Instant Scenery Released

Posted: Sunday, April 8, 2007 - 3:49
Flight 1 Software announces their latest release, Instant Scenery. From the developer that brought you FSDiscover!, the new Instant Scenery add-on is a tool for adding 3D objects to Flight Simulator X and 2004 scenery in a very simple way. Easily add, move and delete objects and see the results of your actions directly in the Flight Simulator view without having to reload scenery every time. Flight Simulator comes with 1000's of models that can be used for scenery objects. These include buildings, vehicles, landmarks, obstacles etc. Instant Scenery allows you to use all these models to create new sceneries anywhere in the FS world.

The easy and intuitive user interface, while being simple and occupying little screen space, allows you to set many parameters for every object, including heading, scale, elevation and the scenery complexity level. The scenery you create with Instant Scenery can be easily shared with other Flight Simulator users. They do not have to own Instant Scenery in order to enjoy it.

For more information, screenshots, and to download this new utility, visit the Instant Scenery product page.

Fly The A380 V2 from Abacus

Posted: Saturday, April 7, 2007 - 17:50
Senior staff reviewer Brian Fletcher takes Abacus' version 2 of the A380 for a test flight. "This package includes four models of the Airbus A380, a host of liveries, and an enhanced version of the Toulouse Blagnac International Airport, compatible with FS9 and FSX."

"The designer modeled this version of the A380 in four different models, the 700, 800, 800F (8F) and 900, three of which share the same liveries. The exterior modeling is marginally satisfactory by my standards, but lacks the in-depth detail that I was hoping for. The texturing, with the exception of the windows, looks decent to me, although a few of the liveries could have shown more indication of normal wear. If you’re into eye candy, then you may be pleased to know that the exterior model includes a variety of ground equipment that can be seen when activated via the “stairs” button on a sub panel or by use of the wing fold key command."

On the flight deck Brian remarks, "The panel included in this package is rather noncomplex with not a whole lot in the way of user interaction. It consists primarily of a PFD, MFD, ND, EICAS, and an autopilot panel. All of the instrumentation, including the autopilot panel, is mostly clear and legible even if zoomed out a bit, and every switch, toggle, etc. is spaced from one another with plenty of room to negotiate the panel. The rest of the flight deck is wide open with little in the way of animation or excessive detailing. There are four sub panels included in this package, one of which is the default Garmin 500 GPS, as well as an electrical/overhead panel, a throttle quadrant/radio stack, and an FMC, which is also available on the panel (display window only) and on both sides of the virtual cockpit."

"The airfile is big, and it acts like it…most of the time. This rendition of the A380 is just about as sluggish as I would expect such a massive aircraft to be. While inflight, I got exactly what I expected out of this aircraft. It is indeed a sluggish, slow to respond behemoth, which reflects its size and control surface area well."

Brian concludes his test flight of the Abacus A380 V2 with, "While there are aspects about this package that I like, all in all, it is not my cup of tea and I doubt that the discriminating simmers will feel any different. The exterior model is actually fairly decent in my view, but the panel and virtual cockpit don’t seem to raise the bar set by the FS9 default aircraft. One thing I am almost certain of is that those of you addicted to the premium quality aircraft will understand very quickly why I lack any enthusiasm for this package. I am well aware that this particular package is directed more to those who are looking for a good cost-value, but I would advise you to shop around before diving into this offering."

CLS Releases DC10 Tutorial

Posted: Saturday, April 7, 2007 - 16:07
Commercial Level Simulation, CLS, is pleased to announce the release of their McDonnell Douglas DC10 Flight Tutorial. The tutorial will guide you for a complete flight, giving all information you need to perform a good flight. The tutorial, consisting of 84 pages, is free and available from the CLS website.

FScene Makes FSX Updates

Posted: Saturday, April 7, 2007 - 16:05
FScene has reworked the textures to make them better suited in FSX. FScene writes, "Because of the many changes in Microsoft's new flight simulator X, the use of previous FScene versions was very disappointing. Ugly "gaps" in the terrain, due to many FSX textures not being replaced by FScene. Moreover the difference in color between FSX and FScene shows very prominently (try and see). So one might safely conclude FSX is not backward compatible as far as FScene is concerned."

Ruud Faber has rearranged his FScene textures to fit in FSX and left many advantages of FSX intact, thus combining the best of two worlds. It's not all new, so for those who wish to relive the FScene days, the first pack (Europe, all seasons) has been released and it's available at a very low price. For those who use FS2004 (FS9), the good news is that in this FScene4X pack the complete set for use in FS9 is included as a bonus. See FScene for screen shots and more details.

