SkyUnlimited P-38 LIghtning for FS-X

Posted: Sunday, September 27, 2009 - 14:03
Sky Unlimited now has released the long awaited series Legacy of the Sky: P-38 Lghtnings X.

These true FSX aircraft feature new custom smooth 3D gauges, enhanced interior and exterior textures, all of the features of our FS2004 versions, and native FSX features like self-shadows, bump maps, and DDS textures. Four Variants and 16 paint schemes are included. Learn more at SkyUnlimited.

LCSims MeshX North Carolina and West Virginia for FS-X

Posted: Sunday, September 27, 2009 - 13:58
Left Coast Simulations (LCSims) announces the availability of it's Terrain Enhancement line for Flight Simulator X. Available now are MeshX North Carolina and MeshX West Virginia.

LCSims' MeshX is more than "Yet Another Mesh Product", it's mesh and a whole lot more! This is a new method of improving the landscape within FSX, one that can proudly wear the title of Terrain Enhancement. Built upon a base of quality terrain mesh, MeshX goes further to improve the flying pleasure.

All airports within the state boundary are verified and those no longer in existence are removed. All airport locations are matched against aerial imagery for proper location and relocated as necessary. All airport elevations are confirmed using online resources and adjusted to reflect a more accurate setting where required. All airport boundary areas are redrawn to adhere to their real world format. Say Good-bye! to the large Welcome Mats in the default terrain. All airport boundary areas are blended to the surrounding terrain, reducing or eliminating the dreaded plateau effect introduced with higher resolution mesh products.

Available in 9.5 meter or 4.75 meter resolution, and with up to eight times the resolution of the default terrain mesh, MeshX's 4.75 meter resolution products are sourced from 3 meter laser (LIDAR) measured data, compiled in 32 bit format and with a fractional bit setting that renders greater fidelity to the vertical resolution.

But LCSims' MeshX products offer more than being just a mesh-only product. The old and tired excuses just don't cut it anymore. Roads cutting across airports, airports raised or sunken, airports sitting in a lake or a river. That was what was to be expected with a mesh-only product. Welcome to a new way of adding mesh, a new approach that goes beyond the old and tired. Instead of excuses, LCSims MeshX product line provides solutions. Offering a smoother, cleaner flight experience for the Flight Simulator X flier. Welcome to true Terrain Enhancement! More information and product preview pictures are available at the LCSims home.

FSX 737 Voice Commander V1.1

Posted: Saturday, September 26, 2009 - 0:32
FS2Crew announces at the FSX 737 Voice Commander has been updated to version 1.1. The update is built into the main installer, and is NOT available as a separate download.The official FSX 737 Voice Commander training and demo videos are now available on the new FS2Crew YouTube Channel.

Owing to a mutual customer base who strive for realism, FS2Crew has partnered with Capt Mike Ray to distribute his world-famous airline training manuals. Capt Ray's books are now available in the "Recommended Reading" category on the FS2Crew website.

Eaglesoft Citation X Extreme 2.0

Posted: Saturday, September 26, 2009 - 0:29
Eaglesoft Development Group releases their Citation X Extreme 2.0 with Full FMS and Navdata Service Upgrade for FS2004! This aircraft is released to market with their Navdata Service Upgrade enabled. FS2004 Citation X Extreme 2.0 now supports updateable Navigraph FMS Database under the Eaglesoft Banner which allows custom format Database updates providing the basis for SID/STAR routes and other complex flight planning routines going forward.
More information at the Citation X Homepage with Additional Citation X Extreme V2.0 information and Exterior/Panel/Interior Screenshots posted in their Citation X Extreme V2.0 Support Forum .

OZx Releases Tuscany Complete

Posted: Friday, September 25, 2009 - 15:32
OZx Releases North Tuscany Italy, this scenery package consists of one download but with 3 installers in it. One installer for the Elba, Pianosa and Capraia Islands, one installer for the North Tuscany region and one installer to add the HolgerMESH for that same area.

