August 2, 2008 - August 11, 2008

Best Video Cards For The Money

Posted: Monday, August 11, 2008 - 9:57
Tom's Hardware Guide has published its August 2008 edition of the regular: ‘Best Video Cards For The Money'.

"Detailed graphics card specifications and reviews are great - that is, if you have the time to do the research. But at the end of the day, what a gamer needs is the best graphics card within a certain budget..." says Don Woligroski, at the top of the feature.

Highlighting the ‘pick of the bunch’ across the entire price range, he takes a detailed look at the latest high-end single- and dual-chip offerings from both nVidia and Ati, together with a peek into the future at upcoming cards.

Older AGP cards together with laptop chips and SLI-combo's are also covered; so if you’re looking to upgrade your hardware, you may wish to check it out at: Tom's Hardware Guide and start saving those pennies.

Core 2 Duo's To Get Faster and 'Nehalem' Officially Named

Posted: Monday, August 11, 2008 - 9:52
Intel is planning to release its latest dual-core CPU model: the 3.33GHz Core 2 Duo E8600 and with it, an update for the existing E8500 and E8400 that will see their 'steppings' change from C0 to E0.

Indications are that the new E8600 has plenty of performance potential: overclockers in Taiwan managed to boot into Windows with an air-cooled E8600 clocked at 5GHz and reached 6.25Ghz using liquid nitrogen.

Both the (sub-$200) E8400/E8500 CPU's, have been popular with overclockers with some chips being capable of reaching 4GHz on air. As with the popular G0-stepping of the Core 2 Quad Q6600, the new E0 stepping should use less power, run at lower temperatures and will be available at a fraction of the cost of the extreme Quads. Whether these high-speed Core 2 Duo's will compete favorably in terms of performance and win the hearts of the flightsim community, remains to be seen.

In addition, the Intel Corporation announced today that desktop processors based on the company's upcoming new micro-architecture (codenamed "Nehalem") will be formally branded "Intel® Core™ processor." The first products in this new family of processors, including an "Extreme Edition" version, will carry an "i7" identifier and will be formally branded as "Intel® Core™ i7 processor." This is the first of several new identifiers to come as different products launch over the next year.

Initial products based on this micro-architecture are expected to be in production in the fourth quarter of this year. The processors will feature Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology, also known as simultaneous multi-threading, and are capable of handling eight software "threads" on four processor cores.

Although FSX may not be capable of taking full advantage of this technology, hopefully future iterations will be. Together with advances in DirectX, we can reasonably look forward to flight simulation looking and performing, even better.

Orbx Releases An FTX Airport

Posted: Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 16:28
Melbourne's Tullamarine International Airport is Australia's second largest in size and traffic volume and a major gateway for trans-Pacific, Tasman and Asian international flights. FTX AU YMML is a detailed major Australian airport designed for FSX, combining 1m/pixel and 15cm/pixel ground textures for a truly remarkable experience.

YMML features over 40km sq. of surrounding photoreal suburbs, industrial estates and townships, incredibly detailed custom GMAX modeling and texturing made from thousands of photos taken at the airport, full seasonal color variations, immersive approach and area lighting systems, Nose-In-Guidance systems for gates, inverse kinetic animated aerobridges and the choice of running YMML in FSX Native Mode or Gmax 15cm Poly Mode. In another Orbx exclusive, YMML features a custom set of Real Environment Xtreme (REX) airport environment textures specially made to match the YMML ground photos. This scenery is designed to compiment the Orbx FTX AU BLUE region pack released in March 2008. Visit the Orbx website for more information.

Instructional Review - "Learn The Mad Dog"

Posted: Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 4:52
Staff reviewer Angelique van Campen goes backing into training mode as she explores the instructional package "Learn The Mad Dog". "This time no aircraft, scenery or airport review. Now it’s time for a very nice, handy and educational product … the Learn the Mad dog DVD and associated Mad Dog study guide."

"The DVD offers more than 3.5 hours of visual information of how to handle and fly the MD80. Part I provides you with detailed instruction on how to operate the aircraft's systems and controls. Each system is covered extensively to ensure you understand the function and use. Part II applies those new skills and knowledge from preflight to shutdown in a special instructional demonstration. You'll watch from the jump seat as it takes you through a complete flight scenario and explain each system's use as well as different techniques."

