Hangar Studios 713 American Champion (8KCAB) Super Decathlon released

R

RobM

SOH-CM-2024
So far, only on Hangar Studios 713 website, $19.99 US: https://hangarstudios713.com/products/american-champion-8kcab-super-decathlon-1

There's also a thread about it, with pictures, videos, and first purchaser reports, on the FS2020 forums (you'll need to go to the 22nd post for the release):
https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/released-american-champion-8kcab-super-decathlon/648817

The price seems reasonable for what's being offered, at least from the pictures and descriptions, although I'll probably wait wait until it's available on
one of the larger e-stores like Simmarket or Just Flight.
 
I've been really looking forward to this . . . but, with 2024 so close, it's hard to spend any more money on 2020. I know they've said that 2020 addons will work, maybe; but they won't have all the new features.

Hopefully, Hangar Studios will update it for 2024, too, and I'll pick it up then.
 
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It’s really, really good. Actual Super Decathlon aerobatic pilots helped with the testing and flight model.

The visuals are a significant jump from his previous planes. Cockpit details and textures are fantastic.

And he’s already planning to update it to take advantage of the FS24 enhancements once the SDK is available , so no need to wait to buy it.

(And I get the ease of updates sticking to specific stores, but an advantage of buying direct is the creator doesn’t have to give 30% or SimMarket/OrbX/MS. But it is coming to those real soon!)
 
Glad I'm not the only one having fun with this! It's a nice model with really sharp and sparkly handling that proves how sloppy my flying has become. Sounds are aliased to the stock XCub; I don't mind stock sounds at this price point, and they're suitably meaty. The external textures are variable, some are a bit fuzzy, but there are a lot of them.

Unlike the old and much-loved Real Air package this is 'just' a Decathlon, but you can choose an analogue panel with switchable GPS, a GNS 430 glass panel or a GTN 650 glass panel. There's even an "Exclusive In-Game Panel for the PMS50 GTN750 Included for Xbox.." according to the manual.

There's no traditional paint kit but the Developer provides a 3D model to use in Blender, and a bunch of other textures including UV maps that you can assemble into a layered paint kit. It is a pain to paint 'flat' though, particularly the fuselage. Registrations are OK but lines are hard to... line up.

I'd love to see switchable wheel pants, maybe wheels & tyres too, and who knows - perhaps this could lead to a Citabria or Scout? Meanwhile the BFG Decathlon has put the fun back into flying.

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I've also been enjoying the heck out of this one. I didn't realize my stick and rudder skills have gotten so rusty. This brings back memories from the 90's, I purchased Great Planes Decathlon .40 sized RC kit. It was a great flyer until it met its end due to pilot error in a uncontrolled crash into terrain.
I picked up the pieces in a box......
 
I'm fairly interested in this as I enjoyed the Realair ACA aircraft in years past.

But I'm wondering if a new fresh paint could overcome the blurry existing default ones? Does anyone know?
 
ryanbatc said:
I'm fairly interested in this as I enjoyed the Realair ACA aircraft in years past.

But I'm wondering if a new fresh paint could overcome the blurry existing default ones? Does anyone know?
Click to expand...
As far as I've tried it, yes - the main texture sheets are 4096 x 4096 and the lines etc. sharpen up nicely. Honestly, I'd prefer one or two high quality representative liveries over a whole bunch that won't get used.
 
Cool thing is that if you do any Xbox flying, the toolbar GTN 750 becomes available if you get the Decathlon from Marketplace
 
Looks great! I see there is an autopilot in the glass cockpit version, is there one an autopilot option in the version with the old school gauges.
 
blanston12 said:
Looks great! I see there is an autopilot in the glass cockpit version, is there one an autopilot option in the version with the old school gauges.
Click to expand...

There's no autopilot on the panel in the steam gauge version. However, if you use the PMS50 GTN 750 GPS, it works great with the autopilot that's built into that.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 9_27_2024 2_04_04 PM_upload.jpg
 
Hello, everyone!

Just wanted to provide some updates on the Super Decathlon release. All liveries are in 4K with texture flags, so they’ll really stand out. There are 28 liveries in total, all based on real Super Decathlon paint schemes. While some are more detailed than others, I took extra care with about seven of them, making sure they’re polished to near perfection with minimal blur on the edges. The default Black, Proton, Dirty Bird, Patriot Starburst, Blue Lines, Sundust, Murph, and Pink liveries got special attention during development.

I’ll admit, I kind of went off the rails with the others because it was just so much fun working on this plane. There are also more updates and liveries planned, especially when MSFS 2024 drops, with free upgrades to make sure the plane is fully compatible with 2024 (almost there!). Plus, I'm planning future variants, including a Tow Plane and Banner Tower, once the MSFS 2024 SDK is available to third-party developers.

The flight model is something I’m particularly proud of, thanks to my amazing testers. If you head to my main website, you’ll find the full manual and future updates will be posted there first. I added a PDF file on there as well with how to perform many of the maneuvers the Super Decathlon is capable of performing. I’ve also included a custom paintkit with instructions for anyone interested in creating their own liveries—I’m excited to see what the community comes up with!

And for Xbox users, rejoice! If you purchase the Super Decathlon, you’ll get access to the GTN750 as an In-Game Panel (toolbar dropdown), which Xbox has never had before. Thanks to a special partnership with PMS50, you get two great additions: the Super Decathlon and the GTN750 In-Game Panel, which works in other planes as well.

Thanks for sharing all the amazing screenshots, and I’m thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the plane!

Cheers,
B4Gunner
 
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