Microsoft Flight Simulator Piper PA-38 Tomahawk Announced; Grumman JRF-6B Goose Released

Today third-party developers announced the development of a new aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator and the release of another.

Just Flight revealed that it’s working on another Piper following it’s popular PA-28 series. It’s the PA-38 Tomahawk.

Developers have extensively researched a real-world specimen, G-BNKH, based at Goodwood Aerodrome with SportAir.

It will feature a native model and 4096 x 4096 PBR materials. Below you can read an extensive summary of what you can expect and enjoy several screenshots.

Model

• Accurately modelled PA-38 Tomahawk, built using real-world aircraft plans and comprehensive photography of the real aircraft
• Numerous animations including passenger doors, cockpit window, sun visors and engine exhaust
• Ground equipment including chocks, tie-downs and pushback towbar
• 4096×4096 textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity
• PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism
• Detailed normal mapping for down-to-the-rivet precision of aircraft surfaces
• Ground services support (marshaller and fuel truck)
• Full support for MSFS visual icing effects

Cockpit

• A truly 3D virtual cockpit right down to accurately modelled seat belts and screw heads – every instrument is constructed fully in 3D with smooth animations
• Cockpit textures feature wear and tear based on reference photos taken in the real aircraft to produce an authentic environment
• Dimmable instrument lighting
• Tablet EFB for controlling various aircraft options, and checking aircraft and flight information:
  • ‘Cold & Dark’, ‘Ready for Take-off’ and ‘Ready for Start’ aircraft states
  • Persistent aircraft states, allowing you to always return to your cockpit in the same state that you last left it
  • Automatic switching of the fuel tanks for use on those long distance cross-country flights
  • GPS unit selection – GNS 430/GNS 530 and GTN 650/750 (requires freeware PMS-50 GTN 750 or payware TDS GTNXi)
  • Aircraft failures (spark plug fouling, vapour lock, oil use and battery failure)
  • Flight computer with useful information such as fuel burn, endurance, speed and wind speed/direction
• Fully functional and comprehensive IFR capable avionics fit including:
  • GMA 340 audio selector
  • SL30 COM1/NAV1 radio
  • SL40 COM2 radio
  • GTX 328 transponder
  • Support for freeware PMS-50 GTN 750 and payware TDS GTNXi
• Developed using the latest MSFS standards, including intuitive and easy-to-use controls for rotary knobs, multi-position switches and levers
• Fully compatible with MSFS VR mode

Aircraft systems:

• Custom-coded fuel system including the option to have automatic switching of the fuel tanks for use on those long distance cross-country flights
• Custom-coded electrical system with functional circuit breakers
• Functioning carburettor and primer controls
• Failures including spark plug fowling, limited battery life, vapor lock and more
• Lighting system includes separate lighting control for instruments and radios
• Many other details, such as passenger doors that automatically close with airflow and vibrating engine exhausts!
• Full support for MSFS checklists (manual and automatic/co-pilot modes)

Sounds

Our Tomahawk features a MSFS-native (Wwise) sound package taking full advantage of the new capabilities. Every little detail has been faithfully recreated based on high fidelity recordings from a real life PA-38.

• Original Lycoming O-235 engine samples
• Detailed physics-based effects on engine and wind noise
• Authentic audio for every switch, button, lever and electrical systems
• Accurately positioned 3D sound sources (best enjoyed in VR!)
• Custom crash and scraping effects
• Background panel rattle on low engine RPMs and more!

Liveries

• G-BNKH (UK)
• G-BMVL (UK)
• G-BNNU (UK)
• N2432G (USA)
• N7803Q (USA)
• D-EEQI (Germany)
• C-GTAO (Canada)
• F-HVFA (France)
• PH-MEC (Netherlands)
• VH-UFA (Australia)
• G-BPES (UK)
• G-GTHM (UK)
• G-LFSN (UK)
• G-LFSU (UK)
• OO-IWA (Belgium)
• S5-DAZ (Slovenia)

Other:

• Realistic and accurate flight dynamics based on real world performance and handling data, and input from Tomahawk pilots
• Comprehensive manual with panel guide and performance data
• PSD Paint Kit included so you can create your own paint schemes

Big Radials released its Grumman JRF-6 Goose that has been teased for a while.

It’s available at the developer’s own store for approximately $26. Here’s what you can expect (sic).

• Full native flight model, 3D assets, sounds, 4K textures, PBR, everything!
  Hmm yea that’s pretty standard these days isn’t it?
• OK What about engine failures, fire and smoke if you don’t look after them in flight!
• Bushtrip: Go on a Canadian Fishing Holiday and fly from Seattle to Stewart
• More Bushtrips planned and a special appearance?
• Thumping (and accurate) engine sounds that make you want to just sit on the apron running her at idle. Ahhh music to our ears!
• CHEAT MODE! Find the hidden console if you’re not ready to give up your GPS just yet.
• Fishing pole and stool. Ready to throw in a line after flying into that remote Alaskan lake?
• Documentation included and online as well: JRF-6B Goose Documentation