Today third-party developers had new reveals and a release to share about Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons.
We start with PMDG, which released more videos of the much-anticipated Boeing 737-700, showing off the rich customization available for the engine and status displays, and the custom mouse handling developed by the studio.
At the moment, we’re still waiting for a release date and pricing details for this one, but we shouldn’t be too far off.
Speaking of 737, a recently-formed developer named TopKit Simulations is working on a classic model starting with the Boeing 737-400.
xBelow you can see a few images and read the latest development update outlining the state of the project.
Dev update from the modeling side of things! Note, this is heavily work in progress, everything can (and probably will) change in future updates.
First a shot from the airplane inside the sim to test some quick animations, mesh normals etc. the usual stuff to make sure things in Blender match what we see in the simulator. During this phase I am working on getting every shape as close as possible to the actual aircraft and some areas I’m focusing on right now are:
- Wingbox
- Wheel wells
- APU outlet
- Adding the eyebrow windows (a removable option of course)
Next are four shots from some of the details in the virtual cockpit. Clockwise starting top left:
- FMC
- Pedestal
- Generator panel
- MCP
A lot of details are going to be added and/or baked in using normal maps, decals and all kinds of MSFS native features. What you see here are the low poly models that will be used in sim, but normal maps will bring out a lot more details in the sharp edges, texture and overall look of the aircraft and cockpit.
If you want to follow this project, which will be freeware and open source, you can visit the developer’s Discord server.
We then get new screenshots and a development update from Pacific Islands Simulation about Incheon International Airport (RKSI), which serves the capital of South Korea, Seoul.
“Lights added at all parking gates, Incheon/Songdo cities, Incheon Bridge, taxiways, freight and general parking areas. Added taxiway lines, airport perimeter fences and improved all maintenance hangers’ textures, etc. Still to come are custom animated jetways, terminal interior lighting and other items (kiosks, seats, etc), RWYs 16R/34L and 16L/34R ILS, and taxiway signs. No definite timeline for completion yet until we are satisfied with the outstanding project items mentioned above.”