Aero L-29 Delfin, byMLADG (Version 1.3) for X-Plane v10 only.
US$15.00, available here.
N.B. X-Plane v10.22r2 was used for the review, unfortunately with 'texture compression' turned on, which with my graphics card, tends to make a mess with textures, especially along high contrast edges like lines. I don't think it's too visible here, but please bear that in mind when looking at the screen shots.
The L-29 is a Czechoslovakian built 2-seat military trainer, manufactured between 1963 & 1974. Widely used throughout the Warsaw Pact countries, and elsewhere (though not in Poland, as they produced their own 'Iskra' jet trainer). A few counties still operate L-29s, including Angola, Georgia and Mali, also a number of Delfins have survived in civilian hands, used for shows, racing and pilot training.
For more see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L-29
The X-plane model comes in five versions, where 'R' denotes a more powerful engine, 'A' a single cockpit and 'S' weapons systems:
L-29 - standard version with 1960 lbs thrust
L-29R - racing version used in Reno with 3750 lbs thrust
L-29A - single seater "Akrobat" version (metric instruments)
L-29RA - "Akrobat" version with 3750 lbs thrust
L-29S - Militarised version (metric instruments)
This review will concentrate on the basic L-29 model, with notes on the other versions. It's probably obvious, but I'll say it anyway… I've never flown a Delfin, I've never flown in a Delfin, I've never even seen a Delfin in the air... When this X-Plane model was released, you could say I was only just aware the real aircraft existed. So I wasn't that excited by the news, but then again, I do like a good military jet, and there weren't that many to choose from in X-Plane, so it was worth trying. First impressions weren't great (of the v1 release). The 3D cockpit was just about OK for payware, but let down by texture quality, and the external textures weren't much better, (keep reading - they've improved a lot). But there was something about the flight model that got me hooked right from the first flight… and I kept coming back - despite that cockpit. Of course, I have no idea just how accurate the flight model is, but there's something about it that felt convincing and appealing, part of which can be explained by the following:
1: Touch down speeds are around 100 knots, with throttle settings producing about 55-60% RPM.
2: When configured for approach the aircraft generates plenty of lift, so higher-than-necessary touch down speeds can result in 'floating' down the runway when flaring.
3: The aircraft is quite 'slippery' and will not slow rapidly; being 'high & fast' will make it difficult to slow to approach speeds, and lead to a temptation to bring the throttle all the way back. This is not a good idea, unless it's very brief because…..
4: Throttle response is painfully slow. So being 'low & slow' is dangerous late in the final approach. Even if you're approaching with the engine RPM at 60%, power will be slow to arrive, but with the throttle fully back, it seems to take forever. So avoid being low & slow near the threshold, as 'nose down' is the only way to gain speed quickly.
All of this means you have to pay close attention to speed, power and rate of descent throughout the approach. Which, of course, is perfectly normal. But this aircraft really keeps you on your toes, and makes you think ahead. But don't get the wrong impression, it's not difficult to fly - far from it, after all, it is a trainer! The first night I had this model, I just kept flying circuits & enjoyed every minute of it.
After take off, let the speed build up to 200 knots before climbing, the climb performance is much better at that speed. This can take a while in the L-29... Once you're familiar with the L-29, try the L-29R or RA versions; remember they accelerate much more quickly, so pay attention to speed on take off, and get the flaps up quickly, or they'll be gone, (assuming you have X-Plane's options set to remove flaps in over-speed situations). Incidentally, when lowering flaps, they are protected, and will not lower until speed is below 140 knots, but they don't auto-retract.
Another feature I like is the rear cockpit, which is a real bonus - I've set up X-Plane's quick views to put me in the back seat, where you've got another fully functioning 3D cockpit, but with a restricted forward view. Which is interesting, and entirely useable, in fact, I probably use it more now. Can't really explain why, but it adds a new dimension to flying the Delfin.
