Third-party developers have shared plenty of news and a few releases about upcoming add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator, including airports and aircraft.
We start with Horizon Simulations, which provided an update on its Discord server about its freeware Boeing 787-900. The aircraft has passed the alpha phase and just entered the internal beta.
There is still some work to do on the model, but the major roadblocks have been passed, leaving only tidying up to do.
Liveries are being worked on and they aren't excessively clean "out of the factory." They will be provided in a separate package to keep the download size of the main aircraft low.
The official paint kit will actually be released ahead of the aircraft so that painters can go at it with some time to spare before the official launch.
It's still too early for the developers to share the release date, but you can check out a few screenshots below.
Next, we get an announcement from the Beautiful Model of the World & AmSim duo, which is working on Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (KMSP).
While the airport was not named directly, the developers shared a single screenshot that is rather telling as it shows the unique mural portraying Prince, which was added to the airport in 2020 to celebrate the Minneapolis-native artist.
As the 18th-busiest airport in the US, it'll certainly be a welcome addition for many.
Next, we take a look at new screenshots of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (ZGGG) in China, showcased by WF Scenery Studio.
Moving on to releases, Magsoft finally launched Tijuana International Airport (MMTJ) in Mexico, following a long wait.
The major airport is available on Simmarket for $21.28, including the following features.
- Native PBR Models.
- Animated jetways.
- Detailed hangars and terminal buildings.
- Dynamic lighting.
- Illuminated beacon on top of the control tower.
- Highly detailed ground surfaces.
- Precise AFD system (AFCAD).
- Native volumetric grass and vegetation.
- Native windsocks and taxisigns.
- Native landing, runway, and taxiway lighting.
- Static aircraft and vehicles.
- Animated radar facilities and wigwag lights.
- Navigation systems facilities and antennas.
- Perimeter fence.
- New ground services definitions.
- Gas station, car rental, food stores and supermarkets.
Another release comes from MK Studios, and it's Kangerlussuaq Airport (BGSF) in Greenland. Interestingly, it comes packaged with four smaller airports, Sisimiut (BGSS), Maniitsoq (BGMQ), Qaarsut (BGUQ), and Aasiaat (BGAA).
It's available on Orbx Direct and Simmarket starting at $18.01 with the following features,
- Lifelike recreation of Kangerlussuaq Airport including detailed terminal interior,
- Custom, 20cm/pixel satellite image covering the airport and the city of Kangerlussuaq,
- Kangerlussuaq airport and city elevation data based on high quality LiDAR scan including runway and apron profiles,
- Full rendition of Kangerlussuaq city with over 150 custom buildings,
- Custom handcrafted airports: Sisimiut BGSS, Maniitsoq BGMQ, Qaarsut BGUQ and Aasiaat BGAA with custom buildings, satellite and elevation data,
- Custom ground polygons with lines, dirts, markings and other details,
- Realistic lighting for immersive day and night operations,
- 3D snow and icebergs visible depending on weather conditions,
- Custom visual effects,
- AI compatible.
Last, but not least, we go small and rural with Wickenby Airfield (EGNW) in Lincolnshire, UK, released by Burning Blue Design on Orbx Direct.
It's priced at $18.01 and it comes with the following goodies.
- Over 90 custom 3D objects each with full Physical Based Rendering (PBR) textures.
- Based on May 2023 layout.
- Full custom night lighting.
- Animated hangar doors which close at night.
- Animated main gate which closes at night.
- Working Signal Square.
- Completely custom windsock.
- Animated spectators.
- Real-life static aircraft seen at Wickenby:
- Boeing Stearman PT-17 Model 75 N3N-3 Kaydet (4445) (G-CFXT)
- De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth (G-ACDA)
- Airco DH.2 Replica 5964 (G-BFGH)
- Hawker Hunter F.6 Survivor (XE624)
- Hawker Hunter GA.Mk.11, (XE685/G-GAII)
- Armstrong Whitworth SeaSlug MK1 – first-generation surface-to-air missile
- High resolution colour corrected ground textures taken from Bing maps and manipulated for consistency and realism.
- Enhanced local surroundings including:
- RAF Wickenby Dispersal and Nissan huts
- RAF Wickenby 12 and 626 squadrons memorial.
- Businesses on the old RAF Wickenby site including, Agrii, H.W. Coates, Rase Distribution, Aero Massage Therapy and Designed for Dogs.
Do keep in mind that here on TechRaptor we host daily Microsoft Flight Simulator news, so visit regularly!
In the meanwhile, you can also take a look at our recent interview with head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann focusing on the current sim and the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