The North Tuscany Scenery covers the area of Pisa, Viareggio, Torre del Lago and the Versilia coast up till the Liguria region boundary. It also covers the wonderful Apuan Alps area, the airports for this scenery are LIRP and LIRJ, it is photoreal scenery created at a resolution of 1m/pixel, with autogen and enhanced nightlights, summer and spring seasons.

There are lakes and rivers with animated water, farms and rural environments, very picturesque cities, industrial areas and Pisa completely implemented, including its airport, special care was taken with the night textures adding diffusion light effects in the entire area.

This scenery package is free and available from OZx .

EFB for X-Plane 1.2

Posted: Friday, September 25, 2009 - 15:22
FSWidgets EFBXP (Electronic Flight Bag for X-Plane) Version 1.2 has been released adding many new features including support for the free GMap moving map system, X-Plane 8 and 9 compatibility, PNG weather image handling and support for systems with 120 DPI (Large Fonts). This is a free update for registered users. Pick up the new version or the free demo at FSWidgets .

Carenado PA-28-181 ARCHER II For FS9

Posted: Friday, September 25, 2009 - 14:59
Carenado releases the FS2004 version of it's PA28 181 Archer II, three models are included, with and without fairings and a mix of both, four different paints plus a blank texture give maximum detail and realistic textures and Original HQ digital stereo sounds recorded from the original aircraft.

GPS 295 installed in the interactive virtual cockpit, full moving parts, ailerons, elevators, rudders, flaps, rolling wheels and trim tab, and animated doors, sun visor, copilot seat and vibrating antenna, 3D modeled pilot , chocks, pitot cover, baggage area.

Custom VC panel and gauges, this model doesn’t have a 2D panel realistic light effects on gauges but does include built-in zoom gauges separate switches for instruments lights and dome light, toggle yoke.

Full checklist and reference text about the procedures, realistic performance compares to the real airplane with real weight and balance, Pilot, copilot and passenger views, visit the Carednado Homepage for further information.

Xtreme Prototypes Learjet 20 Series

Posted: Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 17:06
Xtreme Prototypes release their Learjet 20 Series add-on business jet package for Microsoft® Flight Simulator X, available now on CD-ROM or for download.

The classic Learjet 20 Series aircraft, nicknamed "fighters in civilian clothing" because of their sleek design and amazing performance were the first true executive jets and would forever redefine the way corporate America and the rest of the world did business.

The Xtreme Prototypes 20 Series for Flight Simulator X contains six variations of Models 24, 25 and 28 of the legendary business jet produced during the 1970s. Each highly-detailed 3D model is inspired from the real world aircraft and features many movable parts and high resolution textures.

The fully functional 3D virtual cockpit contains over 800 parts and more than 200 back and front-lit 3D gauges, lights, switches and flight instruments as well as custom visual effects and sounds.

Multiple camera views and a detailed flight manual (PDF format, in English and French) are included , this add-on package allows comprehensive procedural IFR flight, Xtreme Prototypes recognizes that not everyone has the time, patience or inclination to read, understand and learn a complete manual, which is why the Xtreme Prototypes 20 Series remains simple to operate, it's up to the user to decide which level of complexity they want to achieve.

The Xtreme Prototypes 20 Series for Flight Simulator X is compatible with FSX SP2, FSX Acceleration Expansion Pack and FSX Gold. Please visit Xtreme Prototypes to learn more.

SceneryTech Africa Landclass

Posted: Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 14:19
SceneryTech is pleased to announce the launch of their "Africa Landclass". This landclass features the same technology found in the previously released North America, Europe,Asia, South America, and Indo-Pacific landclass products, such as reduction of the pervasive use of desert textures as found in the default, a substantial increase in the number of towns and cities, and increased terrain variation.
It also includes the "Enhanced Slope Landclass" which activates smoother texture transitions on slopes, a feature not found in any other landclass brand. More information can be found at the SceneryTech website .

Cessna 172 1958 (FSX) from SimFlight3D

Posted: Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 1:28
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen reviews the FSX version of SimFlight's Cessna 172 1958. "According to the website, the developer has more than 15 years experience as a 3D modeler/animator in the video games industry. With this background and skill he started to create his own Cessna 172 from the year/model 1958."

