Updates from VERO-FS

Posted: Saturday, December 4, 2010 - 17:55
Free block of scenery - blocks 37117 and 37118 (10,00 sq km) with day and night variations and 2 airports (KMMH Mammoth Lakes, KBIH Bishop).

Silver and Gold Editions - The Silver package is the Non-Seasonal version which includes the daylight and the night variations. The ground textures of this scenery will be the same all year round. The Gold package is the Seasonal version which includes 5 different variations: Spring/Summer + Fall + Winter + Night + Hard Winter Light + Hard Winter Heavy.

Los Angeles (Silver) released - This is the non-seasonal package of Los Angeles (approx. 45,544 sq.km). This scenery will be visible in FSX all year round (365 days/year).

FTX Northern Rocky Mountains

Posted: Saturday, December 4, 2010 - 13:49
Orbx is pleased to announce the release of FTX Northern Rocky Mountains This is a vast new area adjoining FTX Pacific Northwest and FTX Pacific Fjords. Almost double the size of PNW, the region includes parts of Montana, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia and Alberta with key cities including Missoula, Edmonton and Calgary. You will experience beautiful terrain and brand new textures based on actual aerial photos taken over the region. The diversity of the terrain is stunning and majestic to fly over, and of course spectacular locations such as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are also depicted accurately. Just like Orbx FTX PNW and Pacific Fjords, we've given every single airport an upgrade with more accurate placement of buildings, hangars and objects. Additionally every single square mile of landclass is hand-made and all roads, rivers, lakes, power lines and vertical obstructions are included for accurate VFR flying. Finally, all textures are hand-annotated with brand new autogen. Over 340 airports have been upgraded! Continues coverage east from PNW & PFJ Superb new Matt Tomkins ground textures Hand-crafted landclass covers every mile Accurate roads, rivers, lakes, powerlines 10 & 20m Holgermesh for crisp definition Selected photoreal coverage areas Super accurate autogen annotation Features Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Spectacularly diverse terrain to explore. The perfect addition to Pacific Northwest. More information at the FTX Northern Rocky Mountains product page.

FriendlyPanels Beechcraft Baron 58

Posted: Saturday, December 4, 2010 - 13:30
FriendlyPanels announces the release of their Beechcraft Baron 58 2D panel, its main features include: -ASPEN EFD 1000/500 AND GARMIN GNS430 Navigation Instruments. -Virtual cockpit adapted to new gauges BENDIX KLN 94 GPS, GARMIN GNS530 GPS, BENDIX KX 165A NAV-COM RADIO, BENDIX KR 87 ADF, BENDIX KT 76C TRANSPONDER, Altitude Selector/Vertical Speed Selector/Alerter S-TEC ST360, S-TEC Fifty Five X Autopilot and different realistic Audio panels, etc... -two different GPS units: Garmin GNS 530 and Bendix KLN94.

QualityWings QWPAS Airline Specific Customization

Posted: Saturday, December 4, 2010 - 13:20
QualityWings is pleased to announce the release of QWPAS Airline Specific Customization for the Ultimate 757 Collection. This exciting new feature takes the QWPAS experience to a whole new level by adding real-life Safety Demonstration video sounds in place of the default QualityWings safety announcement. The QWPAS Safety Video is based on the airline you have selected. We have provided demos for 16 different airlines! In addition, another small change was made to QWPAS. This is a free download for existing customers and is included at no extra charge in all new purchases. More information can be found by visiting their Forum .

Just Flight/Just Trains Update

Posted: Friday, December 3, 2010 - 14:40
New Stand-alone Chopper Combat Sim - Fly attack, reconnaissance, escort and rescue missions in the lethal Apache AH-64 helicopter. Apache Air Assault - a new stand-alone combat sim - lets you fly a variety of missions around the world. Use laser-guided precision ground strikes and devastating rounds of explosive Hellfire missiles to take out high value strategic targets; defend civilians from heavily armed pirates; hunt down terrorists and take down enemy choppers in intense aerial combat! Apache Air Assault is on available by Download.

The Just Trains Collection - A very special Limited Edition boxed collection of Just Trains add-ons is now on pre-order.
The Just Trains Collection features six of the best add-ons for RailWorks 2 and RailWorks in a presentation box which also includes a beautifully detailed Mallard model made from coal dust and resin! This special collector's box includes the software CDs and printed manuals for Bristol to Exeter, Voyager, A4 Pacific Class, Newcastle to York Modern, Class 20 Collection and Class 60 & Freight Wagons. If you order before the 9th of December they can guarantee UK delivery in time for Christmas.

