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Introduction

I have to admit, I’m a relatively new convert when it comes to RealAir. In fact it was just last year that I first took the plunge and made a grab for both the Duke B60 V2 and the Turbine Duke V1. I was glad I did, the RealAir B60 V2 quickly became one of my favourite add-ons for FSX. The Turbine Duke impressed me too, but I found myself gravitating toward the piston powered variant more often than not, as a result of the defective hardcoded Turboprop routines in FSX.

About RealAir

The developer has an impressive track record. It was back in 2004 that RealAir became the first developer to include animations and aerodynamic effects in order to enhance the behaviour of their simulated aircraft. The two man team went on to provide engine failures in their Spitfire and were the first developer to introduce realistic stall buffet sounds and visual effects in all of their aircraft. Add to the equation realistic stalls, spins and slips, and it’s no surprise that the RealAir Beechcraft Duke has won numerous awards and become a firm favourite among flight simulation aficionados.

I look forward therefore to reviewing version two of the turbine variant and discovering what new and innovative features the team have brought us, and indeed, discovering if RealAir have successfully overcome the hardcoded Turboprop limitations imposed by FSX.

Note: This review is based on my own purchased copy.

History

Development of the Beechcraft 60 turbocharged piston variant began in early 1965, the aircraft was designed to fill the gap between the Beechcraft Baron and the Queen Air. The Beechcraft A60 arrived in 1970 and had an improved pressurised cabin which utilised advanced bonded honeycomb construction, more efficient turbochargers, and improved elevators. The final variant, the B60, was introduced in 1974, with production finally ending in 1983.

However, the story doesn’t end there. Some Beechcraft Dukes have been extensively modified by Rocket Engineering of Spokane Washington. Rocket Engineering is comprised of many highly talented individuals, not to mention a complete FAA engineering staff with a combined total of more than 100 years of aviation experience. The modifications involve stripping out the Lycoming reciprocating engines and replacing them with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-35 turbine engines.

Equipping the aircraft with PT6A turbine engines has had a dramatic effect on performance. The modifications reduce take-off length by 1,500 feet, landing distance by an astonishing 2,000 feet and the maximum rate of climb increases from 1,600 feet per minute to 4,000 feet per minute. Thus, a climb to 25,000 feet is slashed from 25 minutes to an impressive 9 minutes. As a result, the Turbine modifications to the Duke have transformed it into a much more versatile aircraft, an aircraft capable of operating from runways so short that takeoff would be impossible for the piston powered Duke.

Availability and Installation

The product is available directly from Real Air simulations, either as the full version or as an upgrade to the Duke Turbine V1. The FSX full version is currently priced at 32.95 Euros and the upgrade version is priced at 21.95 Euros. The FSX version of the Turbine Duke V2 will NOT function in P3D2. A dedicated P3D2 version is currently in development.

Installation is a very straightforward affair, with the product being downloaded from the developers website. A key code is issued via email for installation. In addition to the product, the Turbine Duke V2 configuration panel is also installed on the purchasers system.

Documentation

The product documentation is available via the Configuration Panel and includes a flying guide, pilots checklists, frequently asked questions and a KFC-225 Autopilot guide. I found the documentation provided by RealAir to be excellent, not just for the casual flyer but also for the serious flight simulation enthusiast who wishes to familiarise him/herself with the aircraft in more depth.

Model Features

The Turbine Duke V2 features no less than 23 major updates compared with V1. Now that’s impressive, but it doesn’t end there, in addition there are no less than 19 additional updates and improvements.

