This model is based on ZS-PTF, a Beechcraft B99 airliner of Magnum Airlines, South Africa. Magnum regrettably no longer exists. The cabin can be configured for up to 16 passengers. This model is intended for Flight Simulator 98. It can be used with FS2000 - however it is strongly recommended that you instead download the FS2000 version.
The visual model is highly accurate, and comparative pictures have been included (zs-ptf.jpg and real_zs-ptf.jpg) to illustrate this.
The specifications are (approximately!) as follows:-
ZS-PTF is a Beechcraft 99A...manufacturer's serial number U-96. It came to South Africa in July 1973 and initially flew with UNITED AIR, and later flew with MAGNUM AIRLINES (based at Jan Smuts Airport - now Jo'burg Int'l ) before being sold in the USA in February 1979. Magnum Airlines no longer operates, but was at the time South Africa's largest feeder airline operating a diverse fleet of third-level airliners.
The Beech 99 Airliner was unveiled in 1967 and is a development of the Beech Queen Air. 101 units were built before production switched to the more powerful model 99A. 43 were built before production was discontinued in 1971. Subsequent variants were the Model A99A (one unit), Model B99 (introduced in 1972, 18 units) and the C99 (76 units) Production finally ceased in 1986.
Data for Model B99
Crew: 1-2
Wingspan: 14.0 m
Length: 13.8 m
Height: 4.4 m
Wing area: 25.0 sq. m
Empty weight: 2580 kg
Takeoff weight: 4640 kg
Engines: 2xPratt & Whitney PT6A-20, 543 hp each
Max. speed: 402 km/h at 3000 m
Climb rate: 10.6 m/s
Takeoff roll: 560 m
Landing roll: 385 m
Range: 1600 km
Range with maximum payload: 670 km
Payload: 15-16 passengers
Data for C99
Crew: 2
Wingspan: 13.7 m
Length: 13.6 m
Height: 4.4 m
Gross weight: 4945 kg
Engines: 2xPratt & Whitney of Canada PT6A-34
Max. speed: 493 km/h
Cruise speed: 456 km/h
Cruise ceiling: 8000 m
Range: 1870 km
Payload: 9-15 passengers
The visual model was designed by Chris Lampard, working from photographs supplied by Louis Vosloo and Lee Hall.
NOTES:
Flight Model
The flight model appears to be approximately correct, but may need considerable tweaking to achieve full realism.
Additional Animation
The flaps and elevators are animated, but not ailerons or rudder. This was due to limitations in the visual model design software. The spoiler key selects / deselects an external baggage pannier which attaches to the belly of the aircraft. This also introduces a certain amount of drag (probably too much!). There are unfortunately no landing lights. There are unfortunately no landing lights.
Installation
Installation is very straightforward. Flightzip is STRONGLY recommended. If you have this utility, then simply use it to extract the aircraft from its zip file, and install it in Flightsim 98.
If you are using Winzip or a similar unzipping utility, then allow the program to unzip files to their specific folders. If you wish to unzip manually, then remember to place all files in their correct folders.
Lear Jet 45 panel and sounds are selected by default. However, there are a number of excellent sound and panel options available on the Internet, and these can considerably enhance your flying experience.
Copyright
This model is freeware, but is NOT in the public domain. It may be freely distributed in its present form, but may not be used for commercial purposes.
Credits
Project Leader: Chris Lampard
Visual Model: Chris Lampard
Animation: Lee Hall
Photo's & research: Louis Vosloo.
Original motivation: Chad Zamore.