"While virtually moving through the cockpit, you’re guided to the overhead panel, to the captain and/or co-pilot's panels, pedestal and every detail related to this MSFS model. In other words, not only in-depth system descriptions and/or system operations are handled but it's a total virtual presentation of the MD80 aircraft. Too much information? No problem, just rewind the lesson and start again."

"The quality of the manual is good, while some pictures are directly shot in the Maddog 2006 and are of an average quality but that’s because the Maddog 2006 2D bitmaps are not always that sharp, especially panel text. As long as I can see what it is and I'm able to read the panel text it’s ok for me. Some pictures are, however, taken from a manual or are pure graphics. Those are unbelievably sharp and a pleasure to see. Almost at the end of the manual you can check your skills/knowledge with 75 multiple choice questions. As indicated, the questions are only based on the Learn the Mad Dog DVD and study guide. My conclusion is that it is a good, nice looking and educational manual, which is worth the price."

Describing the Learn The Mad Dog package, Angelique says, "It's awesome. The narrators will help you with every detail and guide right up to the landing and parking at KMCO. It’s such a realistic and an in-depth program that this visual guide is really great and improves your learning curve."

FS-Cast B17-G Flying Fortress for Flight Simulator X

Posted: Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 3:03
Francisco Sanchez-Castañer of the newly formed development team of FS-Cast has captured the B-17G Flying Fortress in all its glory. This package is loaded with all of the bells and whistles one would expect from a dedicated FSX aircraft. These features include bump & specular maps, self-shadowing , working gun turrets, dropping bombs, and is designed for use with SP2/Acceleration. For a look at the aircraft and its features visit the hanger at SkyUnlimited.

Eaglesoft Cirrus SR22G2/G3 Turbo for FS2004 Released!

Posted: Saturday, August 9, 2008 - 11:33
Team Eaglesoft is pleased to announce the Cirrus SR22G2/G3 Turbo for FS9 is now available. The Cirrus SR22G2/G3 Turbo for FS9 provides users with a realistic Turbo performance along with all the latest features of the Cirrus SR22G3 Turbo. Outstanding performance in FS2004 and Cirrus GTS & GTSX Liveries make this one you will enjoy flying, for all the details visit Team Eaglesoft

Latest HJG Classic Jetliner Releases

Posted: Saturday, August 9, 2008 - 11:24
Announcing the arrival of HJG's great new classic jetliner files for FS2004/FSX. The new Boeing fleet/type representations this month feature B707-120B, -320, & -320B aircraft of a US tour/charter operator based in Germany during the early 1980's, B707-120B, -320B ADVC, & B720-020B aircraft of an Israeli supplemental carrier also from the early 1980's era and an ultra-rare B707-138B diplomatic transport currently owned by an African state government.

There is also B707-320(F) aircraft, 1 leased from a major British airline during the mid 1970's then briefly operated in a mega-rare hybrid Iraqi livery, and another used by a major US powerplant manufacturer for engine tests during the early 1990's. A new B707-320B ADVC's in the late 1980's livery of a major Greek airline, along with a lesser known operator from Kenya plus an attractively liveried diplomatic aircraft from Zaire of the late 1990's.

Find B707-320C's in 1980's liveries from Egypt and Libya, an aircraft operated by the cargo division of a major Brazilian carrier during the late 1980's, a colorful Miami based freighter which serviced Latin American routes throughout the early 1990's, and a diplomatic aircraft of a Middle Eastern state government and the mid 1990's.

Need more? How about a rare B720-020 operated by a US travel club during the 1970's, and 2 B720-020B aircraft, 1 used for engine flight testing by a major US powerplant manufacturer during 2003, and another featuring a rare executive livery from more recent times. There are new military textures for HJG's Boeing KC135-E, & -R aircraft include a USAF Tiger Meet livery from the late 1990's, and the 40th anniversary scheme applied to a French Air Force aircraft during 2004.

HJG's newest British Aerospace texture represents an attractive livery for an RJ100 aircraft briefly operated during the late 1990's by a prominent domestic carrier from Colombia. New textures for HJG's CV880's feature an early 1970's Delta Air Lines livery applied to a just few of that airlines aircraft, and a mega-rare CV880-22 AIRLIFTER operated by a Venezuelan freight carrier of the late 1970's. All of these and a great deal more are now available for "FREE" download from the Historic Jetliners Group

Carenado Going Exclusively FSX

Posted: Saturday, August 9, 2008 - 0:54
Due to some incompatibility issues with some aircraft with SP2/AP, Carenado has decided to develop its complete fleet from zero to be full FSX and DX10 compatible. Each new development will be a separate package specially developed for FSX and DX10 and will have all the new effects and features only achievable with FSX and DX10.

