P3Dv4+ P-3 Aerostar Airtanker Mega Pack 2024-09-01

This takes FS KBT's fantastic P-3 Aerostar and updates it considerably for longer term use in P3Dv4 and newer sims. The model now has updated bump/spec maps, PBR, updated 4k textures, updated sounds, updated auto-smoke effect, updated retardant tank model, other minor lighting and model fixes, And I have included all of the operational liveries flown by the 10 converted airframes flown, for a total of 23 liveries overall to choose from. The P-3 Aerostar is a specially modified P-3A/B Orion by Aero Union Crop for firefighting operations. They converted 9 P-3As and a single P-3B into Aerostars. The type has flown since 1990 and as of 2024 very few still remain airworthy of the original 10. The P-3 Aerostar takes the incredible performance of the P-3 Orion and takes it further by a lightened airframe capable of carrying up to 3,000 US gallons of fire retardant or water, a total payload weighing some 27,000lbs. The Aerostar was cable of quick dispatches flying at a maximum speed of 325 knots if called upon to do so. The Aerostar in turn could be dispatched to anywhere in the United States if need be due to the P-3's fantastic range. They operated across the lower 48 states and Alaska. Aero Union was the primary operator of the platform until the company's closing. The aircraft were revived in a limited basis by Airstrike Firefighters in 2020 and Buffalo Airways. Getting 2 of those airframes flying on fires again in the US. Sadly, it was short lived and the platforms look to be heading for scrap or other purposes. Of the 10 aircraft only 4 are known to be semi-airworthy. This file is for P3Dv4+ only and is a large file due to all of the HD repaints. Original aircraft by FS KBT. Updates by Nicholas Mitchell "Scorch00."