Eaglesoft FSX Liberty XL2 Now DX10 Compliant

Posted: Monday, March 24, 2008 - 5:51
Eaglesoft's FSX Liberty XL2 Upgrade includes a completely rebuilt DX10 Compliant Model and .DDS Textures along with minor revisions to the Avionics for improved performance in FSX/SP2/DX10 Preview! Current FSX Liberty XL2 owners may Download and Reinstall with their existing Key and Password. New customers should checkout the Eaglesoft website for important information.

Stansted Xtreme Compatible With FSX Acceleration

Posted: Sunday, March 23, 2008 - 15:44
In a news release received via the Easter Bunny from the Team over at UK2000 Scenery they have released the FSX SP2/Acceleration compatible version of 'Stansted Xtreme'. All existing users are entitled to this update free of charge. For details on this release please hop on over and upgrade your Stansted Xtreme

Pilatus PC-12 for FSX from Flight 1

Posted: Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 19:27
Senior staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura revisits one of his favourite aircraft, the Pilatus PC-12. This time the recently released FSX version from Flight 1. "The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop. Available in passenger, cargo, and surveillance configurations, it is designed to minimize workload in the cockpit and can be safely flown with just one pilot."

"The visual model is all-new for FSX. I didn’t notice any differences in the silhouette, but the reflections are more convincing, and bump-mapping has been used selectively to give surfaces more texture. All of the standard animations are here, and all of them are smooth."

"There are some new gauges but the environment of the virtual cockpit is largely unchanged -- meaning, it is still world-class. Modeling is smooth and textures are ultra-sharp, even when viewed up close. Behind the flight deck there is a virtual cabin, the contents of which vary depending on which model of PC-12 you are flying: passenger, cargo, executive transport, or surveillance. Most of the PC-12’s cockpit functionality was already present in the FS2004 version. For FSX, there are improved map and arc views on the horizontal situation indicator, and the comm radios have been upgraded."

"Sounds are unchanged from the original product for FS2004. The mechanical sounds (of gear, flaps, and engine) are all factory fresh; you will notice nuances, but they’re part of a sequence, not the results of age and use. The PC-12 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6; unlike some engines, the PT6 does not exhibit the long lag between throttle inputs and power outputs that we associate with turboprops. This behavior is reflected in the model, and makes the PC-12 easier to manage at low speeds than most other turboprops."

Wrapping up this look at Flight 1's FSX version of the Pilatus PC-12, David concludes, "The PC-12 is flexible, fast, forgiving, easy to fly, and looks great in the virtual cockpit. The FSX version is just as good, and in some areas (avionics and exterior views), even better than its successful predecessor. I’m glad to have it in my hangar."

Skysim Releases Ellsworth AFB Scenery

Posted: Friday, March 21, 2008 - 18:30
Skysim, the new home of classic jet aviation for MSFS are proud to announce a brand new range of military sceneries, exclusively for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Located in South Dakota, USA, Ellsworth AFB is home to the 28th Bomb Wing and the B-1B Lancer aircraft. The base has been in service since 1942 and has been home to some of the US Air Forces most powerful bombers, such as the B-29 and B-36, a proud history that continues to this day. The airfield has been built using custom buildings and textures and features superb A.I. aircraft, representing the types normally seen operating from the base, the mighty B-1B and the ubiquitous C-130 Hercules. This product is fully compatible with all variations of FSX, up to and including SP2. It can also be scaled in complexity, to ensure you enjoy high frame rates and smooth operation without requiring the very highest specification system. Ellsworth AB for FSX has been designed and built for Skysim by SBD design and is the first in a whole new series of military airbases that the team have planned, covering all corners of the globe. To purchase Ellsworth AFB or to check out more details this and other Skysim products in production and development, visit the all new Skysim website.

French Riviera/Cote d'Azur from FranceVFR

Posted: Friday, March 21, 2008 - 2:36
Staff reviewer Angelique van Campen continues her adventures in Europe with a flight along the French Riviera and Cote d'Azur as presented by FranceVFR. "Apart of the great villages, white beaches, wine, beer, excellent French cuisine, boats, extraordinary cars like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and many more, this piece of Franc is famous for the Film Festival of Cannes; and what about Monaco and Monte-Carlo?"

Angelique goes into depth about this multi-faceted scenery offering. She takes you on several flights throughout the region and has fun navigation her way through the scenery at low level via IFR (I follow roads). As usual, her screenshots tell a lot of the story. Angelique goes on to describe the "JetSet" package that is also offered by FranceVFR as an add-on to the Base Pack and Autogen Package.