"I must admit that the external model looks nice and is something different than we have seen before. The simulated model comes in four different flavors – a Springfield Flying Service (red/blue) painting, a green/yellow striped version, a striped orange model and finally a green layout. Looking at the entire simulated light units like navigation, tail and the strobe light on the top of the vertical fin, it all looks very nice but above all very realistic. One last note especially for the landing and taxi lights. These lights are mounted within the left hand wing leading edge and the way it’s integrated into this looks great. I must be honest with you; the complete external model expresses a highly crafted 3D looking replica of the 1958 Cessna 172."

"Flying from within the VC is much more fun than from the old fashioned 2D cockpit. The basic virtual cockpit option allows you to swing and move though the cockpit and covers all predefined settings. Apart from the default instruments, it also offers the default GPS equipment, which was not available in these models in those days. For me the 2D panel is not fun to look at. The digitalized static images on the RH side of the panel are not the same as on this 2D panel. There’s no pop-up window available for showing some simcons that allows you to request additional sub-panels except that via the FSX menu Views – Instrument Panel, you’re able to select the GPS (and of course the Main Panel) panel."

"I assume that the airfile is new and thus unique for this 1958 model. Taxiing doesn’t go that easy but this could be due to many things not related to the aircraft. Constant corrections are needed to keep it level or to fly on a certain heading unless there is no wind at all. Altogether I liked the flight, but I can’t judge if the flight dynamics are the same or close to the real 1958 Cessna."

"The external Simflight3D Cessna 172 1958 looks very nice. The cockpit panels are very basic however, that’s the reality from this Cessna model of these days so there’s no reason for me to complain but the fact that some default FSX instruments are used, because of this, I may complain. The sound file(s) – except for one – are used from the default FSX C172 Skyhawk. When you’re looking for a completely different Cessna 172 aircraft model, then Simflight 3D offers it."

Yakolev Yak-52 for FS2004 Released

Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - 0:27
The radial-engined Yak is a firm favourite with warbird enthusiasts in the GA flying club scene around the world. The AlphaSim Yak-52 was deliberately made with close attention to detail, not least in the cockpit, such that a real-world Yak flyer would feel right at home. Both front and rear cockpits have been recreated to the same high level of detail. The exterior modelling does not fall short either, meticulous effort went into getting the quirky pneumatic undercarriage just right, and both solo and tandem flights are possible with a model depicting each. One of the truly outstanding features of this package are its sounds - TSS pulled out all the stops and made a truly outstanding soundset, a sub-woofer is a must !

The FS2004 version has been released first - it's ready so why keep all the FS9-ers waiting ? Over the coming days AlphaSim will finish off the FSX version, which will be the true measure of this great model with its 2048-pixel texturing and detailed bump maps. Although only two paint schemes have been included, there are more on the way, these will be released for both sims when the FSX version is ready (FSX version available at no extra cost to FS2004 users). There are also plans for a further version which will include the 3-blade prop and more powerful engine.

ATCsimulator2 - Widescreen

Posted: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - 12:42
ATCsimulator2 - Widescreen Patch now available. The ARTS-IIIa mode of operation in the ATCsimulator line of products, has always been limited to regular 4:3 aspect monitors. A patch has been created to allow for running the very nostalgic and popular ARTS-IIIa mode in 1280x800, 1440x900 or 1680x1050 modes, normal(96 dpi) and large(120 dpi) font modes. ATCsimulator2 build 3.3.016 or later is required. Earlier product customers can upgrade (with proof of purchase) for a small fee. The patch can be downloaded free from the ATCsimulator2 Homepage .

Rise of Flight: The Great Air War

Posted: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - 1:29
Senior staff reviewer Jeff Shyluk straps on his "kite" and takes to the air in wood and fabric while exploring Rise of Flight: The Great Air War from Russian developer "neoqb" and distributed by Aerosoft. "In Rise Of Flight you jump into the cockpit of a state-of-the-art fighter craft, or at least what was state of the art in 1918 near the gruesome climax of World War One (WWI)."

