Microsoft and third-party developers had plenty of news related to Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons, on top of some relevant releases, so please strap in, because this is going to be extensive.
We start with Microsoft itself, which finally released the expansion dedicated to the Dune Part 2 movie. The expansion was delayed alongside the film, but you can download it for free right now.
The expansion includes a flyable Ornithopter from the movie and six activities, including five time trials and a rescue mission, all set in a bespoke version of the desert of Arrakis.
Moving on to third-party developers, today we got a welcome surprise in the form of a massive video update about the Block 2 update to the Aibur A320 by Fenix, one of the most beloved and acclaimed airliner add-ons available on the market.
While we don't yet get a release date for the update, the developer mentioned that we'll have a 24-hour advance notice when it's about to ship. Of course, it will be free.
In the video, we get to hear about cabin announcements, GSX integration, some really massive EFB improvements, changes to the flight model, the highly anticipated new engine model and some of it interesting quirks. There's a whole lot to see and it provides a good idea of the level of complexity and detail of this simulation. It's really quite impressive.
Continuing with upcoming aircraft, SC Designs revealed that its F-5E Tiger II is almost complete. The add-on is described as highly detailed and will be priced at £17.99. The cockpit will feature a radar that works in multiplayer and accurately to the real aircraft, there is no autopilot. You'll only have basic radio, NAV, and TACAN equipment.
You can see what it looks like below.
Another aircraft that is nearing release is the Boeing CH-47 Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter by Militech Simulations. While no specific date has been set, we're "super close" according to the developer. PC testing is being wrapped up and Xbox testing has just begun.
The release will happen first on Orbx Direct and the developer's own site for PC, followed by a release for both PC and Xbox on the official marketplace.
Below you can find a few screenshots.
A relevant aircraft has been released, and it's the Diamond DA42 Twin Star by Cows. It's available on Orbx Direct for $29.84
It comes with the following perks.
Visual Model:
The DA42 Series sets our benchmark of a high-fidelity visual model. Recreated through thousands of reference photos and scans from a local DA42, every bolt is accounted for during the production of the 3D and texturing. Combined with the power of MSFS’ rendering engine, the plane looks gorgeous at every angle.
- Light-baked photorealistic reflections and ray-traced shadows & lighting textures
- Faithful exterior model matched with hundreds of pictures at various angles
- Intricate Interior model featuring moderate and heavy wear
- The interior features two options of black panel/standard grey furnishings
- Subtle and photorealistic photo-overlays for incredible lifelike textures
- All placards sourced and positioned from Diamond maintenance manuals
- Exterior features realistic moderate to heavy dirt/wear, matching reference DA42
- Fibreglass scratching
- TKS leaks
Flight Model:
Tried and tested directly by DA42 students and flight instructors, the flight model faithfully replicates the performance of the real aircraft in all stages of flight, including single-engine manoeuvres, and engine performance. You’ll feel like flying a real DA42 straight from the computer.
- Accurate Performance and handling with over 1500 hours of testing from DA42 pilots, students, and instructors
- Custom flight control animations showing respective trim forces and variable elevator backstop
- Tiny bump when dropping the gear and deceleration on the touchdown
- Airframe shake during ground power runs
Systems:
Crafted for unparalleled immersion, the DA42 Series’ cockpit comes equipped with a suite of custom systems that covers all of the aircraft’s functions across the board - you’d feel right at home the moment you load the aircraft in the simulator.
- Accurate electrical system with circuit breakers and custom alternator voltage simulation
- Custom standby flight instrumentation
- Deice system with weight and functional stall heat
- Custom gear hydraulic system simulation with state saving and gravity emergency extension
- Custom lighting that warms up and responds to system voltage
- Custom Yaw damper and multiple fixes to native Asobo systems
- Engine damage, state saving, and random failures (to come later)
Sounds:
The DA42 Series delivers a head-filling sonic experience to your ears. With audio sourced from various real-world training activities, hear the impressive dynamic sounds of the engine, wind, and ground roll commanding your attention. Then listen to the effect of the sounds based on propellor pitch, fuel flow, and speeds from the decisions you make in the cockpit.
