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.

Hawker Hunter from AlphaSim

Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 5:08
Staff reviewer Laurence Aston climbs into the cockpit of AlphaSim's Hawker Hunter and puts it through its paces. "If there was ever an aircraft that displays a timeless shape and excellent aerodynamics, then the Hawker Hunter has to be the one."

"In the usual 2D display or Virtual Cockpit (VC) mode, all the instruments look good and are easily visible. Pop up displays for electrics and radios etc. are installed neatly, and looking out of the working environment forward, left and right gives good views with the high seat back restricting rearward views just as it would in a real Hunter. The panel is typical of a 1950’s design. A standard flight instrument layout with all the extras required for single pilot operation. On either side of the cockpit, below the coaming, all the expected controls and switches are readily at hand. In “VC” mode, they are functional for the basic applications, like gear selection, flaps, air brake and throttle etc."

"I have to say that the aircraft handles just as Sir Sydney Camm’s design intended, right through the flight envelope. From testing the brakes on taxi-out to applying full thrust at 50,000 feet plus, it is all there, and flies like the thoroughbred that the Hunter is. Even the speed brake functions correctly. Which means that with the gear up, the brake will extend below the lower fuselage to slow the aircraft down. But as soon as the gear is lowered or the aircraft is sitting on the ground, the speed brake is accurately inhibited to prevent ground strike action taking place."

Putting the Hunter back in the hanger, Laurie comments, "The Hawker Hunter is to be thoroughly recommended. Although the cockpit function leaves little for one to do in flight but navigate, clock watch and keep a look out for conflicting traffic, the sheer design accuracy means that this aircraft is a must for any Hawker enthusiast."

AlphaSim Releases The Rutan 61 Long EZ

Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 0:08
The ever-popular and radical Rutan design still looks as futuristic as ever, now AlphaSim brings this amazing creation to life in FS9 and FSX. Real-life Long EZ pilots were closely involved in development and are all giving a big thumbs-up to this stellar simulation of their own pride and joy. Not only does the model perfectly capture the complex features of the Rutan design, the flight dynamics also exactly match real-world values throughout the flight envelope.

This stunning model package has several unique features - most notable is the all-new AlphaSim 'RealGauge' technology ! We have actually created every instrument in full 3D (note, not just 3D bezels with conventional bitmap gauges inside), these are fully-fledged working models in their own right. The RealGauge tech gives you three major advantages: 1) unparalleled sharpness in appearance 2) incredible FPS - even low-end systems run the Long EZ v-c with amazing fluidity ! 3) prefectly smooth operation - no delay, jitter or catchup, just silky smooth movement. Every instrument - even the Bendix radios set, the GPS unit, the Hobbs meter and the Shadin Miniflo-L fuel computer gauges are in full 3D. Of course, all are fully mousable with the various knobs and switches moving correctly as per the real thing. The custom nighttime gauge illumination is also highly authentic.

A custom soundset simulates the AvCo Lycoming engine perfectly (according to the pilots!), there is even an FSX-specific version of the sounds with FSX 'soundcone' tech. Naturally the addedd realism of VC self-shadowing is available for FSX DX10 users. The package includes six model variants of the Long EZ, even the O-235 and the more powerful O-320 engines have their own flight model files. Ten real-life texture schemes are provided, as well as a user-friendly set of source textures for repainters. The model also actually 'kneels' like the real thing (wingfold command), the ventral spoiler is also animated in the correct manner. The incredibly lifelike pilot figure has custom animations to add the final touch of realism to an already oustandingly accurate simulation. There is even a huge (60+ pages) .PDF illustrated user manual. For FSX (SP1, SP2/Accel) and FS2004 only. Complete details at the AlphaSim website.

Avsim French Forums 1st Birthday!

Posted: Monday, March 10, 2008 - 20:03
Avsim would like to wish our French Forum Participants a very happy 1st Birthday!

438 topics & 2155 messages after the opening, Avsim in French is today a real reference for the French, Canadian, Belgium, Swiss community of simmers and a very well-known place to learn, share ideas,information, and have fun.

Here's to many more years!

Indianapolis X from DreamScenery

Posted: Monday, March 10, 2008 - 0:52
Staff reviewer Etienne Martin looks at DreamScenery's Indianapolis X. "Indianapolis International Airport (KIND) opened in September 1931, and received its current name in 1975 after being called Weir-Cook airport in 1944. It now occupies some 7,700 acres located 8 miles south-west of downtown. According to the operator, the Indianapolis Airport Authority, KIND saw over 8 million passengers last year and 1.15 million tons of cargo."

"DreamScenery depicts the airport with the new midfield terminal still under construction (the facility is scheduled to open in October 2008). The scenery comes complete with cranes, unfinished buildings and structures, and even a picnic table under a tent. At first glance, everything around the airport points to a high amount of detail and many small objects that add to an immersive ambiance."

"DreamScenery adds an interesting twist to the rendering of ice in the virtual winter, using optional polygons in winter time. The effect is quite pleasing as it allows ice and snow to make it across the taxiways in irregular lines – much more realistic and a good idea. Moving towards downtown, we find that autogen fills the 8 miles between the airport and downtown and does a good job filling the gap. The quality of the 3D modeling is good to excellent."

Etienne's screenshot intensive review of Indianapolis X concludes with, "it provides a high fidelity rendition of the Indianapolis International Airport and adds many of the buildings and landmarks found in Indianapolis and vicinity. The package’s ability to tune details through its configuration utility will certainly help mitigate the frame rate hit that is sure to come. Seldom has so much detail made it into a scenery add-on at this scale."

Mooney 201 M20J for FSX

Posted: Saturday, March 8, 2008 - 22:46
Carenado developed the Mooney 201 M20J using most of the new features FSX allows for external shadows on VC, dynamic shadows, normal mapping, specular mapping and bloom lights. This aircraft joins their fleet as probably the best aircraft created by the company in terms of the 3D model textures and effects on textures. Of course it has all the standard features from Carenado like full interactive VC, friendly frame rate, much attention on details (as always)…and of course lots of eyes candy. For more information please visit the Carenado website.

AVSIM Announces New FANCON Schedule

Posted: Saturday, March 8, 2008 - 13:43
The Board of Directors of AVSIM has been reviewing the FANCON schedule with an eye toward the economy, the interest shown by vendors, and the likely turn out for our 2008 event. As a result of this review, the Board of Directors has unanimously voted to change the AVSIM FANCON from an annual event to a once every two year event. Therefore, the 2008 FANCON, which had been scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida, is cancelled.

The AVSIM Board will now start work on the next FANCON, which will take place in the third quarter of 2009. Whether the 2009 event will take place in Orlando is yet to be determined. The Board will hold its 2008 board meeting in September as usual, and will hold a Saturday night “social” for those who wish to attend. This board meeting will take place in Washington D.C. as in the past. We will be posting more information on the social as we get closer to the event.

To discuss the AVSIM FANCON, you will find threads and more information here: The FANCON Forum