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- 1. Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV)
  
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The Lunar Pilot Research Vehicle is the main reason Lunar Pilot exists. In real life, it was designed by NASA and Bell Aerosystems in the 1960's to prepare Apollo astronauts for the moon landing, as the moon has no atmosphere and its gravity field is only one sixth of that on Earth. The design of that experimental aircraft can be scary at first - it's hard to say anything that looks like it, but you will get used after some time. From the very first moment you step in the LLRV, you can see that some extensive research has been done before its development. Unfortunately, LLRV uses the somewhat faulty flight simulator helicopter model, so it may be difficult to fly it at first - nothing that can't be overcome with some practice. Flight characteristics and dimensions are exactly like the real aircraft. Lunar Pilot's LLRV was tested (and approved) by Jack Kluever, an original LLRV / NASA test pilot. The exterior model is a detailed replica of the original one. There are cables and fuel tanks everywhere, along with the big CF-700 engine at the center and a shiny livery. The pilot moves his head in reaction to the aircraft movements and his helmet can be opened and closed using a simple hotkey. The smoke that comes out of the engine adds a lot to the realism; it starts as a black smoke and turns to a beautiful white smoke at higher thrust settings. One other great feature is the ejection seat: by pushing the EJECT button on the side panel or the yellow handle on the virtual cockpit, the pilot is safely ejected from the LLRV. The LLRV panel looks like a helicopter panel, and is an accurate reproduction of the real one. Some of the panel's instruments are: Attitude indicator (artificial horizon), Doppler Radar (lateral and forward speeds), Barometric Altimeter, Radio Altimeter (1000 ft), Vertical Speed Indicator, Accelerometer (G forces) and Refueling gauges. The only thing I didn't like about the 2D panel is that some default gauges are used, which ends up reducing the sense of realism a little. A sidepanel is available so that you can control basic functions while on spot/virtual cockpit views. Gauge refresh rate and night lighting are adequate. The virtual cockpit is indeed very detailed - in fact, it is the recommended way of flying the LLRV. The cockpit is fully modelled with clickable switches and all controls (pitch and roll control stick, lift control lever, yaw control pedals) are animated. Lunar Mode is activated by clicking on the red button on the control stick - it should be used during lunar descent and landing to simulate lunar conditions. Gauge refresh rate is fair, and no night lighting is available. Engine startup is very simple: build some bleed-air pressure, bleed it to the turbofan and wait for the 'ready for ignition beep'; finally ignite the engines and it's ready for take-off! The LLRV handles like a helicopter; if you are experienced with them, you will have no problem - if you are not, back the realism settings a little and you should have no problems too. The refueling system available on the NADA launchpad is activated by two red buttons on the panel/sidepanel - one for the fuel rig to move and other to refuel. A nice 'Refueling sequence initiated ...' sound plays when the rig is moving.
Finally, the sounds of this bird are very cool and add a lot to the sense of realism. Besides the usual engine sounds, it also produces a 'SHHH' sound every time you move the stick in a direction. Flying the LLRV with a high volume setting in a dark room is a blast!- 2. North American P-51 Mustang A North American P-51D Mustang 'Fly me to the Moon' by Shigeru Tanaka is also available on the package. Back in the WWII era, this aircraft overperformed all other fighters in speed, range, style and maneuverability, thus becoming the principal fighter plane. Painted on shiny NADA colors, this powerful fighter is fully modelled and equipped - it was exclusively released and adapted for Lunar Pilot. The P-51D Mustang can reach 380 knots of speed, 41,000 feet of altitude and fly for as long as 1,000 miles - impressive! The exterior model looks good, but quality is clearly lost as you zoom in - I have also found that the segments of the fuselage are too dark. It is equipped with 2 rockets, that can be disabled by using a simple hotkey. Flight characteristics are fine, but it initially has a very high pitch down tendency - after the aircraft is correctly trimmed, it gets very fun to fly. The 2D panel looks also looks good - it's not complicated, works well and is fairly realistic. Gauge refresh rate and night lighting are adequate. I'm deeply sorry to say this, but what really kills the sense of realism for this aircraft is the virtual cockpit - all of its textures are extremely low quality, very few controls move and the gauge refresh rate is average. It's not comparable, quality-wise, to the LLRV or any other payware aircraft on the market, but nevertheless a fun plane to fly.   
Click on the thumbnails to view full-size (800x600)
Other features FS Camera is also present in Lunar Pilot. Running on the background, FS Camera converts the default FS tower-view into a virtual cameraman, always trying to get the best fly-by shots. You also can save and load your own motor-tracking profiles, enhancing the visual experience of the product even more! 
Conclusion THINGS-TO-COME has hit the nail on the head with Lunar Pilot. They have introduced a great new dimension for flight simulator - I would never have thought I would have the opportunity to land on the moon right on my computer. It is simply amazing to fly over such complex city and pilot a detailed reproduction of an aircraft that very few astronauts had access. Lunar Pilot is amongst the best and most entertaining add-ons I have at the moment, and I highly recommend it to anyone willing to have an amazing new experience in his simulator. Lunar Pilot is available in three versions: Download ($34.95), CD-ROM ($39.95) and Jack Klueger Limited edition (which includes Lunar Pilot, exclusive Klueger interview, original LLRV flight manual reprint and LLRV autograph card hand signed by Jack Klueger - $69.95). Aditionally, a LLRV documentary in DVD-ROM is available for $19.95. All versions can be purchased at THINGS-TO-COME online shop. If you are still not sure of Lunar Pilot's quality, download their free scenery named Swiss Military Bastion at the online shop. Also, a package containing 13 mini movies of Lunar Pilot is available at TTC forums - click here to download. I'd also like to extensively thank THINGS-TO-COME for sending me a copy of this product for this review!! | PROS | CONS | * Amazing new concept
* Accurate and fully animated LLRV model
* High quality lunar mesh
* Landable rooftops
* Great night lighting | * Unrealistic P-51D virtual cockpit
* Rain, clouds and winds inside the LTS building |
Final grade: 8/10! Test computer: MSI KT4 Ultra, Athlon XP 2.12Ghz, 512MB RAM, MSI GeForce 4 Ti4200 @ 283/570, LG 17" monitor ...
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