The first aircraft developed and released is the Piper Cherokee. This aircraft takes advantage of all the new features FSX and DX10 allow like cast shadows on VC, external dynamic cast shadows, normal mapping, specular mapping and bloom lights resulting in a completely new generation of Carenado products.

For fans of the FS2004 line of Carenado products, the current fleet will be maintained as is.

AlphaSim Goes Russian

Posted: Friday, August 8, 2008 - 22:03
AlphaSim have today released the Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark for both Fs2004 and FSX. This single-seat Russian attack helicopter, was designed in the 1980's amd adopted into service in the Russian army in 1995. If you like the idea of performing loops and rolls in a chopper, check out these features:

  • AlphaSim's 'RealGauge' technology aimed at enhancing in-cockpit framerates and gauge detail
  • Six texture sets depict both real and fictitious (but probable) liveries
  • A full-spec sounds package adds to the outstanding ambience offered by this cutting-edge FS model.
  • A comprehensive, fully-illustrated user manual in PDF format supplies all the information needed to fly this beast of a machine.
  • An expertly-crafted flight model depicts the unique Kamov contra-rotating rotor system to the highest level.

    Alphasim writes, "This is the FS addon for which fans of Russian aviation and helicopter enthusiasts alike have been waiting for!"
    Available now for: FSX (SP1, SP2/Accel) and FS2004 only. Check out the official Alphasim site for information on prices and screenshots.

    Just Flight Releases Demo And Video

    Posted: Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 18:43
    Scott Phillips at JustFlight has let us know they have released a video and a demo featuring their latest releases. The first is the Mosquito video. It's available as a high resolution (21Mb) version in a zipped file or you can view the streaming video.

    The Mosquito includes three classic Mosquito variants - the B. Mk IV, the FB. Mk VI and the frightening FB Mk XVIII Tsetse with its underslung flak gun. Built from wood and powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlins, the Mosquito was a formidable aircraft with the speed of a fighter, the manoeuvrability of a racer and the payload of a bomber.

    The second release is a demo the Real Scenery Airfield Denham. Denham is located to the west of London and has been a very well known GA (General Aviation) and training airfield for many years. The airfield includes all the major buildings that make Denham instantly recognisable to anybody who has visited it. A wholly new feature in this release is the appearance of snow on the ground during December and January. The features include:

    Aerial photography provides 100% accuracy of airport and surroundings
    Denham can be used with the default FSX ground textures or blends in perfectly with our VFR Real Scenery add-ons.
    Optimised for FSX
    All major buildings accurately modelled and located
    Ground snow texture available during December and January
    High resolution (10 metre) terrain mesh
    Custom night textures for ground and buildings
    Animated people, aircraft and vehicles
    Flocks of birds fly above the airfield!
    Unique tool for performance customisation

    FS Earth 5.2 Available

    Posted: Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 17:08
    Luciano Napolitano has let AVSIM know that FS Earth 5.2 is now available for download. FS Earth acts as a link between Flight Simulator and Google Earth, letting you follow a flight in real time over the satellite map generated by Google Earth. Version 5.2 has improved compatibility with Windows Vista and has new options to customize the flight map. For full details, please visit the official WideView homepage.

    Electronic Flight Bag (FSX) from FSWidgets

    Posted: Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 2:02
    New staff reviewer Peter Clemenko completes his glass cockpit with the Electronic Flight Bag for FSX from FSWidgets. "Electronic Flight Bag is an add-on that aims to add various handy applications to use in FSX. It includes a weather radar, internet functionality, flight plan details, charts, maps, checklists including audio, and the ability to read a manual in flight."

    "FSWidgets really did a good job with this program, it does include many handy features. So many in fact, it seems to have everything but the kitchen sink. It is also very nice to have in many situations, especially when trying to learn a complex aircraft. It is also very well documented and very easy to expand the content of the program. It also has the ability to be extended with a free Google maps plug-in."

