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DeHavilland DHc7 Dash-7
AI Model for FS2002 & FS2004 ATC
by Dee Waldron, October 2004
Update #2
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This model was built with FSDS version 2.24, primarily for use as an AI model in FS2002 and FS2004's ATC traffic. It's simple, low polygon design make it ideal for AI traffic use.

Update 1:	Replaced the original wheels with lower polygon-count models. This reduced the MDL size from 360kb down to 234kb. That's a reduction of +125kb. That's got to help speed up FPS.
Update 2:	Remodeled the main model, further reducing the number of polygons, and adding 4 low resolution "Lod" models. Some additions to the texture.

Credits:
Marty Baclawski and Tony Bolton: Their original model built for FS5.1 was used extensivly for reference.

About "The Dash"...
The Dash-7 has had a checkered history, but still there are many in service. When most turbo-prop commuter airliners built in the 1970's were for the 15-20 seat market, the only choise for operators needing 45-50 seats were the old Convair 580, Fokker/Fairchild F27 and Hawker HS748. DeHavilland of Canada thought they had a winner, designing an all new, modern turbo-prop for the 50 seat markets. And for a while they did. The Dash was a good flyer and performer. But the Dash's high operating cost's soon caught-up with it.
The first Dash-7 flew on 27 March 1975.  Rocky Mountain Airways was the first receipient of the Dash-7, receiving it's first aircraft in Feburary 1978. Production ended in 1988.

General Notes:
This is another one of my "community project" models.
This model is currently in development and I'll make more updates to it as I get reports from people who use it.
The textures are basic masters, 256 color (8-bit), 1024x1024 bitmap. Chrome reflections, and lightmap for night lighting are activated. User is welcome to repaint the model in any livery(s) desired. Uploads of repainted models are also welcome. No prior permission is required.
The lightmap texture's (_L) included with this archive are simple placeholder files. User must build their own lightmap files for end use.
Flight dynamics are based on the default DH8-100 (with some modifications), so it will work well as an AI model (FS2002), but will not operate realistically as a Dash-7, but it's pretty close.
If anyone makes any improvements to the flight model which lets the AI model fly more realistically as a Dash-7, please send me a copy and I'll include it in a future update.

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Installation
Unzip the archive directly into your flight simulator's Aircraft folder. It will automatically be setup as a regular, flyable model. To include the model in your ATC traffic, you need to use utilities such as Lee Swordy's "Traffic Tools". This is a freeware utility available at most major flight sim websites.

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Legal Stuff:
Copyright 2004, D.E. Waldron. All rights reserved.
This aircraft model is freeware. All repaints, enhancements or modifications are welcome, but must remain free. No exceptions. User accepts all risk of use.
 