A high performance twin
Alabeo has produced a range of fixed and rotary wing aircraft for a number of years with their moderately priced models typically combining stunning external textures with a functional cabin. The one thing that seems to hold all their models in great stead is that they are fun to fly without excessive complexity. This issue, we review its latest release, the C310R…
Long history
The era following World War Two saw a commercial aviation boom and major general aviation manufacturers including Piper and Cessna were quick to capture the majority of the market. The Cessna engineers were tasked with producing a six-place, low-wing, high performance twin engine aircraft. Not only was the resulting C310 the first twin that Cessna built post war, but it also came with several other features that made it a success for Cessna, such as being their first ever tricycle-geared aircraft and was the first all-metal high performance twin available on the market. There was another element that made the C310 instantly recognisable – the large wing tip fuel tanks. This was a feature of all variations of the C310 between 1953 and 1980 when production stopped. In early models, the wing tip tanks held all the fuel and having all that weight hanging off your wingtips also meant it had a very significant roll inertia that could lead to control issues for the inexperienced pilot. This was exacerbated if you had an engine failure soon after take-off and this resulted in a number of accidents. Later models included the change to the more streamlined tip tanks that, along with the raked tail, make the C310 so instantly recognisable.
The Alabeo model
As you would expect with a model manufactured for over 25 years, there was a line of variants – 32 no less! Later models offered fuel tanks in the wings, three-bladed propellers, larger engines and extra baggage storage in the rear of the engine nacelles. These features included in the Alabeo model indicate that this simulation represents a C310R from around 1978. The package is a 623MB download and includes five HD liveries – plus the same five in a ‘LITE’ version which is designed to improve frame rates in FSX. Also included are some basic reference charts and performance charts, plus additional ones for FSX users to become acquainted with the GNS 530 GPS and the Stormscope. The pop-up panel allows you to display all the ground eye candy such as towbar, engine intake plugs, pitot covers etc. By using the same pop-up or keyboard controls, you can open the main hatch as well as the fuselage, engine nacelle and nose lockers.
Inside and out
Inside the cabin is seating for six and a weathered analogue panel typical of the era. There are very few modern concessions but included is a digital Nav/Comms stack and the GNS530 GPS (FSX). Users of the Flight 1 GTN750 GPS system can also select a panel variant that has the GTN on display. As we commonly see on GA aircraft models, the control yokes can be hidden via a mouse click to reveal the electrical and magneto switches lurking beneath.
While Alabeo tends to produce products that are not full-featured, it is a nice surprise to see that most of the cockpit switches are not only functional but also interact with the elementary aircraft systems. However, users should not expect that every control or switch does so.
Internal panel and gauge night lighting is quite good with individual gauge flood and back lighting. A quirk of the modelling, however, means you have to also switch on the cabin dome light to get the full effects. This is a little strange and isn’t specifically mentioned in any documentation but it does work nicely and allows full night time flying with great gauge and panel visibility and you are able to select the dome light directly from the control yoke. Alabeo has always produced stunning external textures and the C310R is certainly no exception – the aircraft looks great! Those sleek wingtip tanks and large raking tail really give the C310 a sporty look that Alabeo has recreated brilliantly. If you’ve done your walk around thoroughly, you would have noticed the split flap system. This was a ‘give and take’ arrangement as it gave excellent incremental lift but also created a huge amount of drag when fully lowered and as you will read, this characteristic has made its way to the Alabeo model. Other features include volumetric props, Perspex windscreen scratch effect, gauge dust and reflections etc.
Flight Test
Cranking up the C310 is very straightforward with no underlying modelling complexity that may challenge new users and there is a nice little airframe vibration effect as the engines start up. Those wanting a little more of a challenge can use the optional ‘cold and dark’ configuration while being aware that this also places the fuel selectors to the off position! (Don’t ask how I know this!)
Even at full loads and rolling, holding the RPM at around 1000 results in a nice steady and easily manageable taxi speed. The simpler modelling philosophy of Alabeo comes to the fore again when you do your pre-take-off engine checks. You won’t get RPM drop on different magnetos or the groan from the slipstream as you cycle the prop levers but the switch and control functionality means you can certainly go through the motions.
The pair of 300hp Continental engines results in a quick sprint to your take-off safety speed of 80 knots. Using a typical light twin technique of first raising the gear and accelerating to the minimum single engine speed before resuming your climb works well. One of the reasons the C310 was so popular was that once you had cleaned up and gained some altitude, it was a delight to fly and after raising any flaps and setting 25” manifold pressure and 2500rpm on the engines puts you in a comfortable 1000fpm climb at around 120 knots. The stability of the modelling immediately comes to the fore with some trimming relieving you of any control pressures or pitch oscillations.
While the real C310 suffered from excessive roll inertia because of all the fuel weight on the wing tips, the simplified Alabeo aircraft instead gives you well-behaved performance which feels just right for this category with a solid pitch axis combined with a light roll axis. You will get around 170 knots TAS at altitude using 22”MP/2200 rpm and the options of using VOR/NDB and/or GPS navigation gives you plenty of options depending on your preferred style.
Despite this great stability which allows pilots to comfortably handle the C310 in IFR flight, an elementary three-axis system is provided for longer legs. In fact, a little familiarisation will allow you to use if from just after lift-off right through to late finals. While there is no doubt that some users would benefit from some documentation on how to use it effectively, a little experimentation reveals the tricks. The positioning of the control panel is such that it is easily accessible from the normal virtual cockpit, but there is also a 2D popup panel available if you prefer.
One thing that makes a good flight sim model is how stable it is when it comes to final approach and landing. Developers always have to constantly juggle realism in different phases of flight where the modelling demands can be quite different. The Alabeo model is a delight during approach and landings and pilots can quickly learn the ‘numbers’ that give you a stable descent. The gear and flaps do create a lot of drag, so you still have to take care not to get behind the power curve by maintaining 120 knots during finals with gear and approach flaps down. Leaving full flaps until very late keeps your airspeed comfortable, which then provides a quick deceleration to your threshold reference speed of around 105 knots.
Conclusion
Another all-round good value entry level product from Alabeo. You get outstanding external textures, a good level of functionality throughout, with a flight model that will appeal to newcomers and C310 fans. While not all switches and systems are modelled and there are a few minor inconsistencies that most users will never see, what has been modelled is functional and adds to the piloting experience. It must be said that the US$34.95 (£27 approx) price tag is getting towards the upper level of the range for an entry level product but, this aside, it meets and surpasses the needs for a newcomer to this sector.
PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: Another fun-to-fly classic GA aircraft from Alabeo, with the usual outstanding external textures. Internal textures and system modelling will suit newer twin pilots and GA pilots wanting to step up without undue complexity.
Developer: Alabeo
Price: $34.95 (£27 approx.)
Website: s
Flight Model: Very good
Graphics: External excellent/ internal good
Documentation: Good
Systems: Good
PC Pilot Score:
