EosBase for simulators & cockpits

Posted: Monday, June 29, 2009 - 23:35
Eos has developed a fully integrated platform for simulator builders as well as for flying schools, the ideal base to build GA cockpits as well as Jet simulators. The unit includes all double linked controls based on real aircraft mechanisms. The elevator and rudder trim are mechanical and center the controls (yokes and rudder pedals) for a Zero Force resistance when the aircraft is properly trimmed. Throttle quadrant, seats and fibreglass shell come as standard with the package and it connects to the computer through one USB port. For further information head to the EOS website.

F/A-18E "Superbug" from Vertical Reality Simulations

Posted: Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 19:25
Staff reviewer Benjamin van Soldt checks out Vertical Reality Simulations' F/A-18E "Superbug". "Vertical Reality Simulations (hereafter to be called VRS) has modeled this multipurpose jetfighter, and I’ll be giving it a close inspection. More specifically, the model in the VRS “Superbug” package, is of the F/A-18E: the youngest of the F/A-18 series. It is a drastically redesigned aircraft with a 25% larger airframe, more CRT screens and generally updated systems."

"On first inspection, the amount of detail on the exterior model really is extraordinary. This plane’s exterior model, with its wide range of repaints of a lot of F/A-18E squadrons out there, truly is a remarkable piece of designing. It’s up there with PMDG’s MD11 and 747, it’s as great as Captain Sim’s 757 and recently released 727 for FSX."

"Inside, 90% of the buttons you see are 3D, and in this plane, when they are 3D, you can usually move them. This gives you a load of buttons to play with, all nicely textured, at the right size, at the right position. Heck, you can even use the ejector seat handle, and the handle to eject the canopy, if the need arises. The main panels show us multiple CRT displays: the UFCD (middle upper display), two DDIs (LDDI and RDDI) (The two big displays on the left and right), EFD (smaller screen in the lower left) and MPCD (The big screen, in the middle bottom). Then there are some switches to control these, some analog instruments, with the control yoke prominently placed in front of the pilot. Finally, we see the HUD. This aircraft also offers a 2D cockpit."

Benjamin goes into detail about the Navigation systems, Weapons and Radar, Failure Checking, Autopilot, Communications and Engine information and the HUD as it is displayed and utilized from the driver's seat. He then takes us through a tutorial flight which uses all of these available tools. There is also a section on air-to-air refuelling as well as carrier ops. Near the end of the review, Benjamin interviews the developers of this title.

"Let’s look back at the F/A-18E "Superbug": the beautiful exterior model, the very impressive interior, the absolutely great panel, carrier and air refueling operations and the tutorial flight. Besides that, we have a very versatile ACM to manage your aircraft, a lot of combinations of weapons to hang under it, the ability to shoot missiles and hit something, the ability to drop bombs and fuel tanks, the fact that you can eject from your plane, the incredible and comprehensive set of possible failures. My final opinion on this product and my advice: if you like military aircraft in any way, the F/A-18E "Superbug" is a must-have, like the Level-D 767 is a must-have for airliner fans and Carenado is a legend for turboprop fans."

Quest Kodiak from Lionheart Creations

Posted: Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 2:15
Staff reviewer Jason McKee heads into some rough terrain to test fly Lionheart Creations' Quest Kodiak. "The Quest Kodiak is a new generation of bush aircraft, designed to get in and out of some of the most difficult strips around the world. The Kodiak is a tough, rugged and powerful aircraft. The beast of the aircraft is the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turbine engine."

"First thing that you notice when you walk up to the aircraft is that it is not a small aircraft, it’s almost the same size as a Cessna Caravan. Firing up the PT-6 Turboprop is a simple affair, not as complex as some more advanced aircraft. Simply run through the pre-start checklists, ensure the prop is clear, turn the fuel on and crank the starter, the PT-6 will fire, add fuel via the condition lever and the engine will stabilize in its normal idle position."

"The layout depicted with this add-on is of a general three glass panel layout for two pilot operations. The real aircraft allows customization of the panel. There is a high definition texture pack for the cockpit. This gives you a higher resolution for the panel and allows for crisper writing and makes it easier to read. The interiors are well done and look the part."

"The outside model looks good, and if you have a machine that allows you to run light bloom and all the advanced features of FSX you can produce some stunningly realistic screenshots. You would be hard pressed to find issues with the model, it looks just like the real one, and with the FSX bump maps and lighting effects, you could be mistaken for looking at a picture of the real one."

"It would take a Kodiak pilot to confirm what I think, but the aircraft flies and handles like a modern turbo prop should, with realistic engine behavior and convincing flight characteristics. Going from the supplied numbers on the Quest website and figures included in the readme files, this aircraft flies exactly by the numbers published."

"The Quest Kodiak fills a niche in the market. There are no really good Caravan sized aircraft for FSX. If you like bush flying and have been craving something a little bigger that a PC-6, then this will fit the bill. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good stable aircraft that flies as it should but gives you a lot of versatility."

Approach Innsbruck (FS9) Released

Posted: Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 0:49
Experience Innsbruck airport, one of the most challenging airports in Europe. Every building is recreated with great attention to detail and realism and is placed on high definition areal images in the great Alpine landscape.

Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport (LOWI) is the main airport of Western Austria. In the winter months it is particularly busy because of the many tourists that come for the ski slopes of the region. As the airport is located in a deep valley the approaches and departures are far from standard and many of the procedures can only be flown by pilots who got authorisation of the federal office of civil aviation. Challenging in good weather conditions, potentially lethal in the less then ideal condition.

Complete details and screenshots can be found on the Aerosoft website. Buyers of this version will get the FSX version for free soon. The boxed release that will contain both versions will be available later this summer.

Wilco Publishing (VR Insight) Multi-Hardware Review

Posted: Friday, June 26, 2009 - 2:21
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen recreates a cockpit's instrumentation layout in her home as she completes a large, detailed review of Wilco Publishing (VR Insight)'s Combination MCP/CDU/M Panel, Instrument Radio Stack, ProPit and Hat-track. With her technical background, she meticulously goes through these instruments and their operations.

This review is so comprehensive, that trying to break it down and capture the highlights here wouldn't do Angelique's words justice. So we recommend that you have a read of this in-depth report. Yes, it's long, but there's a lot of equipment to check out. In the end I'm sure that you will agree that Angelique has put a lot of work into giving you a thorough report on this hardware from Wilco Publishing (VR Insight).

Historic Jetliners Group

Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 22:41
Historic Jetliners Group Great Summer Update , HJG today released a flight line full of new and upgraded files featuring high quality classic B727, DC8, DC9 textures, models, and panels/gauges for both FS2004 and FSX. The latest HJG B727 include 2 variations of livery for aircraft operated by a major US Midwest based carrier representing both the late 1960's and early 1970's era one of which also represents a hybrid scheme and the final version 1970's scheme for an aircraft operated by a major Australian domestic carrier all for early production B727-100's.There are a number of other versions as well to look over with a visit to the Historic Jetliners Group Hanger .

FSBreak Interviews Austin Meyer of X-Plane

Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 14:52
FSBreak is a weekly podcast dedicated to all Flight Simulation topics. This week Austin Meyer of X-Plane & Laminar Research joins them for about an hour to talk about X-Plane, the future of Flight Sim, and shares his tips & secrets about X-Plane. He also takes a listener question regarding Aerosoft's recently announced Flight Simulator. You can listen to the entire episode at the FSBreak website, or via Permalink or Direct Link.

Trainz 2009 from Auran/Just Trains

Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 2:26
Resident rail guru Gene Davis takes a look at Auran's new Rail Sim, Trainz 2009. "The box says that there are over a million copies sold and is adorned with a modern diesel engine on the cover and on the back, it goes into further detail about how the new version of Trainz offers more terrain and texture detail, higher resolution graphics, a new content manager and how it includes over 13,000 rail related items in one single package."

"In total there are 39 different routes to choose from along with multiple sessions for each. As I progressed through the different routes and explored some of them I found that many of the routes and their associated sessions are all in the language they were designed in."

"The first route I decided to try was that of the City and Country USA and found that particular route to be interesting because you are traversing over desert, then to desert mountainous, continuing on to that of urban terrain. The second route that I thought I would give some time to was that of the Dresden to Nuremberg route. My favorite route from the previous Trainz release was that of the Iberia Line as it offers a long and well traveled route that does take some time to traverse, and the good news is the session orders are mostly in English."

"The plus side of Trainz 2009 is that you can drive just about any type of train; whether it’s Steam, Diesel, Electric or even MAGLEV. They are all there for you to drive. There are a lot of different trains available in Trainz 2009 and odds are if it exists in the real world it will be available to drive in Trainz. The biggest change in 2009 is the addition of the high resolution textures and the increased resolution."