AlphaSim Handley-Page Hampden

Posted: Saturday, April 7, 2007 - 16:00
AlphaSim Handley-Page Hampden is out now. AlphaSim recreates this favorite; three variants of the B.Mk.1 included: an early 'short-exhaust' 1939 version is joined by the later long-pipe version with the more usual Bomber Command scheme and an attractive grey/white Coastal Command version. All three texture schemes have that 'war-worn' look.

The realism extends to a high quality sound set which depicts the throaty rumble of the 2 Bristol Pegasus engines. The panel and v-c recreate the typical early-WW2 ambiance, with realistic glass-effect gauges based on photos of the real Hampden panel and several very useful pop-up panels. The animations include both front and rear canopies (separate key presses), bomb bay doors, ventral access hatch, cowl flaps and toggled crew figures. The flight dynamics are taken from the published specs and accurately reflect the real-life handling of the Hampden. An illustrated checklist is included. For more information, visit the AlphaSim Site.

AH-64A Apache from AlphaSim

Posted: Friday, April 6, 2007 - 22:13
Staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura flies low-level in AlphaSim's AH-64A Apache attack helicopter. "In addition to being well armed, the Apache attack helicopter is one of the fastest, most agile helicopters anyone can fly."

"The visual modeling is first-rate and, in the FSX version, takes advantage of several new features. The contours are exact, the textures are sharp, and the animation is smooth. Crew doors open and, of course, you can see the rotors spin. But the best animations are the crew. This seems to be an AlphaSim specialty."

"The panel textures in the 2D cockpit are all sharp as a tack. There are pop-up panels for GPS and tuning the radios, but nothing exotic. (This is the A-model Apache) In their heart of hearts, helicopters want to be flown from the virtual cockpit (VC), preferably with TrackIR. The VC in this helicopter looks great, but doesn’t have a lot of clickable switches. The big news is: this helicopter has two virtual cockpits, one for the pilot and one for the gunner."

"When a model has as much detail as this one, you worry about low framerates. In this case, there’s no cause for anxiety. From what other users have reported, framerates in this aircraft are not an issue. This was my experience as well -- and I did most of my flying in FSX. Unlike every other helicopter that I have flown in Flight Simulator, the Apache does not mind sudden movements. If you get up enough speed -- and the Apache is meant to go fast -- you can do rolls and even loops. In flight, the Apache handles like a sports car."

Putting AlphaSim's AH-64A Apache back on the ground, David closes with, "The visuals are outstanding, framerates are high, and you can fly from both cockpits although the sound package is minimal. But for seat-of-the-pants, turn-and-burn, light-the-fires-and-kick-the-tires helo action, the Apache is very satisfying."

SamDim Releases Yak-42

Posted: Friday, April 6, 2007 - 6:21
SamDim has just released their Yak-42 as freeware. This add-on for FS9 is a complete package including a quality model, a super-realistic panel, a genuine soundset and has the proper flight dynamics. The 3D model was initially developed for a payware package, it contains all kinds of animations controlled by the panel. A virtual cockpit is not included due to possible payware plans for in the future. The panel and the flight dynamics were developed by a group of flightsim enthusiasts from Lvivin the Ukraine working for Lviv Airlines which uses the Yak-42. Most of the systems are implemented and there is a constant feedback from the real Yak-42 pilots. For more information please visit the SamDim product page.

Fighter Aircraft Cockpit FX

Posted: Thursday, April 5, 2007 - 19:43
Sim Cockpit System has announced that the new Fighter Aircraft Cockpit FX is now available. In addition, they now also have the Cockpit Seat available, complementing their cockpits. This seat is also usable with a computer desk. According to the press release, "The FIGHTER AIRCRAFT COCKPIT FX offers a realistic simulator cockpit environment accommodating a LCD monitor and a scenery projection image visible through the front, left and right side windows. The stunning scenery presentation gives the impression of being more in an aircraft as opposed to being in front of a computer monitor. The field of view allows the feel of speed and facilitates runway tracking on take off and flare on landing. The generic design feature for aircraft using a joystick will bring your flight simulation experience to a new level. At this time only Microsoft Flight Simulator offers operation of multiple monitors on one computer. The instruments are displayed on the main monitor and the scenery is generated by the projector." Other simulation software suitability has to be determined by the user.For more information, please visit the Sim Cockpit website.

FSUG For Southern Spain

Posted: Thursday, April 5, 2007 - 19:41
AVSIM Staff Reviewer Trev Clark recently re-located to the coast of Southern Spain and he is interested in starting a Flight Sim users group, based around the Costa del Sol. He proposes that if there is enough interest, the group could meet up about once a month, possibly for a social lunch somewhere in the Malaga Province area. An information network or forum would also be a possibility. The idea of the group would be to exchange tips and chat about all aspects of flight simulation or aviation in general. As the population of this area is very varied, he suggests that knowledge of spoken English would be useful for interested parties, but membership would be open to all simmers. If you are at all interested in helping form this group, please contact Trev at costaflightsim@yahoo.co.uk.