TropicalSim Release Bilbao Airport LEBB

Posted: Friday, December 3, 2010 - 14:10
TropicalSim has just released it's rendition of Bilbao Airport. Located in the north of Spain, the airport features some unique architecture and it's flightsim counterpart is no different, with a great "being there" factor. The scenery features FS9 and FSX version, with full night lighting, phototerrain with autogen, animated vehicles and other eye candies. For more information visit the TropicalSim Homepage .

Online FSX Tweaking & Tuning Tool

Posted: Friday, December 3, 2010 - 13:47
Jesus Altuve (aka Bojote) has launched a new online service that allows you to upload fsx.cfg files for analysis. The service will recommend 'optimal' settings based on hardware configuration and automatically offer you the option to 'apply' this settings to your fsx.cfg file. The service even keeps an online backup copy of your original fsx.cfg file in case you want to revert back the changes. You can try this new free service at Venetubo.com .

FScene Asia Update Released

Posted: Thursday, December 2, 2010 - 13:41
FScene has released an update to their FScene4X Asia package, the update contains 223 revised textures as a free download. 5 patches have been released to date covering USA&Canada , South America , Africa and Australia and New Zealand and now Asia. Get the revised night textures for free at the FScene Homepage .

MegaSceneryEarth(TM) Airports

Posted: Thursday, December 2, 2010 - 1:17
Announcing the launch of MegaSceneryEarth(TM) Airports. Focusing on the hundreds of small general aviation airfields that are scattered throughout areas covered by MegaSceneryEarth(TM) textures, MSE Airports invites you to get low and slow and explore these fields that normally just appear as simple runways that seem to run over roads and houses and forests.

MSE Airports fixes all that by creating scenery that is matched directly to the MSE ground textures - runways, taxiways, aprons, buildings and scenery objects are all properly aligned. The airport's surrounding area is filled in with scenery objects so you are encompassed by 3D scenery while on the ground and taxiing. Watch out for approach/departure obstructions that exist in the real world. MSE Airports is a freeware website that collects scenery developed under the above specifications and makes it available to the FS community in one easy to navigate location. Come and rediscover your MegaSceneryEarth(TM) scenery areas!

"10 Minute Taxi" on Sky Blue Radio

Posted: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 9:46
Sky Blue Radio has announced that they will carry the audio portion of “10 Minute Taxi”. The critically acclaimed video blog produced, directed and starring Shane “Archammer” Schmidt will air in pre-recorded segments throughout the day at intermittent points at the bottom of the hour. “10 Minute Taxi” begins airing on Sky Blue Radio this week. Sky Blue Radio broadcasts 24/7 around the world. Listeners can tune in to Sky Blue Radio by accessing our website at skyblueradio.com. Listeners may also tune in via their com 2 radios on 123.45 with their Wee Tune Beastie application available for download on their website. Also, they are available via Black Berry or iPhone through mobi.radiotuner.com/skyblueradio.

Harrier from PRE-Flight RC Simulator

Posted: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 9:41
PRE-Flight RC Simulator is pleased to announce the release of PRE-Flight Harrier II for free download. The McDonnell Douglas Harrier is the most successful VTOL jet in history - finding service in many countries - even finding its way into movies like "True Lies". Its unique rotating jet nozzles enabled Vertical Take-Off and Landing on any small field or carrier, allowing amazing versatility and scope of operations. This PRE-Flight model of the Harrier has high detail, fully working landing gear, rotating jet nozzles, VTOL capability, spinning turbine, and operational Maverick missiles (fire and reload using the action channel). It is also equipped with a special stabilizing feature which allows easier flying at hover. For free download, please visit PRE-Flight RC Simulator.

Aerosoft Updates

Posted: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 3:18
American Aerolites Falcon (FSX)- The two stroke, single cylinder engine seems to produce far more vibrations and noise then push. The noise is harsh and nasty, very much like a moped with an engine that has been worked on and its exhaust removed. Climb performance depends a lot the air around you. If you are in a downwards air column you are lucky to stay level. It`s without a doubt one of the least comfortable ways of air travel.

