Flight sim related news is flying in quickly these days and there’s a lot going on all around the community. We have news about DCS’s AH-64D, a live stream of the Just Flight 146 Professional and DA 50RG, early reviews of SimWorks Studios RV-14, a new DCS: Syria based campaign for the F/A-18, and so much more. Let’s get to it!
Cold and dark start with the AH-64
Two more videos have come out for the DCS: AH-64D from Matt Wagner. The latest are a tutorial covering key binding and setups for the helicopter and a cold and dark start tutorial. The cold and dark is extremely notable as it means that most or all of the helicopters key systems are now ready. Early access is imminent!
Q8Pilot does a Aerobask DA-50 live stream
Flight sim streamer and YouTube content creator Q8Pilot did a hour and a half stream looking at the new Aerobask DA-50RG that’s supposed to come this week. The live stream has a very detailed look at this new aircraft with an in-depth examination if its systems and features. Looks great!
SWS RV-14 early previews
AvAngel has an early preview of SimWorks Studios Vans RV-14. This kit-built aircraft appears to be a zippy performer that SWS has brought to Microsoft Flight Simulator. Just yesterday I was checking out SWS’ still relatively new Kodiak 100 which made a phenomenal first impression. This new RV-14 looks to be more of the same attention to detail. Check out AvAngel’s early preview!
BelGeode, another content creator, has a early preview also available for SWS’ new creation. Have a look!
Aeroplane Heaven DC-3 on final approach
Good news for DC-3 fans as MSFS aircraft maker Aeroplane Heaven are working up towards release for their rendition of this classic aircraft. It looks like the developers have put a ton of effort into creating multiple versions and in their most recent update they have listed over a dozen liveries as well as four major modifications:
- DC-3 Left Pax door
- DC-3 Right Pax door
- DC-3 Pax/Cargo configuration
- DC-3 Cargo configuration
Several dozen screenshots have been released on the Aeroplane Heaven Facebook page so be sure to check that out. Release is expected very soon.
Wing42’s Boeing 247D nears release
MSFS aircraft maker Wing42 have done a good job of finding a niche making some more classic aircraft and their Boeing 247D looks like it should be a very interesting release. The launch date is April 2nd and Wing42 have decided to sell it for $19.99 USD, a relative bargain compare to some of its competitors, arguing that they are likely to sell more at the lower price in the marketplace than if they were to price higher. We’ll see if that pans out but either way you should have a look at this classic aircraft if those appeal to you.
Orbx is having a sale
Between now and March 20, Orbx are having their March Madness Sale offering up to 40% off on a variety of their products.
It’s also noteworthy that Orbx is offering support for their Ukrainian developers by waiving the store fees and making sure that 100% of sales on these products go to the developers. I think a couple of Ukrainian scenery packs might end up in my basket.
Into the Blue flies the Just Flight 146 Professional for X-Plane
While we wait for Just Flight’s BAe 146 Professional to release, Into the Blue, a popular content creator and real world pilot, takes the X-Plane 11 version into the virtual skies.
DCS: F/A-18 campaign uses new DCS: Syria map
Although its been out for over a year, DCS: Syria still feels new and new campaigns are still being developed for one of the most impressive maps in the DCS World series. The new Operational Cerberus North uses a fictional scenario to bring the F/A-18 into a 16 mission scenario with over 3,000 lines of recorded dialogue.
Release date is to be announced.
That’s everything that I saw…
The news is coming quickly these days with a number of high profile aircraft releases, plenty of new scenery and sales, and new campaigns and content to keep you entertained and flying no matter what sim you’re in.
Stormbirds 
Funny story about the RV planes. When they started working on a 2 seat version they did a survey of owners to figure out which way to configure it, tandem seating, or side by side. Tandem won about 2-1, but when they worked it all out, it wasn’t that hard to do both designs, so they did.
The side by side version has outsold the tandem version by 2-1. They figure this is the wife veto. The pilot wants fighter style seating, but the wife will only authorize it if it’s side by side.
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That’s genuinely hilarious. I’ve never heard about this before but it makes a lot of sense.
I’ve only ever seen side by side.
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Let me tell you, the “wife authorization” DEFINITELY applies to boats, too! 🙂
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The screenshots of the 247 are intriguing – apart from the engine fire one above there’s also one on Wing42’s site of a crashed 247 with bent props… Would that make it MSFS2020’s first plane with this sort of damage model if these things make it to the release and are not just the developer’s musings?
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I think it would be the first aircraft in MSFS with that kind of modeling. That I’m aware of anyways!
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Someone on the forums noted the “2.99.XXX.XX” on the bottom right of Wags’ video. Not sure if that’s a big deal, but there it is.
Could be a good 10GB+ on the next update maybe.
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It’s similar to the 2.99.x version on videos from last year. Most likely just the version of an internal developer build.
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I’m sure you’re right. Just looks like a cool number, so close to 3. 🙂
Just read that the next patch should be out this Thursday, 17th. Nice.
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Should we start a rumour now that it’s a secret Vulkan/Rendergraph engine build and it runs 1-million FPS in VR mode? 🙂
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Oh, I didn’t notice that for some reason. That’s interesting!
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We are your flightspies. From BigNewy about an hour ago:
Open Beta Public testing build
Currently version number: DCS 2.7.10.19473 Open Beta
Next update: Planned Thursday 17th March 2022 (Subject to change)
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Well spotted! I just saw that come up too. Looks like were 48 hours from what is likely to be a big DCS release.
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Good update(s), and thanks for the tip on the Orbx sale – I’m neck deep in a big project and would’ve missed it otherwise! 🙂
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Happy to help! The sale has been bad for my wallet but good for my flight sim scenery 🙂
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Speaking of your wallet – still hope you to set up a one-time payment system to help out the site. I’m sure I’m not the only person who might find it a good option. And with that, I won’t bug you about it for the next six-months. Maybe.
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I haven’t had a chance to look into it. Any preferred services?
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That’s a good question. I think SynVander – easy mission generator IL2 – uses “Ko-fi” and there is also “buymeacoffee”. Both allow single cup servings. 🙂
Maybe if you ask SYN about the service he could give you some feedback. And I’m sure YouTube has a bunch of videos as to ease of use and legitimacy.
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I’ve seen some folks using Buy Me a Coffee before. I’ll look into it! Thanks for the support and encouragement!
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Wow! What a summary of all the good things coming! When it comes to the MSFS retro-liners, the C-47 may be a legendary star but unfortunately I will be trying out the Wing42 Boeing 247D first. The last couple offerings from Aeroplane Heaven I’ve purchased (Spitfire Mk.I and P-51D) have been “eh” in their flight modeling and down right abysmal in their audio quality. The P-51D, for its price, was especially horrible in it’s engine sounds that I have only flown once. I’d like to hope their C-47 will be better but I’m not holding my breath.
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