    "The charts component is a gem. While it is easy to add more charts, I really would have liked to have been able to see more charts in the default install. The checklists utility is a handy little tool in its own sense. It really comes in useful while trying to learn and fly complex aircraft. The vector map is nice to have because it shows you what direction to go to get to your next waypoint. It also allows you to overlay a sectional chart over the areas and have that overlay the base map. That allows for better navigation."

    "The weather radar component is another gem. It allows you to pull up weather radar from the NOAA and other sources and uses that with real weather to determine the weather in your flight. The Nav Log is a really handy feature. It allows you to pull up the route of your flight and shows all sorts of important information like the distance from the start and the end of the flight via the waypoints. It also shows things such as bearing, distance, and altitude of the waypoint, and other things such as the ground speed and fuel used."

    "All in all, the Electronic Flight Bag is probably one of the handiest applications I could think of off the top of my head for FSX. It adds plenty of functionality that should not be left out if you value realism at all or even basic procedures. It has many things in it that are worth the price of admission. I would personally declare this a Must Have add-on."

    AFG Caravelle III Released

    Posted: Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - 5:41
    After several years in the making the Allied FS Group is happy to offer the Caravelle III for download. Featuring a detailed 3D model including all the normal animations you'd expect, a working 3D brakechute, no VC but a highly realistic panel with different versions according to the operator of the aircraft. You can find this freeware offering in the Avsim library.

    Super 80 Professional Released

    Posted: Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - 18:41
    Flight One Software and CoolSky have announced the release of Ultimate Airliners - The Super 80 Professional; a new addon product for MS Flight Simulator X.

    Ultimate Airliners - The Super 80 Professional is a complete aircraft and panel package which simulates the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 in detail. All systems in the aircraft are simulated with a high level of accuracy to make the experience as complete as possible. This package simulates the latest Electronic Flight Deck (EFD) cockpit upgrade given to the MD-80 series. It includes a full EFIS with FMS, TCAS, Systems Display Panel, Engine Display Panel, and many more advanced systems. Real MD-80 pilots will feel right at home and beginners will be able to completely learn the cockpit due to the interactive Integrated Cockpit Training System.

    The external model and Virtual Cockpit are fully featured, all designed in 3DSMax and are fully FSX/DX10 compliant. A full sound suite is also included with many audible cockpit sounds. There are also 330+ pages in the Aircraft Operating Manual accompanying this product to help you fully understand all the aircraft systems.

    The Super 80 Professional features the Integrated Cockpit Training System (ICTS). The ICTS is an interactive, in-flight training system designed to teach you how to operate the aircraft while in the cockpit, and it covers all stages of flight beginning from cold and dark. Whether you are a first time or seasoned simmer, jump straight into the cockpit and start flying now!

    The Training Center itself is the starting point for all interactive training. You will find training guides for the checklists, various procedures/operations, EFIS, FMS, and other complex cockpit systems. The Super 80 Professional also features the Automatic Aircraft Configuration (AAC) system. The AAC system will automatically setup the aircraft and all systems, for the selected phase of flight, at the click of a button.

    The package is shipped with many liveries. In addition to the default liveries, there are additional liveries by McPhat Studios featuring various operators from around the world. McPhat Studios specializes in creating weathered and worn looking aircraft with high attention to detail.

    You can get the product today at Flight1 or by visiting CoolSky. There is also a limited time discount if you are a previous Flight1/CoolSky customer of the classic Super 80. Information on the discount can be viewed on the main Flight1 Super 80 Professional product page.

    B-24 Liberator from AlphaSim

    Posted: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 20:09
    Staff reviewer Juan Llobera goes heavy with AlphaSim's B-24 Liberator. "The design concept was quite an advance for its time. With four 14-cylinder Pratt and Whitney supercharged R-1830-65 radial engines with 1000hp each, a tricycle landing gear (it was actually the first bomber to use it) and a twin tail and rudder assembly, the Model 32 became the allied forces warhorse (most of the US Air Force propaganda of the time featured the B-24 Liberator on it)"

    "The exterior model looks pretty well done. Decals on the airplanes are fantastic and the nose art is really well created. Animations include landing gear, Flaps, pilots, cowl flaps, prop pitch, crew, Bombs, national flag and waist gunner can be also selected/deselected via the VLE."

