Designed by air racer Steven Wittman, the Tailwind is an amateur-built two-seat aircraft first built in the 1950s. Combining relatively low build costs with exciting 200-mph performance, the Tailwind proved a success and more than 350 examples have been built. Different versions of the basic design offer different engine specs and performance, as well as either tail-dragger or tricycle-type undercarriages.
The Wittman Tailwind for FSX: Steam Edition, developed by Lionheart Creations, includes both the W8 (tail-dragger) and W10 (tail-dragger and tri-gear) series model variants. The two W series aircraft both fly slightly differently, with the W-10 having a higher-performance engine than the W-8. The W-10 will cruise at 180 MPH and will max out at 200 MPH, whereas the W-8 cruises at 140 to 160 MPH and maxes out at 180 MPH. Instrument panels also differ between the two models.
Features:
- Custom high detail instrumentation
- New Avionics featuring an MX12 NAV-COM, transponder, and autopilot in the W-10
- Full night lighting with soft glow gauge instrumentation for night flights 'without' the dome light needing to be switched on
- Eight different paint schemes with several versions of interiors
- One aircraft called 'Retro' features an early 1960's paint scheme and wood panel interior
- Fully animated control surfaces and various controls
- Front diagonal cross brace bars in front of pilot are hide-able with a switch for ease of flying in VC mode
- Features high detail 2D panels by Bill Leaming
- Optional Wide Screen Panels can be linked to Registry blocks in the aircraft config file for wide screen users
- Ice box in rear cargo shelf opens and features animated bottled water and sandwich
- Custom sounds throughout the aircraft
- Hide-able top sun cover for the W-8, which features a fully transparent roof
- Hide-able front instrument panel cover made of an old air chart map
- Basic cargo displays outside of plane when engine stops running
- Custom sound package
- Custom flight model (aircraft config files) that feature a unique feel for the aircraft
- Checklist in popup view, does not use Kneeboard
- Optional Wide Screen 2D panels for users with wide screen monitors
- Custom exterior 3D high realism lighting effects
