So we've reached the third and final part of this week's extensive development update for the 146 Professional where we see Martyn approaching and landing at Bournemouth (EGHH). Follow closely with the aid of the shots and accompanying text.
1st shot - With Bournemouth Airport now in view to the south, we can get ourselves positioned for the ILS runway 08 approach.
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2nd shot - Instrument flood and integral lighting, and the movable sill light fitted to the glareshield are just some of the cockpit lighting options, all fully-dimmable.
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3rd shot - We’ll start our descent as Poole Harbour comes into view. The light being reflected off the overhead panel demonstrates the stunning detail that we’re able to achieve in MSFS.
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4th shot - During descent we can restart the APU and configure the TMS. Selecting DESC (descent) mode on the TMS ensures that the engine N2s remain sufficiently high to supply the required bleed air for pressurisation and anti-icing. The speeds card is automatically updated based on the current aircraft weight, and clicking on it automatically sets the speed bugs on the ASIs, and the engine instrument bugs to the relevant TMS values.
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5th shot - Levelling off at 2200ft, we begin our turn to intercept the ILS. GSL (glideslope) and V/L (VOR LOC) modes are armed on the autopilot, as confirmed by the flight annunciators above the altimeter.
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6th shot - Established on the localiser, we can start to reduce airspeed in anticipation of glideslope capture. The flight deck is equipped with a jump seat whose view is shown here. We’ve included a variety of camera presets for the interior and exterior views.
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7th shot - Passengers in front of the wing have a great and unique view of Poole Harbour on the approach.
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8th shot - The view from the front isn’t bad either!
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9th shot - Another unique aspect of 146 operations is coming in over the fence with the distinctive tail-mounted airbrake extended, providing excellent speed control.
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10th shot - Touchdown! The wing-mounted lift dumpers can be extended with weight on the wheels. In combination with the brakes, the 146 has excellent stopping power for short field operations such as London City.
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11th & final shot - We end our test flight parked at Bournemouth’s terminal building, from where this roof-top shot was taken. We’ll leave the aircraft in its turnaround state with the brake fans running, ahead of our return to Southampton.
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Thanks for joining me on this quick test flight in the latest 146 beta build. Just like the real aircraft, our 146 is a joy to hand-fly in MSFS. The mixture of ‘old and new’ technology, unique configuration and operations, and stunning visuals and true-to-life Wwise sounds combine to make an incredibly immersive experience!
Keep an eye out as we share more previews of our 146 in the coming weeks. The other variants will soon be added (including the QC/QT freighter and RAF VIP configurations), along with some new liveries to reflect current operators.
