26 August 2022
We have had lots of questions about how our forthcoming
RJ Professional for Microsoft Flight Simulator differs from our existing
146 Professional, so we thought that we’d take you on a sunset flight in the RJ100 to take you through just some of the many differences. There are some minor differences on the exterior, such as probe configurations, slightly larger and more powerful engines and 29 new liveries, but the most significant upgrades are to the cockpit.
Significant differences can be found on the main instrument panel and aft centre console, but there are changes throughout the entire cockpit as the instruments and controls were upgraded to more modern, digital versions. Please note that the software shown here is very much work in progress.
Most noticeably, the traditional analogue ADI, HSI and engine instruments of the 146 have been replaced with an electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS), consisting of a primary flight display (PFD), navigation display (ND) and primary engine displays (PEDs). These offer much better situational awareness. Traditional standby instruments are still present but also differ in design to those in the 146.
One less common display that we have included is a digital metric altimeter, located below the left VSI. This indicates your current and selected altitude in metres. Alongside the PEDs on the centre instrument panel, the central warning panel (CWP) is now joined by a central status panel (CSP), separating the warnings, cautions and status captions for easier monitoring.
Engine control is now provided by a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, with a thrust rating panel (TRP) replacing the TMS panel found in the 146. Also on the right instrument panel is a digital ‘QUAD’ indicator for monitoring the pressurisation system.
Moving up, the left and right glareshield are subtly different, accommodating additional annunciations relating to the GPWS and autoland systems. The more capable digital flight guidance system (FGS) is controlled by the mode control panel (MCP) on the centre glareshield, which is very similar in design to the one found in the 737NG. More intuitive than the 146 autopilot panel, the MCP controls all the autopilot and autothrottle functions, including LNAV, VNAV and autoland.
Moving down to the forward centre console, the RJ is equipped with two GNLU-910 FMSs which will be custom-coded and fully functional. Navigation information is provided by a combination of Inertial Reference System (IRS) and GPS. Two EFIS control panels (ECPs) provide control of the PFD and ND.
Two radio management panels (RMPs) are found on the aft console, with the ability to control COM 1 or 2 active and standby frequencies from either. A different type of dual ADF controller, transponder and brake temperature indicator are also fitted, along with a flight data recorder (FDR), emergency location transmitter (ELT) and flight deck door control.
Some smaller differences can be found on the left and right side consoles, including upgraded audio selectors and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), simplified oxygen system controls and IRS mode controllers.
Finally, the most obvious change to the overhead panel is the fully automatic pressurisation panel, which features a digital display and is more akin to what you would find in a 737NG, again helping to reduce pilot workload.
There are many other minor differences and upgrades on the RJ, from yoke checklists to placards and parking brake controls. The end result of all these upgrades is a cockpit that more closely resembles the look and operation of the Airbus and Boeing types that are more familiar to most, reducing pilot workload whilst still retaining the quirky systems of the 146 that provide a rewarding experience.