Blueprint Releases KRDU

Posted: Thursday, April 5, 2007 - 16:48
BluePrint Simulations has announced the release of KRDU2010 v.2. This scenery is a complete makeover of their previously released KRDU2010 freeware product. The staff at Blueprint Simulations report that "Every Gmax model was redesigned from scratch to significantly increase the level of detail and accuracy of the scenery. High resolution textures were added to all major buildings. All general aviation and cargo areas were updated to accurately represent recent improvements completed as part of the ongoing RDU re-development. The airport layout was modified to ensure the accurate location of all runways and taxiways. Custom-made, photo real ground textures depicting seasonal changes were added in and around the field." The scenery is available in two versions for maximum compatibility with FS9 (FS2004) and FSX. The scenery is available for purchase from the Blueprint Website.

T-6 Texan/Harvard from AlphaSim

Posted: Thursday, April 5, 2007 - 3:16
Contributing reviewer Chris Kiehl takes up for a training flight that is familiar to many vets in AlphaSim's T6 Texan/Harvard. "Many of the greatest pilots of America during the war learned to do advanced flying in a Texan. In addition, many British pilots would learn the same flying skills in what would become the Harvard."

"The aircraft portions, fuselage, empennage, and wings all look remarkably accurate. Alphasim’s lines and modeling do this plane justice and simply doesn’t fall short in the fine detail department. The R-1340 Wasp Radial engine is, as usual, my favorite part on any aircraft equipped with a radial. It’s modeling needs to be done well to make a complex yet simple engine believable. This radial engine modeling is beautifully done with enough detail to satisfy most, while still maintaining a simplicity of modeling to avoid harming frame rates. The Fuselage also captures very effectively, both from profile and other angles, that trademark appearance of the Texan. From a large, though still well proportioned forward area and engine cowling; through to the canopy section which seems to sit very high up from the wing; to the tail section which is very sleek and terminates at that Triangle Tail that you can’t miss."

"All crucial gauges in the 2D cockpit for VFR flying are present and very easily read, including a few switches. Several sub-panels, which match their VC counterparts, are also included. The VC does not disappoint. You can easily ‘grab’ all engine management controls, ‘flip’ any of the several switches, and even open the front canopy via a clickspot on the handle. You won’t even need to switch to a sub-panel, because everything needed is clickable. If you’re into Trainers, which I most certainly am, you’ll appreciate the realism of dual cockpits. Yes, Alphasim has decided to include a fully functional rear cockpit, and I mean everything back there is functional."

"The Texan was an Advanced Fighter Trainer. It doesn’t go the 400 MPH that a P-51 or Corsair can do, but this is what got a pilot ready for that. She can easily streak across the skies at almost 200 MPH, and up to 250 MPH in a dive. Having a tough and heavy airframe, the Texan is also capable of pulling G’s. Landing this plane is easily accomplished with little practice, once you have a feel for setting the approach up."

Wrapping up this training adventure in AlphaSim's T-6 Texan, Chris comments, "I have thoroughly enjoyed flying Alphasim’s top-notch rendition of the Texan. I believe this package is very well rounded, incorporating good things on every level. A very sharp model and virtual cockpit that have no noticeable effect on frame rates; and a very well done flight model that is challenging though very rewarding as well as a sound package that you will enjoy from startup to shutdown. I would easily recommend this package to anyone who enjoys World War II era tail draggers."

Aerosoft/GAP Münster-Osnabrück Released

Posted: Thursday, April 5, 2007 - 2:46
Aerosoft has released Münster - Osnabrück which is the second airport after Hanover of the German Airports 2 series for FS9. Münster-Osnabrück is featured with its latest and up to date layouts, buildings, objects, runways, taxiways, lights and navigation aids. Also included is the Dynamic Airport Enhancement Services Lite Edition by Oliver Pabst, you will see numerous moving vehicles on the apron and the nearby `Autobahn´ creating a lively atmosphere. For more information please visit the Münster-Osnabrück product page.

New FSUIPC's Released

Posted: Tuesday, April 3, 2007 - 22:12
Peter Dowson has released new versions of his FSUIPC software for both FSX and FS9. For more information on the different versions and what has changed in the latest editions of both variants, please visit the FSUIPC homepage.

