratt & Whitney engined, Passenger and Cargo/Passenger doors
• Wright Cyclone engined, right and left passenger door
• Highly accurate, fully detailed models with many working animations.
• Exceptionally high detail, authentic 3D modeled engines complete with individual cylinder fins, valve gear, spark plugs and leads etc.
• High Definition modeling including detail down to opening telescopic battery doors, batteries and compartments Passenger versions have detailed galley areas including tea and coffee urns, crockery, teapots and coffee pots!
• Full PBR (Physical Based Rendering) texturing of the entire exteriors and detailed components like anding gear, tyres etc.Texture techniques allow for dull,natural and highly polished alloy surfaces and paint.
• Realistic animated flight crew and static ground personnel.
• Support vehicle, chocks, pre-flight flags etc.
• A “working” GPU power cart to supply power to the aircraft for starting.

INTERIOR MODELS

• DC-3 civilian style cockpit with detailed fittings and controls.
• The DC-3 civilian version is fitted with Flight 1 GTN and REX/MilViz WX integration in switchable panels.
• Highly accurate and beautifully modeled controls and equipment as per the real cockpit.
• Instruments have "3D paint" faces and are equipped with 3D modeled needles complete with pivot pins!
• Realistic starting is modeled with "Start/Mesh" combination switches. "15-blade" starts are possible.
• All hydraulic and pressurised equipemnt is modeled and fully functional.
• Correct actions for throttles, mixture (gated) and prop levers.
• Full PBR materials and textures throughout the entire cockpit.
• Flight dynamics are authored by some of the best in the business and are very accurate to the real machines. Which means they are challenging.
• Sounds are authentic and dynamic, sourced from real aircraft starts and running.

LIVERIES

• 8 Authentic liveries from popular international operators.
• Paintkit to be released shortly.

REQUIREMENTS

P3D v5.2 Update:

• Air France
• Air Anglia
• Aironaves (Mexico)
• Air Queensland
• Ansett ANA
• TAA Classic (early polished alloy)
• Swissair (Original livery on natural alloy)
• Swissair Restored (High Polished AlloY).