"I had some really high expectations, but with Railworks on the horizon, Trainz 2009 would have to offer a lot. From what I can tell, those expectations were only halfway met! If you really enjoy train simulation and are a fan of the Trainz product line, then you will probably want to get Trainz 2009. Functionality wise though, there is a big difference and I have to say that Trainz wins out overall on things like animations, especially when it comes to loading a train and how much more involved and realistic it is. This is where the Trainz product line shines!"

Saitek ProFlight Panel now at the Avsim store

Posted: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - 15:55
Featuring a stunning 3.5” color LCD screen, the Pro Flight Instrument Panel can display 6 of the main cockpit instrument panels from Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X. Reacting and updating in real time with events from the game, the Instrument Panel brings an extra level of realism to your flight simulation setup. As we keep adding more products to the store, check our 'New' Section to see what was recently added. You can also look at the bargain bin for great deals.

Support Avsim.com, visit the Avsim Store today

AVSIM Cancels FANCON 2009

Posted: Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 19:12
AVSIM's Board of Directors today voted to cancel the FANCON 2009 event. Due to poor in-advance registrations, the Board concluded that this year's event would not be a viable one. The Board of Directors regrets that this action has to be taken and apologizes to all who have planned to intend. If you have paid for your entry as either an attendee or as an exhibitor, your payment will be refunded in full. We will start issuing those refunds tonight. If you do not receive notice of your refund within the next ten days, please leave a note in the FANCON Forum and let us know. Again, our apologies for the cancellation. Hopefully, there will be a FANCON 2010.

At the same meeting today, the Board of Directors voted to hold our Fall Board of Directors meeting in Chicago over the weekend of October 9th, 10th and 11th. Tentatively, the BOD meeting will be held at the O'Hare Hilton and we will hold our traditional social on Saturday evening, the 10th. We will be posting more details on this as our plans firm up.

Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ SP3.60 Released

Posted: Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 18:40
Exciting Simulations has released a new free Service Pack for the Space Shuttle Mission 2007 simulator. The most notable addition is the new "free floating" mode, which allows the virtual Astronauts to float from the flight deck, down the stairs to the mid-deck and, if the mission warrants it, through the mid-deck hatch and airlock to the Spacelab. This new major addition opens up the future possibility to seamlessly move about the Shuttle and related items and enhance the realism of missions and Shuttle operations. Another notable addition is the new, fully collimated 3D HUD which is now as close to the real thing as possible.

There are also some additional changes such as new and enhanced DAP modes, and the removal of T-00:05:00 and T-00:02:00 "no go" launch phase holds to allow for a better synchronization with the real NASA launches for what the SSM2007 community calls "Synch Launch Events". During these events SSM2007 users go online, connect via the SSM2007 TeamSpeak servers and perform synchronized pre-launch, launch and ascent phases together with the real NASA Shuttle launches. The nearest "Synch Launch Event" is scheduled for July 11, with the planned NASA STS-127 liftoff.

Exciting Simulations has also released the latest versions of the Quick Start and Commander's Reference manuals which now cover the latest changes and additions to the Space Shuttle Simulator. These enhancements and changes are part of the on-going policy of improving and expanding the simulator following the direct feedback from the community.

The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available for online purchase in downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website and the latest Demo can also be downloaded freely at the same website.

New Titles in Avsim Store

Posted: Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 17:27
Flight1 Cessna Mustang CD Edition is now available at the Avsim store. The Flight1 Citation Mustang features outstanding internal and external 3D modeling, extremely realistic avionics and systems, a highly detailed set of 2D panels, a fully functional VC, and accurate flight modeling. It sets a new standard for the light business jet simulation experience.

This is in addition to other new titles recently added such as the Cessna 172N Skyhawk float and the C172N ski,
as well as the revolutionary Flying School 2009

Support Avsim.com. Visit the Avsim Store today.

Tongass Fjords X

Posted: Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 14:37
Released after more than two years of development Holger Sandmann and Bill Womack return Alaska back to the flightsimmers with Tongass Fjords X. Including moving ships and boats, created by Mitsuya Hamaguchi and Larry Silsbee, US Forestry Service cabins used by hunters, fishermen and hikers hidden near the many lakes and fjords, over 250 realistic glaciers , automatic freezing of water in the winter. In total there are some 80,000 square kilometers coast lines, lakes, islands, roads, rivers and glaciers to see in this release, you can start your tour of Alaska in TONGASS FJORDS .

FS Elemental Natural Pack

Posted: Friday, June 19, 2009 - 1:27
Staff reviewer Robert Mariani changes his environment with FS Elemental's Natural Pack. "The publisher says, “FS Elemental is an extraordinary and complete environment enhancement dedicated to Flight Simulator 9.”"

