Abacus Releases Easy GPS For FSX

Posted: Friday, December 22, 2006 - 15:58
Abacus Has released an update for its EZ-GPS Software. Now compatible with Flight Simulator-X, features include: requires only a small footprint in your cockpit view, installs instantly to use with any aircraft - either FSX or FS2004, links to Autopilot to control heading and/or altitude, fly Direct to any airport, waypoint, VOR, etc, fly to any Nearest airport, fly any FSX or FS2004 flight plan, display flight plan and waypoint information. For more information and a free demo, visit the Abacus EX-GPS site.

WidevieW-X Available

Posted: Friday, December 22, 2006 - 15:50
WidevieW X v.1.5 for FSX is available. WidevieW can be used to create cockpits with panoramic scenery view, through multiple monitors on networked computers. There is no limit on how many PCs can be linked together, and each of them can be configured to show scenery, maps or Spot Plane & Tower view. View angles can be easily customized, to get perfectly matching images between the monitors. Version 1.5 has dynamic view reorientation on the clients when the view angle changes on server, improved spot plane support on clients and other minor improvements. For more details, please visit The Wideview Site.

TweakFS Releases Free Registry Utility For FSX

Posted: Friday, December 22, 2006 - 15:31
TweakFS has just released a new FSX version of its popular Registry repair tool. Many FS add-ons and their installers rely on knowing the path to the FSX installation folder as reported in the Windows Registry. The FSX Registry entry can be deleted or invalidated for various reasons which in some cases may prevent an add-on from installing or working correctly. For folks not comfortable editing the Registry directly, the FSX Registry Utility avoids the need to reinstall FSX and allows you to analyze and easily restore the FSX folder path in the Registry. Developers may also find it handy for testing purposes. To download a copy please see the Freeware Tools section at TweakFS

Cloud 9 Working Hard Before The Holidays

Posted: Friday, December 22, 2006 - 15:14
In a news release received early this morning Cloud 9 announces that they have updated their Xclass for Canada and have continued their global landclass coverage to also include Central and South America. Also released today is their third livery pack for the F-4 Phantom aircraft for FS9. Head on over to Cloud 9 for your update and purchase information.

Shockwave Releases P-51D Mustang

Posted: Thursday, December 21, 2006 - 5:49
Shockwave announces their latest "solo" release, the P-51D Mustang. Shockwave reports, "The Wings of Power P-51D Mustang was created with a process called "Absolute Realism". The flight model was very carefully researched. We interviewed many pilots who flew the P-51D, two of them double aces. We took our own orientation flights in existing P-51D aircraft to get a true feel for how these marvelous aircraft sound and fly in real life. And we used the actual pilot's training manual and technical orders to ensure our procedures and performance matched the real thing as closely as possible."

A complete, in depth and detailed report on this latest release is available at the Shockwave website.

Warsaw Photo Scenery Update

Posted: Thursday, December 21, 2006 - 5:38
Simdesign has released AutogenPack for their recently produced Warsaw Photo Scenery. This first release upgrades all vegetation (tree) areas within the base scenery of Warsaw, Poland.

The AutogenPack is available for free download at the Simdesign website.

Flight1 Teams With Konstantin Kukushkin

Posted: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 - 13:26
Flight1 has announced that Konstantin Kukushkin has joined the Flight1 1 team. Konstantin is the author of numerous well-known flight simulator add-ons and has also worked behind the scenes for several publishers for many years. He will be developing a series of innovative products for Flight1. His newest product is FSDiscover!, a sightseeing guide, a navigation tool and a simple flight planner for FSX and FS2004, available from the Flight1 website. He will also be working on a product called "Instant Scenery", "Instant Scenery" is a tool for adding 3D objects to Flight Simulator scenery and is expected to become available in early 2007.

My Traffic X lands in Avsim Store

Posted: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 15:41
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Code Signer Pro Released!

Posted: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 9:57
Bryan York (of FS2Crew fame) has announced that Code Signer Pro has been released and can be downloaded from the CATIII Software website. The program was designed with the needs of FSX developers in mind and Code Signer Pro is a tool that automates and simplifies the code signing process. If you wish to try the product there is a 30Day Free Trial available as well.

3D Forests For X-Plane

Posted: Monday, December 18, 2006 - 20:23
AlPilotX has announced the release of a freeware addon that brings accurate 3D forests to most of Europe in the X-Plane world. Using data collected from the European Environment Agency this -apparently hardware intensive- freeware offers a large improvement from the default X-Plane forests. For more information or to download, visit The AlPilotX Homepage

Boeing 757 from Phoenix Software Simulations

Posted: Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 19:19
Staff reviewer Joe Ellwood gets some assistance from a real world 757 pilot (Kris Heslop) in his review of Phoenix Software Simulations' Boeing 757.