    "The 2D panel is a piece of art on its own. The color of the panel will give you the feeling that you are in an old piece of metal from WWII. Gauges are smooth and pretty much every single thing you’ll see is clickable. The 3D panel is also well done. Everything that was clickable on the 2D panel is available for you click on the 3D version of it."

    "Once in the air, the Liberator is a beauty to fly. Even in its full configuration, the Liberator will respond to the control commands instantly and surprisingly it's quite a maneuverable aircraft. This particular add-on is featured with turbocharged engines, though you may love to have some extra power during your take-off, flying a turbocharged airplane will not be an easy task considering external throttle peripherals will not work. Maybe the most admirable thing about the B-24 is how easy to land this giant is."

    Juan closes with, "the AlphaSim B-24 Liberator could easily become one of the favourites of those simmers recreating WWII missions or looking for a new meaning in the word “heavy”.

    New PRE-Flight RC Simulator Model Released

    Posted: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 18:05
    Download and fly this free PRE-Flight model which commemorates the launch of "Eve" - the first of a fleet of carrier aircraft which will be used to launch the SpaceShipTwo spacecraft. One of the unique design features incorporates a "simulator" into one of the twin hulls. The hull is laid out exactly like the SpaceShipTwo and will be used for space tourist training which includes a few seconds of weightlessness. This model is for PRE-Flight version 2.10 and higher. To download this and other models plus the PRE-Flight Demo, visit the PRE-Flight RC Flight Simulator website.

    Military AI Works Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

    Posted: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 17:56
    Military AI Works (MAIW) is celebrating their 2nd anniversary with "Wings of Gold Week" focusing on the men and women of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. They will be releasing an aircraft each day depicting various flying units from these two armed services. They would also like to thank the community for your continued support over the past year and look forward to bringing you more surprises heading into year three. Their aircraft can be found in the AVSIM Library, either searching directly or linked through the MAIW website.

    Project Opensky 777-200 V2 For FS2004

    Posted: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 17:41
    Project Opensky would like to announce the release of their Boeing 777-200 version 2. "This is to replace version 1 which has been with us since FS2000. Similar to the first version, which was the first aircraft to have an early flex wing system, version 2 introduces yet another wave of innovative features into the FS world. Created from scratch, this plane utilizes XML gauge controlled animation with backup animation mode. This allows users to fine tune the moving parts to their own liking. Other features includes reverser block doors, GSUs, and high resolution textures. The virtual cockpit created by Jacob Kubique will be released as a separate VC kit when it is ready and will NOT be included in this first release." Project Opensky shope you will enjoy flying this aircraft as much as they have enjoyed building it.

    KATL Atlanta Ready For FSX

    Posted: Sunday, August 3, 2008 - 18:10
    Imaginesim have released their seventh airport for FSX - KATL Atlanta. Customers who already own the FS2004 version get the FSX version free. There's also a free demo version to try. Full details can be found at the Imaginesim website.

    Space Shuttle Mission 2007™'s Next Mission

    Posted: Saturday, August 2, 2008 - 2:43
    The next mission for Space Shuttle Mission 2007 is STS-124. STS-124 started with an uneventful Discovery launch on May 31, 2008 commanded by Navy Cmdr. Mark E. Kelly assisted by Pilot Navy Cmdr. Kenneth T. Ham.

    STS-124 is one of the busier ISS assembly mission. It carried the Japanese ISS laboratory "Kibo". Kibo's size prevented the installation of the OBSS boom (for thermal tiles inspection) in the Shuttle's cargo bay. Instead, the Astronauts used the one left on the ISS by the previous STS-123 mission. During this mission, the Discovery and ISS crews installed and performed initial activation of the Kibo module, and tested the Japanese Remote Manipulator System. The mission included three long and complex Space Walks, testing the stamina, patience and professionalism of the EVA team – Mission Specialist Air Force Reserve Col. Michael E. Fossum and Mission Specialist Air Force Col. Ronald J. Garan Jr. The crew also included an Astronaut from the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - Mission Specialist Akihiko Hoshide. STS-124 concluded with a perfect landing at the Kennedy Space Center on June 14, 2008.

    In the best SSM2007 tradition, the STS-124 free add-on allows budding Virtual Astronauts to experience the launch, on-orbit mission including the deployment of the Kibo module, Space Walks and activities and return to Earth by manually landing the Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available for online purchase in downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website. The latest free Demo can also be downloaded at the same website.