Virtual model of the Koolhoven F.K.58

Virtual model built for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.
Modeler: Michel Migaud, France.

In February 2007 the Frenchman Michel Migaud decided to build the Koolhoven F.K.58 for Flight Simulator 2004. Microsoft Flight Simulator programs have an open source, which means you can change, create and add items like aircrafts and airfields to the program. These add-ons, as they are called, are made both commercially and as hobby. Michel is an experienced designer and he has done several high quality models for Flight Simulator 2004 already.

The model is built in GMAX, one of the 3D programs in which these models can be made and as a base for the model a 3D drawing from an unknown source at the internet was used. As there was limited information about the cockpit and interior of the F.K.58, the Koolhoven Aeroplanes Foundation was contacted and asked for support.

After two months the first virtual external model was finished and it looked very nice, but did not really match with the existing photographs from the real aircraft. The 3D drawings that were used so far turned out to be inaccurate. The model builder Bert Hazeborg, who is working on a flying RC model of the F.K.58, was so kind to make his scale drawing available and a new model was designed from these drawings.

Designing virtual models for Flight Simulator is a lot like building plastic model kits. You end up with a gray model, which needs to be painted. The virtual paint was applied by Michel and a Dutchman called Huub Vink, who did several Dutch and French liveries.

Based on the limited information about flight behaviour from this aircraft the Frenchman Jean-Pierre Bourgeois programmed a very realistic flight model and as the finishing touch the American Steve Buchanan supplied very realistic sounds which will really give you the feeling you are actually inside the aircraft.

Two different models were made, the French production version with Gnome et Rhône 14N39 engine and the second prototype (PH-AVA) with Hispano-Suiza 14AA engine, each with three different liveries.

Today, the Koolhoven F.K.58 fighter flies through virtual air again. It may not be the best known Dutch fighter, but it was the last true Dutch fighter that ever entered operational service.

All files for the Koolhoven F.K.58 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 can be downloaded here:

• FK58.zip (18.7 Mb zip file)

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