Freeware Reviews

I've been flying this model for quite some time now, and have grown very fond of it, I must say! In researching this aircraft, I found that those that liked and flew the 337, as it is commonly called, are quite testy and proud about their ownership of this aircraft. Such nicknames as "Skymasher" and the like will most certainly not be met with a whole lot of joviality! There's a bit of an on going debate as to the merits of "real twins" versus those of the 337.

The Cessna 337 Skymaster has its beginnings back in February of 1961 with the Cessna 336. The design of this push/pull power configuration was meant to overcome poor engine-out asymmetric flight handling characteristics. Cessna dubbed this concept "Centerline Thrust". Before the 336 went into production, improvements were made to the design of the aircraft.

Delivery of the 336 went from 1963 to late 1964, when it was replaced by the 337 Skymaster. The 337 was released in February of 1965. The Model 337 was designed with retractable landing gear, more powerful engines, a dorsal intake for the rear engine, better visibility due to a repositioned forward engine and cowl, and it could haul more weight than its predecessor.

Development of the 337 by Cessna continued up until 1980, and then at that point, production was continued in France by Reims. This company produced the FTB337 Milirole, an STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) version, complete with underwing hardpoints. While Cessna was still producing the 337, they too had made a military version; producing 500 O-2's for the US Air Force for use in Forward Air Control.

Powerplants
337D - Two 157kW (210hp) Continental IO-360-C fuel injected flat six piston engines driving two blade constant speed props.

Performance
337D - Max speed 320km/h (173kt), max cruising speed at 75% power 306km/h (567kt), economical cruising speed 232km/h (125kt). Initial rate of climb 1200ft/min. Service ceiling 19,500ft. Range at max cruise with no reserves and standard fuel 1223km (660nm), with optional fuel 1706km (921nm).

This is yet another beautiful model from Mike Stone, developer of fantastic freeware aircraft! Mike has produced quite a few great models, and the 337 is right up there amongst my favorites to fly.

Here's the scoop quoted from the "readme.text" file...

"This aircraft is built for FS2004. The aircraft should work in FS2002, but I long longer directly support it. I know that the GPS gauge used in the panel will not work in FS2002.

The base textures folder in this zip file contains base (unpainted) texture files for use in repainting.

Note that the aircraft supplied in this package is supplied as is. If there are problems, I'll fix them or not at my discretion. I will not make modifications, alternate versions, or any other changes to suit anyone's personal wishes. If you like this aircraft, use it with my blessings. If not, feel free to delete it and go elsewhere."

Mike's models have always been popular with the repainters out there, and the 337 is no exception to this rule! All that I have seen have been very nice indeed. Here are just a few of the many repaint textures that are out there, available for the 337...

As you can see, this is a very nice looking model of the 337, with nice animations of all control surfaces, as well as retractable landing gear. Nice prop textures as well. There are some choices out there for freeware panels for the 337 model, but I found that the panel that is included in the file is just fine, and found no need to experiment at this time. Probably will later though, since I'm now curious! I think there were two or three out there for use with the Stone model. The normal avionics that are standard in

most General Aviation aircraft, are used in this model as well, so there shouldn't be any problem for you in the front seat as far as flying and navigation are concerned, that is depending on your level of familiarity. All gauges are easy to read, as well as pop up panels that can be accessed with the sim icons on the panel or by hitting "Shift" + 1 thru 6. There is no Virtual Cockpit, but this was by no means any hindrance to flying this model. Takeoffs were very easy, with minimum rudder correction. Landings were a piece of cake as well. This is the aircraft that I used to write the ILS Approach Tutorial. For some tips on a few functions of the GPS, visit the Tutorial that I wrote on the "Go - To" function. Handy to know and easy to use! I think that if you enjoy GA aircraft, you're going to love the 337! Have fun and hope to see you in the front seat of the Skymaster come March Race time!

FBZ...