Freeware developer Horizon Simulations and publisher Orbx have partnered for the distribution of the former’s creations for Microsoft Flight Simulator, including the popular Boeing 787-9.
According to the announcement, by partnering with Orbx, Horizon Simulations’ free products will be available on Orbx Direct and users will be able to install and update them via the Orbx Central client, but there is more.
The partnership will open the doors of the official Microsoft Flight Simulator marketplace, allowing the developer to make its aircraft and liveries available for Xbox users as well.
The first two products released are the Boeing 787-9 and the Hues by Horizon Boeing 787-9 Livery Package, which includes a 33 beautiful liveries for the aircraft.
More products coming are the B787-10 and the B747-8F. It’s worth mentioning that the 787-9 requires the Premium Deluxe version of the simulator as it’s an extensive conversion of the default aircraft by Asobo.
It’s worth mentioning that the aircraft won’t be available for free on the official marketplace. The announcement mentions an “affordable, competitive price.” This is due to the fact that, at the moment, the marketplace does not allow the distribution of free products.
On top of the distribution news, we also hear about a new update, numbered v1.2.0. It includes the following.
HS B787-9 v1.2.0 Changelog:
Sayintentions.ai CPDLC:
- Support has been added to the COMM page, allowing for support of their incredible addon.
Physical Buttons:
- Fixed the physical Next Pg, Prev Pg, and Execute Buttons
Flight Model:
- We’ve Reworked the entire Flight Model from scratch with help from Mike featuring:
- Improved Takeoff Rotation: Smoother takeoff dynamics, with no more tailstrikes!
- Enhanced A/P Engagement: Smoother engagement and disengagement of the autopilot.
- Trim Stabilization: Fixed erratic trim behavior during takeoff and A/P disengagement.
- Handflying Experience: The aircraft now feels smoother and heavier, aligning more closely with real-world dynamics.
- Updating Landing physics: Nose no longer slams into the ground…as well as the gear no longer clips into the ground as well!
Microsoft Flight Simulator is currently available for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
You may also be interested in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, which will release on November 18 for PC and Xbox Series X|S. You can enjoy our hands-on preview with plenty of interesting details for your perusal.
You can also watch our interview with Head of MSFS Jorg Neumann and Asobo CEO Sebastian Wloch, another with Asobo CCO David Dedeine, and one featuring Chris Burnett of Working Title and Brandon Yaeger of Got Friends about their work on MSFS 2024.
Last, but not least, you can take a look at our A-10 flight through the Grand Canyon, our first look at the extensive pilot customization, another at the first mission of the Career Mode, a video featuring the new walk-around move showing off a Boeing 737 MAX up close and personal, and a challenge with the A-10 over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