"The external model is finely done, and it’s quickly evident that this is a great looking plane. Everything you’d expect from PSS is there. As with almost all models these days, everything opens and moves respectively. The PSS B757 flight-deck comes in two flavours. For those with older systems, you can load just the 2D panel and those with monster systems can load the 2D cockpit along with having the Virtual Cockpit sitting in the background for use as required. This arrangement allows the users of the older machines to avoid the frame rate sapping VC sitting in the background simply consuming resources. "

"PSS have tried to model as many systems as possible, so expect to have to seriously read the manuals and tutorial flights, as almost all of the overhead panel works (the only exceptions being the HF radio panels). The FMC is based on the more modern Pegasus model, more commonly found in the B767, although many B757’s have been retrofitted with this unit to improve the navigational performance of the aircraft."

"Often the biggest failure of a developer when producing a big jet add-on is to not build in a ‘big’ feeling to the way the aircraft flies. PSS have embraced this and so far this is the closest I have seen an add-on come to actually ‘feeling’ like the real thing. The PSS model really gives the positive crisp feel to the controls while at the same time giving the sluggish feel you’d expect from something of that size."

The conclusion to PSS' Boeing 757 is from both reviewer's perspective. Kris says, "the PSS aircraft is actually a pretty good package. Its accuracy depends on what you want from it. Personally I like it and I will use it for the lead up to my recurrent sim training and check flights." While Joe comments, "Some parts I enjoyed, while others I didn’t. If I had a better system, or if this add-on was less performance hungry, I would have enjoyed it much more. The systems are there, but as Kris mentioned, not 100% there."

Condor Soaring Expands

Posted: Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 17:22
Slovaquia V2.0 and Eastern Alps V2.0 are two new sceneries for Condor the Competition Soaring Simulator.

These two megascenery addons are free to download and feature several thousand km2, making them mere flight zones with many airports available. Besides Slovaquia and Eastern Alps, they illustrate the latest scenery design techniques for Condor. Adding such features as: more precise placement of tree-autogen, better representation of the cities and urban zones optimized to reduce impact on framerate, improved rendition of textures and implementation of 3D objects, roads, rivers, and lakes. These improvements result in VFR flights that are more realistic.

More Round Robins to Choose From

Posted: Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 20:42
Al Pelletier continues to provide the community with his Round Robin series. The latest uploads to the library include his "Hockey Charter" and "New Zealand" Round Robins. Al tells us that his Hockey Charter is one of his all time favorites. You can see all of Al's current Round Robin uploads in the library.

Gloster Javelin from AlphaSim

Posted: Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 1:39
Sr staff reviewer Brian Fletcher takes a look at a British Cold War classic, the Gloster Javelin from AlphaSim. "One of AlphaSim’s newest releases is the V1.1 update to the Gloster Javelin, which adds the FAW.5 and FAW.9R variants to the existing FAW.9 variants included in the original package."

"AlphaSim’s Gloster Javelin package includes 5 aircraft representing the FAW.5, FAW.9, and FAW.9R, all of which are the same T-tailed delta wing design. You will notice a difference between the exhaust on the FAW.5 and FAW.9 models, the addition of a fuel probe on the FAW.9R model, and a difference in the under-wing payload amongst the aircraft. The aircraft do not have a very worn look to them, but on the other hand they do not look like they just rolled out of the paint shop either. I got the impression that AlphaSim was going for the look of an aircraft with some hours on it, but not exactly aged just yet."

"If you prefer flying from the Javelin’s virtual cockpit you should be pleased with the convenience of having both of the side consoles within easy reach, and a panel that is fairly clear and legible. The texturing throughout the virtual cockpit looks pretty good to me, of course outside of the panel, consoles, and seat, there is not much room for anything else. The Javelin’s panel has a decent 3D appearance, a fairly uninhibited view outside, and is definitely user-friendly."

"I believe that the flight dynamics in this package have been given special attention, and though I have struggled to master the art of landing this bird, I am more than satisfied that AlphaSim has provided an authentic airfile, or at least as close as FS9 and FSX will allow. While the Javelin is fairly maneuverable, it is not as responsive to control surface commands as I had expected. One unique feature of the Javelin’s airfile is the manner in which the aircraft responds to reheating the afterburners. The afterburners are used at high altitudes and high cruise speeds, and should not be reheated below mach 0.6."

Brian lands his Gloster Javelin and comments, "I think that AlphaSim has provided an aircraft that should continue to remain worthy of my virtual world for a long time to come, though each simmers experience may vary from my own. If you have an interest in this package than I would highly consider asking your fellow simmers in the Avsim forum for their take on things."

Integrated Simavionics Goes Gauge Crazy

Posted: Friday, December 15, 2006 - 21:04
Integrated Simavionics has released a set of gauges integrated with an FMS unit as an avionics upgrade for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and Flight Simulator X aircraft. Some features include a navigation display, LNAV/VNAV, TCAS, Holds, Runway/Approach display, Airways, SIDs and STAR's. But, there are so many more features please check out this product at Integrated Simavionics. You will find screen shots and ordering information there.

