Captain Sim Legendary C-130 Hercules Review

FSPFSPStill in production, the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft first flew in August 23, 1954. C-130s operate for the purpose of fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. In doing some homework I found that there really is no airlift mission the C-130 has not flown. It has carried troops, vehicles and armaments into battle; dropped paratroopers and supplies from the sky; serves as airborne and ground refuelers; provides emergency evacuation and humanitarian relief; and conducts airborne early warning and maritime surveillance. It has recovered space capsules, and worn skis in Antarctica. Basic and specialized versions perform a diversity of roles, including airlift support, DEW Line and Arctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, aerial spray missions, fire-fighting duties and natural disaster relief missions. Surviving the toughest flights, the roughest landings and the constant pounding of heavy cargo, many of the earliest C-130s are still active today. In the history of aviation design, the mainstay as a symbol for strength, durability and multimission success unquestionably belongs to the C-130 Hercules.

FSPFSPCaptain Sim has spent over 3 years developing this addon for FS and the end result surely does mirror this effort. The package is available in both Standard and Pro versions but for the purpose of this review, the Pro version will be used. There are many additions that will be added to the package as outlined in their free manual available on their site. A real perk to be able to see the description and specs prior to purchase.

Found them to be very informative, easy to follow and provided all the information you need to run the addon. They are installed in a seperate folder as the package itself under ‘manuals’.

FSPFSPThe model itself is one of the many pleasing aspects of this package. I’m not a huge fan of this type of aircraft but after a little bit of research, I found it to be quite accurate with no loss of attention to detail. From animations to accuracy in modeling, it really is almost too real to be a sim. With a choice (currently) of the C130E, HC-130H and the C-130K, along with several variations included in the package, the detail and accuracy is really a joy to behold.

FSPFSPThe flight dynamics were not neglected as well. Control response is immedieate, realistic and really allows one to experience the type of piloting required to fly this type of aircraft. I was expecting it to handle somewhat similar to a big jet but that was not the case. From takeoff to landing, climb and descent, you really have to work with the instruments and conditions to experience the exhilaration of the flight dynamics. Unlike some addons, this is certainly an area that was tested by Captain Sim’s development team and programmed till they got it right. A very nice touch, further adding to the professionalism of the package. With the aid of the manual, for those of us that are not familiar with analog gauges and procedures, anyone can learn to fly this aircraft quite easily. But to fly it right takes some practice…thus adding to the desire to fly the aircraft again and again.

FSPFSPFor those of you that have visited the Captain Sim site and browsed through the screenshots…I have to tell you that they are exactly as how you will see them on your own system. Whether you choose to utilize the Standard or High quality textures, you will not be disappointed with either. And the option to select the type of dynamic shine is just another small perk amongst many offered by Captain Sim’s designers. They were certainly looking at pleasing the majority of users by including such ablity to choose visual parameters. Interior and exterior bitmaps are simply unbelievable, Engine textures, cargo holds, wing views, control surfaces, all are accurate and really do enhance the look of the aircraft in any view. Light maps have not been left out of the detail picture either. One of the most intriguing and attractive aspects of this add-on indeed. Liveries are easily installed and configured with the ACE Configuration Utility. No need for manual installs here!

FSPFSPThis is where the package really takes on a whole new meaning to the term ‘eye candy’. I lost count after 24 items that were animated with the exterior model alone! From aft doors to pilot’s windows...I don’t think there was anything left to animate! And to top it off, one has the choice of various views to take in all the spectacular effects this package has to offer. I got a big kick out of the wheel chocks! Be they viewed in exterior, or VC mode...these are some of the best animations I’ve seen yet. Smooth without jitters, realistic and easy to use. The only drawback is the fact that you have to remember all the assignments to utilize and remember the controls for animating all of the items! A kneeboard with all assignments for effects alone would be a great idea! Using either the default views, or addons such as Active Camera, one can really get up close and personal with both exterior or interior views even more. How about a walk through from the flight deck to the cargo cabin? Not a problem. Easily one of the many welcome additions to any package be it freeware or payware.

FSPFSPThe virtual cockpit is really an extension of the fine work of the 2D version. Never before have I seen a VC with more clickable spots. There is a slight performance hit though in VC mode. On slower systems this will be more prominent but one can choose not to load the VC model via FS startup selection or through the ACE Configuration utility. Animations are one of the key positive aspects of this addon and they certainly aren’t lacking in the VC. It’s really a bonus in such a great model with top-notch flight dynamics to experience the aircraft in VC mode. Obvioulsy a huge credit to the modeling department once again.

FSPFSPThe panel design and layout was really not something I am used to seeing as I am most often flying commercial jets. And to a relative newcomer to this type of aircraft…it can be a little daunting. But with the panel section of the manual armed and ready, anyone can learn to fly this aircraft with a little bit of homework and study. Tons of clickable spots, panel layout menu easily accessible, easy to read manual with information on virtually every aspect of it’s design…it really is a treat for those that are looking for the ultimate in realism. The bitmap and gauge quality is of very high caliber, with minimal loss in frame rates. For those of you who are looking for a panel that really makes you work for your money…this is it! With the ACE Configuration Utility (explained later in this review) that is included in the package, the user is allowed to further customize the panel both in 2D and Virtual cockpit mode.The screenshots below are just a small sample of what you get with the package. For a more in-depth look one can download the free manual and obtain further information in greater detail prior to purchase.

FSPFSPSounds are very authentic for such a complicated aircraft. Startup and shutdown is so real you would think you were right there! Enhanced by visual effects it is one of the highlights of starting up a flight with this aircraft. I found one minor glitch in the sound during 2D cockpit mode at cruise. It seems the loop was a little wobbly at start/end but I was being very critical. One tends to do that when approached with such a complex and accurate model as the standard is raised to an almost unbelievable level. Still, I would say that this package has one of the best sounds of an aircraft I have heard in a long time.

FSPFSPI have read in other forums discussions that question the price of such an addon. Personally I have found that the base product, over time, becomes the cheapest purchase. Addons that follow not only enhance the simulation, but take it to the next level and set the bar even higher for others to follow including the base package designers. This results in overall quality and experience to be magnified with the end user being the ultimate winner. I don’t find the Legendary C-130 to be a ‘high-priced’ addon at all...but a ‘well priced’ addon that takes FS to the next level not only for itself, but others to follow. The models, textures, animations, effects, and of course, the unbelievable panels all make this addon a real tough act to follow. And eventhough I am not a huge fan of this type of aircraft...Captain Sim has converted me and allowed me to enjoy yet another fabulous aspect of FS. For that, they deserve a very credible round of applause and thanks.