I’ve been waiting and hoping to hear about what Aerges has been up to all summer and now we have a very good update from the team showing off the current state of their F1 project with some hints at the near future.

F1 time?

Aerges update includes that the developers have been working on all aspects of the project. On the exterior model they indicate that a lot of work has been put into the landing gear and that they have adapted real world calculations into the suspension system. Apparently the animation, the 3D model, and textures have all been updated.

They also indicate that they are working on avionics, sounds and lighting in parallel.

Aerges also indicate that they intend to release the Mirage F1 in good shape right from the start.

For us it’s very important to release the module in optimal condition from the beginning, even in Early Access, it should be as good as possible.

Aerges on Facebook

That is, of course, good to read and has been appreciated by the community. There is a tolerance for early access features that need to be worked out but a strong release is definitely something that helps boost the reputation of the developers behind it.

Aerges has done sterling service with the C-101 which helped that team get a start on DCS World development and has received continual updates with nearly every open beta update. I expect that the same kind of dedication will be shown to the F1 project as well.

The released screenshots also tell some important stories. First, the textures in the cockpit look to have been worked on and tidied up since the last time we saw it. It looks sharper and more detailed than ever. Second, we get a really good look at the F1’s rather complex landing gear and it also appears to have gotten a lot of details. Third, hanging off those weapon mounts are the rather large Matra R-530 radar guided missiles as well as one of the earlier AIM-9 variants which were common with the Spanish Air Force. Have a look!

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Start of the road

We’re still at the start of the road for Aerges and the Mirage F1 module. The developers, to the best of my knowledge, still plan to include four different variants of the F1 with this more basic single seater as a starting place with two seater and a modernized variant also planned.

Here’s what they had previously announced as their aircraft plan:

• Mirage F1-CE (basic single seat version)
• Mirage F1-EE (multi-role with refueling probe)
• Mirage F1-BE (basic two seater)
• Mirage F1-M (modernized with partial glass cockpit)

This is definitely an aircraft to keep an eye on. For more, visit the Aerges Facebook page and keep an eye on future dev updates!