Today third-party developers shared a metric ton of news and releases of add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator, including both aircraft and several airports.
We start with the launch of a Boeing 717-200 by Captainsim. You can purchase it at the developer's own store for $18.88 with the first livery pack priced at $3.88.
Do keep in mind that, as you may expect if you're familiar with the developer, this is far from a realistic simulation of the venerable airliner.
Here's a list of what the developer claims as features:
- High resolution textures
- Cabin with 3D windows, interior, and animated pilots
- Realistic animations
- Captain Sim House liver
- Classic 717-200 flight deck, brand-new model built from scratch including high resolution textures
- Essential functionality simulated, as well as:
- Autopilot
- Electrical system
- Hydraulic system
- Fuel system
- Air system
- Flight-Control system
- Engine Start system
- Lighting
- Some systems linked to default systems
- Custom views
The first livery package includes:
- Air Tran N971AT
- Air Tranica N922AT
- Blue1 OHBLQ
- Delta N953AT
- QantasLink VH-NXR
- Volotea_EI-FBK
We stay in the realm of aircraft for a much deeper simulation of the Socata TBM 850 by Black Square, which released a video showing just how in-depth the failures go.
Moving on to airports, iniBuilds revealed the previously-teased Southampton Airport (EGHI) in the UK.
It will release on September 29 for £12.99 plus applicable VAT.
It'll include the following:
- Hand crafted ground poly, textures with crisp, bespoke texture sets (Runways, aprons, paths, roads)
- True-to-life airport land side recreation with custom ground decals, signposts, vegetation, parking barriers and more
- Accurately modelled and positioned dynamic airport lighting
- Highly detailed models of all airport buildings, objects and surroundings
- Bespoke taxi signage as it is in the real world
- Up to date airport layout reflecting the current, real-world location
- Fully modelled local POI's and surrounding buildings including Mercedes Garage, HSBC building, Premier Inn & Southampton Station.
- Level of Detail (LOD) optimisation for every model to encourage the best performance possible
- Use of the latest MSFS SDK features to allow for the best optimisation and performance possible
- Full iniManager compatibility to configure your scenery for the best possible performance for your system
- Custom GSX profile included
- Latest airport configuration including newly re-surfaced and extended runway that opened just this week!
Aerosoft released new screenshots of Oslo Gardermoen Airport (ENGM) serving the capital of Norway.
This is the rendition that has been in development for quite a while by star-developer Jo Erlend Sund, and certainly, it looks like it'll be worth the wait.
SiamFlight released a video showing off its Don Mueang International Airport (VTBD) serving the metropolitan area of Bangkok, Thailand.
Fenix Simulations announced that the large Block 2 update for its Airbus A320 has been delayed, currently targeting October.
This was done to manage to get the CFM engines in the hands of the users as soon as possible, with the Airbus A321 and A319 still expected for the end of 2023.
Below you can check out a look at the new cabin that will come with Block 2, which has been almost completely rebuilt for more detail and better performance.
You can find more details on the delay on the developer's Discord server.
Moving on to releases, WF Scenery Studio launched Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (ZGGG) serving one of China's largest cities.
It's available on Simmarket for $25.41, including the following perks.
- PBR Textures
- Animated Jetways.
- Dynamic Lights
- Manually planed viecles in airport
- Real Ground Markings
Last, but not least, FlightFX launched its DuPage Airport (KDPA), one of the many airports serving the Chicago area in the United States.
It's available on Orbx Direct for $9.61 with the following goodies.
- Built-in coordination with the DuPage Airport Authority
- On-site photography of all major facilities
- Reworked taxiways and signage
- High-res photographic textures
- Custom ground plane
- Custom rotating radar facility
- Manual unwrapping of all UVW maps
- Custom emissive night-lighting textures
- Bespoke details and highlights
- Accurate landscaping
- Natural, undulating runways
- Interior modeling of key structures
- In-hangar parking spaces to add realism
- Interior modeled hangars
- Hand crafted commercial signage around airport
- Static GA and Corporate aircraft
- Reworked landscaping
- Ambient lighting improvements
As usual, please check out TechRaptor often, as we have daily Microsoft Flight Simulator news, and don't forget to take a look at our interview with head of MSFS Jorg Neumann about the future of the sim and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