Major improvements:
        • High definition 2048 pixel textures.
        • Exterior 3D model and texture enhancements.
        • A major update to the virtual cockpit modelling and textures, including a more detailed cabin and higher resolution textures on the
           panels, providing improved detail and clearer panel labels.
        • More character and ambience in the cockpit textures, including dust and minor wear marks.
        • Subtle details are revealed as sunlight moves across the cockpit.
        • Custom sounds on all cockpit switches, table, doors, armrests, and more.
        • Extensive custom camera animations simulating engine and ground vibration, overspeed and stall buffet, propeller torque reaction,
           landing forces, plus more.
        • Extensive custom sounds designed to enhance the custom camera effects.
        • Many more custom sounds and animations all designed to breathe life and character into the Duke.
        • Seven all-new panel and cabin colour schemes.
        • 3D model and texture performance optimisation to ensure similar performance to the previous version, despite the much higher
           texture resolution.
        • Multiplayer performance optimisation to allow for good performance, and trouble-free flying in multiplayer.
        • Extensive flight model improvements.   
        • New more realistic engine sounds with improved separation between the turbine and prop sounds.
        • Improved, more realistically sized gauges with dust, dirt and finger marks on gauge glass (with the option of hiding these dust and dirt marks
           if that is your preference).
        • Improved gauge lighting.
        • 3D lights in exterior and VC views.
        • 3D landing lights with custom runway light splash.
        • Completely reworked VC night lighting.
        • Improved click spots and the option to disable them for EZDOK camera and Track IR users.
        • Flight1 GTN 750 and GTN 650 virtual cockpit integration.
        • Improved Reality XP GNS 530 and GNS 430 integration - RXP Unlimited installations are now supported, for example 2 x GNS 530 or
           2 x GNS 430 with cross-fill.
        • User configurable radio and GPS panel layouts.
        • A new, easier to use config panel with a number of new features and more easily accessible help information.

Additional improvements and updates:
        • An option to keep the VC textures in memory for a smoother and faster transition between cockpit and exterior views.
        • Turn coordinator bug fixed (turn coordinator allows for perfect rate-one turns).
        • Improved VC glass texturing.
        • Screws added to the panel face.
        • Optional suspension and touchdown sounds for both hard and soft FSX runway surfaces.
        • More complex generator load modelling.
        • Engine icing improvements.
        • Custom pressurisation code with more realistic operation and extra controls when compared to standard FSX pressurisation.
        • More realistic audio panel functionality.
        • Control surfaces and yokes move realistically in response to trim commands.
        • Control yokes and control surfaces move fluidly in response to autopilot commands.
        • ADF dip simulated (user selectable).
        • Three dimensional blurred propellers - the blurred propellers are not just a flat, two dimensional plate - they have depth when viewed from
           the side, and the propeller twist is visible even when blurred.
        • Pilot headset added and the pilot’s head features smoother animation.
        • Flap buffet animation (flaps gently vibrate when lowered).
        • Optional flap failure when safe flap operating speeds are exceeded.
        • Improved cockpit door animation. The door closes with speed, and gently buffets if not properly latched. Wind roar can be heard when the door
           is open and the engines are turning, even while parked.
        • Overspeed flutter animations on the ailerons and yoke, with accompanying sounds.
        • All switches and knobs can be operated by the mouse wheel in addition to our other interaction methods.

Paint Schemes

RealAir provide us with a total of seven HD liveries for the Turbine Duke V2. [Shown below] A paint kit in currently being prepared.

D-NSYR
G-BXTR	HK-4628-G
N157JT	N626N
N710DS	VH-AFX

Visual Appearance

Personally, I regard the external view of the aircraft as less important than the interior, where I spend most of my time, to me an acceptable level quality is enough. However, the RealAir product excels in this department and I couldn’t help but be impressed. The lettering on the engine nacelle is pin sharp and each and every rivet is clearly visible. I haven’t been up close and personal with the real aircraft of course, but the impression I get is that RealAir have gone to great lengths to update this aspect of the aircraft. And yes, as we would expect these days, we get the obligatory pilot donned in sunglasses and headset swivelling his head toward us.

Visual Appearance 1

Visual Appearance 2

Don’t think for a second that RealAir have neglected the underside of the aircraft. The same level of detail is apparent here too. In fact, RealAir have taken the time to include a rather realistic dirty smudge on the underside, from the engine exhaust. Even the tyres get full attention, with the tread well defined and the tyre manufacturers name clearly visible on the side wall.

