May Edition

NASA Dreamflyer

WIN! The Future is Bright

Report on the

3rd Youth Aviation

Conference Ultimate Traffic 2

Audio Environment FREE to ENTER

Global Stories

Sherburn FSUG See how this group are helping

promote Flight Simulation in the

United Kingdom

Sky Blue Beastie

What happened to Meigs airfield

which once graced every flight sim

PC throughout the world

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Editorial

April Highlights

In The Hangar

NASA Dreamflyer

Fly well at Sywell

The Future is Bright

Sky Blue Beastie

Sim Snips

Expo Movies

Photo Gallery

Competition

Sherburn FSUG

Global Stories

Name The Plane

Inside this issue

Expo Editorial

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Welcome to our May edition of Astrasim Expo, as you can see our magazine has grown and now we boast 18 pages of great flight sim and aviation articles.

It has been another busy month here at HQ as we continue the build up to Summer Sim 2010. Contracts with RAF Museum Cosford were signed at the start of the month and details about the show can now be found on their website. We also attended the 3rd Youth Aviation Conference which we reported on in our last issue. You can read the full report on the visit and check out some great images from historic Brooklands. Some interesting developments with flight simulation and NASA, as Dreamflyer tests were carried out to try and improve flight deck safety by monitoring reactions under extreme conditions. Take a trip with us to the small Northamptonshire airfield, Sywell where we have a look around this aero club which originally opened its doors in 1928. Talking of aero clubs we spotlight Sherburn this month, they are one of the few flight simulator user groups in this country, but have some of the best home built cockpits ever seen. Now here is something not all of you may remember! But for those that can go back a number of years to the earlier versions of flight sim and the name Meigs might well ring a bell..... We find out what happened to this once popular airport in Chicago USA. Our look at aircraft from the hangar continues with a view of the DeHavilland Comet, and for the radio fans out there we bring you news on the latest beastie to take to the airwaves from Sky Blue radio.

Enjoy the read as the build up to Summer Sim 2010 continues, don't miss it!

See you next month!

Front Cover Image By: sfsjkid

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Here is a selection of flight sim news you may have missed!

This package includes 20 new

exciting liveries for the A300

and A310 aircrafts. Boost your

3-Airbus Package to an even

more enjoyable product!

Suppression Flight presents

Reality Touchdown 2010 to

experience the most realistic

landings ever!

This scenery covers the entire

city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

USA, and the surrounding

suburban area.

Transcendental Technologies

is pleased to announce the

PRE-Flight Ruffey Lake

Sceneries.

Vance Dylan of Sonic Solutions

is proud to present the Diamond

DA20 Sound Pack for FSX. FSCaptain is a new approach

to the concept of building a

professional career in

Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Jumbo X. now available for

Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Jumbo X adds 39 new liveries

(passenger and cargo) to the

Boeing 747-400

IVAO UK brought us the UK's

busiest airport, and the world's

busiest international airport.

London Heathrow on April 17th

Fighter Leader II is a brand

new, special edition, collectors

set of the high backed

Mustangs

Astrasim Expo Ltd

The first flight of the Comet, the world's first jet powered airliner, took place on 27 July 1949. With a cruising speed of 725kph (450mph) and a range of 4024 km (2500 miles), the prototype established many records on long distance flights. With jet engines and a pressurised cabin, it offered unprecedented levels of comfort and speed for the 36-40 passengers. Unfortunately several disasters were to befall the Comet; in 1952 and 1953 there were take-off accidents and a Comet broke up in a violent storm over India. On 10 January 1954, the first production Comet crashed into the Mediterranean whilst en route from Rome to London. This was closely followed by a similar incident involving a Comet en route from Rome to Johannesburg, resulting in withdrawal of the Certificate of Airworthiness. The cause was found to be fatigue failure of the pressure cabin. After further development of the type, the Comet 4 was used as an RAF transport aircraft and formed the basis of the design which later became the Nimrod.

De-Havilland Comet

Image Comet : Kjell Nilsson

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Dreamflyer Adds Motion to NASA’s Fight Simulation

NASA’s Cognitive State Monitoring Lab is using a Dreamflyer-Driven Flight Simulation

system combined with optical neuroimaging technology to monitor Human Performance

and Cognition in Extreme Environments.

One of NASA’s core objectives is to improving flight deck safety by monitoring and thus

better understanding physiological reactions of personnel to extreme conditions. Other

potential uses include:

Brain-computer interface for prosthetic activation

Biofeedback for self-training, craving control

Brain-controlled gaming applications

Cognitive assessment for Alzheimer’s disease

Dreamflyers provide countless hours of great interactive entertainment for gamers, however, but Diana Groffen, Director of Sales for FMS

Flight Motion Simulators Inc., is not at all surprised that they are increasingly being used for serious gaming, i.e. research and training. They

have sold many units to air force bases; aviation education programs; museums; and, air cadet squadrons, around the world.

