Please do understand this is not a proper review or review. The version I have is still a beta and some of the stuff is not working properly.
Namely, there are some graphical artifacts and issues that the team’s taking a look at (with the help of Laminar Research). I was also not given access to the manual yet, so I had to pretty much explore it on my own.
So, this article will be a quick peek at the AW139 but it should give you a good idea of what’s coming up.
Model and textures
Both the inside and outside of the helicopter are modelled brilliantly. The textures are very good although I think the back of the seats look a bit dull and too bright. But that could just be me.
Overall, the AW139 looks pretty nice and with great detail. Being a beautiful platform to start with, she’s a pleasure to look at in the sim.
Flight dynamics
The AW139 is a modern platform and so I expected a stable and easy-to-fly platform. That’s exactly what I got.
No surprises here: she handles pretty fine. You need to be on top of her as you roll her off during taxi but that’s nothing you can’t handle and get used to after a bit.
On the air, she’s sweet and docile and a true pleasure to fly. Exactly what you expect from a heavy helicopter with stabilization systems. I am not a big fan of these helicopters, to be honest. Flying heavy and steady buses us not how I like to sim (and that’s probably one of the reasons I don’t like airliners) but I have to say: the 139 started growing on me and I’ve taken her out of the hangar now and then.
And it’s great because I just heard the Portuguese emergency services will start using these machines.
Systems
Don’t expect 1:1 realism here, folks. X-Rotors have been working hard for months in order to make this release but not all systems are simulated yet.
Yes, you can do a cold and dark start but not every single specific screen will be present right now. X-Rotors told me they are planning on doing some updates later on, so I am hoping they do develop these missing systems as well.
It’s not like you can’t fly the 139 right now (you can, and you will have all the required information) but some obscure data is not available right now.
Date of release
X-Rotors is trying to do a 2018 release, which means they might get the helicopter out during December.
Of course, as usual, don’t consider this date set on stone as the team might find any issues they need to fix before launch.
Meanwhile, enjoy some screenshots and get your hangar ready to receive this beauty.
