Diamond DA-20-C1 Eclipse for FSX

Regardless of whether you intend on training in this aircraft or not, it's hard to deny that there is something intriguing about its design. To their credit, WSSimulation have captured whatever that is with their great Gmax model. The solid textures reveal a good amount of detail and hold up pretty well when zoomed in. The surface of the Eclipse appears to be slightly reflective, as feathery shapes of light roll over the aircraft as it banks against the sun. This same level of detail can be found across the five included liveries, one of which is the US Air Force Academy livery.

Animations adorn the exterior of the aircraft, from the flaps to the rudders, ailerons and elevators. WSSimulation even going so far as to animate the pilot, whose head will turn as he scans the horizon, and whose legs and arms will move in accordance with the stick, throttle and pedals. These animations perform a vital role in creating a more believable experience for pilots to immerse themselves in, but they are perhaps the most effective when employed inside the virtual cockpit.

Once again, made in Gmax, this fully interactive cockpit environment is very much like its real world counterpart; every switch and knob is animated and can be operated as if you were in a real Eclipse. Almost all the gauges in the sleek black panel are bespoke, as is the realistic night light effect that subtly illuminates the cockpit and keeps gauges and readouts visible.

It's a fun and beneficial little package, delivering an entertaining and energetic aircraft, and providing the means to learn how to fly it, thanks to the included PDF documentation. Chances are you'll master this trainer aircraft in no time, and before too long, you'll be thinking about moving on to training in the real thing.

Manufacturers Description

The Diamond Aircraft DA20-C1 is the best composite two-place piston-engine trainer and now can be enjoyed in Flight Simulator X with a completely active 3D cockpit.

Highly detailed replica of the Diamond DA-20 C1 Eclipse.

Exterior model, made in Gmax with the standard quality materials of the Flight Simulator X. High definition textures and normal map makes this model one of the most realistic aircraft in Flight Simulator X.

Full animated exterior:

• Flap
• Wheels
• Ailerons
• Elevator
• Rudders    

Full Animated Pilot:   

• Head (scan the horizon and turn right and left)
• Arms (move the stick and the throttle)
• Legs (move the legs when he action the pedals rudders)

Animated 3D cockpit exterior:

• Canopy (Open/close)
• Stick
• Throttle lever
• Mixture lever
• Parking Break lever
• Alternate Air lever
• Carburetor Heat lever

The package contains five real liveries, such as US Air Force Academy livery and also includes PDF User Manual with real information. This Manual have the Aircraft control panel description and a very extensive checklist.

The Cockpit is a very high accurate 3D model, and fully interactive. It is made in Gmax and all switches are controlled like a real aircraft (except Cabin Heat) with your animations.

Full animated cockpit: Stick, flap selector, pedal rudders, throttle, mixture, parking break, carb. heat, alt. air Levers, 9 electrical switches, canopy, prime switch and fuel pump.

The cockpit have realistic nightlight with exclusive effect and almost all gauges are also exclusive.

It has a sound pack.