Airport Design Editor Version 1.35 Released

Posted: Sunday, July 6, 2008 - 17:16
ScruffyDuck Software and the ADE Development Team are very pleased to announce the release of Airport Design Editor Version 1.35. This version is part of our continuing developement and improvement program. In addition to fixing several bugs Version 1.35 introduces new functionality including Helper Shapes that make the drawing of regular elements easier. Any shape can be turned into an Apron with a single mouse click. Users can include their own models in an ADE project and either compile everything to a single bgl file or split the airport and scenery elements into separate files. The color, brightness and separation of Apron Edge Lights is now user controlled; chains of Taxiway Links can easily be straightened and Taxiway Junctions are drawn more realistically. The update is available via the on-line download function and also from the AVSIM Library and for more information please visit Airport Design Editor.

SSM 2007 Adds Free STS-93 Mission

Posted: Sunday, July 6, 2008 - 4:52
The Space Shuttle Mission 2007 gets the famous Chandra X-Ray Observatory, STS-93 Mission as a FREE add-on.

With the launch of STS-93, Col. Eileen Collins became the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission. STS-93 started with an eventful Columbia night launch on July 22, 1999. Five seconds into the launch, multiple Main Engines failures raised the alarm but later on, as the backup systems took control, the Shuttle reached orbit safely, ready to begin the primary mission highlight: the deployment of Chandra X-Ray Space Observatory the heaviest payload ever put on orbit by the Shuttle program at the time.

At its launch, the Chandra was the most sophisticated X-Ray Telescope ever built and it complements Hubble Space Telescope data with an impressive ability and resolution to study quasars as they were over 10 Billion years ago and observe X-rays from clouds of gas five-million light-years wide. During the mission, the Astronauts performed additional experiments and tested the fly-cast maneuver that will be executed during STS-99 to alleviate tensions on the huge SRTM radar boom due to orbital corrections. STS-93 concluded with a safe night landing at the Kennedy Space Center on July 27, 1999.

In the best SSM2007 tradition, the STS-93 free add-on will allow budding Virtual Astronauts to experience the launch (including the Main Engine failures), on-orbit mission including the deployment of the special Chandra X-Ray Observatory and performing the fly-cast test maneuver, and return to Earth by manually landing the Endeavour at the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available online in downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website.

New Advanced Flight Tracking Service

Posted: Friday, July 4, 2008 - 14:53
SimFly.EU is proud to announce it has released a new version of AFTS, improving on its advanced tracking system. SimFly.EU operates a free tracking service, and community website that offers pilots and virtual airlines the ability to keep track of Flight Simulator X progress and flights. The AFTS system is compatible with all multiplayer networks and even single player. If you are a virtual airline you can take advantage of full management facilities, including scheduling, flights, fleet, and a unique custom financial centre to manage your acquired virtual funds. AFTS is available completely free from SimFly.EU, and data displayed on SimFly.EU is live to within milliseconds using a totally bespoke communication system, making it without doubt the most advanced flight tracking service available. Try it now at SimFly.EU

Instant Object Maker Released

Posted: Friday, July 4, 2008 - 4:57
FlightSimTools.com is proud to release Instant Object Maker, an easy-to-use tool for making 3D objects for Flight Simulator! Instant Object Maker allows creating realistic looking objects using photographs and other images. Simply outline individual polygons composing the object on one or more photographs and put them together to form a 3D object. Instant Object Maker automatically generates scenery and texture files. The perspective correction function allows using photographs taken at an angle. You can also paint your own images and construct 3D objects that use them as textures. It takes just a few minutes to make simple objects like cars, trees and simple houses. With Instant Object Maker, everyone can add houses, hangars, vehicles and other objects that look exactly like their real counterparts, instead of relying on generic library objects. For more information and a product demonstration video, please visit FlightSimTools.com.

Holloman AFB from AlphaSim

Posted: Friday, July 4, 2008 - 2:51
For those of you who remember Brian Fletcher (aka Capn), his son Jeremy (aka Rightseater) has taken control of the yoke and has sent in his first review. He steps back to look at an older Alphasim product, Holloman AFB, and to remember his time spent at that base. "Over the last half century Holloman has been host to a number of support operations for a variety of aircraft, including the F-84, F-100, QF-106, B-57, F-4C/D/F, F-15A/B, and the HH-60G among others. But perhaps the most notable aircraft to be stationed here is the F-117A Nighthawk. This mission will cease in 2008, however, to make way for Holloman’s newest addition – two squadrons of the F-22 “Raptor”."