Underside Engine Stain
Tyre Wall Lettering	Front View

Interior. The interior appearance is excellent. It doesn’t take much of a stretch of the imagination to appreciate the care and attention RealAir have taken in this respect. It’s clear to see that there’s been a major update to the Virtual Cockpit modelling and Textures. RealAir claim that this is their most detailed panel to date, and I believe them.

Virtual Cockpit 1	Virtual Cockpit 2
VC Yokes Removed

Cabin. Not only do you get 7 HD external liveries to choose from, but the developer also includes a unique interior panel and cabin colour combination. And yes, as we have become accustomed to these days, you get the usual folding table animation.

Folding Table

Cabin

Lighting. There are two toggle switches in the Duke V2, for cabin lights and panel lights. The developer recommends that the panel lights be left on in order to compensate for the occasionally dark VC panel. This is an FSX issue that is often apparent in certain daylight lighting conditions. I must say, at night, I was a little surprised by how dark the panel lighting is, I expected it to be somewhat brighter. Having said that, I found the panel lighting adequate for my needs. However, I wonder if this is something the developer could improve, perhaps in a future update, perhaps with adjustable panel lighting to suit individual requirements.

RealView Sounds and Animation

In my opinion this is one aspect in which RealAir excel. There are literally hundreds of sound effects that change in volume and intensity according to wind speed, direction, gusts, wind shear etc. Furthermore, many of the sound effects work in concert with the products advanced animations. Every switch, dial, knob and button comes with its own sound effect. The version two engine sounds I found to be impressive too, they certainly give one the impression that there’s a powerful PT6A-35 turbine engine mounted on each wing.
In the Flying Guide PDF accompanying the product, I counted no less than 16 advanced animations listed. Everything from needle and cockpit vibrations to violent flap vibrations above their safe deployment speed. I would be lying if I said I’d experienced all of the effects, but the ones I have experienced in my test flights to date have impressed me greatly.

Config - Home	Config - Graphics
Config - Realism	Config - Panel.jpg
Config - GPS & Radio	Config - RealView

Special Features

The product enables you to choose between no GPS at all or the default FSX GPS 500. Additionally, the user is given the option of installing popular third party GPS solutions. The very popular Flight1 GTN 650 and 750 can be installed as can the Reality XP GNS 530 and 430 units.

Engine Failures: The RealAir Turbine Duke V2 includes a custom engine failure feature. There are two types of failure modelled — “preventable” failures, caused by the pilot over-stressing an engine and “unprovoked” (random) failures.

General Characteristics, Performance and Specifications
Flight Performance

My impressions of the RealAir Turbine Duke V2 are based on not just one, but on several flights I have conducted since I purchased the product.

Taxi. The first aspect of the simulation I was anxious to test was the way the add-on behaved while taxiing. In the provided flying manual RealAir suggest two preferred methods of taxiing. Method one involves moving the condition levers into high idle, with the power levers at 0%, and then as soon as the Duke is moving the conditions lever are reduced to low idle. If the aircrafts speed increases excessively, the condition levers are brought all the way back [but not to fuel cut off] and a little beta reverse is applied with the power levers. Method two involves leaving the condition levers in low idle and taxiing using careful use of the power leavers. I decided that method two was easier and in accordance with my usual turboprop taxiing technique. I was very pleasantly surprised, with the condition levers in low idle the Turbine Duke was easy to taxi, way better than the Turbine Duke V1. In fact, the only other third party turboprop aircraft in FSX that I have found to taxi better, are products that have had this aspect of the flight model coded outside of FSX.

Takeoff. Takeoff performance was very impressive, with an initial climb as high as 4000 feet per minute. In fact, during takeoff I found the Duke Turbine to be an aircraft that requires the pilots full attention. Careful monitoring of the gauges is essential in order to ensure that the engines limits aren’t exceeded.

