German Airfields 1 - Island Hopping from Aerosoft

Posted: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 5:37
Senior staff reviewer Bert Pieke heads back to a place of his childhood as he looks at Aerosoft's German Airfields 1 - Island Hopping. "Because these airfields are situated on a string of narrow islands off the northwest coast of Germany, Aerosoft made the fortunate decision to not just package up the airfields, but also the islands."

"Immediately obvious is the great detail with which this scenery is crafted. All the airport buildings are custom designed and additionally, there are cars and people to complement the airfield. The custom objects, houses, trees etc are so well done and so carefully placed, that it is a real pleasure to look around and admire the scenery. As you fly from island to island, you notice that there is no simple repetition of scenery from place to place, but that each airfield is custom designed with taxiway textures, runway lights, and buildings etc, to match the actual location."

This quick tour of German Airfields 1 is summed up with, "This is a truly enjoyable scenery package. I was expecting an impressive product and was not disappointed. The area looks exactly the way I would expect these islands to look; wind blown and rugged, perfect for some peaceful time away from the big city. The authors have produced another winner in my books!"

FSNightingale 1.0 Released

Posted: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 17:33
FSNightingale announces a new tool for multi-screen flight simmers. Paul Wareing of FSNightingale writes, "You’re nearing your destination. You want to have a look for the Visual Reference Point that marks your entry into the CTA, you want to because you can, because you’ve got the scenery that can. So you press ‘W’ - world view. You need to take a look at your IAS so you can lower your flaps, so you press ‘W’ - instruments. You need to check your position on your downwind leg. You press ‘W’ - world view. You need to check your prop RPM. You press ‘W’ - instruments."

Paul continues, "Ok, ok, but you see my point. ‘World view’ has always been a frustration of mine. I don't want to keep hitting ‘W’ to make a choice between instruments with a porthole view of the world outside, or a clear view of the sky but with no instruments."

FSNightingale displays your aircraft instruments on a second PC, allowing you to run your FSX or FS9 PC, whatever your setup, in full screen mode all of the time. Best of all, it's free!

For more information, or to grab the download, head over to FSNightingale.

Abacus Adds Boats

Posted: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 17:24
Over the years, more than 100,000 flyers of the Flight Deck Series by Abacus have discovered the challenge of aircraft carrier based flying. With so many of these users clamoring for even more carrier excitement, Abacus is now launching Carrier Strike Force featuring three new allied carriers and three powerful aircraft.

Aviators will operate from the deck of three international carriers: USS Bonhomme Richard; representing the USA, HMS Illustrious; representing the United Kingdom, and Charles de Gaulle; representing France. In addition to the new boats, you'll also get some new aircraft: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, AV-8B Harrier II, and the Rafale M.

Flyers will use the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of the F-35 and AV-8B to operate from the USS Bonhomme Richard and HMS Illustrious. They'll use catapult/recovery to operate from the Charles de Gaulle. As a bonus for FSX users, they'll find additional challenge of taking off and landing on a moving deck based on our accurate 3wireX trapping and also engage in exciting missions. FS2004 users will also enjoy launch and trap with steam catapult / recovery system and fly mini -missions. For more information, visit the Carrier Strike Force Page at Abacus.

UK2000 Scenery/VFR Airfields Has A New Website

Posted: Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 22:12
In a news release received this afternoon Gary Summons of UK2000 Scenery has launched the new website for the upcoming 'VFR Airfields for FSX' Product range. VFR Airfields for Microsoft FSX Simulator is a new product that brings you UK Airfields and airports to a new level of detail. 3D models designed to match the actual airfields buidlings with realistic textures. This project is being developed with in co-operation from Horizon Simulations to correct and blend in the actual airfield photographic images. For more detailed information set your GPS direct to the UK Scenery website.

Mooney M20 by Carenado

Posted: Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 20:36
Contributing reviewer Chris Khiel looks at Carenado's Mooney. "The Mooney M20 is known to be one of Al Mooney’s most successful designs. Aptly named as the M20 series because this was Mooney’s 20th design that has been produced for nearly fifty years in a number of different variations."

"The main 2D panel and sub-panels from Carenado are always decent, and these latest panels for the Mooney are no exception. The 2D panel is very clear, concise, and looks almost exactly like its virtual counterpart. The VC is remarkably well done and detailed without heavily impacting performance. You won’t find yourself bored in this cockpit as you are able to click nearly every important flight control."

"This package shines as every minute detail is represented nicely. Four texture sets are included and give you a pleasant range of very realistic Mooney's to fly. One of the four included textures is a blank white livery with no tail number; must be kind of a ‘factory fresh’ look."