Jeremy goes into great detail reflecting on how he remmebers Holloman AFB and how Alphasim has recreated it. "AlphaSim has got the Main ramp right, and though I might end up adding a few scenery objects to fit my taste, I am more than pleased with the improvements. AlphaSim has remedied the West ramp problem by adding these hangars, which are positioned correctly facing east and west. Some of the hangars, the open ones of course, have an AI F-117 in them that will taxi out, takeoff, and return. The Nighthawks are also detailed quite well for AI aircraft, and add a much needed sense of authenticity to this base. By default, the North ramp is pretty much wide open, and it is with this add-on as well."

"AlphaSim helped the BEAR Base area out quite a bit by adding some more accurate buildings on the east side, and though they missed the small building to the south, they have really improved this area a lot by removing the two story buildings that were there before. Put a few fuel trucks behind them, add some other support vehicles, and this place would liven up a lot. Otherwise, AlphaSim has done a great job here."

"AlphaSim has done a great job of recreating the German Air Force hangars, which are located just east of the main ramp (some call it part of the main ramp, which it might be). In fact, they have included all 12 of the hangars on the ramp positioned just how they are supposed to be. The hangars are all detailed fairly well, each with a tan color similar to the hangars on the west ramp, though in reality they too are brown, but no big deal. They are spaced appropriately, and as a nice surprise to me some of the hangar doors are open and some are closed. Without this add-on the GAF is simply non-existent."

Departing Alphasim's Holloman AFB, Jeremy comments, "I had a great time reliving memories of Holloman Air Force Base, and I had an equally enjoyable time exploring AlphaSim’s version of this historical facility. AlphaSim has pretty much got it right, and have, without exception, created a far superior Holloman than you will find in the default scenery. If Holloman is your FS9 destination, than I would advise making a layover at AlphaSim first."

ProFlight 2000 Emulator Updated To V2.1

Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008 - 19:28
OnCourse Software have released a small patch to address a few minor issues plus a fix for Windows Vista 64-Bit users. Non-Windows Vista 64-Bit users should simply select 'Check for Updates' from the main PFE display. Windows Vista 64-Bit users should visit our support forum.

HD-VC For The Carenado Mooney 20JX

Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008 - 12:24
Meticulously handcrafted by master graphic designer Russell White, Orbx and White Digital are pleased to be able to offer you this fully Carenado authorized virtual cockpit repaint like nothing you've ever experienced before. Created over many months of hard work, this is a true labour of love, and it shows! Using super high definition 2048x2048 textures, the cockpit will literally feel about as real as it gets. Orbx acknowledges the kind permission of Carenado to allow this repaint to be published as freeware. Only to be used for licensed purchased versions of the Carenado Mooney. The 8MB file can be downloaded from Orbx.

Fly To Calgary In FSX

Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008 - 2:31
Nigel Grant has prepared an interim modification to CanUK payware scenery of Calgary International Airport for Flight Simulator 2004, enabling its use in Flight Simulator X. Originally, the modification was prepared for personal use, thankfully Adam Bentley - of the CanUK Team - has given permission to share this modification with the general public. The update has been uploaded to the AVSIM Library and the original Calgary International Airport scenery for Flight Simulator 2004 can be found over at CanUK.

JD Scenery Simulations Release Grand Strand Airport

Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - 14:10
JD Scenery Simulations has just released Grand Strand Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Grand Strand Airport is located just minutes from the shores of North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. The airport gets its name from its location in the "Grand Strand", a 60 mile stretch of beach from Little River to Georgetown, South Carolina. The "Strand" is a popular vacation spot, bringing in over ten million visitors per season. It is home to many theme parks, restaurants, and other attractions, including its beautiful clean beaches. Grand Strand Airport is the main general aviation airport of the region, and is home to the Ramp 66 FBO, Chippewa Aerospace, and Barnstormer Flite Signs. The airport is towered with a 6,000 ft. runway. Grand Strand Airport is also host to extensive banner tow operations during the summer months, with the far side of the field being used to lift banners into the air, where they are flown along the beaches, advertising for local businesses. You are cleared direct to JD Scenery Simulations

X-15-1 from Xtreme Prototypes

Posted: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - 19:44
Staff Reviewer Mark Kolo goes ballistic in Xtreme Prototypes' X-15-1. "The X-15 is one of, if not the most, recognizable of the “X-Planes”. The X-15 is widely considered to be the first manned spacecraft, as it reached altitudes as high as 354,000 feet during its test program that lasted 199 flights between 1959 and 1968."

