So originally I hadn’t planned on doing an FSX version, but it may not be as hard as I thought, although a few features will probably have to be dropped. Would there be much interest if I did a version for the older sim?
Okay so based on the response I’ll look at getting an FSX version out after I get back from my holiday, probably around the end of October.
UPDATE: I uploaded a new installer to both sites last night, it fixes an animation problem with the right wheel on all models, and the gyro compass in the F1. You should be able to just re-download the installer. The new manual has an amendment list on the second page.
So after some final last minute adjustments the Firefly is ready for download. It’s currently available at:
Or click the button below to go direct to the Payloadz checkout.
The Fairey Firefly was designed to fill a 1939 specification for a two seat, single engine, front gun fighter for the Fleet Air Arm, to replace the Fulmar which was about to enter service as a rush measure.
Due to other demands on the first Firefly F1s weren’t delivered until March 1943, with 1770 forming as the first operational squadron in July 1944 and soon in action taking part in the pre-D-Day attacks on the Tirpitz. Subsequent operations would see 1770, 1771, and 1772 operating in the Indian and Pacific Oceans with Fireflies being the first British built combat aircraft to fly over the Japanese islands.
Towards the end of the war the radar equipped FR.1 and NF.1 were introduced, the former for armed reconnaissance, the later for night interception. Both arrived in the Pacific too late to take part in combat but were busy throughout the region up to the outbreak of the Korean War when 827 squadron took part in the first air strike of the war with its F.1 and FR.1 aircraft.
P3D4 Features
Liveries
A couple of pictures I found in 827 Naval Air Squadrons diary when I was at the National Archives. This were both taken in 1948-49 while they were in the Mediterranean and show that the post war colour scheme of Extra Dark Sea Grey over Sky took a while to be applied. There’s another less clear photo of all their aircraft lined up at Hal Far in Malta and no two seem to have the same scheme!
Finally finished typing the manual up, the first draft is here if anyone fancies a preview Firefly Manual. Just the finishing touches with the installer and setting up accounts to distribute it.
Couple of shots of the Canadian textures, this example was from 826 NAS during it’s spell as an RCN unit. They used different shades of grey to the RN, although this took some time to sort out with the manufacturers due to the use of similar names!
The manual is 80% done so looking good for a release this weekend if I can remember how to make an installer!
A few shots of some new colour schemes. 814 NAS who were slightly unique in having a lightning flash on the nose, a Thai Navy example from before they were made to give them to the Air Force, an Ethiopian Air Force example, and an early Royal Netherlands Navy F1.
Planning on adding an RCN aircraft as well for the final release along with the paint kit.
Just a few shots from the latest developments.
The first two are an NF1 of 812 NAS ‘Black Flight’ which was the Night Fighter detachment on HMS OCEAN in the late 40s. You can also make out the latter style rocket launchers which I hurriedly made after I realised they were more appropriate for the post-war aircraft!
The next three shots are inside and outside of an F1 of 1772 NAS while in European waters in 1944. I’m still trying to confirm if this aircraft would have been involved in the Tirpitz raids or if it would have been an earlier Z registration model with the lower pilot’s canopy.
Only a couple of things left to tick off before I start on the manual and installers now.
Bravo Zulu 