"The flight dynamics here are very skillfully done by people who must have some good hands-on time in a Mooney M20J, or very similar ship. Doing some advanced or flight training maneuvers, the Mooney seems to behave itself just as you would expect. The sounds included seem right on for this engine type. With a very deep and throaty sounding engine and a subtle but great prop effect at idle, it sounds like you're sitting at an airport with a Mooney taxiing by. For the level of detail, this aircraft barely hits your system harder than the default Cessna 172."

Concluding his review of the Carenado Mooney, Chris says, "It’s just hard to find things wrong with any Carenado aircraft, as they’re usually “Grand Slams”. This aircraft is no exception. If you’re a die hard Mooney Fan, then I can’t imagine missing this package."

AlphaSim F-105D Thunderchief

Posted: Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 12:11
Republic Aviation's famous fighter-bomber by AlphaSim released. In a news submission sent to Avsim today AlphaSim details the features: four texture sets (both camo and bare-metal schemes) as well as SIX loadout options, FSX and FS9 versions are available for a single price, custom animations for the famous F-105 tail 'petals' provide the various positions of these large appendages and a working drag chute, 2D panel suite, large authentic instruments and custom pop-up panels. The v-c has every switch and knob of the real machine, self shadowing too for SP2/Acceleration users, A custom soundset is inlcuded. For full details visit AlphaSim

Mi-28 "Havoc" from AlphaSim

Posted: Friday, January 18, 2008 - 3:00
Staff reviewer Marc Radford climbs aboard another AlphaSim product, this time it's the Mi-28 "Havoc". "The Mil Mi-28 Havoc is Russia’s 2 seat armoured attack helicopter, with a primary role to accompany both the Mi-24 Hind, and Ka-50 Hokum."

"AlphaSim is offering three highly detail texture models in this package, each with their own unique realistic weathering effects. AlphaSim offers a number of features you would expect from a high quality developer, but there are a few features worth noting like the animated gun turret that moves with the pilots head, animated landing lights, faint smoke trail effect, custom ground dust effect, and the infamous HUD option in the 2D Cockpit."

"AlphaSim has done a great job with the Mi-28 Havoc. It is a real pleasure feeling both the speed and agility of this modern military attack helicopter. The specifications for the Mi-28 are impressive, but nothing can compare to the amazing acrobatic abilities allowing maneuvers like rolls, full back slips, vertical climbs, and changing direction on a dime."

Marc takes you on a descriptive flying tour, from takeoff to landing in the Mi-28. He continues with, "In my experience, AlphaSim always delivers high quality visuals, and somehow they always run great with next to no FPS impact at all; this also includes the normally FPS hungry VC. The Mi-28 Havoc is no exception. This helicopter runs great no matter what view your using or the amount of geometry on the ground."

Summing up this helo, "AlphaSim’s Mi-28 "Havoc" is a great helicopter. Adhering to their high quality standards and with so many nice things in this package, it's hard not to recommend it. The Mi-28 boasts so much technology and agility, it makes flying this attack helicopter, for the most part, quite easy and intuitive; however I still find the landings offer a nice rewarding challenge."

Wanted - Your Voice

Posted: Friday, January 18, 2008 - 0:58
OnCourse Software are looking for new voice authors to expand the number of voice packs available within their popular ProFlight 2000 Emulator (PFE). Successful applicants will receive a free copy of PFE Deluxe *PLUS* a free download on any FS add-on of their choice from Aerosoft. Those interested should checkout the free downloads post at the PFE support forum right here at AVSIM.

FsDreamTeam Zurich 1.3 Upgrade

Posted: Friday, January 18, 2008 - 0:56
This scenery program has been updated with the following enhancements:
- Fire Brigade training airplane position corrected
- Added some control buildings in the Fire Brigade area
- Buildings added around the Radar Tower
- Engine Test structure added in the General Aviation area
- Perimetrical walls added in the General Aviation area
- Corrected a problem with emissive texture in DX10 for the runway holding zone lights
- Fixed the shadows for the Open dynamic vehicle (FS9 only)
- Changed the logo for the ground handling operator on all ground vehicles, reflecting real world acquisition of the former Jet Aviation by Dnata

Plus there is an improvement to the Add-on Manager, the Installer and the re-install procedure. For full details owners and interested fliers are requested to head over to the FsDreamTeam website.

FSMap For FSX Released

Posted: Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 14:15
AEROSOFT has released FSMap today. This addon for FSX (and FS2004/FS2002) brings your paper charts into the digital age. Written by Thomas Molitor who is also well known for FS Flight Keeper.

