FS2004 Boeing 747SP Air New Zealand ZK-NZZ

 

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If you are a fan of vintage aircrafts, you might be interested in this add-on for FS2004: the Boeing 747SP Air New Zealand ZK-NZZ. This is a repaint of the original 747SP model by Mike Stone, featuring the livery of Air New Zealand's only 747SP, which was delivered in 1981 and retired in 1986.

The Boeing 747SP (Special Performance) was a shortened version of the 747-100, designed to fly longer distances and higher altitudes than its predecessor. It had a fuselage length of 184 feet (56 meters), compared to 231 feet (70 meters) for the 747-100, and a maximum takeoff weight of 670,000 pounds (304,000 kilograms), compared to 735,000 pounds (333,000 kilograms) for the 747-100. It also had a larger tail fin and a modified wing design with simplified flaps and spoilers.

The 747SP was first flown in 1975 and entered service in 1976 with Pan Am and Iran Air. Only 45 units were produced until 1989, as the demand for ultra-long-range flights was limited and the advent of more efficient twin-engine aircrafts such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A310 reduced its appeal. The 747SP was mainly used by airlines from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as by VIP customers such as governments and celebrities.

Air New Zealand acquired its only 747SP in 1981, as part of a deal with Boeing to exchange four older 747-200s for two new 747-200Bs and one 747SP. The airline intended to use the 747SP for non-stop flights from Auckland to Los Angeles, which was beyond the range of its existing fleet. The aircraft was registered as ZK-NZZ and named "City of Christchurch".

However, the 747SP proved to be too costly to operate for Air New Zealand, as it had a higher fuel consumption and maintenance cost than the standard 747-200. The airline also faced competition from Qantas and United Airlines, which offered more frequent flights to Los Angeles with stopovers in Honolulu or Fiji. As a result, Air New Zealand decided to retire its 747SP in 1986, after only five years of service. The aircraft was sold to Luxair, a charter company based in Luxembourg, and later to other operators such as Tajik Air and Las Vegas Sands.

The FS2004 Boeing 747SP Air New Zealand ZK-NZZ add-on is a faithful recreation of this historic aircraft, with accurate details such as the distinctive "Pacific Wave" livery, the four Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A engines, and the cockpit layout. The add-on also features realistic flight dynamics, sound effects and animations. You can download it for free from various flight simulation websites and enjoy flying this rare bird in FS2004.

FS2004 PoSky House Colors JT9D BOEING 747-300

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The PoSky House Colors JT9D BOEING 747-300 is a freeware model created by Project Open Sky (PoSky), a group of talented designers and programmers who have been making high-quality aircraft for FS2004 and FSX since 2002. The model is based on the Boeing 747-300, a variant of the iconic jumbo jet that was introduced in 1983 and featured a stretched upper deck and improved engines.

The PoSky House Colors JT9D BOEING 747-300 comes in two liveries: the Boeing house colors (white with blue and red stripes) and the Boeing roll-out colors (yellow with black stripes). Both liveries are very detailed and realistic, with accurate logos, markings, and reflections. The model also features dynamic shine, animated control surfaces, wing views, realistic landing gear, opening doors and cargo bays, and more.

One of the most impressive features of the PoSky House Colors JT9D BOEING 747-300 is the sound package. The model uses the Pratt & Whitney JT9D engine sounds, which are very authentic and powerful. You can hear the roar of the engines as they spool up and down, the whine of the turbines, the rumble of the exhaust, and the clunk of the reversers. The sound package also includes cockpit sounds, such as switches, alarms, warnings, and announcements.

The PoSky House Colors JT9D BOEING 747-300 is a joy to fly in FS2004. The flight dynamics are very realistic and smooth, with accurate performance and handling. The model has a fully functional virtual cockpit (VC), with working gauges, instruments, radios, autopilot, and more. The VC is very immersive and detailed, with realistic textures, lighting, shadows, and reflections. You can also switch to different views in the VC, such as the captain's seat, the first officer's seat, the overhead panel, the pedestal, and the jump seat.The PoSky House Colors JT9D BOEING 747-300 is one of the best freeware models for FS2004 .