Wings of Power - B17

By Stacey (Dagger 117) Elrod - 30th Jan 2008
Social Networks             

Shockwave Productions has put out a very nice B-17G for FSX. It’s a great addition to anybody’s flight-sim hangar especially if you’re a vintage warbird fan. I had the opportunity to fly and review this magnificent heavy bomber, and it was a rewarding experience.

Shockwave has been putting out some really nice aircraft for FS9 and like all payware companies had to make the adjustment to FSX. They did an outstanding job with their WoP II B-17. They created a brand new model, added their new 3D light effects, new flight dynamics for FSX, and the great FSX fixed camera views. The VC is picture perfect and has all the realism of the actual aircraft. They have included great documentation to support the plane including pages from the original flight manual.

The plane fly’s like a dream. It’s very forgiving, which I have read was a characteristic of the B-17, and has a natural tendency to lift off the ground by itself at 115 knots. Fuel consumption can be duplicated to the original aircraft when flying in realistic mode by following the manual. It took an entire crew to keep this complicated aircraft flying correctly an Shockwave has helped you in that department by including an automatic mixture control so you won’t be overwhelmed with its four engines. The start-up can be a bit tricky so make sure you read the documentation and become familiar with the location of all the necessary switchology. Taxiing is much different than steering small aircraft on the ramp. You must use your outboard motors to make turns otherwise you’ll end up in the dirt.

Ok let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of this bird. You get:

One aircraft model; the “G” model
Two paint schemes; bare metal and one painted green.
The new 3D landing lights on the B-17
Very detailed documentation


Here are the Pro’s

Loads of realism
New 3D lights
Very detailed flight model and VC
Digital download
Self install format
Very detailed documentation

The Con’s

One aircraft model
Two paint schemes
No repaint kit

In conclusion, I give this aircraft an 8 out 10. I think the B-17G is a great aircraft with a lot of realism, and great eye candy, but for the price, I think we should get a little more for our money. I think by putting out the F model along with the G, and two paint schemes each, would have been nicer to see. Shockwave Productions is a very reputable company who stands behind their products with great support. So on that note; “You can’t beat that with a stick”, and you’ll thoroughly enjoy this aircraft!