Cessna C340 II for FSX/P3D

I picked up this model after flying the Alabeo Cessna 310. They are quality sims both Carenado and Alabeo, and the previous review here does a good job of detailing the cockpit. So I'll just try to cover some of the finer points and thoughts.

I do believe this is modeled like the 340A with twin continental TSIO-520-NB turbocharged piston engines. I haven't found information to confirm this. But if this is what you are looking for it certainly climbs well, and I'd say you could manage 2500 ft/min to 15000 msl. At higher altitudes which was the appeal to want to try and fly it in combination with 520 cubic inch turbocharged torque, you certainly feel this.

As I've read about flying the 340A it mimics the difficulty in engine management. If you read the normal procedures, you'll see that you are not to exceed 33 in hg MP at any time as I would consider this to fall under the category of overboost. (don't worry unlike the carenado beech king air 350, I don't think the engine will blow). I overboosted it well over a 10 sec timeframe (a general time frame that most turbo charged engines can handle an overboost) and haven't lost one yet. But engine management feels a lot like turbine engine. There's lag when pulling back MP, and it plays a bigger role on approach.

Managing it in cruise is also not as simple as set MP, RPM, and lean for best EGT and FF. Normal procedures sort of say that's what you should do, but in trying to obtain 30-36 gallon fuel burn and 190 kts TAS, I find it's more like adjust MP, RPM, lean, adjust RPM, richen, tad more MP, it's a bit of dance and an interesting learning experience to get your cruise, temps, and fuel flow where you think they are optimal. And sure you can just blow it wide open at high alts and cruise at 200+knts TAS, but you'd be burning 50-60 gallons/hr and that's not realistic as you are not getting very far doing this nor would engines last long. The joy of this plane is it's a solid 180-190 cruiser 5-6 person fully loaded with luggage and fuel. And you can really feel this. It handles wonderfully. Very balanced feeling. You can sort of sense turbulence but it reflects that it's a little heavier and more stable than your typical GA single engine (actually it's significantly more).

At the moment, I tend to come in high and get a little slow on my approaches right before touchdown. I attribute it to the engine management and sight picture, although I experience no issues with 310 approaches. I actually enjoy flying the 310 below 10k more. As a whole, I like most of the instrument and cockpit layout. The cabin pressure always defaults to something crazy that you have to turn down before take off and the digital fuel flow is for a single engine. You have to double it. But it's a good addition to the plethora I have tried.

Carenado consistently deliver some of the highest quality flight simulator add-ons available, and this Cessna C340 II is no exception. Available as an immediate download for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D, this fantastic model is incredibly detailed and highly accurate, featuring all the quality and polish that the Carenado team are known for.

While the high resolution textures (2048 x 2048) contribute quite a bit to the overall quality of the visuals, the polygon optimized model helps to prevent any significant frame-rate loss. Numerous techniques like specular and volumetric mapping are used to squeeze the most out of the textures, along with dynamic shadows and bloom lights that add an almost cinematic quality to the model. The exterior of the model is also kitted out with numerous moving parts and animations that help to create a compelling visual experience when using the external view points.

Four elegant and clean liveries are available to choose from, that are simple enough to not offend anyone's tastes. There is also a blank texture that can be used as a template for you to stretch your creative muscles and design your own personalized livery, making your C340 one of a kind.

The interactive 3D cockpit is well crafted and likely where you will spend most of your time. Internal dynamic shadows and realistic night light effects on the virtual cockpit and gauges, work seamlessly together to create an incredibly atmospheric environment that is easy to immerse yourself in. Amongst the various instruments you'll find a custom Bendix/King Weather Radar and two original GNS 430, both of which have associated user guides in the form of PDF documents. A convenient pop-up manual can be accessed from the cockpit, detailing both normal and emergency checklists. This saves you from having to swap to another program or having to put up with hard copies scattered over your flight desk.

Carenado have made sure to get the weight and feel of the aircraft, as well as the performance and general behavior, as close to the real thing as possible by having real C340 pilots test them for accuracy. So if you're looking for a true-to-life flight simulator experience with a C340, or just a light twin aircraft in general, this is definitely one worth considering for a permanent spot in your virtual hangar.

Love the item I bought from you , and the fast down load speed . The Cessna 340 is a beautiful aircraft in real life , and just as fine in the sim .