"My first impression of the X-15-1 was generally good, as I performed an exterior “walk around”. The details and overall feel of this model impressed me the most, and I was very happy to see that the real X-15 was replicated very well by the folks at XTreme Prototypes."

"The virtual cockpit of the Xtreme Prototypes X-15 is definitely a great compromise between form and function. Based on real images of the X-15’s cockpit, XTreme Prototypes did a good job of replicating this advanced research aircraft. The amount of detail in the switch areas of the panel is very high, and the 3D modeling of the switches is crisp and well executed. The main panel and numerous sub-panels completely replicate the cockpit of the X-15. The Xtreme Prototypes X-15 panel is probably one of the most complex and detailed that you will ever see in a flight simulator aircraft."

"The exterior of the four versions included in X-15-1 are a very accurate copy of the real aircraft. All of the X-15’s unique exterior features are executed in a way that allow for both great detail and realism, all without compromising on sim performance. The effects on the X-15 add an immense amount of realism from the time you start the generators, to the time the last bit of fuel is jettisoned after a successful flight. I found that the sounds are both believable and add to the experience of flying the X-15."

Successfully getting this "rocket" back to earth, Mark comments, "The challenges of Xtreme Prototypes' X-15-1 make it a perfect choice for the experienced simmer, or a relatively new pilot who is willing to read a LONG manual completely. The X-15 package is a unique aircraft and is a blast to fly. I would highly recommend it to any virtual pilot who has an interest in the X-planes or other high performance aircraft."

New Freeware Site

Posted: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - 1:13
OZx launches freeware website for Australia and the World. Born from the Orbx/FTX background, the freeware expansion pack that was offered by Orbx/FTX has become a project by itself. First up for release is the OZx 1.0 which in effect will be replacing the FTX Freeware 1.2, after that, the sky is the limit. OZx invites developers from all over the globe to join them, because, after all, the world doesn't stop with Australia.

Free Upgrade For VoxATC X

Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 23:57
VoxATC X, the unique voice recognition based pilot to air traffic control add-on has just got it's biggest upgrade ever and it's FREE to try and FREE to existing users. The trial version of VoxATC X version 5.46 is now available for download. In fact even if you have tried VoxATC in the past, this version will not preclude you from trying VoxATC X again for a whole week without restrictions.

Users will be impressed by features and the progress that has been made in the latest build. Existing FSX users can upgrade their VoxATC X for FREE with new Content including: Visible guidance for taxi routes, traffic information when in circuit (pattern), ATC X for free and improved AI traffic handling at airports and higher AI density. Windows Vista 64 Support refers to FSX, not system time incompatibilities with later versions of MyTraffic X (5.1b) that has been fixed.

UK / European phraseology applied to Australian / New Zealand airspace student call signs VoxATC. To get the trial version, rush to VoxATC or RC Simulations.

Eaglesoft FSX Avionics Expansion Pack

Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 22:20
Eaglesoft Announces their Avionics Expansion Pack, it includes the following: Mid Continent 4300 ESAI, Garmin GMA340HI, AudioCenter, Garmin 106A VOR Heads 1 & 2. The Garmin GTX330 Transponder are Vatsim and IVAO Ready. Also included are the Garmin GNS 430 GPS, Garmin GNS 530 GPS, Sandel 3308 EADI, Sandel 4550 EHSI, and the Stec 55X Autopilot with Stec SA200 Altitude PreSelector and Audio Annunciator.

As a bonus the FS2004 version is included with the FSX Purchase! For more Information head on over to Eaglesoft.

Tornado F3 from AlphaSim

Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 18:56
Staff reviewer Laurie Aston goes for a front seat ride in Alphasim's Tornado F3. "The Tornado F3 was selected for development from the original Tornado GR1 attack aircraft in the late 1970's as the RAF's dedicated fighter. The main visible difference from the GR1 or GR4 attack aircraft is the longer fuselage."

