Flight Simulation developers shared news today, focusing on aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, DCS World, and X-Plane 12.
Simulation Daily publishes a roundup every day for all the news across the flight simulation field, helping you keep up to date with the ins and outs of the industry.
Before we move on with the news, below you can read a story that received its own individual coverage.
Without further ado, I leave you with the news.
Northrop T-38A Talon Released for MSFS 2024
Microsoft has released the Northrop T-38A Talon jet trainer as the Famous Flyer 13 for MSFS 2024.
Previously, the aircraft was available as the pre-order bonus for the PS5 version of MSFS 2024, but now it can be purchased by everyone for $14.99.
While the developers said they’d do their best to also release first-party aircraft for MSFS 2020, the Talon has not yet been confirmed to be coming to the old sim.
Daher Kodiak 100 for MSFS 2024 Gets Teaser Trailer
Simworks Studios released a teaser trailer of the upcoming MSFS 2024 port of its Kodiak 100. Since we can’t embed Facebook videos here, you can find the video directly on the developer’s own page.
F-14B by Heatblur for DCS World Gets Development Update
Heatblur provided a development update for its F-14B(U) fighter for DCS World, and it’s a rather relevant one. You can read it in full below.
“Development pace on the F-14B(U) continues strong as we are progressing well on putting in place all of the key avionics upgrades that modernized the Tomcat for the 2000s. Many of these systems are already in a usable state, and limited internal testing has been ongoing for the past few months.
A completely new HUD has been implemented, providing significantly improved situational awareness compared to the legacy system with functionalities such as integrated RWR, multiple target designators, detailed target and navigational data, and higher refresh rates.
For the RIO, the PTID greatly expands operational capabilities, and can now also be repeated on the ECMD when required, improving flexibility and crew coordination, allowing video feeds to be viewed at the same time as the radar display.
On the navigation side, the aircraft is now built around a modernized navigation architecture, including the CDNU for input output, and the EGI (Embedded GPS and INS). Together, these systems provide a far more capable and robust navigation solution than previously available and will significantly change the way you fly and fight in your Tomcat.
More updates will follow, where individual systems will be presented in greater detail. These future updates will also cover additional capabilities currently in development, including new weapons and systems such as JDAMs and DFCS; key parts that move the B(U) from quality of life upgrade to a truly new experience!
At the same time as we build the F-14B(U) aircraft itself, we’re beginning to bring across some of the most requested functionality that we developed for the F-4E Phantom. Features such as the in-game browser, interactive kneeboards, interactive manual (with explain-me-switch feature), and more will be coming to both DCS F-14A/B and the B(U). We will of course be teaching JESTER to use the new systems as well, and after the release of the B(U), we plan on making QoL improvements to JESTER in both Tomcats, though this may largely depend on feasibility. Working on an upgrade product in this way affords us a unique opportunity to spend more time than otherwise possible on bringing across new features and making sure the entire eventual F-14 product family remains one of your favourite flight simulation experiences.”
F-4 Phantom for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Entered Final Release Testing
Heatblur also had a tidbit of information for its fans on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and a promising one at that.
The F-4 Phantom promised last year for Microsoft’s simulator is now in “final release testing,” while no actual release date has been announced.
Piper PA-28-181 Archer TX/LX Coming Soon for X-Plane 12
Just Flight announced that it’ll soon release the PA-28-181 Archer TX/LX for X-Plane 12 in collaboration with Thranda Design.
It’ll feature 8K textures inside and out, new PBR materials, new lighting effects, and updated flight dynamics. It’ll also come with a new EFB equipped with the dynamic livery system. Owners of the X-Plane 11 version will get a discount on the new model.
If you’d like to read more flight simulation news, you can find plenty in our previous roundup article from yesterday.
If you want to go further back, we have a handy overview video of the major flight simulation news in the past week. You can watch it below. As usual, leaving a like and a comment and subscribing to our growing YouTube channel is extremely helpful.
