Third-party developers released new airports today and shared new assets showing off upcoming add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
DC Designs just released new screenshots and a development update about its F-14 Tomcat package.
“This week has been about catching up on where I left off, while also starting to incorporate a lot that I’ve learned since last working on the F-14. It’s been almost a month, and it’s surprising how much more knowledge has been gained while working on other projects such as the F-15 update and the Stearman.
Successful tasks completed this week included finishing the coding for both the manual and auto wing-sweep modes, which are controlled by the throttle-mounted wing-sweep handle in an F-14. With the handle-cover down, the wings are in auto-mode, with sweep governed by Mach number. Raise the handle, and manual mode is activated, allowing the user to sweep the wings throughout their range and also into “over-sweep” mode for parking on cramped aircraft carrier decks. The glove vanes that featured only on the F-14A are now also working, with “Off” and “Auto” modes. These will be deactivated on the F-14B as per real life.
Aerodynamics work saw the F-14 undergo flight testing off the coast of California, where the first Mach 2 run was completed and photographed for posterity. The aerodynamics work will now be handed over to CodenameJack447, who will be refining everything from this moment onwards, with reference to real-world F-14 data to bring us the best possible flight experience in MSFS. Furthermore, Sim Acoustics are once again doing the custom sounds for this package, with separate sounds for both the Pratt & Whitney TF-30 engines in the “A” model, and the General Electric F110 engines in the “B” model.
The F-14s HUD and MFD displays are now also functional, although they have not yet been configured for the F-14 and are currently showing data styles from the F-15 Eagles. This will be rectified over the coming days, but having them with basic functionality is important for flight testing. NAV and COM radios are working, along with Transponder.
I’m compiling a list of F-14 features that I would like to incorporate, while also adding code for every switch in the pilot’s cockpit. While those switches won’t necessarily have active functions in the sim, they’ll be ready for future upgrades should that functionality become available. I’d like to ensure that everything works so that it feels more like a fully-functioning aircraft, even though the systems depth will remain “entertainment” level.”
Gaya Simulations shared a single picture showing the all-important jetways for its upcoming Zurich Airport ( LSZH).
Next is Burning Blue Design, which released new images of White Waltham (EGLM).
NZA Simulations announced that it will release Motueka Airfield (NZMK) for free to accompany its upcoming payware airport, Nelson (NZNS).
Moving to releases, Arka506 launched Tocumen International Airport ( MPTO) in Panama, following several excellent freeware releases.
It’s now available on Simmarket for approximatelt $21 plus applicable VAT. You can check out what it looks like in the gallery below.
Last, but not least, Airwil Sceneries released Boracay Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport RPVE) in the Philippines.
You can find it on SimMarket for approximately $8 plus applicable VAT. Below you can see screenshots and find a features list.
- Highly detailed Temporary Arrival Terminal (With Interior Modelling)
- Included 1 ramp start/parking bay at the old ramp for users to still experience the Old Terminal (In real life, it is no longer used by aircraft
- Highly detailed Departure Terminal (Located at the old apron/ramp)
- Highly detailed Control Tower
- Highly detailed Fire Department Building
- Fully functional default ATC
- On-going construction of the new Boracay Airport Terminal
- On-going construction of Marriot Hotel just near the new apron
- Highly detailed Jetty Port (The jump-off port for tourists to the island of Boracay)
- Highly detailed Ramp area with lots of static objects
- All houses within the vicinity are modeled to look like real Filipino Houses.
Recently, 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. A few days ago, we also received lots of new details about upcoming content from Microsoft itself including a new aircraft and the next world update focused on Nordic countries.
If you’d like to read more about Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons, you can enjoy our recent reviews of Catalina Airport, Chongqiung, Manila Airport, Santiago Airport, the Frankfurt City Pack, Key West Airport, the Okavango Delta, Bali Airport, London Oxford Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, the CRJ 550/700, the PA-28R Arrow III, Kristiansand Airport, Macau City & Airport, Bonaire Flamingo Airport, Milano Linate Airport, the Singapore City Pack, Tokyo Narita Airport, Yao Airport, the F-15 Eagle, the 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.
