SimHQ.com - Air Combat Zone - Review: Aeroworx X-treme King Air B200 Version 2.0

The Aeroworx virtual cockpit (VC) is one of the best in the business with switches, buttons and dials all clickable and functional. With my TrackIR2 panning and movement in the VC is smooth and gauge update rates are good although naturally they aren’t as fluid as they are in the 2D cockpit.

Since I’ve covered most of the fine details about the Aeroworx B200 in my extremely thorough initial review, I’ll spare you the intricate details about every facet of the product, but I would encourage you to go back and read the initial review to see just how in-depth this add-on goes. I’ll be focusing more on the new features included in version 2.0. The documentation has been updated to include the descriptions and functions of the new analogue instruments and systems. As I stated in the initial review, the manuals are extremely well written and reflect the amount of research that went into this product. Differences between the EFIS and analogue instruments are shown side-by-side in the manual to allow for easy comparison.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming the analogue panel is just new, pretty graphics slapped onto the preexisting software. The analogue gauges have new features, new modes of operation and a much different presentation. As a personal note, in real life I much prefer flying instrument approaches on the old Sperry ball-shaped analogue instrument over the square Collins-84 EFIS tube. There is something about that huge Sperry ADI that makes subtle and precise pitch and roll movements easier.

In addition to the full Pilots Operation Handbook (180 pages), the Quick Start Guide has also been updated to include new information, including a segment on aeromedical operations written by some crazy real world King Air pilot (with his ego he could have easily surpassed 180 pages if they had given him the chance!).

By the way, now is a good time to mention both the POH and the Quick Start Guide are freely downloadable at the Aeroworx web-site; so feel free to download them, peruse them and decide for yourself if the package they describe is worth your hard earned money.

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