Climb. Performance in the climb was impressive, with a climb to 25,000 feet taking as little as 9 to 12 minutes. And once again, this is where the pilot needs to pay strict attention to the dials. Unlike default FSX aircraft, and many add-ons, prop torque in the Turbine Duke V2 will increase markedly as the prop levers are pulled back. Takeoff and climb is now much more realistic, with the pilot needing to be cognizant of both takeoff and climb restrictions. Watching the torque carefully is now a requirement as prop RPM is reduced. I should add, that the same vigilance is required in regard to engine temperature. If failures as a result of mishandling are set to on, and the oil door is left closed, catastrophic engine failure is a likelihood.

Cruise. The Duke is perfectly capable of cruising right up to 30,000 feet. However, the airframe and pressurisation system are only certified up to a maximum altitude of 28,000 feet. An economy cruise at this altitude would be in the region of 270-275 TAS. Fuel flow at this altitude can be as low as 30-33 GPH per engine for a total fuel burn of 60-66 GPH.

Landing. I found that in the clean configuration, 82% NG generated an airspeed of 140 knots. On the glide slope, full flaps gear down, I found that 80% NG, 30 TRQ generated 110 knots. The aim should be to arrive at the runway threshold at 100 knots.

One of the aspects of the simulation I found most apparent is the lag in response to power lever adjustments. In V2 it does take quite a while for adjustments to translate into airspeed changes. This is to be expected in a turboprop aircraft of course, but in V2 this aspect of the flight model does seem to be more pronounced. I have never flown a turboprop aircraft in real life of course, so I have no idea if RealAir have succeeded in simulating this aspect of the flight model accurately. However, given that the developer tells us that they have paid particular attention to accurately modelling the characteristics of the Pratt & Whitney’s PT6A-35 turbine engine, I wouldn’t be surprised if they have indeed provided the virtual pilot with an accurate rendition of this aspect of the flight model.

In view of the aspect of the flight model mentioned above, I would certainly advocate taking a written or mental note of NG and Torque settings for various flight parameters. This way, chasing airspeed can be avoided.

Value for Money

There have been no less than twenty three major updates compared with version one and a further nineteen additional updates and improvements. Therefore, in this reviewers opinion, the RealAir Turbine Duke V2 is great value for money at 32.95 Euros, and 21.95 Euros for the upgrade version.

Simulator Performance

On my system, with a combination of medium and high FSX slider settings, the RealAir Turbine Duke V2 performed very well indeed. I experienced no frame rate issues at all. I did notice a reduction in frame rate with the mouse cursor on screen. However, this is an FSX issue that’s apparent with all add-ons and is not indicative of any kind of an issue with the product.

Review Computer Specifications

        • i7 3770K [Currently No overclock];
        • EVGA GTX 770 Duel Bios 4096MB;
        • 8GB DDR3 2133MHz; and
        • Windows 7 (64bit).

Conclusion

The RealAir Turbine Duke V2 is in this reviewers opinion the developers finest aircraft simulation to date. The developer has excelled, not just in terms of the external appearance but in the virtual cockpit too. When we add to the equation RealView sounds and animations we have a first class product that I would wholeheartedly recommend to the flight simulation community.

Pros:
        • High quality external model.
        • High quality Virtual Cockpit.
        • Impressive flight model.
        • On this reviewers system, bug free.
        • RealView sounds and animations.
        • Flight1 GTN 750 and GTN 650 virtual cockpit integration.
        • Improved Reality XP GNS 530 and GNS 430 integration.
        • Excellent value for money.
        • Detailed product documentation.

Cons:
        • VC lighting somewhat dark on the reviewers system.

Product Link

http://www.realairsimulations.com/duketv2/info.php?page=duketv2_overview

Scores:
● External Model:	10/10
● Internal Model:	9.5/10
● Sounds:	10/10
● Flight Characteristics (does it fly by the numbers):	10/10
● Flight Dynamics (does it feel like what it looks like):	10/10
● Documentation:	10/10
● Value for Money:	10/10

RealAir Turbine Duke V2 is awarded a Mutley’s Hangar score of 9.9/10, with an "Outstanding" and a Mutley's Hangar Gold Award.