Wrapping up her "Excursion Francais", she comments about FranceVFR's French Riviera and Cote d'Azur, "you need the base pack as a minimum. This can be extended with either the AutogenPack and/or the JetSet pack. The JetSet creates more special buildings or landmarks or interesting places including detailed airport buildings like at LFMN (Nice) but also smaller ones like LFMD (Cannes/Mandelieu). According to the France VFR website, you can – if you want to use only the JetSet package – also buy the standalone BasePack with the JetSet and forget the Autogen Pack. Flying this wonderful scenery is fun and it even becomes more fun when you fly cross-country VFR flights. It's a high quality product where navigation can be done with an official ICAO chart, but also with Michelin auto route charts.

For Our Italian Simmers

Posted: Thursday, March 20, 2008 - 22:44
"SIMWING MAGAZINE", the first and currently only Italian language online magazine that deals with the simulation of flight has now been released on their website. If english isn't your first language and you are looking for more flight sim information and reviews in Itlaian, then this just may be for you. The also plan to involve their reading public in stories and event announcements. So set your heading to that piece of land that looks like a boot in the Med and check out this online flight sim magazine. Ciao.

Messerschmitt BF109 Released

Posted: Thursday, March 20, 2008 - 20:24
Flight One Software, in partnership with Flight Replicas, has officially released the Boxed Edition of the Messerschmitt BF109.

The iconic foe of the Allied air forces in WWII, the Messerschmitt Bf-109 was the staple fighter of the Luftwaffe. It scored more air-to-air victories in WWII than any other and was produced in greater quantities than any other fighter aircraft in history, with over 31,000 built. This boxed edition of the BF109 comes complete with an enormous collection of models across the F, G and K series covering virtually every 109 manufactured in the 1940’s. For more information Visit the Flight1 Website.

FranceVFR Release FlightParis CityPack for FSX

Posted: Thursday, March 20, 2008 - 4:47
FranceVFR have released FlightParis CityPack for Flight Simulator X. Two months after having released the Flight Simulator 2004 version, a new, dedicated version that is not just an update, but a full product for Flight Simulator X. New customers will receive both versions, and existing customers can download the patch via the FranceVFR website.

IVAO UK To Host Heathrow Event

Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 21:21
The IVAO UK division is proud to present an event at the airport you've all been waiting for – Heathrow - from 1600z until 2100Z on Sunday March 30, the UK's biggest airport and the world's busiest international airport awaits you, fully staffed, to celebrate the opening of the brand new 4.2 billion pound passenger terminal, Terminal 5. Over 300 real flights ranging from short domestic flights to international long-hauls are available for you to book. If you like to be number six on the ILS, taxi behind four other aircraft towards the runway or join a holding pattern with several other aircraft, then this is the event for you. More Information, at IVAO

SimWare Simulations Release Pro Flight Trainer

Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 21:17
SimWare Simulations have announced the release of their Pro Flight Trainer helicopter hardware. The hardware can connect to either a PC or MAC by a USB cord and is fully Plug n’ Play compatible. The PFT can be used with any simulation or game software. The PFT features four fully programmable action buttons and 8-way hat-switch, ergonomic rubber-textured grip on pitch, turned 15° left for realistic hand positioning, digital integration technology for super high accuracy, easily transportable, easy to fold up without screwdriver, pedals and collective position (or throttle for fixed-wing aircraft) fully adjustable, adjustable frictions, ultra-smooth movement, very high realistic feeling, developed and engineered from real-life Swiss helicopter pilots, instant playability through USB connectivity and is used by real-life pilot for IFR training and emergency procedures. If you are a serious helicopter simmer, then head over to SimWare Simulations

DBS Sim Release Camera Editor Tool for FSX

Posted: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 14:48
DBS Studio has released the Camera Editor Tool. Camera Editor Tool is a free extension of Walk and Follow for editing stored camera definitions, and exporting cameras into fixed cameras in the Flight Simulator X camera list or flight/aircraft files. If you are a user of Walk and Follow or are interested in the Camera Editor Tool then head over to DBS Studio

XLoad from Captain Sim

Posted: Monday, March 17, 2008 - 1:08
New staff reviewer Mark Kolo looks at Captain Sim's XLoad, an addition to the Acceleration add-on. This additon adds the F-117A and the F/A-18D.

"There are so many 3D features including gauges, switches, knobs and handles that this VC provides an experience that is nearly life like. The VC also has an authentic “used” look with paint chipped away and a bit of dirt here and there that adds to the realism immensely."