The Canadian Air Force teach approx 65 air cadets to fly real Schweizer gliders each summer at Gimli, their instructors use the Dreamflyer to

enhance their training. RCAF Captain Brian Renaud observed that “It has proven most useful for students that may experience problems with

their real flying training so they practice in the Dreamflyer and for the most part they can overcome their problem thanks to the Dreamflyer.

It works slick.”

Dreamflyers remain valuable tools after a Pilot has obtained their license. Daryl Nelson, a recreational pilot, uses his for flight planning

whenever he is about to fly to an area he has never flown over before; he also uses it to maintain his instrument familiarity. “When you

haven’t flown for a while, you forget where some of the gauges and switches are positioned. So, when I have been out of the cockpit for any

length of time I will spend a couple of hours on the Dreamflyer just to re-familiarize myself with the cockpit layout. Since it moves like a real

plane, it not only makes flight simulation much more realistic, but also much more fun. So, brushing up on my flight procedures and such on

my Dreamflyer requires no discipline on my part … forcing myself to get off it eventually, - well that is another matter.”

The Dreamflyer actually pitches and rolls to provide an immersive and engaging simulated flight experience. It works on a simple principle of

mechanics: pivot arrangement. As the user moves the joystick forward, backward, and side-to-side, that motion is transferred via a pivot

mechanism to the chassis. Sensors under the seat capture the direction and degree of movement and send it to a PC loaded with simulation

software.

The Dreamflyer has won several awards including the Innovations Design and Engineering Honoree Award at the 2008 International

Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It was also a finalist in the International Last Gadget Standing competition held in Dubai last

year.

This extremely well engineered device does not require a motor of any kind, and the chassis is so solid it will last decades with very little

maintenance. At only $2,800US it is by far the most affordable flight motion simulator on the market.

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Sywell is unusual in having remained in private ownership since its founding over 75 years ago and in providing flying training

facilities throughout that time.

The first aerodrome, occupying the western portion of the present site, was prepared by the members of the newly formed

Northamptonshire Aero Club, led by the brothers Jack and Geoff Linnell and opened in 1928.

Sywell quickly became a mecca for Club and private pilots and its annual air displays attracted wide participation.

Set in the heart of Northamptonshire, Sywell boasts one of the best General Aviation Airfields in the United Kingdom. With superb airfield facilities and a wonderful Art Deco styled Hotel, it is easy to see why many pilots consider this one of the finest fly-in destinations.

Image: UK2000 Sywell Airfield

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Report by Leia Fee

Over 60 people from a wide range of organisations attended Brooklands museum for this successful conference. The museum made a

wonderful setting and many attendees took the opportunity to look around and enjoy the engine runs of the Sopwith Camel and

Demoiselle. Many of the attending organisations were involved in getting school parties either out to airfields or taking aerospace activities

out schools and highlighted the importance of these activities in building goodwill towards GA as well as inspiring future pilots. Nothing like

the parents seeing the kids having a brilliant time to overcome the concerns about those “noisy annoying” little aeroplanes!

Another common theme running through all the presentations were a general lack of opportunities for young people to undertake the kind

of hands-on projects which inspire a future interest in engineering careers. The myriad ways in which these had been tackled by attendee

included everything from the small scale models built in classrooms across the country by the likes of the British Model Flying Association

and Imagineering, all the way up the Build-a-Plane project which has young people building actual aircraft with help from their local LAA

struts.

Of course, the most inspiring way to catch the imagination is actually getting young people up in the air, and there were many ways and

means covered of achieving this, whether as part of a Scout or Cadet group or at one of the many Young Aviators events. Many of the

presenting organisations also offer grants, bursaries or scholarships to get young people started in aviation.

The Armed Forces were also well represented with careers and outreach staff from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF all attending to speak

about what they could offer. The conference was a perfect an opportunity for networking and further discussion. All found it a productive

and inspiring day. Next year's conference will be 23rd April, again at Brooklands.

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Sky Blue Radio is pleased to announce the release of our latest in-flight entertainment software Wee Tune Beastie II.

The application promises to transform the virtual pilots long or short haul flights by bringing you Sky Blue Radio right in to your

cockpit simply by tuning in to our frequency (123.45) on your com 2 radio.

However, this nifty little application does not stop there. No Sir/Madam.

Wee Tune Beastie II gives you a chance to talk live to fellow flight simmers. It gives

you direct link to the live DJ's simply be clicking on the DJ's banner, and if there is no

DJ on air and our hard working monkey Otto Matix is playing the tunes, you can even

make a request from him.

All this for FREE..... what more could you want?

Live DJ's, critically acclaimed chat shows, simplified connection to fellow enthusiasts

and a chance to pick a tune from the Sky Blue Radio's favourite primate.

Visit www.skyblueradio.com and select the download section to get your copy of

Wee Tune Beastie II now.

Sky Blue Radio and Wee Tune Beastie II, your co-pilot in the virtual skies, sounding

great at any altitude.

