Cloud9’s Frecce TricoloriReviewed by Ludo Lambrechts
All over the world aerial teams awe crowds with high-flying stunts, ranging from formations, loops, and skywriting. Always favourites with fans at air shows, these teams work together with their aircraft to make the best presentation possible. Italy’s “Frecce Tricolori” aerobatic display team is one of the most widely recognized groups in the world. Famous for their smoke display representing the Italian flag, and their eternal teamwork this display team has been a fan favourite for many years now.
The Frecce Tricolori display team first took off from the Rivolto AB in Italy. Officially established on March 1, 1961 this team has built on more than 40 years of heritage. This team started out with the Fiat G-91 and used it for a little less than 20 years. However in 1982 Frecce Tricolori pilots took the keys to Aermacchi MB339 PAN’s and has been putting these aerobatic aircraft to the limits. In Microsoft Games Flight Simulator 2004 there is a very distinct group which enjoys flying aerobatic aircraft. Snowbirds, Blue Angels and the Frecce Tricolori are all hot products and all in high demand. Cloud9 has tested their skill in the development of the MB339 PAN.
As with any Cloud9 product the installation and purchase of this product is secure but a little tricky. The aircraft will successfully install into your game in a few minutes, but you will only receive the trial version of this aircraft. This is handy as it allows you to test the aircraft before actually committing to purchasing it. As the product is now installed, you will need to purchase it from within the game. It will be the same purchasing process as name, credit card #, address....etc will all be required. Once the purchase has been made you are ready to go-but don’t forget to print out that receipt!
Cloud9 has always brought out great models, and we have really seen their talent in past releases. The Aermacchi MB339 PAN -or affectionately just referred to as “Frecce Tricolori”- is no exception to history. The exterior of the aircraft has been done with perfection, the model is accurate, and so are the animations. There is a lot of eye candy, and the beautiful liveries bring this aircraft to life in your simulator. All 10 members of the fleet have been included with their own numbers, and features. These textures are done with a hand of experience and again bring the Frecce Tricolori display team to life!
The panel and the VC could be said to be more jaw dropping than the exterior. Using their new standard of quality introduced with the STAR Fighter, Cloud9 puts you into the pilot’s seat. The 2D panel is one of the best I have ever seen. All gauges are clear as well as smooth, custom, and accurate. Many sub-panels are included which let you control your aircraft. These sub-panels show the complexity and work put into developing this aircraft. The VC has a lot of presence in it. Dials pop out at you, wing views are available, and many other eye candies are included.
The sounds of this aircraft are amazing! Recorded from the real thing this aircraft roars as you gun the throttle. In that ultra-realistic model you will hear what a pilot hears. The ambience of this display team is captured in this aircraft, and will have you turning up the volume. The interior and exterior of the Frecce Tricolori package is extremely impressive, but the sound doesn’t fall short of the same amazing work.
The most important feature of this package however is its aerobatics. This aircraft is not meant for the faint of heart, and will make many people hurl. Loops, inverted flight, and excess G’s are all part of a pilot’s day in this aircraft. This aircraft was not designed for long flights, or short hops. It was designed with a single purpose, and that was to perform in international air shows. This aircraft allows simmers to pull off those insane stunts and write in the sky with smoke. The aircraft is very loose but has some restrictions. The flight dynamics are accurate, and make the MB339 PAN an aircraft which you can fly for hours at a time without getting bored. The smoke is a totally new effect, custom coded to last longer in the skies, and show up much thicker. This effect shows up in three colours depending on the team member you have chosen to fly. Working together online with friends or just lighting up the skies yourself, this aircraft will let you feel like someone from the Frecce Tricolori team.
As is important with any add-on is its performance from a technical standpoint. This aircraft functions very nicely in my simulator, but does occasionally have the occasional stutter. The aircraft does tax your system a little more than other aircraft, but not to a slideshow effect. Low-end systems might not be able to run this add-on but mid-range systems won’t have any problems with this aircraft. A big thumbs up goes to Cloud9 for including all of this detail without a sharp decrease in frame rates.
This aircraft has very complex systems, and will require a lot of reading. This ties back into the panel, and all of the sub-panels. Smoke systems will not simply be engaged by pressing the I key, but much rather like a real Frecce Tricolori pilot does it. Included is a well written manual which covers almost everything, and will help you take your Aermacchi MB339 PAN into the skies.
Cloud9 has really done a great job on this “Frecce Tricolori” project. The models are breathtaking and the eye candy is absolutely amazing! The interior virtual cockpit features the same revolutionary new modelling such as the F-104 and the panel doesn’t fail to amaze. The feel of being a Frecce Tricolori pilot is the most advanced and immersive I have ever experienced and therefore award Cloud9 a 9.0 out of 10.
Reviewed by Ludo Lambrechts for Cloud9
Cloud9’s Frecce Tricolori, My Review
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