Today third-party developers revealed new assets and information about upcoming add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator, on top of releasing a new one dedicated to helicopters.
We start with DC Designs, which released new images about its upcoming F-4 Phantom, and more precisely about the British Phantom FGR.2 variant in the RAF 56 Squadron "Firebirds" livery.
We also get a development update and an estimated release in April.
"This week, I have been able to add the specific modelling and texturing details for the British FGR2 Phantoms. This work has included adding the Rolls Royce Spey afterburning turbofan engines, the tail fin housing, and fuselage engine doors which animate when the aircraft is on the ground with the engines running to increase airflow and cooling into the engine bays. The aircraft in the images depicts a machine from RAF 56 Squadron, "Firebirds".
True British Phantom Phans will note that the TESS installation is not yet in place for the FGR2. This is because I have decided that it’s going to be easier to have the user select the TESS system from the WSO seat, rather than include a whole extra model with it in place to differentiate between the FG1 and FGR2 variants. Likewise, the F4-K Fleet Air Arm variant will use the same FGR2 model but have the option in the cockpit to manually hyper-extend the oleo-gear for carrier launches. Less models will mean more room for liveries.
Further work included the modelling and animation of the Phantom’s upper spoilers, and also the fuselage underside recesses for the AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. With these all now in place the final texture work can be completed and all three models provided with their launch liveries. There were, of course, thousands of Phantom units and I am already inundated with livery requests – we can’t take any requests as we can’t possibly fulfil all of them. Rest assured that the Phantom will come with many liveries for all versions, and as always a paint kit for artists to add more.
I am away for a few days’ now but will return to work next week. With much of the Phantom’s exterior now looking good, I can turn my attention to the virtual cockpit which is ready for detailing work. Currently, I am on schedule for an April launch of the Phantoms."
Next, Blue Bird Simulations released a new look at the landing gear and tail of its Boeing 757, debunking allegations about the nose gear textures being not very detailed.
We also get a new trailer from iniBuilds of its Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun announced a few days ago. The aircraft doesn't have a release date yet, but it's "coming soon."
MLD Scenery announced a new airport, Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (LRTR) in Romania. It's the 4th-busiest in the country, served by quite a few airlines, especially Wizz Air. We get a single screenshot, but a release date has not been announced.
Last, but not least, another treat for helicopter fans by Orbx. The Australian developer released "Helipads LA Medical" providing the "definitive air medical service experience" in the Los Angeles area.
You can purchase it on Orbx Direct for $9.91 and you get the following. It even includes 5 liveries for the Bell 407 based on real-world aircraft.
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- St. Francis Medical Center
- Adventist Health Glendale
- Macguire-California Hospital
- Huntington Memorial Hospital
- West Hills Hospital
- PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital
- St. Vincent Professional Office Building Heliport
- UCLA Medical Center
- Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Sherman Oaks Hospital
- Queen of Angels Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center
- Veterans Administration Medical Center
- USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
- Emanate Health Foothill Presbyterian Hospital
- PIH Health Whittier
- Keck Hospital of USC
- LAC USC Medical Center
Microsoft Flight Simulator is currently available for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, including Game Pass. If you'd like to learn more, you should stay tuned on TechRaptor as we host daily Microsoft Flight Simulator news to keep you updated on the many add-ons coming and released for the sim.