"Four user-flyable aircraft from 1917-1918 are included in the game, with the option to purchase more. Two aircraft belong to the Allies, while two fly on the German side. Each aircraft is distinctive in terms of looks, sounds, and handling. The aircraft are masterworks of virtual aviation, with realistic paint jobs, detailed cockpits, and beautifully rendered dynamic highlights and shadows. The sense of real flight is phenomenal."

"Brutal dogfights dominate the action in Rise Of Flight, as you are plunged into a desperate battle for your life and your country. The war front is never far away, a massive grim by-product of the clash of nations. Although you soar like a bird over the mud and the trenches, your life is only worth the cost of a single well-placed bullet."

"There are several ways to fight WWI in Rise Of Flight: as a raw recruit, you can fly a series of engaging training exercises; you can test your mettle in pre-rendered historical missions; you can attempt to survive a dynamic career mode; and you can challenge other human pilots in on-line multiplayer combat. Missions rage from pure dogfights for aerial superiority to suicide runs against well-guarded targets like balloons and aerodromes, to ground assaults against tanks and other vehicles, to the defence of all of the above against a cunning and implacable enemy. The sim looks and sounds absolutely beautiful, and it runs smoothly and without major bugs for most users."

"The enemy artificial intelligence (AI) understands the quality of each airplane, and will use their strengths against your weaknesses. They are capable of a wide range of deadly combat manoeuvres. If you master the AI, you can always try your skill against human competition in multiplayer."

"Overall, I feel that Rise Of Flight fills a valuable niche in the flight simulator world. There are not very many great new combat flight sims any more, let alone many that are set in WWI. There are parts of Rise OF Flight that truly raise the bar for excellence in flight simulation."

New: LGT II from GoFlight - Available at the Avsim Store

Posted: Monday, September 21, 2009 - 21:15
The GF-LGT II from GoFlight is designed after the popular GF-LGT module, but features a greater range of controls to make your simulated flying sessions more realistic than ever.

The GF-LGT II features AILERON and RUDDER trim, locking Gear Up / Down lever, a more robust Flaps Control switch, and a generic 3-position toggle switch that can be programmed for various functions such as fuel tank select.

Gear position is shown on the panel using three dual-color LEDs, which illuminate green when gear is down and locked, red when gear is in transition, and turn off when gear is up and stowed. GoFlight LGT II
Visit the Avsim store today.

SSM2007 Service Pack 4.05

Posted: Sunday, September 20, 2009 - 20:45
Exciting Simulations has released Service Pack 4.05 for the Space Shuttle Mission 2007 simulator, it includes changes to the Digital Auto Pilot configuration modes, a new HUD auto-declutter mode during the final flare, and minor fixes.
SP 4.05 can be downloaded from the official Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Website , the Service Pack is free for registered users.

Piper Seneca II from Carenado

Posted: Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 18:46
Senior staff reviewer Bert Pieke looks at another GA aircraft from Carenado, the Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II. "The Seneca was developed as a twin-engine version of the Piper Cherokee Six. The prototype was a Cherokee Six that had wing-mounted engines installed, retaining its nose engine. This is the first twin to be released by Carenado, who have a reputation for releasing well built GA single engine add-on aircraft."

"I really enjoyed flying the Seneca. The cockpit is in the “well worn” style with none of the “straight from the factory” looks, and this immediately caused me to look in my avionics grab bag for some upgrades from the 70s instruments that are part of the package. If you have a less powerful system, the Carenado Seneca may be worth a try, since it requires less horsepower to run."

"This Seneca has a very well done exterior with all the bits and pieces you might want. The control surfaces move, the pilot is nicely animated, and the little antenna vibrates and moves in the wind. The cockpit is nicely done, with rounded corners and nice textures wherever you look. A click removes the yoke which I appreciate. The night lighting is quite pleasing. With both the dome light and the instrument lighting on, it creates a nice subdued lighting effect which does not take away from the ambient lighting in the scenery."

"The Carenado Seneca is a really well built FSX add-on. It looks like a real life 1970s Seneca, scratches, dents and all. The instruments are the original units, but can be replaced if the owner wants to do an avionics upgrade. This is an airplane I'll be flying often."

