Flight Simulator X

Xtreme Prototypes is proud to announce the release of version 1.1 of its X-15-2/3 add-on rocket aircraft package for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and FS2004, featuring four fully functional 3D virtual cockpits, an automatic ignition sequence, new X-15 custom sounds, 10 new camera definitions for FSX, basic MH-96 autopilot modes (X-15-3) and 12 saved flights based on actual X-15 missions. The upgrade is now available online at no additional cost for registered users of version 1.0. The full package is still available at the same competitive price of $34.95 USD (suggested retail price).

Version 1.1 is a major revision of version 1.0 and contains many new features in addition to those found in the original package, including four different virtual cockpits. Each VC contains over 900 parts and nearly 200 animated gauges, switches, levers, light indicators and flight instruments.

Like in the advanced 2D instrument panels of the previous version, the virtual cockpits have been meticulously created to conform as closely as possible to the cabin of the real X-15-2 and X-15-3 rocket aircraft. The addon is compatible with FSX (SP2 recommended), FSX Acceleration Expansion Pack, FS2004, Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista.

The Just Flight 737 Pilot In Command was updated for Flight Simulator X and Windows Vista earlier this year - now you can take command of the virtual airways at a reduced price. You can read our review of the 737 here.

From now until Tuesday 2nd September, you can order a copy of 737 Pilot In Command on DVD-ROM for only £19.99/€29.95/$35.99.

The normal price is £29.99/€44.95/$59.99, so you’ll be getting a third off the usual price!

The 737 is the World’s most popular airliner and the -300, -400 and -500 versions have been expertly modelled inside and out with a choice of over 70 airline liveries. 737 Pilot In Command has advanced avionics and a highly accurate flight model. Other features include working weather radar and a printed manual that comes with a bespoke tutorial from the acclaimed trainer Captain Mike Ray.

• Fully functioning weather radar, showing cloud density and precipitation. Now virtual pilots can fly safely around dangerous weather conditions.
• Accurate flight dynamics based on manufacturer specifications and tested by real pilots.
• Authentic animations include primary flight surfaces, hydraulic gear suspension, flaps, roll spoilerons, speed brakes and more.
• Highly realistic autopilot operation - all the real aircraft autopilot operations are simulated.

New features for FSX

• Fully compatible with FSX airport animations including fuel truck, jetway, baggage truck, pushback truck.
• In-flight passenger information screens that show multiple pages of information, fed directly from the cockpit instruments. The information covers flight time, winds, speeds, height and temperature.
• During the take-off roll the co-pilot now makes call-outs “thrust set”, “80 knots, throttle hold”.

Aerosoft has released the Flight Simulator X version of their German Airports 2 Leipzig/Halle X scenery.

Leipzig/Halle is the last airport covered in the German Airports 2 collection and as always this is state of the art scenery design.

Continuing in the tradition of the German Airport Series, Leipzig/Halle is featured with its latest and up to date layouts, buildings, objects, runways, taxiways, lights, and navigation aids. Just like the real life airport. The GA Team have also included the Dynamic Airport Enhancement Services Lite Edition by Oliver Pabst as was the case in earlier releases such as Hanover and Frankfurt.

A high definition aerial photograph has been used for ground texturing making the airport and its surroundings seem absolutely realistic. Numerous moving vehicles on the apron and the nearby `Autobahn´ create a lively atmosphere!

Even with this whole range of objects, details and features, the framerates remains excellent.

Features

• Detailed representation of the airport and immediate surrounding
• All navigation aids included (ILS,VOR/DME,NDB,ATIS)
• Photorealistic day and night textures
• Taxiway bridge over highway
• Animated trains and train signals and announcement on the train station
• Over 2000 cars on the surrounding roads (actual number depends on time of day and framerates
• Dynamic Airport Enhancement Services used to create dynamic environment
• Based on aerial image (April 2008)
• New DHL included
• Porsche plant near Runway 26R
• New engine test hangar
• Surrounding includes small roads and small villages
• AGNIS docking system
• Ground textures with Mipmaps
• Extensive manual
• Original DFS-charts
• Compatible with AES (Airport Enhancement Services) (FS2004 only)
• Compatibe with Ultimate Terrain Europe
• AES Light to provide vehicle traffic in the platforms (new…. Cars now detect aircraft and give way)

Atlanta Photo Real X is more than 1,225 Square Miles around the city of Atlanta, Ga of 2 m per pixel satellite image ground textures.

This scenery is perfect for those who like to fly VFR, or for those who are residents of the Atlanta area and would like to fly over their house. This is a very frame rate friendly add on, in fact most customers are reporting that they get better frames with this scenery than default FSX scenery. Supports SP2 and Acceleration.

Mathijs Kok of Aerosoft has posted a detailed article on their forum explaining their position with regard to producing Flight Simulator X add-ons.

It’s a well thought out and detailed explanation as to their position, with a (mostly) sensible following discussion. It’s good to see developers taking the time to explain things like this and is to be encouraged.

You can read the full article and discussion here.