If you were hoping to fly a fifth generation fighter jet (sans weapons) in Microsoft Flight Simulator, now’s your chance as third party aircraft developer IndiaFoxtEcho’s F-35 is out. Let’s have a look!
Available now
The Lighting II as its been officially named (although I hear pilots have taken to calling it the Panther) is a fifth gen fighter that probably needs no introduction. The F-35 is the most expensive weapons development program on the planet and has taken years to become operational. Despite any qualms about the real jet, all of that is immaterial as you can now fly one in MSFS.
Among the features are accurate 3D model and textures with liveries to represent all current operators of the F-35. All three variants (A, B and C) represented. CATOBAR carrier ops with the C model and STOVL (jump jet) ops with the B model are represented. The control systems and helmet display are part of the custom avionics that IndiaFoxtEcho has represented and a flight model is based on public information.
Not represented in this are the weapons systems as well as some key defensive/offensive components. RADAR DAS EOTS/TFLIR RWR Sensor fusion are not included.
Available in the following stores
You can buy the F-35 from three different marketplaces right now. You can get it from SimMarket, from Store.FlightSim.com and from OrbxDirect. Pricing is US$28.26 / €25,00 / £20.88 from OrbxDirect and roughly similar for all other stores.
Stormbirds 
Very cool. But my FS2020 install is broken and I can’t seem to fix it. I guess I’ll try again. I wouldn’t mind giving this a fly.
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Seems like IndiaFoxtEcho have provided a high value addon – the 3 variants have significant differences in flight models and features. And apparently V/STOVL ops in the F-35 are so easy they seem fake!
The VTOL model could be the sleeper touring aircraft of all MSFS: supersonic flight, expansive view, land and take off ANYWHERE!
OTOH, I’m still seeing enough reports of CTD’s that I’ll hold off on this for a patch or two…
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MSFS does seem plagued by CTD issues. Not sure if the F-35 is the cause or if its on the receiving end of a bug. Word is that the next update is going to have a focus on crushing some of these issues… my fingers are crossed.
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The F35 is refreshing in it’s ridiculously simple cockpit layout and ease of use, just point and fly… The B variant is as happy at Mach 1 as it is at pretending it’s a Lunar lander or something. Must be even more impressive to witness in real life.
Overall it’s a really well implemented and impressive addition to my MSFS hanger. Just wish MSFS didn’t CTD every. damn. time… #sigh.
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The F-35 does seem to be an impressively easy aircraft to fly in that way. Absolutely fascinating stuff.
I feel your pain about the CTD issues. I’m feeling it too.
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