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Carenado CT210M Centurion II HD for FSX review

The Cessna 210 originates back to 1957 when it was first introduced. It was basically the four seater Cessna 182B but with retracteable landing gear, a swept tail and a new wing. As the model evolved over time there were 26 variantes produced up until the end of its manufacture by Cessna in 1985. The 210M model which is the one Carenado has modelled is a six seater powered by the turbo charged Continental TSIO-520 engine which produces 310hp. The model depicted in this package the M variant was in production from 1977 to 1980 with 1381 being built.     

Installation

Installation is simple and straightforward. After downloading the executable file you simply run it. When it is done you are ready to select it from the available aircraft in FSX.

Configuration

There is a pop up menu that lets you configure window transparency, instrument reflections and static elements such as pitot covers and wheel chocks.

Documentation

There is no shortage of documentation with the CT210. When you download the scenery file you also get a word doc titled “Installation”. This breaks down the install and then what to do the first time you use the aircraft in FSX and get the Microsoft alert message regarding the installation of gauges. If this is your first addon aircraft you might want to take a few minutes to look this over.

After the package has been installed you will have access to eight PDF documents. I thought that they were brief but informative. They include lots of pictures with explanations and are worth reviewing. If you own either the GNS530 or 430 products from Reality XP you will want to make sure you read the integration PDF.

Here is the list of supplied documents:

Normaland Emergency Procedures – Performance tables PDF.
Quick reference table PDF.
Autopilot KFC225 Manual PDF.
Operations Tips and Reality XP Integration PDF.

Carenado GNS430 Users Guide PDF.

Carenado GNS530 Users Guide PDF.
Recommended Settings PDF.

If you don’t want to printout the checklists or procedure and performance charts they are accessible from the cockpit via pop ups.

External Visuals

This is the next in the series of HD aircraft from Carenado and it certainly deserves to be in that category. From the moment I set eyes on this aircraft I was wowed. Comparing the real aircraft with this one I was amazed at how they captured its lines and looks in every way. When you get in real close which is something you’ll want to do with the CT210 you will get to really appreciate what they’ve done. Screw heads, light filaments, undercarriage components, gas caps, antennae; they are all modelled in great detail.

The hi-resolution textures are a very important part of how they make this aircraft look real and these textures do not disappoint. The aircraft looks as if it has seen a fair number of flying hours with dirt and fluid stains on the underbelly and some paint imperfections making for a much more realistic looking aircraft. But it goes well beyond that, I found that no matter how close I got everything remained crisp and clear.

Included with the package are five different paint schemes plus a blank white one for those interested in creating their own; each of these also comes in a lite version.

Virtual Cockpit and Interior

The virtual cockpit like the exterior is very detailed with most switches being clickable and functional. Gauge movements were very smooth and responsive to any changes I made with the throttle, prop and mixture controls.

Included as part of the instrumentation are the GNS530, GNS430 and the KFC225 autopilot. The integration of these into the cluster of gauges allows the pilot to navigate with more confidence and also fly IFR.

Carenado’s GNS530 and 430 although functional do have limitations. I was able to use them to navigate and set up flight plans and approaches however they lack a lot of functionality and are quite basic. If you own either the Garmin GNS530 or 430 units from Reality XP they can be seamlessly added to replace the ones Carenado have provided.

This aircraft is capable of carrying an additional pilot as well as four passengers. This feature of the CT210 has not been neglected as the seats and passenger area are also modelled in great detail. They use nice light colours giving the whole interior a clean modern look.

Sounds

Sounds are very important and the HQ digital sounds they provide were very realistic. Both inside and out I thought they were very well done and quite believable adding that extra dimension to the sense of immersion you get with this aircraft.

Animations

With the CT210 they have included the customary animations found in most aircraft; rolling wheels, control surfaces, doors and windows, sun visors, propeller, cowl flaps, exhaust jitter, etc. The CT210 has retractable landing gear and a passenger side step. The motion of the retraction and deployment of the gear and step along with the opening and closing of the wheel well doors were smooth and interesting to watch.

Flying

They state that this aircraft was extensively tested by real world Cessna 210 pilots and that they endorse it as being a very accurate representation of how this aircraft performs. Not being a real world pilot I can’t comment on this however it did handle how I thought an aircraft of this type should.

Final Thoughts

After flying this aircraft for a good number of hours I can say without reservation that the Cessna CT210M was visually interesting, very detailed and lots of fun to fly. If you have any interest in a GA aircraft you will not go wrong with this one. Couple this aircraft with the Reality XP line of gauges and you have yourself a combination that will be difficult to beat.

My Ratings

Installer:  Very good, simple to use.

Documentation: Very good, informative.

Modelling:  Outstanding, high definition detailed graphics throughout.

Extras:  Multiple animations, immersive sounds.

Download Size: FSX 120Mb

Price: EUR 24.50 without VAT

Developer Homepage: http://www.carenado.com

Link: http://secure.simmarket.com/ct210m-centurion-ii-hd-series-fsx.phtml

Test System:

Intel i7 960 OC @ 4.2 Ghz, 6 Gb RAM, ASUS 480GTX w/1.5Gb video, Win 7 Ultimate 64, FSX w/acceleration, Ultimate traffic 2, REX Overdrive, GEXn, UTX, AES 2.12

Richard Desjardins

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