"FS Elemental is very easy to use. There are only three buttons. If you were to push the wrong button first, FS Elemental would make a backup of your original textures before it runs or installs anything. FS Elemental is not revolutionary by any means, but evolutionary nonetheless in relation to your stock FS9. The authors suggest that FS Elemental works best with an external weather generator such as Active Sky or Weather Maker Pro."

"I like how FS Elemental changed the look of FS9 even though it seemed underwhelming at first. Still, it was something new and something that refreshed my favorite sim. It applies changes your stock FS9 and results will vary significantly, especially if you have other add-ons installed."

Aerosoft Releases African Airfield Adventures

Posted: Friday, June 19, 2009 - 0:33
This FSX title, African Airfield Adventures, includes scenery for a large part of Kenya with many small airstrips and a few medium airfields, but there is also an innovative mission system included. Using the missions you will be hired by the African Safari Charters and their dispatch office will send you on flights that range from simply picking up some tourist at a lodge to help safe wildlife. As you fly over the superbly modeled terrain you will have ample time to see the wildlife. From the big game to the huge flocks of pelicans in lake Nakuru. But do maintain your aircraft as bad maintenance will increase the chance of running into problems!

L-4 Floatplane For FSX Released

Posted: Friday, June 19, 2009 - 0:21
L-4's on floats were used in almost every theatre of operations in WWII, and their history parallels the wheeled versions in many areas. This expansion pack is designed to compliment the original wheeled L-4 package and both are stand-alone products. To learn more visit the Sky Unlimited website.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport Released

Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 0:53
FSDreamTeam is pleased to announce the release of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for FSX and FS9, with a license valid for use in both simulators. The scenery is available in Trial version, and can be freely downloaded from FSDreamTeam website.

A new exciting South Florida destination that has never been covered properly before, located in convenient location that can be reached easily by hundreds of important airports within short distance. As with previous sceneries, the FSX version comes with the new FSDreamTeam scripting engine, with YouControl features to control several scenery animations. Very high fully custom hires ground is included both in FS9 and FSX, and custom jetways using native FSX animations are featured as well.

New Aerosoft Releases

Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 0:49
Mallorca X for FSX and FS2004 - This scenery for FSX and FS2004 created by the developers of SimWings, does not only cover the two airports on the island, but covers the whole island with high definition mesh and textures (for FSX 50 cm textures are used for the whole airport). The airports use AESlite to make the vehicle traffic more realistic and the latest version of AES (version 2.02) covers the airports as well. A perfect destination for your European flights this summer!

Airport Enhancement Services 2.02 - AES has been updated to version 2.02. The new version solves a few issues but mostly adds a lot more FSX airports. Of course it includes the new Aerosoft products Lisbon X and Mallorca X, but also scenery from FSDreamteam, ImageSim and UK2000 are now covered by AES.

Airport Facilitator X v1.07 Available

Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 0:41
Flight1 is pleased to announce a new update for our Airport Facilitator X product. The new version introduces copy&paste functionality, improves the performance of the live preview and contains several bug fixes. Airport Facilitator X is an advanced airport editor for FSX and FS9 that lets you see your changes live in Flight Simulator.

PBY Catalina from Aerosoft

Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 1:51
Senior staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura looks at a WWII workhorse that was in production for the whole duration of the war and served over three oceans in various capacities: scout, sub-killer, search-and-rescue; the PBY Catalina from Aerosoft.

"The package comes with six basic models, with some types having additional variants. In addition to various types, there are also multiple liveries, not to mention user-contributed repaints. A lot of care has obviously gone into bump mapping the plane’s surface and weathering the textures."

"The chief modeler on this project was Stefan Hofmann, who’s Hughes Racer I reviewed about this same time last year. The Catalina has a larger, more complicated interior; but if anything, it looks even sharper than the Racer -- and it still gets high frame rates. Another feature that’s new in this model is an interactive checklist."

"The real Catalina was slow: slow cruising, slow climbing, and slow turning. All of this is reflected in the flight model. Also reflected are the influence of floats and cowl gills on drag. Frame rates for this product are on the high side: somewhat lower than the defaults, but higher than most payware, and very high for a model of this size and complexity."

"If you don’t mind slow -- and I’m referring to cruise speed, not frame rates -- the PBY Catalina is a very attractive package. What sets it apart isn’t any one feature but the combination of features and performance. It looks sharp, especially in the VC; it’s smart about trading detail for frame rates; and it’s affordable."