Most of us enjoy a bonus as much we like a surprise ...and this month Historic Jetliners Group abounds in FS bonuses as well as surprises for classic jetliner enthusiasts.

Today HJG is proud to announce the release of "PROJECT CONVAIR" ...featuring 3 updated/improved panels, with new gauges/core files, aircraft base packs/flight modelling, for its CV880-22, CV880-22M, CV990 (EARLY), & CV990-A jetliners.

At first appearance these panels may look similar, but in reality, each differs in engine instrument callibration reflecting (as best as FS will permit) known performance ratings of powerplants for each aircraft type. There are variations also in type of engine instrument applied to some panels and their configuration too. In each case new engine instruments provide more accurate readings and are easier to read. EPR gauges in partricular now feature selectable target EPR settings bugs. Working thrust reverser annunciation lights have been added to each panel ...along with dual ADF radios, and a working weather radar set. The original faulty Radar Altimeter has now been fixed, and holes in the earlier main panel graphic all repaired. A different overhead panel has been incorporated into all 3 panel versions ...featuring nuematic air pressure gauge, cockpit/ground commmunications, and brand new air cart/ground generator sounds have also been integrated into these upgraded panels for authentic engine startup procedures.

New Flight modelling for CV880-22, CV880-22M, CV990 (EARLY), & CV990-A has been provided within each of the new aircraft base packs for these aircraft ...with significant differences between each version. Each of HJG's 2 CV880's versions will now fly at up to MACH 0.87 and 0.88 (VNE) respectively and with slight variations in performance parameters (such as EPR, RPM, EGT, and F/F values), and the cruise attitude of these aircraft has also been improved during AP controlled flight.

CV990 flight modelling (and this is a huge advance) has also been enhanced ..."tamed" for better/more realistic acceleration rates... whilst still promoting the high MACH cruising speeds common to these aircraft in particular. In fact HJG's CV990-A will now fly at speeds of up to MACH 0.97 (VNE) ..."YES" the aircraft really was capable of that, after modifications during early 1961, but, only at the undesirable expence of much higher fuel burn rates. To maintain adequate safety margin and improve enconomy, CV990 aircraft were typically flown at MACH 0.91 to MACH 0.95 prior the 1970's oil price shock. These were "VERY FAST AEROPLANES" in comparason to their Boeing/Douglas rivals ...in fact many point to point speed records operated by these greyhounds of the skies remain unbroken to this very day.

HJG have also introduced a new "CV990 (EARLY)" aircraft base pack. This is intended to demonstrate performance defficiencies of the original production aircraft when it first entered commercial service. This version is supported by seperate flight modelling ...with speed limited to around MACH 0.90 (VNE)... and you really don't want know the fuel burn rate. This aircraft is supported by 1 only 1962 AMERICAN AIRLINES texture and uses the standard new/upgraded CV990-A panel. From January 1962 AA's first 15 CV990's were all delivered in unmodified form then upgraded to CV990-A standard whilst in service prior to the end of 1964. Only the airlines last 5 aircraft were delivered as modified CV990-A's.

This entire CONVAIR 880/990 upgrade is the result of George CARTY's panel/gauge and flight dynamics expertise ...with valuable assistance also being provided by Steve WEIHER.

HJG hope these upgrades will please "SPEED DEMONS" among us and promote enjoyment these classic/historic jetliners with greater performance fidelity within the virtual FS world.

All are available now for "FREE" download from the following website address...

http://www.simviation.com/hjg/

HJG express grateful thanks to Mr Pete DALEY & the SIMVIATION team for their invaluable support ..."THANKS GUYS" !

ENJOY !

Mark CRANSTON