Designed by air racer Steven Wittman, the Tailwind is an amateur-built two-seat aircraft first built in the 1950s. Combining relatively low build costs with exciting 200-mph performance, the Tailwind proved a success and more than 350 examples have been built. Different versions of the basic design offer different engine specs and performance, as well as either tail-dragger or tricycle-type undercarriages.

The Wittman Tailwind for FSX: Steam Edition, developed by Lionheart Creations, includes both the W8 (tail-dragger) and W10 (tail-dragger and tri-gear) series model variants. The two W series aircraft both fly slightly differently, with the W-10 having a higher-performance engine than the W-8. The W-10 will cruise at 180 MPH and will max out at 200 MPH, whereas the W-8 cruises at 140 to 160 MPH and maxes out at 180 MPH. Instrument panels also differ between the two models.

Features:

• Custom high detail instrumentation
  
• New Avionics featuring an MX12 NAV-COM, transponder, and autopilot in the W-10
  
• Full night lighting with soft glow gauge instrumentation for night flights 'without' the dome light needing to be switched on
  
• Eight different paint schemes with several versions of interiors
  
• One aircraft called 'Retro' features an early 1960's paint scheme and wood panel interior
  
• Fully animated control surfaces and various controls
  
• Front diagonal cross brace bars in front of pilot are hide-able with a switch for ease of flying in VC mode
  
• Features high detail 2D panels by Bill Leaming
  
• Optional Wide Screen Panels can be linked to Registry blocks in the aircraft config file for wide screen users
  
• Ice box in rear cargo shelf opens and features animated bottled water and sandwich
  
• Custom sounds throughout the aircraft
  
• Hide-able top sun cover for the W-8, which features a fully transparent roof
  
• Hide-able front instrument panel cover made of an old air chart map
  
• Basic cargo displays outside of plane when engine stops running
  
• Custom sound package
  
• Custom flight model (aircraft config files) that feature a unique feel for the aircraft
  
• Checklist in popup view, does not use Kneeboard
  
• Optional Wide Screen 2D panels for users with wide screen monitors
  
• Custom exterior 3D high realism lighting effects