Microsoft Flight Simulator F-15 Eagle Update Detailed With Plenty of Upgrades; Stearman Announced

Today third-party add-on developer DC Designs detailed the upcoming update to the F-15 Eagle package released earlier this month for Microsoft Flight Simulator, and it’s a big one.

The update is coming on Tuesday, February 2, and it’ll include both fixes and upgrades, addressing many points included in my review.

Further upgrades will come down the line in two additional phases, including a full sound package by Sim Acoustics.

Here’s the list:

Bug Fixes Phase 1

• Gauge performance issue in virtual cockpit that was cutting frame rates in half – fixed
• Canopy reflections in virtual cockpit too high – reflective surface reduced
• Missing cameras in cockpit – new camera views added
• I and D models hidden in liveries – models now all have separate folders
• Polygon shadowing on ailerons – fixed
• Engine start issue on runway, gate, apron etc. – fixed
• Texture fall back issue – fixed
• Canopy able to open in flight – fixed
• Gear handle lever mouse-rect INOP – fixed
• Aircraft restricted to Mach 1 – fixed; now Mach 2+ capable
• Lights ‘move’ from positions – fixed
• LOD models appear at wrong times or too early – fixed
• Polygon shading on control column – fixed
• Landing gear lever INOP – fixed

Texture Upgrade Phase 1

• First of several FSX and P3D platform textures replaced; PBR added to surfaces along with weathering
• Resolution of texture maps increased
• UV maps re-done to support higher resolution without performance degredation

Modelling Upgrade Phase 1

• Cockpit modelling enhanced; extra detail added to cockpit walls, canopy frame and canopy handle areas
• Polygon and Ngon shadowing issues fixed
• Rudder pedals re-modelled and textured

Known Issues

• TAA mode still tears all and any projected-gauge displays. This is a current limitation within MSFS and at this time Asobo have not issued a fix.
• MFD displays limited to what MSFS can reasonably reproduce; no FLIR or RADAR yet that were featured in Prepar3D but working on replacements.

FUTURE UPGRADES

Phase 2

• More cockpit modelling and texturing improvements; further bug fixes as required; implementation of extra features and animations
• Further performance optimisation wherever possible

Phase 3

• Final sound package – full kinetic and stereo 3D WWise custom F-15 Eagle sound package from Sim Acoustics
• Any required further bug fixes and refinements

On top of the update, we also hear that the next release for the developer will be something entirely different in the form of the Boeing-Stearman Model 75, which you can see in the gallery below alongside with the renewed cockpits for the F-15C and F-15E.

After the Stearman, the developer plans to release an F-14D Tomcat, followed by the Concorde, and the P-47 Thunderbolt throughout 2021.

Incidentally, if you’re interested in more Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons, you can enjoy our recent reviews of the F-15 Eagle itself, the Landmarks Paris City Pack, Greater Moncton Airport, Tweed New Haven Airport, Santorini Airport, Sydney Airport, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Reggio Calabria Airport, Bastia Poretta Airport, Munich Airport, Paris Orly Airport, Newcastle International Airport, Sankt Johann Airfield, Dublin International Airport, and  Seoul City Wow. We also have a beta preview of Singapore Changi airport.

Recently, we learned that the next world update following the UK will encompass France and Benelux alongside a deep dive into the future plans for the simulator.

If you want to learn more about the game itself, you can read our review that will tell you everything you need to know about Asobo Studio’s game.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is already available for Windows 10 and Steam and will release in summer 2021 for Xbox Series X ad Series S.