Today brought good news for those who enjoy flying military jets in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Third-party developer DC Designs provided an update on the progress of its F-15 Eagle add-on package (of which you can read our review) [sources 1,2].
First of all, we take a look at a cold and dark start for the aircraft, which will be fixed and improved with a major update coming next week.
Secondly, we hear what that update will entail in detail, including a brand new sound package.
“Today’s update is a little smaller than usual as I’m in the middle of preparing for F-15 update # 2, which will now be released late next week. The reason for this is that the new custom sound pack is now well underway and it makes sense to include it in a single, major update rather than have everybody having to re-download the aircraft twice in a week.
The update fixes a number of bugs and also includes enhanced features such as a much better navigation suite with a now-fully functional HSI in the F-15C and D Eagles, and other enhancements such as increased visibility of canopy scratches and imperfections, tinted windshield glass for better HUD visibility in bright conditions ( as per the real aircraft ), icing effects and so on. A HUD power switch has also been included for all Eagle variants for those that prefer to use one, while the JFS-Starter lever is also now included and will be tied to a function in the sim to make sure it has some purpose.
The cold and dark start issue has been sorted out now ( all due to the new .flt files not mixing correctly with the engine and aerodynamics files ) and I’ve attached a short video to show off the great work by Sim Acoustics that includes switch noises and of course sound attenuation when the canopy is closed ( JFS Starter sound not included yet as we’re still implementing code for that ).
ILS and other NAV functions now working correctly too. ETA: the cockpit light flickering issue is also fixed for all aircraft.”
We also get to see an image of an ILS approach, on top of a tease of the cockpit of the upcoming F-14 Tomcat.
A few of days ago, we published our massive interview with head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann, who provided a lot of new info about the present and future of the sim.
Incidentally, if you’d like to read more about Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons, you can enjoy our recent reviews of Tokyo Narita Airport, Yao Airport, 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.
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.
