Sunday, April 17th 2022, RNAS Culdrose.
Having taken a look at the default scenery for RNAS Culdrose and been particularly disappointed, I looked for a freeware upgrade and found the version created by Superspud. It is very impressive. Culdrose is a large airbase near Helston on the Lizard in Cornwall. In this video, I explore it in a helicopter.
Come along for the ride:
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In the video, I am flying an Airbus H125. You may be quick to recognise the Robinson R44 I used to take the pictures.
The Airbase
Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose began operating in 1947. Initially, it was home to Fireflies, Ansons and Sea Furys. In the 1950s, it hosted the Skyraider. These aircraft provided an `over the horizon early warning capability for the fleet at sea. The Skyraider was replaced by the Gannet in 1960. Next, the Sea Vixen, Sea Venom and Sea Hawk began operating from the base. Today, it is the biggest helicopter base in Great Britain.
Get your upgrade for Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose here.
Local Landmarks
Just to the North West of the airfield, you can see Flambards theme park.
East North East is Falmouth and Pendennis Castle, alas, not well represented in the sim, so far.
To the southwest is Porthleven, which has a striking recessed harbour. It is worth a detour in the sim, let alone in the real world.
To the East is the Helford River, which empties into the sea at Manan.
About 7 miles to the south is another Royal Naval Air Station - Predannack. This base has several derelict aircraft near its southern perimeter, including several Harriers, a Canberra, and some Wessex helicopters.
A few miles further south are Lizard Point and the Lizard Lighthouse. The latter is not yet represented properly in the sim.
What other local features, visible from the air, might make flying from here more interesting? Share what you know in the comments.
The Helicopter - Airbus H125
The H125 has been in production since 1975, with its first flight on June 27, 1974. As of 2019, there have been 3,590 H125 that have rolled off the production line. Powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine, the Airbus H125 is capable of operating in hot conditions and at high altitudes.
Get your freeware version of this helicopter here.
Do you have narrated YouTube videos of simulator flights from Cornwall airfields? Send me a link or post it in the comments. I'll add those I like to this site.