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Thursday, 06 May 2004

No embargo

SHACKLETON Mk3 RELEASED

The Shackleton Project released a Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 compatible Shackleton add-on today Thursday, 06 May 2004. All funds raised from the $29.95 selling price will be used to maintain the last flying Avro Shackleton Mk3, currently based at Air Force Base Ysterplaat in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Avro Shackleton Mk3 was decommissioned by the South African Air Force in 1984. It was used for maritime reconnaissance, anti submarine warfare and search and rescue missions along the southern African coast for a period of 26 years. Three of these magnificent aircraft where handed over to the South African Air Force Museum of which one is still flying.

Brigadier General Ben Kriegler, who pilots Shackleton 1722 P on its rare flights, describes the flightsim experience as follows: “She handles exactly like the real aircraft. Not ever having flown in simulation before, I couldn’t believe how similar the software mimics the real experience.”

The exterior model consists of 62130 polygons and the virtual cockpit 44964. To assure high frame rates all parts are optimised and in certain areas compromises on the LOD had to be made. To further reduce the effect on frame rates all textures are supplied in DXT3 format. Please note that this add-on is only compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 9.

The FS2004 add-on was developed by a group of enthusiastic volunteers to add to the relatively small collection of classic aircraft available. The development took place over a period of 13 months.


For more information visit the website http://www.shackletonproject.co.za



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Issued by:
Henk Hugo
Shackleton Project
www.shackletonproject.co.za
+2782 354 0922