FS9 Boeing Jets, Widescreen Panel Pack, v1.0

Posted: Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 18:00
Did you ever wonder why the MSFS franchise didn't include widescreen panel support for its 2-D panels? FS9 is arguably the best Flight Simulation product to date, but for whatever reason Microsoft chose not to add widescreen monitor support for the use of any of its 2-D panels. Instead, the FS enthusiast ends up with "stretched-out" versions of default panels when viewing them on widescreen monitors. The ability to open an easy to read 2-D panel is still a favorite way to fly for many that use Flight Simulator... if only they came with widescreen support.

SkyDecks Panel Design has now released a widescreen solution for three of the most popular 2-D panels used in FS2004. The Boeing Jets, Widescreen Panel Pack contains widescreen panels that brings new detail and realism to the widescreen 2-D panel environment. Included in the package are the Boeing 737-400, the Boeing 747-400 and the Boeing 777-300. With detailed panel backgrounds and the utilization of many standard gauges, the newer widescreen versions of the Boeing airliners are true replacements for the default 2-D panel configurations found within FS9.

Not only do they look good, you’ll find that our newer widescreen panels can be used and function just the same as their 4:3 originals, along with some value added points as well. At installation, you’ll have the option of using one of two aspect ratios for widescreen monitor support: 16:10, 1440 x 900 (1.6:1) or 16:9, 1920 x 1080 (1.78:1). The 16:10 configuration is most popular for widescreen computer monitors, while 16:9 is used with most HDTV monitors.

For additional details and product screenshots, please visit the newly remodeled SkyDecks website.

Commercial Level Simulations Offers A New Service.

Posted: Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 17:23
With CLS's Repaint Service you can now get the repaint of your choice on one of our aircraft. The requested livery can be a real world livery, but also a virtual airline livery. Infact, CLS can even design the livery for you. For example, CLS can design a livery for a Virtual Airline. Have a look at their website for more information about this Repaint Service.

Captain Sim "757 Captain" V2.2 Released

Posted: Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 16:57
The 757 Captain (-200, -300, Freighter) upgraded version 2.2 for FS9 is now available and includes a multitude of new features, fixes and enhancements.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Abacus

Posted: Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 0:57
Staff reviewer Tim Capps climbs aboard the newest airliner from Boeing with Abacus' Fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. "The real Boeing 787 has yet to fly. The 787 was originally supposed to fly way back in 2007, but that has been delayed five times now, the last coming just after Boeing officially announced at the Paris Air Show that it would fly July 1st, 2009."

"If you have been following the 787 saga, you have a pretty good idea what to look for. Swept wings with raked tips, a smoothly tapered nose that is much less blunt than the cigar-like 767, and scalloped engine nacelles meant to reduce noise. Abacus got the nose badly wrong, giving the whole airplane a much more conventional look. The skin is smooth as extruded plastic, and polished to a high shine."

"Inside, there is a cabin that is long enough to give a sense of what a ride in the Dreamliner might look like. The visual details, such as first-class seating, are pretty basic. The flight deck itself captures the Star Trek: Next Generation aesthetic of the real 787. The seats are white pod-like affairs, and the overhead, though vastly simplified, retains the curved lines of the new airplane."

"The cockpit of the real 787 has twice as much glass as the 777, with five 12 x 9 inch screens. This is one you will probably want to fly from the 2D panel, even if you normally prefer the virtual cockpit. The head-up display is extremely basic, but has the virtue of being removable from the 2D panel with the click of a button. The virtual cockpit is, in this reviewer’s opinion, not eye-pleasing once you take your seat."

"This is a basic aircraft best started up with ctl+E, as trying to use realistic start procedures will only be confusing. Gear up seems to be the cue for your wings to flex, and results in something pretty special in the air. Overall, flying was satisfactory once a few automated flight quirks were learned."

"Abacus' Boeing 787 looks very much like a real 787 from many angles, although the nose in profile is best avoided. The graceful flexed wings are particularly well-done and unusual in flight, regardless of how they may look on the ground. The 2D panel appears to be a serious effort to accurately represent the big screens of the 787. With some work on the external 3D model, this aircraft could be more worthwhile for many simmers interested in the 787."