So the Aerolites Falcon is a rather special beast. Both in the real world as in FSX (as it is the first high-end ultralight ever created for FS) it is unlike other aircraft. Everybody who flew it wants to have one. And that's for the real aircraft and the superb model offered. When launched in the 1980's you could actually buy one; assemble it and fly it from your backyard without even having a driver's license. Those days are gone, but the Falcon is still the same aircraft, small, simple, safe and easy, but a total hoot to fly!

Mega Airport Oslo-Gardermoen X (FSX) - Oslo Airport, Gardermoen is the principal airport serving Oslo, Norway for Flight Simulator. It acts as the main domestic hub and international airport for Norway, and the second-busiest airport in the Nordic countries. In this role as an aviation hub for SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Oslo is Norway`s gateway to the world. The airport has been selected several times by the Association of European Airlines as the most punctual airport in Europe. The airport has two parallel roughly north–south runways 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) and 2,950 metres (9,680 ft) long, 71 aircraft stands, of which 34 have jet bridges.

This airport scenery has been modeled to the smallest of details including all buildings and airport institutions. Countless static and dynamic objects enhance the flair of a busy mega airport.

DC-3 Legends of Flight

Posted: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 0:48
Just Flight's DC-3 Legends of Flight has been developed exclusively for FSX and provides a selection of superbly detailed and historically accurate airliners in period liveries as well as USAAF C-47 and RAF Dakota transports. Also included is an AC-47 gunship and a flyable WWII Waco glider. this title is available as a download or a Boxed version.

DC-3 Expansion Pack - For those who wish to expand their DC-3 hangar, the Expansion Pack provides seven additional classic DC-3 airliner liveries, three C-47 aircraft, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota 'Pegasus' and the 'Spooky' AC-47 gunship. The Expansion Pack also gives you the ability to tow the Waco glider.

MyTraffic X Updated to V5.3a

Posted: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - 0:48
This update is FREE for current customers of MyTraffic X Professional V5.3. Although they call this a 'minor update', there are some wonderful new features included that will most certainly be very much welcomed by all current and new users!

How about the ability to create new AI aircraft while FSX is running AND the capability of assigning real-world flight plans to them? You can now control the AI aircraft yourself as if running a model railway! And what about the new tool to manage aircraft settings so you can better adapt them to the performance of your particular setup and PC? You can now tweak for performance by influencing effcts and graphical quality of your MyTraffic aircraft.

And while on the subject; you can now also turn on a special effect that will show a strobe light on aircraft that are still far away. With all these great additions, there is also a long list of 'regular' enhancements:

All new - FSX native - aircraft such as the Van RV6, Beech A36 Bonanza and Shengdu K8; Re-built from scratch to FSX SP2: Lockhed Tristar, Sud Aviation Caravelle and Bae Hawk; 100 updated airports; Many new paints, like for example Fly Dubai and Indigo; and updated flight schedules, based on October 2010 real world rosters

For customers still running an earlier version (below 5.3) the incremental upgrade will cost only Euro 14. MyTraffic X Professional V5.3 is available from simMarket as a download version.

XTOP Pro Flight Panel

Posted: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - 0:35
This new panel is formed by 2 parts, the panel and a ddisplay unit. It is attachable to a desk or to a simulator features
Some of the features include its ability to have up to 4 monitors placed in the display unit. It has its own 2+1 built-in audio system and the volume is adjustable via panel itself. All of the Saitek Pro Flights instruments work coherently and smoothly.
Good quality of leather is used in the frame with a very neat finish in metal construction with night mode available via amber led lights on the ceiling of the panel. Complete details can be found at the Simware website.

KORS Orcas Island Airport For FSX

Posted: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - 0:27
The Orbx duo of Andreas Hegi and Heiko Glatthorn respectfully pay homage to one of the most memorable airfields ever to grace FS2004. This FSX version of KORS Orcas Island faithfully recaptures the spirit and charm of the Orcas Island we all remember and love, but also dials up the details and definition to 11, providing the most spectacular version yet.

Discover not only the airport as it appears today, but explore the entire island, with resorts, old watchtowers, animated birdlife and orcas, keen fishermen, boating and much more. This is truly a wondrous island to add to your Orbx collection. Features include:
- Ground imagery at 15/30cm per pixel
- Beautifully modeled airport and village
- FSX gmax poly runway, aprons and lights
- Spectacular setting in the San Juan Islands
- Accurate watermasks for the shores & rivers
- Actual onsite photos taken by Orbx staff
- TextureFlow optimised and excellent FPS
- Custom GA AI Traffic movements
- POIs across Orcas Island

LLH-Heli for FSX

Posted: Monday, November 29, 2010 - 14:42
LLH Créations is proud to announce its latest release for alpine flying. LLH-Heli for FSX is a pack of four DZ for helicopter pilots. This scenery represents a new approach in development by pushing the realism to the limits of the FSX SDK, using very high resolution textures and bumpmaping technology. More info and screenshots are available on the LLH website.

