Flight Simulation developers shared news today, including updates about several upcoming add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and 2020 and for X-Plane.
Yet, before we move on, you can check out a story that received its own individual coverage today.
You can check out all the news below.
Airvan for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Is Coming Soon, 2024 Upgrade Will Follow
SimWorks Studios announced that its GippsAero GA8 Airvan is “a couple of days’ worth of work away from being a release candidate” for MSFS 2020 before it undergoes final testing.
When it releases, a package with failures will be sold as a separate expansion add-on released at the same time.
The aircraft is already being ported to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and is already built according to the standards of the new sim. Pricing and schedule for the upgrade will be announced “during the next few weeks.”
A release window for MSFS 2020 should be announced by the end of February.
Here’s what we can expect:
- Highly detailed exterior model, with and without cargo pod
- Visual wear and tear that builds up over time. Mud splats, propeller and airframe wear accumulate over time based on environmental factors
- Deforming tyres
- Detailed analogue cockpit with instrument vibrations, many custom animations and dynamic cockpit lighting
- Cargo and passenger interiors
- GNS and GTN navigator options
- Accurate flight model and engine performance, verified by GA-8 pilots
- Authentinc soundset recorded from a real GA-8 Airvan
The failure module will include the following:
- Engine component wear: pistons, spark plugs, propeller shaft, propeller, accessory gearbox and more!
- Custom oil system simulation, accounting for oil quantity, thermal expansion and contraction, normal and excess leakage, oil pump and oil filter
- Tyre and brake wear
- Electrical system failures: generator, battery aging due to use and discharging in cold temperatures, electrical component wear
El Hierro Airport Gets New Screenshots
FSDG released new screenshots of its next airport, El Hierro Airport (GCHI), serving the Spanish island in the Canaries.
Birmingham Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Gets New Screenshots
Pyreegue released a new screenshot of its Birmingham Airport (EGBB) in the UK for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. As usual, the level of detail is quite extreme.
Hayfork Airport Released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Orbx released its rendition of Hayfork Airport (IATA code F62, it doesn’t have an ICAO code) in California for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It’s available on Orbx Direct for $12.37.
Of course, those who already purchased the MSFS 2020 version can get a free upgrade and enjoy the following features.
- Hayfork airport F62
- 2 bush spots with 3 short landing strips
- Functional hangar door at Hayfork Airport
- Custom airport charts for Hayfork Airport and Hayfork Bally Bush Strip
- 3D tiedown points at Hayfork Airport
- Mountain Valley Raceway for the juice goose
- A 30-minute juice goose drive up to Hayfork Bally
- Functional airport gate for the juice goose
- Fully custom 3d buildings modeled after real-life buildings
- Custom trees and vegetation for improved immersion
- Animated objects add extra life to the scenery
- Developed by TAF studio
F-35B for X-Plane Gets New Screenshots
AOA Simulations has revealed more screenshots of its F-35B Lightning II for X-Plane 12.
We hear that the daytime cockpit textures are complete and the external model has been updated with pylons for missiles and bombs.
If you’d like to get into flight simulation but you’re perhaps a bit intimidated by its apparent complexity, you can read our introductory guide, alongside the second episode focusing on installing add-ons, and another showcasing the basic instruments.
You can also read more flight simulation news in the previous roundup article.