FSMap is an application that brings paper charts into the digital age. It consists of two parts that can be used separate or together; the main FSMap program and the FSMap gauge that will be part of your aircraft panel. Both can function as a Moving Map with additional features like TCAS etc.

FSMap features:
· Fully licensed VFR charts for Austria, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland included.

· Extensive map filtering for a type for maps (General, IFR, VFR, Airport).

· Loads default FS flight plans and displays them on top of the charts.

· Every chart you have in bitmap format can be imported, from large scale enroute charts to the most detailed taxi charts (for example all USA sectionals and airport charts found here on Avsim).

· Can import maps from FSMoving Map.

· Shows ALL traffic and controllers from IVAO and VatSim in real time.

· Options to export regions to share with others.

· Easy to add and calibrate charts so they can be used.

· The gauge can be inserted into any panel using very easy interface (no editing of panel files needed).

· The FSMap application connects to FSX using SimConnect, FS2004 and FS2002 connect via FSUIPC (registered version required).

· The FSMap application can be run on a separate computer using SimConnect for FSX or WideFS for FS2004 and FS2002 (registered version WideFS required).

· Trial version available (fully functional for 30 days and only covers Germany West).

For more information please visit Aerosoft.

ATC Radar for FS2004/FSX now available

Posted: Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 0:19
Eric Marciano is pleased to announce the availability of a new ATC Radar for FS2004 and FSX. This module lets the user see the AI traffic, or the other player aircrafts during FS multiplayer sessions and IBNet sessions. It can be used for civilian ATC or military control, to guide the pilots along their route or guide the jet fighters to intercept potential hostiles. It is based on the same technology as the award-winning GDI+ Radar Gauge v2.0. Visit Eric Marciano for more information.

LLH5 Courchevel for FSX Released

Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 21:53
In a press release today, Eric Majeraz said "The LLH5 Courchevel scenery is now available for Flight Simulator X, features include the famous 18.5% sloped runway, and native coded FSX buildings and objects. Also improved are the textures, which are now reworked to improve clearness; complete with seasonal variations and are fully compatible with 'Base pack Alpes du Nord' from FranceVFR" Pilots who seek a challenge are cleared to the direct to LLH5 Courchevel.

SceneryTech release Asia Landclass

Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 5:31
SceneryTech is ringing in the New Year with the launch of their "Asia Landclass" (the 3rd continent in a set of 6) covering everything between Turkey in the west to Japan in the east. This landclass features the same technology found in the previously released North America and Europe landclass products, such as reduction of the pervasive use of desert textures as found in the default and a substantial increase in the number of towns and cities. It also includes the modified slope landclass which activates smoother texture transitions on slopes, a feature not found in any other landclass brand. Head over to SceneryTech for more information.

A6 Intruder from Alphasim

Posted: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - 4:24
Senior staff reviewer straps on one of his favourite military jets as he joy rides around in Alphasim's A6 Intruder. "This aircraft saw service in the military from the early 60’s to the late 90’s and proved itself well as an integral part of the Military machine. Alphasim has once again come through as being one of the first to release a payware package of this type, personally though, I think it is a long time coming."

"The base package of the Intruder comes with six model variations and 4 detailed paints that include both loaded and clean models of the aircraft. Now, if you are looking at the Expansion Pack, you will get another 5 variations with four more historically accurate paints bringing your overall total to 11 different aircraft and 8 different squadron paints to choose from. The exterior model of the A-6E in both FSX and FS9 is highly detailed and looks really good in FSX. All of the traditional moving parts are visible on the aircraft as well as detailed payloads that change depending on which model you choose to fly. Another nice visual feature of this package is that the aircraft have a weathered and used look to them, not a new flashy paint job."

"I was really impressed the first time I climbed into the cockpit of the A-6. It had a very authentic feel and I was anxious to see what it had to offer system wise. Although it does include all of the necessary equipment to fly the bird, it doesn’t model individual systems and most of the buttons and switches in the virtual cockpit are there for aesthetic value rather than serving a purpose. I have also got to add that the 2D panel looks very good and was designed using all in XML. If you can get yourself away from the Virtual Cockpit, the 2D does deserve a look see, but I can’t imaging flying an aircraft like this without the virtual cockpit."

"Oh, you just got to love the sound of an A-6 Intruder! There is no other jet that seems to sound like it and I think the folks over at Alphasim have captured the exterior sound of the A-6 remarkably well. I was impressed with the sound of the aircraft from the inside as you roll down the runway for takeoff; you actually hear the components in the cockpit rattling."

Wrapping up his "Flight of the Intruder", Gene comments, "This aircraft is a matter of taste. If you like flying military jets and have an affinity for the Intruder like I do, you will probably want it. Aircraft like the A-6 excel in this sim because they are designed native to FSX and this product really shows off in that environment, especially when it comes to simulating speed at low altitudes. But without the complex system modeling you really have to look at what you are getting for your buck."