"The F/A-18 from CaptainSim includes numerous custom animations that are not included on the default F/A-18. These animations include: Opening Radome (Visible in the VC), Moving and Sweeping Radar Dish, Extending Refueling Probe(Visible in the VC), Gun Loading Port (with 3D Bullets), Crew Boarding Ladder, Opening Canopy(also visible in the VC), Pitot Tube Covers, Engine Intake and Nozzle Covers, Wheel Chocks, Folding Wings, Custom Loadouts (using the loadout 2D panel), as well as the standard flaps, ailerons, elevators, speed brake, and the paraphernalia for carrier landings (Hook, Launch Bar)."

"The exterior model of the F-117 is the finest F-117 model that I have ever seen. After comparing the CaptainSim F-117 to the real Nighthawk, one of the things that impressed me the most was the accuracy of the extremely complex radar reflecting angles and shapes that allow the F-117 to penetrate airspace undetected. The eye candy includes: Opening Canopy, Auxiliary Air Intakes, Pitot Covers, Refueling Receiver, Wheel Chocks, Drag Chute, Configurable Weapons, Opening weapon doors, as well as moving flight controls."

"The only problem with the airfile of the Hornet is the unrealistic behavior of the aircraft while landing, especially on a carrier. I have never seen a proper carrier landing end with the plane’s nose scraping the ground as it slides sideways down the deck after catching the 3-wire. The planes seem to slide sideways down the runway no matter what I do to correct any deviations from the center line. I am not satisfied with the landing behavior of either aircraft, but all other aspects of the F/A-18’s flight envelope are properly set up and executed."

Mark conludes his look at Captain Sim's Xload with, "Despite the problems that X-Load has, it is still an excellent package and a great value. The highlights of X-Load are definitely the model files and the VC. I will let you form you own opinion about whether X-Load would be for you."

Space Shuttle Mission Releases 1.27 Update

Posted: Monday, March 17, 2008 - 0:44
Space now comes to the wide screen as this latest update includes not only Wide Screen support, but the ability to view the missions on nVidia NView Dula Monitors and Matrox's TripleHead2Go. For complete details listing all the features in this latest update visit the Space Shuttle Mission 2007 downloads page.

Flying Club Robinson R44 from Just Flight

Posted: Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 16:57
Senior staff reviewer Jeff Shyluk takes control of a versatile helo with Just Flight's latest addition to the Flying Club line, the Robinson R44.

"The R44 is one of the world's most popular small helicopters. The JustFlight version provides a flight model that is extremely well suited to sightseeing hops or short passenger shuttle missions. Although the real-world R44 has variants for police work and Electronic News Gathering (ENG), unfortunately, the JustFlight aircraft only comes with the baseline passenger model. The Robinson R44 line is split into two brands: the Raven and the Clipper. The Raven has conventional landing skids, while the Clipper comes with either permanent floats or collapsed floats that inflate for emergency water landings."

"The visual model for the R44 is lovely to look at with pleasingly accurate lines. The paint jobs seem to be based on a limited number of factory-style liveries, but you can jazz them up with automatically generated tail numbers from six countries, or you can try your hand at making your own colours with the AeroPaint utility included. Animations for the JustFlight R44 are competent and add to the realistic look of the product."

"Do you like your aircraft loud? The JustFlight R44 is about as loud as they come. Audio quantity issues aside, the quality of the audio is superb, with authentic engine sounds, realistic blade noises, and an appealing start-up and shut down sequence."

"The 2D cockpit gets my vote over the 3D cockpit, as the instruments are easier to see and operate in the 2D cockpit. Both cockpits suffer from switches and knobs that are too small to operate easily while in flight, especially for the radio. However, the 3D cockpit allows you to add or remove the control yoke, the GPS unit, and even passenger figures with the click of a mouse. The view out the front window is spectacular, which should be one of the reasons one would want to purchase an aircraft like the Robinson in the first place."

"In terms of handling, the R44 seems much like the default R22, only more so. Larger, heavier, faster, and more powerful the R22, the R44 seems to handle better in windy situations, and yet is almost as nimble as the R22. Still, it is not nearly as stable as the FSX Bell JetRanger, so you will be kept busy with your hands and feet on the controls. The JustFlight R44 benefits from quality controllers, so those with a good joystick and throttle set as well as rudder pedals should enjoy wonderful sky-borne journeys in the R44."

"Anybody who just wants to zoom into the sky and explore the world of Flight Simulator should really enjoy the features the JustFlight R44 has to offer. It provides more details than the FSX R22 without so much of the smaller craft's skittishness, yet it is also more challenging to fly than the FSX Bell JetRanger, which to me almost seems to fly on invisible rails. Overall, I ended up being happy with the JustFlight R44."