KulusukX for FSX

Posted: Sunday, November 28, 2010 - 4:05
FlightSim Greenland announces the release of KulusukX for FSX. KulusukX scenery package is a mesh for Kulusuk area in Greenland, covering more than 8,822 Sq. miles. The mesh data is made from ASTER GDEM data. Tasiilaq Helistop (BGAM) and the terminal, Kuummiut Helistop (BGKM), Sermiligaaq Helistop (BGSG) and Timmiatmiut Helistop (BGTN) are added with helistops and additional buildings have been included. This release redefines land class for the area and strives to give a more realistic land class.

For more information visit the FlightSim Greenland Website .

Leonardo SH Maddog 2010

Posted: Saturday, November 27, 2010 - 17:34
Staff reviewer Eduardo Ocampo looks at the updated version of the Leonardo SH Maddog 2010. "There are many MadDog enthusiasts out there and Leonardo realised this some years ago. They decided to produce a high fidelity hard-core MD-80 simulation and hence the MadDog 2006 was born. By the time I flew it (having spent some hours flying the real MD-80 myself) I thought it was absolutely mind-blowing. Magnificent flight dynamics, superb systems simulations and very short of a fully functional cockpit. Given the level of similarity of this 2010 version with the 2008 and 2006 versions, I will primarily differenciate what’s new in this version."

"The visual model stays behind a little bit, especially in the nose section even though, in general, it is fairly well made. The same issues have existed since the 2006 version; the visual model has not been updated or changed since that version with the exception of the addition of both tail cone models, so if you are familiar with the MadDog, don’t expect something new on the visuals subject."

"Therecent addition of the VC (introduced shortly after the 2008 version, if I recall correctly) is one thing the add-on surely needed, especially for those who love the VC. The virtual cockpit is only available for the full EFIS panel. It sure is a joy to fly the Dog from this view. The graphics are very smooth in their operation."

"The 2D cockpit is the strongest single point in the MadDog, in my opinion. Summarised in one word: Awesome! The 2D panel is photoreal and you get the following fully functional panels: Upper overhead, lower overhead, pilot and co-pilot side consoles, throttle quadrant, pilot and co-pilot instrument panels, FMS, PMS (if applicable) and speed charts. The switches, the knobs, the indicators, the selectors, the handles, the buttons are all superbly modelled and their operation is the same as if one was seated in the actual airplane."

"The airplane itself is a joy to fly. The control is soft, it requires just a fair amount of input to get the desired result, hand-flying this thing on takeoff and landing brings a smile to your face. All in all, the Leonardo SH MadDog is one of the best simulations ever created. It’s an integral add-on; cockpit, flight characteristics, systems simulations, flight planning and its additional goodies like the differed maintenance items and the failure generator, they all add up to the experience. This product is a true landmark in the flight simulation world."

Mountain Flying In Switzerland from Vertical Studios

Posted: Saturday, November 27, 2010 - 1:21
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen heads for high ground with Vertical Studios' Mountain Flying In Switzerland. "Vertical Studios is pleased to announce the launch of their first series of Add-on Missions for Flight Simulator X, Mountain Flying in Switzerland. Designed by FAA certified pilot using actual flight paths, Mountain Flying in Switzerland includes detailed aeronautical charts of each departure, route, and arrival as well as real world voice actors to provide the most realistic flight experience available in FSX. The Add-on Missions also include complete FSX Nav Logs, Flight plans and GPS with programmed waypoints."

"The entire round trip takes over 2 hours to complete, but the missions are built as 3 separate parts, with each part lasting between 30 and 45 minutes. Experience all the beautiful scenery, including incredible views of the snow covered Alps and Lake Geneva."

"Basically, Mountain Flying in Switzerland is all about missions and what comes with it. Keeping the price of each mission in mind, I can conclude that these Vertical Studios missions are absolutely worth every penny. You’ll have a lot of fun flying these mixed French, Swiss and again French mountains."