Forest Scenery For X-Plane Updated

Posted: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - 0:56
After previous release of forest scenery for X-Plane, a new era has begun after Laminar Research came out with their new X-Plane version 9. The new simulator also comes with a new Global Scenery, which made it necessary to upgrade our forests too (as they have to be harmonized with a global scenery). We also took the opportunity, to not only re-cut scenery files, but also completely overhaul the artwork, like the textures and the forest definition files (which was done by Albert Laubi). This brings X-Plane 9 to a new level of realism. X-Plane 9 itself already brings its own, native forests, but they are much more general/less realistic (because of missing climatic localization) in their looks, and are far less detailed (because of the much rougher raw data they are based on). And as our forests are still free, everybody can try it out for themselves. Complete details and screenshots can be found at the alpilotX website.

InCabin Browser Now Available

Posted: Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 22:14
Surf the Internet, read the html help on how to use the GPS while you are actually using it, watch the latest YouTube Flight Sim video, or read pdf files or other useful file formats to pass the time on that long haul. All from within the comfort of your FSX or FS9 airplane cabin. Get your In Cabin Browser and make those long hauls seem shorter.

Cessna Citation CII Expansion Pack for FS2004

Posted: Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 20:34
Team Eaglesoft, is pleased to announce that their Cessna Citation II Expansion Pack for FS2004 is now available. Complete details can be found on the Eaglesoft website.

France VFR Releases Flight Paris CityPack

Posted: Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 20:30
France VFR is proud to announce you the release of the 3rd pane of the Flight Paris Scenery: Flight Paris CityPack – that comes as a complementary photo-realistic scenery to the FlightParis Basepack (required) and the 3D autogen objects of the AutogenPack.

This new production in an urban style is modelling the principal monuments of Paris, with all of its bridges as well as the helicopter platforms on the buildings of the Capital. With its helicopter, canal boat, hot-air balloon, smoke animations and the night textures, soaring above the French capital becomes a fancy Flight-seeing, as you have never seen before.

This add-on provides you a great number of 3D objects meticulously placed on the photo-realistic textures of the BasePack and are perfectly integrated within the buildings and vegetation already present in the Autogen add-on for Paris. Furthermore, the scenery includes a complete updating of the BasePack: textures are sharpened and re-coloured. In order to locate your situation while soaring above the French capital, a detailed map is provided with all captions of monuments, objects and group of objects.

In addition to its visual richness, the scenery’s major interest is in its perfect integration within the Paris Flight Collection. Indeed its modelling has been realised in order to obtain the best visual/performances allowing the installation of further add-ons within the very same zone, while respecting the fluidness of your flight.

This release is for FS2004 and free patch for FSX will soon be available after release. Complete details and screenshots can be found on the FranceVFR website.

FS2Crew Update For The Queen Of The Skies

Posted: Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 15:17
FS2Crew has released Update 1 for PMDG 747 FSX Edition owners. Please view the FS2Crew Website for more information.

San Juan, Puerto Rico (TJSJ) from Imaginesim

Posted: Saturday, January 12, 2008 - 21:27
Staff reviewer Juan Llobera takes us to a different part of the USA, San Juan, Puerto Rico (TJSJ) as presented by Imaginesim. "The San Juan, Puerto Rico Airport's real name is actually Luis Muñoz Marin, and it's the biggest and busiest airport in Puerto Rico."

"After comparing both the airport diagram and the scenery, I couldn't notice many differences. It seems that every taxiway has been reproduced. The runway textures look just great. Lots of skid marks have been added and that's exactly what you would expect to see at an airport that is operated mainly by heavies."

"Terminals have been modeled to the latest detail. They look really good and near every gate you will see some trucks ( cargo and catering ), GPU’s and luggage carts which really gives you the idea of a real airport. Also I’ve noticed that near the terminal buildings dozens of ground personnel were added to the scenery. At certain gates you’ll have the option of using the operating jetways."

"One of the best things about this scenery ( and maybe about every ImagineSim product ) are the night textures. The guys at ImaginSim have achieved a level of realism that, in my opinion, is just amazing. The airport is fully illuminated with some smooth lights in order to help ground personnel during nighttime. 3D taxiway and runway lights are also included in the scenery."

Wrapping up this jaunt south, Juan says, "San Juan (TJSJ) has been modeled to the latest detail, it has nice textures and awesome night lightning. Plus, it's the perfect scenery if you are the kind of simmer that enjoys the sunny destinations of the Caribbean area."