The Boeing 747 with its trademark upperdeck hump is arguably the most recognizable of planes on this planet. Every since its first flight 36 years ago, this aircraft has been a resounding success in the commercial aviation market. Its massive size earned it the nick name "Jumbo Jet" and title " The Queen of the Skies". The 747 gradually evolved into the ultra modern 747-400 with a two man flight crew instead of the three on earlier models. The 747 is first choice for many cargo operators around the word due to its massive size and the easy accessibily it provides to load cargo through the front by opening up the nose of this behemoth. The Boeing 747 was the flagship of the airline's fleet. However its supremacy as the sole largest commercial airliner ended last year by Airbus's A380 that has the capacity to carry more than 550 passengers in a three class layout. The classic 747 models with its analogue gauges are still in use with many airlines of the world. I wanted a 747 addon for FS2004 that I can fly with ease, without getting involved in the intricacies of operating complex systems, yet being provided with exceptional level of detail. This where Aerosim comes in when it comes to finding a decent Classic 747 addon. Aerosim's Classic Liner Vol.1 includes virtually all models of the Classic 747 (100/200/200C/200F/300) with all engine variants (PW/RR/GE). In addition, it also includes the 727 and the 737-200 models. But my main emphasis in this review is Aerosim's Classic 747 model. The 747 model is without a doubt the most accurately modeled 3d version I've come across. The 3d rendering is simply incredible. Whats more, it comes with a stunningly realistically designed Virtual cockpit, animated wingviews and realistic sound package based on the PW engines. However I must mention here, that it does not include complex engine startup or a functioning engineer's panel as the main emphasis of this addon is for the amatuer flight simmer. However it does come with an extremely easy to use INS gauge that raises the level of realism as far as navigation is concerned. The aircraft comes with the usual package of animations that one has become accustomed to see on FS2004 aircraft such as fully animated control surfaces, opening passenger and cargo doors, tilting bogies etc. The animations are accurately sequenced and have a smooth touch to them. The most impressive is the engine design. All engines have been modelled according to the exact specification. The blades are accurate and the reverse thrust cowlings are also animated. The nightlighting is superb, espcially in VC mode.

Typically 747ish! The Aerosim jumbo looks stylishly elegant from every corner. The front oval shape of the 747 is accurately rendered to give a realistic touch in FS2004..

The undercarriage is meticulously designed and every strut and suspension is in the right place. The animation is accurate and smooth.

Seen here are Pratt and Whitney engines on the 747-100. The typcial round shape of the cowling is evident in these sreenshots. The exhaust cones are accurately model and the blades look simply awesome. The textures on the engines are nothing short of being just incredible with the PW logo placed perfectly on the sides of the cowlings.

Probably the next most recognizable element after the upperdeck hump of the 747 is its tail. Its height from the ground equals that of a 5 storey building. The tail is superbly designed with accurate functioning of the rudders. Here you see both the vertical stablizer and horizontal stabilizers being put to test.

The wing design is exceptionally designed. The flaps, slats and spoilers are all accurately animated and the ailerons respond to joystick movements. The Antenna and the wingtip anti-collision lights have also been meticulously designed.

As expected. The Aerosim 747 comes with opening passenger and cargo doors. You can also see the cargo hold and cabin interior.

The aerosim 747 models all come with flexing wings and 3d flight crew. The windshield textures and reflections are simply superb.

Seen here is a 747-200M Combi version with GE engines in SAS livery. The Combi version includes an aft cargo panel door.

The star attraction in the Aerosim Classic liners Vol.1 is the 747-200F. The forward nose section and the rear cargo doors are ingeniously animated to replicate the real thing. The massive cargo hold interior on this freighet can also be seen once the cargo doors are opened.

Seen here is the stretched -300 variant of the classic 747 liner. This is the Saudi Airlines' 747-300 powered by Rolls Royce RB-211 engines. The reverse thrust on this particular 743 is seen in action.

Another important aspect in this 747 package is the accurate night lighting. The taxi lights, tail and fuselage lights are simply incredible.

The package also comes with a beautifully rendered but a basic 2D 747 panel. The night lighting is amzxing. The panel also features a 2d throttle quadrant panel, radio panel, a partial overhead panel and a fully working yet easy to use INS panel for navigation. The 2D panel comes with both the analogue and Tape engine gauge configurations.

Probably the most appealing element in Aerosim 747 is the virtual cockpit. The VC design is incredibly accurate and is simply a delight to fly in it. Almost all the gauges in the 2D panel are fully functional in VC mode which also includes the INS panel. The night lighting is simply superb and it gives you a feeling of actually being in a 747 cockpit.

A closer look at the throttle quadrant and a fully functional INS computer at night. The details and the night lighting are simply amazing.

The autopilot glareshield is beautifully designed with a basic autopilot function. The 3D knobs give this VC a much more fuller feeling

Crisp and clear gauges gives a realistic touch to the Aerosim 747 VC experience. Seen are the Artifical horizon, HSI, Altimeter, Airspeed Indicator, Engine tape gauges and gear level all designed to perfection.

Conslusion

The Aerosim Classic Liners Vol.1 is a perfect buy for those who require highly detailed classic 747 models yet extremely easy to fly. The Aerosim 747 flies like a dream, is extremely easy to fly and is highly detailed. The model looks stunningly real from every angle and can be compared to any real photo for reference. The sounds are extremely realistic which give the typical PW roar on max thrust. The Vol.1 package also comes with two additional aircraft- the 737-200 and the 727. I'd give 9 out of 10 for this stunning piece of classic airliners package that will remain on my HD for a long time to come. Well done Aerosim. Keep it up!