"Walking around the Panavia Tornado F.3 reveals a plethora of “sticky-out” bits, and the detail is superb," notes Laurie as he desribes his walkaround in detail. "A quick observation is that the tail area of a Tornado is always filthy with exhaust soot, thrown up when the reversers are selected on landing. The bucket doors direct engine airflow down and forward into the ground on the underside, but up and forward on the topside, which always results in a dirty tail end, streaked and stained in most cases, especially as this is an all-weather fighter."

"The Tornado F.3 sports several panels, the pilot having the usual instrument and side displays and the weapons systems officer behind the pilot having his own set of instruments and specific equipment. The panels are clear and easy to read, functional in the main, but not every switch and button will work."

"Well done to the sound team for achieving the ultimate in simulation, and making us all deaf in the process. The innovative use of “Airshow FX”, a new way of enhancing the Doppler sounds as experienced during a high speed low level pass at afterburner settings, adds to the whole sound package and is clearly the way forward in realizing realism at its most accurate."

Putting Alphasim's Tornado F3 to bed, Laurie summarizes with, "The Tornado F.3 presented by AlphaSim is a neat and tidy package. I like this aircraft very much, and AlphaSim have produced a very desirable model of the real thing. If you want a Multi-Role Combat Aircraft with a “swing-wing”, then this is the model for you. Its flying range is good, it is very maneuverable and aerobatics are easily demonstrated."

Space Shuttle Mission Announces Vuzix Compatible

Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 17:01
Exciting Simulations is pleased to report that Space Shuttle Mission 2007 now supports the Vuzix™ iWear VR920 Virtual Reality head-tracking stereoscopic goggles.

While requiring modern and reasonably powerful hardware to run well, the stereoscopic immersion, image quality and head-tracking are especially effective in the Space Shuttle 3D Virtual Cockpit, during rendezvous, docking, landing and of course during Extra Vehicular Activities (space walks) where the feeling of being there, working on the ISS is close to none. The Space Shuttle Mission 2007 coupled with the Vuzix™ iWear VR920 is the closest most PC gamers can get to the multi-million NASA Virtual Reality Lab used to train Astronauts in anticipation for activities involving space walks around the International Space Station.

The iWear VR920 support is available with Service Pack 1.36 which also adds a number of goodies such as new GPC modes, enhanced 3D VR Cockpit and new simulated systems. As with all past SSM2007 add-ons, the special Stereoscopic Virtual Reality support for iWear VR920 is free of charge for all legal customers.

The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available online in downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website .

Spitfire X from RealAir Simulations

Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 1:36
Senior staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura once again takes on the mighty Spitfire, this time the FSX version from RealAir Simulations. "This release features a pair of Spitfires from a later period in World War II, the Mk. IX and Mk. XIV, in several variants and multiple liveries."

"There is a 2D mini panel, but this product is intended to be flown exclusively from the virtual cockpit (VC), it is absolutely convincing. All of the cockpit’s interior surfaces have been modeled in 3D, down to the level of individual bolts on the canopy frame. So far as I can tell, there is no frame rate penalty for this level of detail. The instruments are the smoothest, most legible gauges I have seen anywhere, except in other products from the same developer. Crisp, fluid instruments have been a specialty of RealAir since at least FS2004, and with their FSX products, the best has gotten even better."

"Landing gear and control surfaces are animated, of course, as well as the radiator flaps under each wing. High-resolution, 32-bit textures are available separately, as a free download from RealAir. A paint kit is available, and several high-quality repaints have already appeared."

"In this package, there are two separate engine sounds, one for the Mk. IX Merlin and one for the Mk. XIV Griffon. When gear extends and flaps retract, it sounds like real metal. Pull too many Gs, and you’ll hear the airframe creak."

"Like most taildraggers, the Spitfire is somewhat tricky on the ground, because the long engine cowling obscures your forward view. There’s a danger, if you turn too sharply, of digging your wing-tip into the ground, or if you brake too hard, of nosing forward onto your propeller. Take-offs are somewhat tricky, because at high RPMs the engine exerts a great deal of torque. To stay on the runway, you’ll need to (a) not firewall the throttle and (b) cancel out the engine torque with reverse rudder."