For The TrainSim Fans

Posted: Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 0:01
Just Trains is pleased to announce that its first official expansion pack, Rail Simulator Official Expansion Pack - Cajon Pass/ 08 Shunter is now available to purchase by download with the boxed version now available to pre-order. European users can now add the fantastic 80-mile Cajon Pass route to Rail Simulator. This route links San Bernardino in Southern California to Barstow in the north and the challenging climbs, descents, embankments and cuttings are faithfully reproduced. There are two brilliant locomotives - the Union Pacific ES44AC and SD40-2 - as well as bonus skins, eleven unique rolling stock wagons and seven scenarios. As if that wasn't enough, the pack also features the classic British Class 08 Shunter in 12 period liveries and with six all-new scenarios. A video showing off the product has been produced.

Chicago O'Hare For FS9/FSX

Posted: Friday, March 14, 2008 - 23:46
FSDreamTeam is pleased to announce the eagerly anticipated Chicago O'Hare airport scenery for FSX and FS9 has been released. A very high quality rendition of one of the most important airports in the World (it's currently the 2nd busiest airport worldwide). It has been created with the greatest attention to detail and performances. It's available for FSX and FS9, and the license is valid for use in both simulators. The scenery is available in a "try before you buy" version, and can be downloaded from FsDreamTeam.

France VFR Releases Aircraft Collection X

Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 11:59
In a Press Release from France VFR on the release of Aircraft Collection X, Georgia Bluteau said “France VFR is proud to announce its latest product; Aircraft Collection X for Microsoft® Flight Simulator X® This new pack includes 6 new VFR dedicated aircrafts for Microsoft® Flight Simulator X® (SP1). A special edition of the Socata TB20 model is also provided with a full 3D clickable virtual cockpit including a great number of animations. All airplanes are equipped with a detailed 2D panel - except Socata TB20 Special Edition - as well as a virtual cockpit panel in order to take advantage of the new simulation hardware. Some of the aircraft are available in several variations and liveries.” Please find more detailed information over at France VFR

FriendlyPanels Releases FMC's Pack One

Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 14:21
Daniel López from FriendlyPanels has wrote in to announce the release of FMC’s Pack One for Flight Simulator 9 and X. This FMC pack contains seven FMC gauges, all of them working in a very similar way imitating the look of a Boeing or Airbus FMC. Four of them are intended to be used with B737-400, B777-300, B747-400 and A321 aircraft. The other four gauges are general purpose FMC gauges and they don't contain specific aircraft data pages so that they may be used with any aircraft. The purpose of these gauges is to implement the FMC style you can find in many of modern jetliners or business jets, using the flight plans created with Microsoft Flight Simulator FS9 or FSX, or any add-on which can export flight plans in the FS format. We have eliminated the complex way in which you have to plan your flight in current commercial FMC’s implemented in some of the aircraft existing for Microsoft Flight Simulator, but keeping the feeling of a real FMC-CDU. They are general purpose FMC and, in fact they can be used with ANY aircraft, though its normal use will be airliners or business jets - even a little Cessna 172 will follow the programmed VNAV in the same way that an Airbus 380 does, with the normal limitations due to differences between both types of aircraft. More information, user manuals and screenshots can be found over at FriendlyPanels.

Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ new mission in the works – STS-122

Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 16:38
Exciting Simulations™ is proud to announce that work has started on the first add-on to the Space Shuttle Mission 2007™. The add-on will add the Space Shuttle STS-122 mission – which has begun on February 7 with the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and ended on February 20 with a perfect landing at the Kennedy Space Center. The goal of STS-122 was to expand the scientific capabilities of the International Space Station. This has been achieved by delivering the new module Columbus. Also Astronaut Daniel Tani who has been on the ISS since STS-120, returned home on the Atlantis, while being replaced by the European Space Agency Astronaut Léopold Eyharts. The STS-122 mission add-on will be FREE and will include all the operations performed by the Astronauts in the real mission, from liftoff, on orbit, docking with the ISS, performing EVA, deploying the
Columbus module by using the RMS arm etc. Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available for purchase online in
downloadable format at the SSM2007 website.

FS2Crew: Airbus Series – Special Edition Released

Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 16:34
SimWare Simulations and FS2Crew have released the latest edition to the Wilco Airbus Series Vol. 1 & 2 - FS2Crew : Airbus Series - Special Edition, The Ultimate Airbus Multi-Crew Simulation . Features include the use of real-world Standard Operating Procedures and Checklists in a multi-crew environment – interact with your First Officer, Flight Attendants and Ground Crew. Tackle new situations such as Air Rage, Bird Strikes, or even a passenger smoking in a lavatory. Voices are recorded by real-world flight/cabin crew and include an enhanced Audio Control Panel and Oxygen Test Panel. Included is a realistic pushback-start crew with international, region-specific accent sets. If this sounds good to you, then head over the SimWare Simulations product page for more information and screenshots.