Third-party developers have published brand new assets of upcoming add-ons and a couple more have been released.
Firstly, we get a development update from Fenix about its Airbus A320. We get to see the Mexicana, Condor, and Asiana liveries, on top of the EFB (Electronic Flight Bag), which can be kept invisible if you so prefer.
The EFB will have a few nifty features including full Navigraph charts integration, Simbrief, takeoff, and landing performance calculators. ATSU integration is also in the works.
You can find more details on the developer’s blog post and enjoy the screenshots below.
Next, we get an update from DC Designs, on Concorde and a bonus look at the freeware P-61B Black Widow.
Concorde is for both PC and Xbox console ( for those who keep asking! )
“This week, work has mostly been focused on Concorde’s external model. To bring the airplane up to MSFS standards, most of the original texture work has been stripped away and replaced with all-new 4K texture maps, with much of the aircraft being UV-mapped anew to take advantage of the higher resolutions available. In addition, much use has been made of the decal system to produce high-res features such as access panels, panel lines and ( billions and billions ) of rivets.
A combination of decals and normal maps make up the majority of the rivet features across Concorde’s surfaces, which cover enormous areas on the wings and remain a WIP at this time as I learn to better integrate decals with model surfaces. Higher detail maps have been created for the wheels and the undercarriage, and I’m experimenting with the metal finish ( PBR ) there to recreate the flat aluminium surface, which is still a bit too shiny compared to the real airplane. The big Olympus engines were also entirely re-mapped and textured at 4K, and work is on-going there to finish the maps before adding in some more model detail.
Custom code is being transferred gradually across, controlling newer functions such as the spill doors and engine bleed doors, fuel panels and so on. The plan here is to have a reasonably complete external model ready in about two weeks’ time, before work shifts to the interior. Once again, a complete re-map and PBR application will be required, as well as the animation of all gauges, dials, switches, buttons etc.
While the precise CIVA INS will not be included, we have decided to create a sort of hybrid INS / FCS system that will allow dual input of either Lat-Lon coordinates as well as intersections and standard GPS / MSFS flight plan data. This will give all users the options that they will prefer, while keeping the visual appearance of the cockpit as close as possible to the original Concorde. Work underway here and much experimentation with code on-going, but hopefully it will produce something that works for pretty much everybody.
Finally, work on the freeware/donation ware P-61B Black Widow continues with the airplane now fully re-mapped to 4K ready for her new textures. A screenshot has been included showing the new maps in play on the external model.”
SC Designs also showcased new screenshots and updates us on the progress of its F-16 Fighting Falcon.
“A shorter update this week as the workload has been much the same as last week, creating new modeling for the cockpit, new code for displays, and improving the texture art and detail.
A new flight model is in play and really reveals the F-16’s superior maneuvering capabilities in close combat, not to mention the high thrust-to-weight ratio that allows the Falcon to stay in the fight with even fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Refinements to the HUD and displays include the creation of the DED display by CodeNameJack447, which is a multi-function glass screen that can display nav and other detail to improve the pilot’s situational awareness.
There have been many comments recently about the inability of Marketplace airplanes to bear weapons. It’s undecided yet as to whether this rendition of the F-16s will make it to third-party stores but given the fact that so many users want to be able to hang weapons off their F-16 and the fact that I too think the F-16 looks somehow “wrong” without them, we may just go with a wide launch via Just Flight after all for weaponized airplanes. Whichever route is taken, this aircraft is going to be as formidable in a dogfight as the real F-16, if you’re brave enough to take one on…”
Orbx released a trailer and screenshots of the upcoming Hammerfest Airport (ENHF) in Norway, which appears to be very close to release.
Drzewiecki Design released Olsztyn-Mazury Airport (EPSY) in Poland. It’s currently available on Simmarket for approximately $10 plus applicable VAT.
- High-quality model of EPSY Olsztyn-Mazury Airport, featuring the up-to-date version with extensive details throughout the whole airport
- FPS-friendly design, with epic night textures, dynamic lighting, and PBR materials
- High definition mesh including exact runway profile
- Performance-friendly interior modeling at terminal buildings and control tower, advanced night lighting, custom animations
Just Flight released Palma de Mallorca Airport (LEPA) in Spain. It’s currently available in the publisher’s own marketplace for €18.95.
- Over 300 custom-built buildings and 3D objects
- PBR texturing on all important buildings
- Highly detailed buildings with interiors where applicable
- Custom ground textures including custom ground markings for taxiways, aprons and surrounding streets
- Significant buildings and objects near the airport and on the approach paths
- Corrected ILS for all runways
- Animated hangar doors
- Animated elevators and escalators (at main entrance)
- Custom jetway bridges
- Working VDGS (Visual Guiding Docking System)
- Realistic night lighting.
- Accurate parking positions and taxiways, including General Aviation
- Accurate ground handling vehicles
- Airport is populated with hundreds of additional static ramp vehicles, baggage containers, buses and many other objects
- Tested and optimised for lower end PCs
Recently, we published our massive interview with head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann, focusing on the Xbox version and short and long-term plans for the sim (on both platforms).
If you’d like to read more about Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons, you can enjoy our recent reviews of Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, Amami Airport, Bristol Airport, Marrakech Menara Airport, Great Britain Central, Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport, Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Kraków Airport, Fukuoka City & Airport, Fort Lauderdale Airport, Chongqing City & Airport, 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 Xbox Series X|S.
Published: Oct 8, 2021 04:37 pm