Third-party developers have shared news about upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons and released more, including aircraft and airports.
We start with the news that the F-5E Tiger II by SC Designs is now complete and has been sent to Just Flight and the official Marketplace team at Microsoft for a simultaneous launch on Xbox and PC.
No release date has been announced just yet, but it should be soon.
The Su-27 Flanker by DC Designs is almost complete, with final coding for the navigation and other subsidiary systems being done.
We stay in the realm if aircraft with a relevant release, and it's the Boeing CH-47 Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter by Militech Simulations.
It's currently available on the developer's own store for $35.99. It comes with the following features.
Beautifully Modeled Helicopter: high-quality modeling and texturing throughout - exteriors and interiors.
- Highly detailed Cockpit Model, with detailed wear and tear throughout.
- Fully modeled cargo bay.
- 4K Textures throughout, with sharp details and realistic damage/dirt maps.
Realistic Animations: including working doors and cargo ramp, accurately rotating Tandem Rotors, Blade Droop, etc.
Liveries: 13 Liveries, including US Army, RAF, Luftwaffe, Italian Esercito, Spain Ejercito, RCAF, Australian Army, etc. A layered paintkit is available upon request.
Effects: Downwash effect (water, dirt); engine heat blur, volumetric lighting.
Flight Model: Tailored flight and engine model, validated through testing and feedback from CH47 pilots and technicians.
- Specialized flight model that accurately simulates the stability, maneuverability, and capacities of a Tandem Rotor Configuration.
- The flight model makes use of the native helicopter Flight Model, enhanced with customized parameters to accurately simulate the expected behavior.
- NOTE: FM Will be migrated to fully native Tandem Support after the release of SU15.
Sounds: Comprehensive sound pack, developed from sounds recorded on real aircraft.
- Comprehensive engine and rotor soundset, with distinct sounds for the iconic Blade Slap based on collective, pitch/roll angle, and High G slap.
- Accurate depiction of APU sounds, FWD Transmission Whine and Ramp hydraulic sounds.
Cargo Loading Capabilities:
- 6 External Cargo Loads (Sling loads in both Tandem and Single-sling configurations), including Humvees, UAV Containers, Rhibs and even Helicopter Fuselages. External loads spawn in the world and are picked up by the aircraft by hovering above them.
- 5 Internal Cargo Loads to choose from, including Medvacs, Troops, Humvee and Pallets.
- Electronic Flight Bag: A Tablet EFB is included to interact with the aircraft systems - From Fueling to External Loads.
Navigation Systems: Realistic instrumentation based on documentation from the CH7D.
- Functional TACAN, ADF and VOR Navigation Systems.
- Optional Aera-Style GPS, with more GPS options coming up soon (PMS GTN750, TDS GTNXi)
Mission System: Set of predefined flights with tasks to execute.
- Missions are designed so the pilot follows a set of Mission Dispatch Instructions but must fully configure, execute, and perform the mission by themselves.
- These include fully functional Firefighting missions, Cargo Hoist missions, Rescue and Humanitarian missions, and Military Exercise missions.
- Some missions may require Miltech Simulations Supercarrier Pro or Miltech Simulations UK Carrier Strike Group, sold separately.
Complementary *Included* Sceneries and Scenes: The CH47D includes a set of sceneries and scenes to enhance the piloting experience.
- RAF Odiham EGVO (UK), home of the No. 7, 18 and 27 squadrons.
- Bryant Airfield PAFR (Alaska), home of the Army Alaska Task Force CH47s.
- Chabelley Airfield HDCH (Djibouti), a growing US Military Base, key for the stability of the Horn of Africa region.
- Camp Resilience US01 (Jordan), a fictional military outpost serving as base for Army CH47s.
- Al Sahra Base US02 (Kuwait), a fictional military outpost serving as base for Army CH47s.
- Multiple small training facilities, exercise scenes, and rescue scenes.
Another aircraft showcased today is the LZ 129 Hindenburg Zeppelin by Red Wing Simulations, which received another trailer.
Moving on to airport releases, Fly2High launched V2 of its Southwest Florida International Airport (KRSW) in the United States. It's available on Simmarket for $22.41.
It comes with the following features and those who purchased the original version are entitled to a free upgrade
- Accurate simulation of the nearest Southwest Florida International Airport
- Hand-made ground textures (Runways, aprons, paths, roads).
- Accurately modelled and positioned dynamic airport lighting.
- Highly detailed models of all airport buildings, objects and surroundings.
- Good optimization of FPS
Next is the release of Oujda Angads Airport (GMFO) in Morocco by Ismaberk. It's available on Simmarket for $26.67.
Last, but not least, Backwood Studios will soon release Shady Cove Airpark in Oregon, United States. it'll be available on Orbx Direct with the following features.
- Fly In Community with a well-maintained dirt runway.
- Vegetation clearing for both runway approaches.
- Road texturing throughout the city and beyond.
- Night scene with custom landscape lighting throughout.
- Custom aircraft hanger and driveway spawns.
- Private Fueling Center.
- Custom 3d Modeled static objects.
- Modified and custom ground texturing and vegetation.
- Evidence of well-maintained watered landscaping or the lack of.
- Experience what life is like living on the scenic Rogue River.
- Opened and spawnable hangars with private parking.
- Custom-built community homes with high-resolution PBR texturing.
Keep in mind that you can come back daily for our Microsoft Flight Simulator news, which will help you navigate this complex industry.
