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The Aerostar 700 Superstar |
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The Aerostar is one of the
fastest twin piston prop GA aircraft of its type. The
very appearance of this aircraft with its swept-back
tail and streamline nose suggests speed. The Aerostar is
one of the greatest handling GA twins and is often
considered the sports car of its class by its
enthusiastic pilots.
This design was radically different than anything
previously built by Piper, which decided to purchase the
design rights from Theodore R. 'Ted' Smith, the
Aerostar's creator, in 1978. At that time Piper wanted
to add performance aircraft to its already extensive
product line. The aircraft was originally put into
production by Ted Smith in 1969 as the Aerostar 600. In
1972 the pressurized model 601P was built along with the
prototype for what became the 700 Superstar.
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The contemporary version
of the Superstar is what FSD chose to model. The
Superstar manages to push the cruise speed up to 270
knots using a pair of 325 or 350hp Lycoming engines,
making it one of the fastest twin piston prop GA
aircraft in the air.
Aerostar owners world
wide are among the most enthusiastic aircraft owners out
there, forming owners associations and "fan magazines".
The Aerostar is considered an "aviation sports car" for
its nimble handling and performance.
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Several very interesting videos
are available here:
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Features |
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Custom models built individually
for Flight Simulator 2004 and Flight Simulator 2002.
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Takes advantage of all animation
and texturing effects available to each version of
the simulator.
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Ultra-realistic flight modeling,
with user selectable realism.
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Full 2D panel/virtual cockpit
systems and switch integration.
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Realistic panel lighting
features.
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Full system modeling.
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Cabin pressurization.
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Load Manager for weight and balance
settings, as well as keeping track of aircraft data
and costs.
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9 additional paint schemes available
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Complete documentation and
checklists.
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Immersion
Factor
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The Aerostar represents a commitment to
our level of detail in both aircraft and flight
modeling.
The advanced flight model of the Aerostar
features true asymmetric torque not found in standard
Flight Simulator flight dynamics. All aerodynamic
characteristics are modeled precisely according to its
real world counterpart.
Our systems modeling includes everything
you would find in an actual Aerostar, right down to the
electrical system.
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Aerostar Videos |
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Here is a video on the FlightSim Developers Aerostar. The
video is in WMV format.
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Specifications
| Aircraft Dimensions |
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| Wing span |
36' 8" |
| Length |
34" 10" |
| Height |
12' 1" |
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Weight and Balance |
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| Empty weight |
4,656 lb. |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) |
6,315 lb. |
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Engines |
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Left: |
Lycoming LTIO-540-U2A |
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Right: |
Lycoming TIO-540-U2A |
| Horsepower |
350 @2,500 RPM ea. |
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Propeller |
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| Manufacturer |
Hartzell Propeller, Inc. |
| Hub Model Left |
HC-C3YR-2LUF/FJC7451(B) |
| Hub Model Right |
HC-CY3R-2UF/FC7451(B) |
| Number of blades |
3 |
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Altitude Limits |
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| Maximum Operating Altitude |
25,000 ft. |
| Service Ceiling |
29,000 ft. |
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Airspeed Limitations |
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| VA-Maneuvering
Speed |
160 KIAS |
| VNO - Max
Structural Cruising Speed |
215 KIAS |
| VFO-Maximum Flaps
Speed |
188 KIAS |
| VMCA-Minimum
Control Speed |
85 KIAS |
| VFE-Flaps Extend
Speed |
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Mid:
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188 KIAS |
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Full:
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148 KIAS |
| VLE-Maximum Landing Gear
Operating Speed |
188 KIAS |
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