Today third-party developers had plenty of news to share about upcoming add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator, mostly focusing on aircraft.
We start with SC Designs & Just Flight, which announced a firm release date for its F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The aircraft will be available on the Just Flight Store for €29.95 on December 8.
Here’s what you can expect and a trailer.
- All models have been coded with Microsoft Flight Simulator native ‘Model Behaviors’ animations and built to MSFS operational specifications to prevent issues with future simulator upgrades.
- All custom cockpit instruments and screens are coded in HTML for native, high-performance display in MSFS
- The Falcons make use of the new simulator’s features such as effects and sounds, fully reflective glass, native aerodynamic sound structures, the new ‘Modern’ aerodynamics system with the ability to provoke ‘departure spins’, and customised visibility controls for wheel chocks, covers, and boarding ladder. The Falcons also contain custom-built and animated effects such as afterburners.
- Other features include authentic cockpit night lighting with brightness controls, and custom-coded manoeuvring flaps and slats
- Numerous external animations including canopy, crew ladder, tail hook and control surfaces
- The F-16 Falcons are fully compliant with Virtual Reality headsets
- Full custom WWise sound set
Cockpit
- Truly 3D virtual cockpits featuring accurately modelled ejector seats, controls and detailed texturing
- All analogue instruments constructed in 3D with smooth animations
- ‘Scratched canopy’ glass effects, reflective glass, icing and rain effects
- Front and rear cockpit positions included in the D and I variants
- Fully customisable crew helmets, names, flight suit patches and even faces
Aircraft systems
- 3D modelled dials, ADI, ‘whiskey’ compass and other high-detail instruments designed to emulate the appearance of the real F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Display screens with visual layouts based on the real aircraft’s systems (within the confines of MSFS’ current capability)
- Head-Up Display with authentic layout based on the real F-16C
- Custom-coded, user-controlled ordnance via the simulator Payload Manager, allowing for live mounting of weapons on hardpoints with active weight increase (non-Marketplace edition only)
- F-16C Falcon systems include auto-trim system, Forward Looking Infra-Red display, Terrain Following Radar mode and full Autopilot and navigation system
Next is Aerosoft, which revealed new screenshots of the upcoming de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter.
It’s worth mentioning that information about its release is a bit cloudy, as the developer hinted at the possibility of a delay without specific details. We’ll have to wait and see.
We also get a new video of the Airbus H145 helicopter by Hype Performance Group, currently available in early access. Not only we take a look at the features of the new beta update 7, but we also get to see a juicy update about the military variant.
CaptainSim released its Boeing 767-400. It’s currently available on the developer’s own store for $29.99.
It’s worth mentioning that basically the only “767” elements you’re getting with this aircraft are cosmetic. The cockpit is pulled from the developer’s 777, while the systems come straight from the default 747. If you want a fully-simulated 767, you may want to wait for a more competent add-on.
That said, here’s the official description of what you can expect and a few screenshots.
EXTERIOR
• Highly detailed and accurate model of the Boeing 767-400ER
• 4K Ultra-High resolution textures
• Cabin with 3D windows, interior, stewardess and animated pilots
• Realistic animations
• Brand-new wing/engine flex (PC only)COCKPIT AND CABIN
• The 777-style cockpit
• Essential functionality paired with default 747 (must be installed) systems simulation
• Complete passenger cabin
• Custom views including wing viewsMISC FEATURES
• Supports most features of MSFS 2020 (rain/icing effects, sound, flight model etc)
• ACE (Aircraft Configuration Editor) with Updater
• Growing number of easily installable free liveries
• Sim Ops
Last, but not least, Mk-Studios provided a few screenshots of Rovaniemi Airport (EFRO) and Helsinki Airport (EFHK) in Finland, plus one of Rome–Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (LIRF) in Italy.
Both airports in Finland should be close to release, while Rome is “progressing nicely.”
Recently, we published our latest interview with head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann and we heard more about Microsoft’s plans for the next few months, including World Update Australia.
If you’d like to read more about Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons, you can enjoy our recent reviews of Auckland International Airport, Skiathos Airport, Athens International Airport, 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.