FScockpit Releases Book On Cockpit Building

Posted: Tuesday, April 3, 2007 - 22:06
FSCockpit has now released a book for easy off-line reading. It contains all the content of FSCockpit on cockpit building. For more information and how to order, please visit the FSCockpit website.

OmWings Releases Fokker 28

Posted: Tuesday, April 3, 2007 - 9:50
OmWings has released their Fokker 28. The model is highly detailed and was built in Gmax. Details like animated wing views and a functional virtual cockpit are included in the model. For more information please visit the OmWings website.

CLS Releases A340-500/600 Flight Tutorial

Posted: Monday, April 2, 2007 - 14:11
Commercial Level Simulations has released their first Flight Tutorial. This complete example flight for the A340-500/600 which will assist people in flying the aircraft in a proper fashion, is now available for free from the Commercial Level Simulations website.

VRoute Has Been Released

Posted: Sunday, April 1, 2007 - 0:16
VRoute includes information about other VATSIM online traffic, it also sports a route database with over 40000 flightplans and tools for easy access to flight and ATC booking. The route database provides you with navigation details, NOTAMS, charts, sceneries, weather data and the ability to export your flight progress card and much much more. For more information please visit VRoute

ProjectAI.com Major Web Site Upgrade

Posted: Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 17:31
ProjectAI are pleased to announce the new ProjectAI.com web site to all of their visitors and members. Together with the launch of their new web site and their volunteer staff, they look forward to providing you many wonderful add-ons for your flight simualtion experience.

ProjectAI has been around for several years. Their community was founded to provide the flight simulation enthusiast with realistic air traffic within the Microsoft versions of Flight Simulator. As years past, ProjectAI went through various stages, some good and some bad. However the one constant that has always remained is their dedicated members and staff. Many people have worked hard over the years to contribute to your enjoyment of Flight Simulator. ProjectAI are excited as to what the future holds for them and invite you to continue visiting ProjectAI.com!

Weather Maker RX for FSX

Posted: Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 17:10
Calibre Software Solutions is pleased to announce that Weather Maker RX (their intelligent weather engine for Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X) has been released.

Weather Maker RX is an advanced weather engine from Calibre Software Solutions and provides the virtual pilot not only challenging weather, but the tools to avoid the weather. Included in this package is the new DNX-50 data-link radar system, which gives the user a visual display of rain and snow, lightning, cloud turbulence avoidance, airport conditions, temperature, wind, pressure, visibility, and Airmet/ Sigmet alerts. Weather Maker RX also includes the ability to import any Flight Simulator X flight plan for a visual view of your departing and arriving weather. Use the new Weather Search tool to locate the various weather conditions anywhere in the world.

Weather Maker RX may sound complex, but with their new simplified technology, Calibre Software Solutions have put all the complex configuration settings into the background. With this technology the general user can focus on flying and not setting up complex configurations. The advanced weather engine uses realistic meteorological formulas to simulate real-time weather conditions. Weather Maker RX has been tested with WideFS and Radar Contact 4 and is compatible for users of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and Flight Simulator X.

Previous owners of Weather Maker Pro will receive a discount with an e-Coupon. For additional features go to the Weather Maker website or contact them directly.

Vendor's Note: Though Weather Maker RX has been tested for users of FS2004, it has been optimized specifically for Flight Simulator X and further development and enhancements will focus on these optimizations.

8 Freeware Aircraft from Simshed

Posted: Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 3:28
Staff reviewer and "freeware junkie" Trevor Clark has picked up the reins from Steve "Bear" Cartwright and has dedicated himself to reviewing the unlimited number of freeware titles available to us all in the FS community. His first submission in the genre is from Simshed in the UK.

"In the United Kingdom it is said that every man needs a shed, a small (usually wooden) structure where he can store his tools or attend to his hobbies. This haven of solitude, away from the burdens of work and family life, is, more often than not, being replaced by a few quite hours in front of a PC. Therefore, I find it very fitting that one of the most prolific design teams based in the UK is called the Simshed. Originally founded as a solo project by chief designer Brian Franklin in 2004, the Simshed has now been enhanced by the addition of a small team of texture artists and gauge gurus, each bringing an extra element of talent to Brian’s already established reputation. These team members are virtually all serving or retired Royal Air Force personnel, with many decades of service time between them."

"Trevor looks at 8 freeware offerings from Simshed, namely: the Aerospatiale/Westland Puma HC1, the BAE Nimrod MR2, the Folland Gnat TR1, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the Short Tucano T Mk. 1, the Westland Wessex HC2, the Wessex HCC4 and the HS 125 Dominie T Mk1. These freeware aircraft are available both at the Simshed website and in our own AVSIM library."

Thanks Trevor, the unsung heroes of the freeware world need a "godfather" to report on their behalf.