- Developed from the creator of sounds for FBW A32NX, FlightFX vision jet and other projects.
- Sound simulation follows systems, e.g. hydraulic actuator
- Dynamic engine, wind, and ground roll sounds
- Engine sounds differ depending on prop pitch, fuel flow, and speed
- Dynamic wind sounds, howling sounds in slips and drag noises with gear and flaps
- Sounds sourced from first-party sources, local DA42
- Headset simulation
Below you can also watch the aircraft in action.
Next, we move on to airports. IBlueYonder announced its next release, which will be Lelystad Airport (EHLE), the largest and most iconic general aviation airport in the Netherlands. It's in short final and should come in March.
Below you can take a look at the first screenshot.
AuScene also made an announcement, and it's Hervey Bay Airport (YHBA), of course in Australia. The airport will be released in 2024.
Another interesting update comes from 29Palms, showing Santorini (Thira) International Airport (LGSR) in Greece.
What makes this particularly welcome is that the developer has been completely silent since the announcement of the airport in March 2023. It's nice to see that 29Palms is still active and the project is still ongoing after so many months with no word.
More screenshots come from Orbx, showcasing the Swedish Triple Pack including ESNQ Kiruna, ESNU Umeå, and ESKS Scandinavian Mountains. We also get a list of features.
- Three beautiful airports for the price of one - ESNU Umeå, ESNQ Kiruna and ESKS Scandinavian Mountains
- Snow piles and snow trucks with conditional display at all airports
- Amazing ground textures based on 7-8cm/px ortho imagery
- Unique statics true to Umeå Airport (optional)
- Sauna boat at Umeå for those wanting to chill out after landing
- A digital sign featuring time and temperature at Kiruna Airport
- Included GSX profiles (thanks to pvrlpe)
- A perfect getaway for the 737, A320, and ATR fans with multiple seasonal routes covering several European hubs
- Great way to expand your route network from Stockholm-Arlanda & Stockholm-Bromma
We also get to see more images of the completed terminal of Miyako Airport (ROMY) in Japan by Gate15Scenery. The release is planned for March.
Several airports have been released, starting with Salzburg (LOWS) in Austria by RDPresets. It's available on Simmarket for $23.64, including the following perks.
- Realistic replica of LOWS - Salzburg Airport + Red Bull Hanger 7.
- Completely custom modelling and texturing with PBR textures on the whole airport.
- Full Custom High Replica 3D Interior including 3D Passengers
- More than 1000+ clutter objects on the apron and surrounding area's
- Custom ground textures, faithfully recreating the asphalt differences like reality.
- Performance optimizations.
- Accurate night lighting.
- Custom taxiway signage.
- Ground traffic.
- And many more.
Next, Aura Scenery and iniBuilds released Aberdeen Airport (EGPD) in Scotland. It's available on iniBuilds' store and Simmarket for $14.51 with the following features.
- More than 100 detailed buildings
- High quality apron textures
- Detailed landscaping
- Realistic night lighting
- Custom ground materials
- Highly optimized models
MXI Design released Kaunas Airport (EYKA) in Lithuania, and you can find it on Orbx Direct and Simmarket for $10.32.
- Accurately modeled terminal and airport buildings
- Up-to-date ground polygons and markings
- Basic terminal interior model for depth
- Custom parking positions matching with real-life
- PBR implemented for all models
- Custom CGL Aerial Imagery
- 3D passengers
The developer also released Chisinau International Airport (LUKK) in Moldova. It's available on Orbx Direct and Simmarket for $13.87.
- Accurately modeled terminal and airport buildings
- Up to dated ground polygons and markings
- Basic terminal interior model for depth
- Custom parking positions matching with real life
- Custom surrounding models
- PBR implemented for all models
- Custom CGL Aerial Imagery
- Custom taxiway signs
- 3D passengers
- Animated flags
As usual, you can come back on TechRaptor for our daily Microsoft Flight Simulator news posts, to help you navigate this lively and complex industry.
