There’s a lot going n around the flight simulator world these days with plenty of aircraft releases, new scenery packages, and more all coming out at the same time. Here are some stories that I didn’t get a chance to write on individually during the week.
First look at the A1R Ryan ST-A for Microsoft Flight Simulator
A1R Design Bureau has released their Ryan ST-A project for Microsoft Flight Simulator. It’s part of a growing collection of 1930’s era aircraft being introduced into the sim. This two seat, low-wing monoplanesport and trainer aircraft built by Ryan Aircraft first flew in 1934 and 1,568 were built.
I haven’t had a chance to look at it but if you’re interested, the aircraft is available on simMarket for 16.50 EUR.
New York Bridges for MSFS
The bridges around New York City in MSFS are not great. Most of them are slabs of melted photogrammetry unfortunately. However, a new package from developer AviaJam looks to fix that with a collection of 3D modeled bridges for the New York City area. The following bridges are included:
- George Washington Bridge
- Verrazano Narrows Bridge
- Williamsburg Bridge
- Queensboro Bridge
- Roosevelt Island Bridge
- Triborough (Robert F. Kennedy) Bridge
- Hell Gate Bridge
- Harlem River Bridge
- Wards Island Footbridge
- The High Bridge
- Washington Bridge
- Brodway Bridge
- Henry Hudson Bridge
- Francis R. Buono Memorial Bridge
- Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
- Throgs Neck Bridge
Check out the package on SimMarket for 5.00 EUR.
Caudron Rafale for MSFS
If you’re looking for more 1930’s era aircraft, you’re in luck because another classic has come to Microsoft Flight Simulator. The Caudron Rafale 430 has been released for the sim by developer BlueMesh. The two seat French trainer aircraft was intended as a interim step for pilots looking to step into air racing during the era. Check it out on SimMarket for 10.00 EUR.
ATsimulations AN-2
MSFS aircraft developer ATsimulations is busy working on the Antonov AN-2 bi-plane utility aircraft and bushplane. Their note says that progress has been slow because of the shifting development environment but that they are pleased with the way their aircraft is coming together. They anticipate a release before the end of the year. Get more news and updates from their Facebook page.
JorgeHFJ’s ‘Black Scorpions’ Desert Wings cinematic
It’s rare to see a Desert Wings related cinematic these days so it’s news when a pretty good one comes out. Check out this action packed cinematic featuring the air war over North Africa.
DCS JF-17 Thunder: Desert Thunder Campaign Release
There aren’t many campaigns for the DCS: JF-17 yet but this free one looks like it has a lot going for it complete with a release trailer. Set on the Persian Gulf map, there are 10-missions to complete for the aircraft with a fictional backdrop providing the tension for the scenario.
Check it out for free from the DCS World user files.
Did I miss something?
With so much going on, it’s very likely that I’ve missed more than one new and interesting thing that has come out this week. Let me know in the comments if you think I have!
Stormbirds 
The growing number of 30’s era planes for MSFS make a lot of sense. FS2020,really feels like the first Microsoft Flight sim you can do true VFR flying in out of the box. Add in VR and those open cockpit planes are amazing to fly.
And the 30’s era ones had a lot of the technical improvements that make modern touring planes viable, without the extensive electronics required.
Very cool to see so many showing up now. I’ll have to start looking into one for a nice FS2020 touring plane. War birds are very cool, but they do feel out of place in a purely civilian context.
Kind of the difference between going on a road trip in a Kugelblitz vs a Delahaye Roadster.
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wow- Desert Wings sound effects are good – do not own it, but sounds much better than IL2, really noticeable in the external scenes as the planes fly past
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The Ryan is really a charming little plane. Polished aluminium skin and sleek lines. It really evokes that adventurous spirit of 1930s aviation.
The 3D model, textures and flight model are all superbly done. A great plane for exploring – in hand flying mode!
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Great to hear you’re enjoying that aircraft. I’m trying to keep up with all of the new aircraft coming to the sim but it’s simply not possible. That one may be on my short list however!
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I can recommend the A1R Ryan ST-A Special for VR in MSFS. It is quite FPS friendly and a joyt to fly. I love it for a bit of sight seeing. So far I’ve flown it out of Queenstown and other South Island strips in NZ, Point Cook in Melbourne and also some grass strips in the UK. It is wonderful. I find it needs a bit of back pressure on the stick during the initial part of it’s short take off run and it is a little easy to bounce on landing but I love it.
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