Parking RealAir's Spitfire X, David comments, "It is one of the finest flight sim products I have ever reviewed. It’s not something that you fly for a few hours until the novelty wears off and then set aside when something new comes along. Variety helps, and this package has plenty of it, but what counts in the long run is quality. Right now this is the best model, not just of a Supermarine Spitfire, but of any prop fighter in existence."

Stoenworks Aviation Tutorials

Posted: Friday, June 27, 2008 - 20:38
For almost 25 years Hal Stoen got paid to fly airplanes. During that time He was a flight instructor, flew charter, mail, commuter airline, and, for the last 18 years, a corporate pilot and of late avid simmer, Born of his enthusiasm www.stoenworks.com is filled with much to interest aviation buffs , Tutorials and Anecdotes from a dedicated professional.

OnCourse Software Update For PFE

Posted: Friday, June 27, 2008 - 12:43
OnCourse Software are pleased to announce the release of a FREE MAJOR update for PFE. Version 2.0 provides full taxi instructions to/from the runway, its very own taxi guidance system with optional gauge, oceanic procedures, 1000 new airline call signs supported, plus much, much more. In addition there is a new (optional) voice set expansion pack available which offers an additional 59 multi-regional voices, recorded specifically for PFE. OnCourse Software

Flight Replicas ME 262A-1A/262B For FSX

Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 22:57
Flight Replicas is pleased announce the release of the Messerschmitt 262A-1a and 262B Trainer for FSX. Built specifically for FSX (SP2/Acceleration), this all-new extremely detailed and functional Gmax version of the famed Messerschmitt Me-262 features not only the single seat fighters, but the two-seat trainer with fully operational dual cockpits as well.

The Messerschmitt Me-262 Schwalbe (German for "Swallow") saw action from late summer of 1944 until the end of the war, sharing the title of first operational jet fighter with the British Gloster Meteor.

Both the 262A-1a and 262B Trainer include all the features you would expect in a FSX release, such as: highly accurate and fully clickable virtual cockpits modeled after real-life photos, accurate and working buttons on systems panel, full animations (including pilot), five different models and six different liveries all done with help from a major museum for authenticity, accurate landing gear sequences, a full flight operations manual, plus much more.

You can get this FSX only product now through Flight1. For more information, screenshots, and to download this great aircraft package, you're cleared direct to the Flight1 product page.

Mission: WWI Dogfight from Abacus

Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 2:51
Staff reviewer Robert Mariani goes back to the Great War to fly missions in aircraft that have 2 and 3 sets of wings with Abacus' Mission: WWI Dogfight. "ABACUS has released several missions so far, with some of the more creative ideas we have seen. Now their creativity has reached another milestone and they have added the combat aspect to the civilian sim. These Pups and Fokkers have real guns and the user gets to shoot-'em-up in order to complete the goals of eight missions."

"There are eight full-length missions that require you to complete the goals in order to achieve the rewards. In addition, there are also eight quick action missions that give no rewards and offer plenty of quick and dirty shoot-‘em-up experiences. Some of the full-length mission have several goals and get progressively harder. Included in those eight full length missions are two ground combat affairs in which you will be driving a tank and shoot at other tanks...yes in a flight simulator!"

"As a part of the package, you will get several WWI era airplanes in multiple liveries, and the best part is that if you are still frequently using FS9, they will work like a charm there. No, you will not be getting the guns and bombs in either FS9 or FSX free flight, but you will at least have a chance to fly some old classic bi-wing and even the tri-wing designs without fear of being shot at. All of the airplanes have virtual cockpits, and so does the blimp – sorry – Zeppelin. Standard moving surfaces are present, such as rudder, ailerons, and elevators and there are no lights, which again is true to the era when these planes graced the skies."

"It is hard for me to say how realistic these plane's air files are, but I can tell you that the take-off roll is very short and that on some of them it is quite easy to overspeed in level flight. Landing or even taking off with any wind can be quite an affair, and you will struggle to keep the biplanes on their main wheels even with some fancy footwork."

Wrapping up his aerial dual in Abacus' Mission: WWI Dogfight, Robert says, "if you just have to be shooting to enjoy flying occasionally, and have the significant computer power to support it, you might as well give it a try. Don't forget that you will get five new airplanes for both FS9 and FSX included in the package and some challenging missions to keep you busy for a while."