Flight Simulation developers had quite a few reveals and reveals to share today, including both aircraft and scenery.
Here on Simulation Daily, we’re posting daily roundups on top of our individual news coverage, to provide you with as extensive flight simulation coverage as possible.
Below you can find links to dedicated flight simulation news which were covered in individual articles earlier today.
- Microsoft released World Update 17: UK and Ireland
- Orbx announced Diamond Point Airport (2WA1) in the United States
Without further ado, here is everything else that happened in the Flight Simulation industry today. If you’re interested in gaming news, you can also check out our roundup dedicated to general video games for today.
SoFly Releases Global Landings North Africa
The developer launched another of its landing challenges packages, this time focusing on the North African region.
It’s currently available on Orbx Direct for $11.92, including the following features.
- 80 different possible landings split across various weather scenarios and aircraft types
- Airports that are spread across the whole continent give you a flavor of everything North Africa has to offer
- Live weather challenges offer a unique landing each time
- Choose from easy or hard weather scenarios to test your skills
- Getscored after each successful landing to see where you can improve
- Fly into each airport with multiple aircraft for a varied experience
- Experience the fun and a sense of completion with great replayability
- Earn a top score to get the ultimate bragging rights
Denver Airport Released
Feelthere released its rendition of the Denver Airport (KDEN). This new version of the massive American hub is currently available on the developer’s own store for $15.99
It includes the following features.
- Fully up to date model of Denver International Airport. (2024)
- Over 100 highly detailed buildings with PBR texturing.
- Modelled terminal interior.
- Complete modelled ground polygon including realistic decals, dirt, taxi lines and surfaces.
- Airport uses real world elevation and runway slope.
- Custom animated jetways.
- Airline parking codes and modified airport services.
- Updated AFCAD, parking spots, and taxiway names.
- Updated taxi signs with lighting.
- Improved taxiway and runway approach lighting, including hand placed taxi lights.
- Multiple objects and clutter placed over the airport using the SDK and custom objects.
Screenshots of the Airbus A300B4 Revealed
Following the announcement of the study-level rendition of the vintage Airbus A300B4 at the end of last year, Just Flight has kept quiet for several months, but finally, we get to see new screenshots of the complex flight deck, which is now complete.
Below you can read a detailed description of the instruments and avionics showcased, directly from the developer.
“Starting at the forward section, you’ll notice the authentic recreation of the Carousel IV Inertial Navigation System’s (INS) Control Display Unit (CDU) on either side. Each segment of the data displays has been created using its own object to give an authentic and crisp look from any distance. For a more modern option, you will be able to swap these for the UNS-1 FMS, which were often retrofitted to real-world A300’s.
Moving rearward, attached to either side of the pedestal, we find conventional stabilizer trim wheels with a simple pointer and scale from 3 degrees nose down to 12 degrees nose up. On the top, we find a large speedbrake lever and a combined flap/slat lever with 5 positions. In the middle we find two conventional throttle levers, and yes, we mean proper throttles rather than the gated “Thrust Levers” that we find on later Airbus families. Aft of these, we have the fuel cut-off switches, parking brake handle, and a couple of buttons for the take-off config test and gear horn warning.
Moving further aft, we have the heart of the A300’s communications suite. This comprises 2 VHF control units with a transponder unit in the center. These all feature mechanical rotating drums that we have individually modeled. Behind, we have 2 audio selector panels and controls for the weather radar located in between. Located behind both audio selectors, we can find our ADF navigation radios, again with rotating mechanical displays. Behind the ADF1 panel, we can find 3 white knobs which control the various lighting of the center pedestal. Coming towards the rear, we have a SELCAL controller, and finally, the two large knobs located on the top and rear are for the rudder and aileron trims.
In summary, the center pedestal has quite a conventional layout that we are used to seeing on more modern types; however, there is character made up by the mechanical displays and vastly different wear and tear where the units have been swapped out over the lifetime of the aircraft.”
Schönhagen Airport Showcased in New Screenshots
Aerosoft and Aviation Sim Design revealed new screenshots of Schönhagen Airport (EDAZ) in Germany, including a look at the runway, aprons, and terminal interior.
The airport, which was announced all the way back in May 2023, still doesn’t have a release date, but appears to be close to completion judging by the images.
Dubrovnik Airport Released
iniBuilds released a rendition of Dubrovnik Čilipi Airport (LDDU) in Croatia. It’s currently available on Simmarket and on the developer’s own store for $19.36.
It includes the following features.
- Hand-made ground textures with crisp, bespoke texture sets (Runways, aprons, paths, roads)
- True-to-life airport landside recreation with custom ground decals, signposts, vegetation, parking barriers and more
- Accurately modelled and positioned dynamic airport lighting
- Highly detailed models of all airport buildings, objects and surroundings
- Up to date airport layout reflecting the current, real-world location
- Official GSX Profile included in scenery folder & iniManager Download
- Level of Detail (LOD) optimisation for every model to encourage the best performance possible
- Use of the latest MSFS SDK features to allow for the best optimisation and performance possible
- Custom static aircraft
- Full iniManager compatibility to configure your scenery for the best possible performance for your system
- Bespoke taxi signage as it is in the real world
In case you missed it, you can check out yesterday’s roundup with more flight simulation news.
If you’re new to flight simulation and you’re interested in starting out, look no further than our guide, which will bring you along on an ongoing weekly journey from the basics to the flight deck of advanced airliners.