Never Fear The Search & Rescue Add-On Is Here

Posted: Friday, December 15, 2006 - 20:51
Abacus in its never ending attempt to update their latest and greatest products for FSX have released Civil Air Patrol Search & Rescue for FSX. As with the previous release Abacus worked with the staff of the Civil Air Patrol so as to add as much realism as programmability allows. New aircraft added to this FSX Add-On are the Cessna 182T with Garmin 1000 glass panel and the Maule MX-260. Take a short hop on over to Abacus and navigate from their homepage to the CAP Search & Rescue webpage for the update and full product ordering information.

Warsaw Photorealistic Scenery Released

Posted: Friday, December 15, 2006 - 20:33
That's Warsaw Poland not Warsaw, Indiana. The home of some architectural marvels as the Palace of Culture and Science, the Fim Tower, the TP Tower and the Siekierkowski Bridge to name just a few. All of which are modeled in this new scenery released by Simdesign today. This scenery uses real aerial photography 4.8m pixel resolution and digital terrain 30m mesh. Warsaw Photo Scenery includes seasonal textures so you can fly year round over Warsaw and not miss a bit of eye candy. Taxi on over to Simdesign and have a look at some screen shots of Warsaw Photo Scenery and get your purchase information.

FSD International Releases FSX-X Filesets

Posted: Friday, December 15, 2006 - 14:23
FSD International has announced the release of the FS X file sets for Version 2.0 of its Pilatus PC 6 Porter. Full automated installation and aircraft updates to FS X, incorporating new capabilities and features for the newest Simulator from Microsoft are included. Current license holders for Version 2 of the Porter, released in June 2006 initially for FS 2004, will be able to download and install the FS X file set at no charge. Version 2.0 of the Porter incorporated numerous advances since the original Version 1 Porter was released in 2003. Improved virtual cockpit, visual model and graphics are incorporated. The Pilatus PC6 Porter Version 2 is available with three models to chose from; a landplane, an amphibian and a skiplane. A bundle package is available for all three. Visit the FSD website for more details.

Messerschmitt Bf-109K Released

Posted: Friday, December 15, 2006 - 14:20
SkyUnlimited and Flight Replicas, along with Michael Flahault, has released the Messerschmitt Bf-109K. SkyUnlimited writes, "The Messerschmitt Bf-109 was the standard fighter of the Luftwaffe for the duration of WWII. The Bf-109 scored more air-to-air victories in WWII than any other aircraft, and thanks to an excellent design, served in various roles, including air superiority fighter, escort fighter, interceptor, ground-attack and reconnaissance aircraft. The Bf 109 was produced in greater quantities than any other fighter aircraft in history, with over 31,000 built. Although the Bf 109 had weaknesses, including a difficult to handle narrow undercarriage, through constant development the aircraft managed to remain a competitive force against Allied fighter aircraft until the end of hostilities in May 1945.

The Messerschmitt Bf-109K was the last model developed of the Bf-109. The K series was the result of a decision to standardise all modifications and improvements that had been made up until that time, as well as introducing some new features, such as a new instrument panel layout and moving the oxygen apparatus from the fuselage to the right wing. Work on the new version began in 1943, and the prototype was ready by the autumn of that year, with series production starting in August 1944. Operational service began in October 1944, and that month alone some 200 aircraft were delivered to the frontline units. By the end of January 1945, despite heavy bombing and advances by the Allies, over 300 K-4s - about every 4th 109 - were operational with the frontline Luftwaffe units."

Features Include: Three highly detailed models that include droptanks and working Flettner tabs on ailerons and rudder, twelve highly detailed and historic paint schemes, accurate VC, with many functioning parts, custom flight dynamics that portray this aircraft's attributes accurately, Revi16B gunsight folds out of the way and can be turned on and off. droppable Drop Tanks, that remove weight and fuel from the aircraft.cfg, vintage pilot with accurate pilot flight suit and flight helmet, detailed animations such as propeller pitch and coolant flaps, and a paint kit is included. For more information visit the Sky Unlimited Website.

NaturalPoint Announces TrackClip PRO

Posted: Friday, December 15, 2006 - 0:34
NaturalPoint, makers of TrackIR, announces a new accessory the TrackClip Pro. This device can easily attach to any of Creative Labs' popular headsets to offer intuitive new forms of game play in a wide variety of PC games and simulations.

With TrackClip PRO attached, a Creative Labs headset is recognized by NaturalPoint's TrackIR and all of your head movement is put into a game. TrackIR uses proprietary optical motion tracking technology to capture your head's position in 3D space, with the speed and precision of a mouse. Popular examples include leaning forward to zoom in, or turning mere inches to twist the game view 180 degrees. Motion is captured with all 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF), which means you can lean up/down, forward/back, left/right, while rotating freely with yaw, pitch, and roll.

NaturalPoint reports, "since TrackIR runs at 120 frames per second, and processes the complicated motion capture data before sending it to the computer, your Creative Labs headset will become the most advanced and precise controller you've ever plugged in. Over 65 PC titles have built in special support for the TrackIR system and is amassed around the popular genres of Flight Simulation, Racing, and First Person Shooters."

Complete details and images of the TrackClip Pro from NaturalPoint can be seen on their website.