Flight Simulation developers shared news today, including aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on top of a healthy dose of free airports.
Before we move on to the news, below you can find a link to a story that received its own individual coverage:
Passenger Boeing 727 for MSFS 2020 and 2024 Coming in April
Today FlightSim Studio announced that the passenger version of its classic Boeing 727 is coming in April 2025.
We also learn that the “FSS Super 27” including updated JT8D-200 series engines and an optional upgraded modern EFIS will be released in late 2025.
F-4 Phantom by Heatblur for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Gets More Screenshots and Details
Popular developer Heatblur followed up on the announcement of its upcoming F-4 Phantom with more screenshots (and a full-resolution version of the ones we already saw) and details.
First of all, we learn that the aircraft will come for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. If you’re hoping for a MSFS 2020 version, the answer is “we’ll see.” On the other hand, the developer also plans to release the aircraft for Xbox on top of PC.
Here’s what we can expect in terms of features:
“Systems depth and fidelity is paired with artwork and models created using laser scanning and photogrammetry, in order to provide an unparalleled authentic experience of flying this legendary aircraft. The detailed Flight Model developed over the past several years and verified by real F-4 pilots and WSOs is at the heart of this visceral experience, and a version of our JESTER AI will accompany you on your journey around the world.”
“The MSFS version of the Phantom will come complete with many of the features that distinguish it in DCS, from an interactive crew chief, to various quality of life improvements, an interactive manual, and all based on our next-gen components based simulation framework. The aircraft is simulated as a connection of thousands of individual components. From an instrument needle to control surfaces, each component influences the state of the aircraft and even comes with its own wear and tear. From simulating accurate power draw from the power source to the smallest light bulb and all the nodes along the way, from hydraulic fluid which moves the hydraulics which in turn move the flight surfaces all the way to a mass physics based model – things now happen naturally, influenced by each other, and are not scripted.”
The aircraft should be released this spring, in a couple of months.
5 Airports in Africa released for free for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Vortex Scenery Designs released a whipping 5 airports in Africa for the affordable price of zero dollars, starting with Kananga Airport (FZUA) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (you can see it above).
It can be downloaded from Flightsim.to.
The second airport is Muanda Airport (FZAG), also in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It can be downloaded from Flightsim.to.
We move to Sudan for Kassala Airport (HSKA), also available on Fligtsim.to.
Back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we find Kalemie Airport (FZRF), also available on Flightsim.to.
Last, but not least, we get Gemena Airport (FZFK) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, also available, you guessed it, on Flightsim.to.
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.
