Today both Microsoft and third-party developers had news to share about Microsoft Flight Simulator and its add-ons.
We start with Microsoft itself, which is working on preparing the beta for Sim Update 12. While we don't yet have a date with the beta, we learn that the update itself, previously slated for March 14, has been delayed by a week and is now targeting a March 21 release.
This means that the release of the Antonov An-2 and the Xbox version of the Antonov An-225 Mrya announced earlier this month will also be delayed to the same date. The PC version of the Mrya is still coming on February 27 as previously announced, while World Update 12 focusing on New Zealand is still on track for next week's release on February 23.
Moving on to third-party developers, Flight Replicas has released its P-40N Warhawk, and it's currently available on the official in-sim Marketplace for $27.99. This marks the third different variant of the P-40 made available for the simulator, which isn't surprising considering the popularity of the aircraft.
The developer also announced that work on the de Havilland D.83 Fox Moth is proceeding apace. Basic modeling, flight dynamics, and animations are complete and work is beginning on textures. The addition of skis and floats is also planned alongside conversions for the DH.83C bush plane model produced in Canada after World War II, which will be included in the package.
The developer also spelled out its roadmap of historical aircraft for 2023 coming after the Fox Moth and including the following:
- Spitfire
- Seafire Mk.III
- DH114 Heron
- DC-4/C-54
- Super Cub (bush version)
That's not all, Flight Replicas is also working on a modern aircraft, the Shark.Aero Shark, of which you can see a first look at the work-in-progress model below.
Speaking of airports, we learn that the extensive V2 update of Berlin Brandenburg Airport by Aerosoft and Limesim is coming on February 23. Below you can see a trailer showing off all the new features. Of course, the update will be free for those who already purchased the airport.
We stay with Aerosoft and its partner developer ClearPropStudios, with the release of their Bavarian Airfields 2 add-on. The package is available on Aerosoft's own store for $36.59 including applicable VAT. It comes with the following airfields.
- Airfield Landshut - EDML
- Airfield Aalen-Heidenheim/Elchingen - EDPA
- Airfield Biberach - EDMB
- Airfield Deggendorf - EDMW
- Airfield Regensburg - EDNR
- Airfield Herzogenaurach - EDQH
- Airfield Rothenburg - EDFR
Below you can read a list of features and watch a trailer. It's worth mentioning that the airfields are also available separately.
- 7 GA airfields lovingly modeled after the originals down to the last detail
- Highly detailed hangars, tower with facilities and airfield buildings
- Original asphalt markings and taxiways
- Original advertisements, banners, posters, traffic lights
- Hundreds of visual flight points
- All 7 airfields open and close their hangar doors as in the original, depending on the time of day
- Animated figures at the airfields
- Complex lighting technology
- 7 original ICAO VFR airfield charts & maps
- Detailed documentation of each airfield in PDF format
Another release comes from Burning Blue Design which released Damyns Hall Aerodrome (EGML) in the United Kingdom.
It's currently available on Orbx Direct and on the developer's own store for $16.41, including the following.
- Over 60 custom 3D objects each with full Physical Based Rendering (PBR) textures.
- Based on 2023 layout with accurate runway, taxiways and custom taxi signs.
- Full custom night lighting.
- Animated hangar doors which close at night.
- Completely custom windsock.
- Animated spectators
- Real-life static aircraft seen at Damyns Hall:
- Boeing Stearman PT-17 Model 75 N2S-4 Kaydet (699) Wing Walker (G-EHEM)
- Boeing Stearman PT-17 Model 75 N2S-4 Kaydet (671) Wing Walker (G-CCXB)
- Tiger Club De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth (G-ACDC)
- Tiger Club De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth (G-ASKP)
- Tiger Club Piper Super Cub (G-LCUB)
- Tiger Club Piper Super Cub (G-SWAY)
- High resolution colour corrected ground textures taken from Bing maps and manipulated for consistency and realism.
- Enhanced local surroundings including:
- EWC Wedding Cars
- Gerpins farm Airfield (an adjacent private farm strip)
- Local industrial estates
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.