Anyway, enough of what I like about the model, lets have a closer look:
Graphics:
This was the weak point of the original release, but it's also the area that has seen the most improvement. External textures are much better, with a range of liveries covering acrobatic, Soviet trainers and display, and Czechoslovakian & East German. But the real transformation is in the cockpit - where it was needed. I particularly like the soviet-colour interior, but all have a well weathered panel, with clear and sharp instruments. Side panels still have a few colours that look a bit too bright and saturated, but overall it's now a very well finished interior. Or rather, two well finished interiors, as the rear cockpit is also fully working.
Cockpit close up:
Rear cockpit:
3D cockpit(s) & model:
Switches, manipulators and animations like the canopy all work well, though it's worth a check through the manual, especially when it comes to tuning the radios: The author has tried to keep it as authentic as possible, so things may be unfamiliar, but still simple to use. English forward cockpits have plaques with V-numbers & emergency procedures on the port side & checklists on the starboard side. Several of the models feature metric instruments, the rest show altitude in feet & airspeed in knots. The joystick is animated, and can be hidden by clicking on it, which is useful as it tends to obscure some instruments.
Front cockpit for L-29 & L-29A
Front cockpit for L-29R & L-29RA
Front cockpit for L-29S
The external model also has plenty of detail, which again has been improved since the original release.
Flight model:
As I've already made clear, I'm in no position to give an analysis of the accuracy of the L-29's flight model. However, it 'feels' right to me, and whenever I've looked at performance figures the model seems to match up well. When slow the flight controls feel unresponsive & the whole aircraft feels heavy, whereas at speed it's very fluid. Stalls are convincing, being gradual with no apparent preference for right or left wing to drop, but they're also very easy to recover from: As you'd expect from a trainer, the flight characteristics seem benign. Overall you can have a lot of fun with this aircraft, though it's not a high-powered fighter, even with the 'R' versions.
The aircraft has no GPS, FMS or autopilot, as these would be out of place, (although the military version does have the pop-up map). Naturally, if you have joystick buttons set-up for autopilot you can engage X-Plane's default AP in attitude mode. I tend to just use trim, which is easy enough, although elevator trim can require repeated adjustment as speed builds up. Basically, this is a military trainer, it's built for hands-on flying, I can't imagine many people would want to fly long distance on AP, it's not where the pleasure lies in this aircraft!
Military version:
This has a slightly different cockpit, allowing for weapons selection, gun sights, etc., and includes a pop-up map (X-Plane default) to help identify other aircraft. I really haven't spent time with this model, and only fired the guns for the first time just before writing this review, which is when I noticed the rather over-sized muzzle flash (see screen shot). Apart from that criticism, everything seems to be working fine. I've probably been put off flying it by the metric instruments on this version, and have other military jets to choose if I' really want to use X-Plane for combat. However, it's a nice bonus to have in the package.
Documentation:
A manual is included in .pdf format, although it still says 'version 1.2', I don't think anything has changed that would require an update. It covers; General description, Technical data, Cockpit guide (extensive, covering different models), Weapons, Checklists & procedures, Version changes, & Known issues. This document is well written & covers everything you'll need to know.
Finally:
Support from the developer has been consistently good, with quick responses to customer issues and feedback, which has seen the model through several revisions. These have gone beyond 'bug fixes', and have resulted in significant improvements to the whole model. This was the first payware release from MLADG, and I'm sure a lot was learnt in the development, which seems to have informed the development of the second release, the MiG-15. But with the v1.3 update, the L-29 has reached the the same level of quality. You no longer need to make allowances for this being 'low cost' payware - the price belies the quality of finish.
The L-29 may not be the first aircraft most people would think of when looking for an add-on, but it's interesting, full of character, well finished & at $15.00 for the package, hard to beat in terms of value for money.
Many of the screen shots were taken with the payware UK VFR Photo Scenery, and freeware RAF scenery converted from MSFS by dkm, such as RAF Bentwaters, (on that page, click on 'view other files from this member' to get the whole collection).