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Firefly Jumbo

Filename: FF_Jumbo_RC1.zip
Author: Jon Marcure
Type: Space Ships
Size: 3230kb
Review Date: 02/25/06

File Description:
Firefly class utility transport ship. The Firefly gets its name from its uniquely shaped aft end and the green glow given off by the main power reactor. Today the Firefly class ships are limited to intra-solar system duties and are mostly used as short-range transports and supply shuttles with quite a few being converted into luxury yachts for the ultra-rich.

Review:
I like sci-fi ships as well as anyone as is evident from my other reviews. Normally they are usually the first ones I download because they are quick and easy to fly. Actually historic ships are the most appealing for a sim such as this but they do require more commitment on the part of the pilot. So if I only have a little time to spend on Orbiter I will usually jump into a sci-fi ship instead. The intent is less flight planning on my part and more flight time to explore.

Now the Firefly Jumbo is without question a sci-fi ship, but I wasn't so sure how I felt about its design looking like an insect. I mean piloting a ship that looks like a bug is not the kind of space jockey I pictured myself as being. However there was something about the Firefly that intrigue me so I gave her a try. The Jumbo is Marcure's second take on the Firefly, updating the features to be in line with the latest Orbiter release. The first Firefly Mark I was outstanding. The Jumbo is even better.

First off the ship is quite beautiful. The model is made up of many polygons to give her the unique shape. From a pure modeling standpoint this is very impressive. But the thing that shines the most about this ship is its textures. The overall paint scheme is awesome. There are many facets to this ship and each one is textured well. The cargo bay interior is as nicely detailed as I've ever seen.  The Jumbo has an interior cockpit that's on par with the fine 3D exterior. There are some working cockpit indicator instruments but no virtual cockpit MFDs. Neither is there any 2D panels for this ship. However I find the 3D interior views quite satisfying. For now many of the neat operational features of the Jumbo are accesses through a dialog window. Possibly in the future there will be a fully functional VC.

The Firefly is packed with animations. To begin with the cargo bay doors open/shut which is also equipped with a number of white cargo loading and running lights. When applying thrust the main engines continually spin. The spinning engines are quite something to look at. You may rotate the engine nacelles to provide hover and retro capabilities if desired. Main engine panels are also animated to restrict or open for jumps. Opening of these main engine panels allows for more thrust per fuel usage , you get quite a jump and an increase in performance. An added bonus is the Jumbo comes with two working shuttle craft attached. These shuttles are as detail as the mother ship and also have an interior cockpit. Flying the shuttles around the Jumbo is great fun.

Flight characteristics are excellent in the Firefly. No disappointments here. This ship handles and maneuvers as well as any. The Firefly may dock to stations with it's nose docking port. After a while this ship began to grow on me and I have really taken a liking to flying her. My only regret is that this ship can not be used for interplanetary travel using the direct flight method. There just isn't enough fuel available for the constant thrust. I really don't care to fly a futuristic ship if it is limited to ground to orbiting station only. So as usually I have a work around. See tip below

Overall though the Firefly suits Orbiter well and looks fabulous along with the rest of the Orbiter eye-candy. It flies well and is just plan fun.

Tip!
Before you run a Firefly scenario uncheck limited fuel in Launchpad. You may then fly directly to other planets at 1G. The Jumbo is an ideal ship to fly around alternative planetary systems such as found in my Star Dust addon.

Related Links

direct flight method
Star Dust

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