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Flight Sim Tools have released Airport Wizard -

a simple tool for easily improving the look of

airports in FSX and FS9. With just a few mouse

clicks, you can add incredibly realistic

illuminated aprons. Add taxiway lines that are

perfectly round at turns and intersections.

And taxiway lights that have a real 3D

appearance both at day and night, instead of

being just bright dots.

==========================================

Major 757 Captain Update:

Among the updates are an integrated Weather

Radar, improved display colouring, two

pre-saved flights, Interactive ATC ID label in

VC, 3D wing vortex generators, and improved

cabin and landing lights.

======================================

Turbo Prop Sim: release new sound set for

De-Havilland Beaver. Enjoy the full realism of

engine sounds from the De Havilland DHC-2

Beaver the way it was meant to sound. Bush

pilots and simulator fans will enjoy the loud

piston engine quality from the interior and

outside of the Beaver. All audio was kept at full

quality from the original recordings taken

resulting in a real experience you have to hear

to believe!

======================================

Carenado are progressing

towards a new aircraft

currently in the hangar,

their Beechcraft F33A

Bonanza is already in

beta test.

Astrasim Expo Ltd

WIN this amazing prize courtesy of Flight1.... Ultimate Traffic 2 and Audio Environment.

Ultimate Traffic 2 Redeveloped from the ground up, Ultimate Traffic 2 provides Microsoft Flight

Simulator X users the definitive answer to their AI Traffic needs. The project is a culmination of

over three years of research and development. Built in cooperation with our friends from Flag

Mountain Software, AI Aardvark, and The Fruit Stand, UT2 takes advantage of the latest in AI

technology. The goal of UT2 is to provide users with the most complete and realistic real-world

airline flights worldwide, offer new levels of AI Traffic design, and revolutionize the FSX skies.

Ultimate Traffic exceeds these lofty goals.

Flight1's 'Environment' range of titles for Microsoft's Flight Simulator series have been

"must-have" add-ons for anyone who takes their flight simulation seriously. New clouds, new sea

and water effects and ground textures that have won countless awards and taken people's

breath away. Now there comes an upgrade for Flight Simulator X that will blow your ears off!

Audio Environment totally transforms your flying experience: whether you're sitting on the

ground listening to the aircraft around you or enroute at 30,000ft, FSX will sound like an all-new

sim. Add custom made, high quality stereo sound replacements to all your AI aircraft PLUS

upgrade your airliners with fantastic sound sets for the 737, 747, A321, CRJ and Learjet aircraft.

You can even install the new sounds into other aircraft you fly.

Hear the difference as you start the engines, with realistic spool-up and whine and feel the deep

roar as you thunder down the runway - FSX will sound like an all-new sim!

FREE TO ENTER for more information please visit Astrasim Expo

Astrasim Expo Ltd

You don't need an elmet at Sherburn!

The Sherburn Flight Simulation User Group was formed by John Crossland and now boasts almost 100 members, who meet on the first Saturday of every month. There is much to be said about a group of men, women and yes children who turn up to this monthly event with a boot load of computers, yokes, pedals and in some cases full cockpit set ups. The array on view is unbelievable, and the knowledge you can glean from these folks is amazing. It certainly is worth a visit over the coming months, with the added attraction of the club being held at a real world airfield, there are also opportunities to go flying for real on the day (weather permitting) It would be great to see some more folks try and get along and meet up

with like minded enthusiasts, whether you just want an informal chat or

get involved and fly some of the great systems on offer. It certainly is a day

out to remember with the cheerful staff and members making everyone

welcome.

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Just one of the best, most specific things a person can do in Chicago is to walk or cycle or even jog out on to the runways of a previous

airport positioned down-town, right upon Lake Michigan. The actual runways may well be grass at this point, however it wasn't too long

ago that they used to be tarmac and landing aircraft, and the old control tower along with 1960s terminal building still remain to prove it.

This area is a park known as Northerly Island, the former Meigs Field Airport, that has a extraordinary historical past and a inviting future.

In 1933, this bit of acreage which jutted away from downtown Chicago was made the centre of the World's Fair; if you have read Devil in

the White City, you'll know where we're talking about. In 1948, the actual land evolved into the individual runway airport Meigs Field,

which in turn was controversially shut down for good in 2003 when Chicago's Mayor Daley tore up the runways in the middle of the night,

having the aim of making this a park in accordance to the 1909 plan of Chicago's city planner, Daniel Burnham.

Sadly now missing from flight simulator all we have is memories of this once popular default airport.

Whatever happened to Meigs?

Astrasim Expo Ltd

Astrasim Expo Ltd PO. Box 5494 Walsall, WS6 9AX

+44 (0) 1922 666 448 ph media@astrasimexpo.co.uk

www.astrasimexpo.co.uk

Next edition published June 2010

Just For Fun!

Answer at foot

of page.

Name That Plane Answer: FOKKER DR1 'TRIPLANE'

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