FSMonitor — Live Flight Simulation News
Heatblur responds to community on F-14B(U) pricing, provides more details
Heatblur has announced the pre-order availability of the DCS: F-14B(U) upgrade module for DCS World. This upgrade is specifically designed for owners of the original DCS: F-14 Tomcat module, which includes the F-14A and F-14B variants. The developer sets the price for this upgrade at $49.99 USD. The F-14B(U) upgrade introduces enhanced systems and avionics improvements over the original F-14B model, reflecting Heatblur's continued commitment to detailed simulation of the Tomcat. Heatblur's pricing decision has sparked discussion within the DCS World community, as it represents a significant investment for those who already own the base module. The upgrade's availability allows existing F-14 pilots to access the latest iteration of the aircraft without purchasing a full new module.
Spark Films Releases Normandy Nord Photo HD for X-Plane 12/12
Spark Films releases Normandy Nord Photo HD XP12/12, a detailed photorealistic scenery for X-Plane 12 and 12. This product focuses on the northern coastline of Normandy, France, providing enhanced visuals for VFR flying in this region. The scenery features high-resolution aerial imagery capturing cliffs, Atlantic waters, islands, and inland terrain specific to Normandy’s northern coast. It is designed to improve visual navigation and environmental detail for pilots flying low and slow over this historically significant area. Normandy Nord Photo HD XP12/12 is available immediately from Spark Films.
BeyondATC live traffic is here: real-world FR24 data now available in the experimental build
BeyondATC releases an experimental build featuring live traffic integration using real-world Flightradar24 data powered by Navigraph. This update is available to supporters and works within the BeyondATC platform. Schedule-based traffic remains free for all users, maintaining accessibility alongside the new live traffic feature. The live traffic integration allows users to fly alongside actual flights tracked in real time, enhancing situational awareness within the simulation environment. This feature is exclusive to supporters, providing a new layer of realism by reflecting current air traffic patterns. The update does not replace the existing schedule-based traffic but supplements it, preserving the free access for non-supporters while offering enhanced data fidelity for paying users.
CLB Studio – Live Crew MSFS20/24 Brings Voice, Rhythm, and Airline Atmosphere to the Cockpit
CLB Studio releases Live Crew MSFS20/24, an addon designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. This product integrates synchronized crew voices and procedural callouts directly into the cockpit environment. It aims to replicate the dynamic atmosphere of an airline crew throughout all phases of flight. Live Crew MSFS20/24 features voice interactions that respond in real time from engine start to touchdown, enhancing the operational flow within the simulator. The addon includes cabin ambiance elements that contribute to the overall soundscape of a commercial flight. By introducing these audio layers, CLB Studio provides a detailed simulation of airline crew communications and cockpit environment.
Microsoft Flight Simulator heads to the US national parks on July 4, with the National Championship Air Races to follow this fall
Microsoft Flight Simulator releases World Update 22, developed by Asobo Studio, which focuses on over thirty US national parks and monuments. The update is available for Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC and Xbox platforms. The National Championship Air Races event is scheduled to follow this update in the fall. World Update 22 enhances the simulation with detailed scenery for landmarks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, improving terrain and vegetation fidelity. The update includes new points of interest and refined aerial photography to better represent these iconic locations. The National Championship Air Races event will introduce a series of competitive air racing challenges, adding a new gameplay dimension for users.
Preview: First flights in the DCS: F-100D
Grinnelli Designs releases a preview build of the DCS: F-100D for Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World). The preview version is made available to select users for initial hands-on evaluation and feedback. This release marks the first public opportunity to experience the F-100D module in DCS. The preview build includes a fully modeled cockpit with interactive systems and flight dynamics representative of the F-100D Super Sabre. Grinnelli Designs emphasizes the detailed replication of the aircraft's avionics and flight control systems, including the hydraulic and electrical components. This early access allows the community to assess the module's fidelity and provides the developer with valuable input before the full release.
Preview – Grumman AA5 (MSFS24/20)
Bluesky Hangar and JustFlight announce the upcoming release of the Grumman AA5 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. This aircraft model specifically represents the AA-5B Tiger variant. The announcement highlights the developers' focus on bringing this classic general aviation aircraft into the MSFS ecosystem. The preview emphasizes the Grumman AA5's unique design and nostalgic value, as it was the first plane flown by the simFlight.com editor during their private pilot license training. The release aims to capture the distinct characteristics of the AA-5B Tiger, appealing to pilots who appreciate vintage GA aircraft. No pricing or exact release date is mentioned, but the collaboration between Bluesky Hangar and JustFlight suggests a detailed and faithful simulation.
Review : SDG Sim Design Group – Giza Sphinx HESX Airport MSFS24
SDG Sim Design Group releases the Giza Sphinx HESX Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This new airport scenery is available through SimMarket and represents Egypt’s latest aviation gateway. The airport is situated west of Cairo, near the Pyramids of Giza. The scenery models the recently developed Sphinx International Airport, designed to alleviate traffic from Cairo International Airport. The addon includes detailed terminal buildings and accurate runway layouts reflecting the airport’s current operational status. This release provides a native MSFS 2024 experience focusing on a growing regional hub that has not been widely covered in flight simulation before.
A new MSFS tool turns every flight into an airline-grade debrief, then hands the approach back to re-fly
SQWK Flight Review is a new tool designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator that provides airline-grade flight data analysis after every flight. Developed to bring professional-level debriefing capabilities to the sim community, it captures detailed flight telemetry and performance metrics. The tool integrates directly with MSFS to offer a comprehensive post-flight review experience. SQWK Flight Review analyzes parameters such as altitude deviations, speed control, and approach stability, replicating the data scrutiny used by real airlines. It allows users to identify precise moments of deviation and then hands back the approach for immediate re-flying within the simulator. This functionality enables pilots to practice and perfect specific segments of their flights based on objective performance data.
Sim news round-up: Deadstick is back, FlyJSim 737 V4 to release, Fokker sound preview, Rafale start-up, and F-86 vs MiG-15 discussion
Deadstick announces the return of its playtest phase, inviting users to participate in testing the latest iteration of its simulation project. FlyJSim confirms the upcoming release window for the 737 V4 classic airliner, targeting compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator. Just Flight provides a detailed preview of the soundscape for their Fokker 70 and 100 aircraft, showcasing the audio environment players can expect. AzurPoly demonstrates the start-up sequence and associated sounds of the Rafale, highlighting the procedural accuracy of the aircraft's systems. The soundscape preview for the Fokker series includes engine noises, cockpit alerts, and environmental effects, emphasizing the depth of audio integration. 1C Game Studios contributes to the discussion with insights into the F-86 versus MiG-15 dogfight dynamics, focusing on flight model and combat system nuances.
Ace Combat 8 releases gameplay overview, announces October 8 release date
Bandai Namco announces Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve with a release date set for October 8. The announcement includes a new gameplay overview video showcasing the upcoming title. Ace Combat 8 continues the series' focus on air combat action. The gameplay overview video highlights specific mechanics players can expect, such as advanced aerial maneuvers and dynamic mission scenarios. The release date confirms the game will be available this fall, providing a clear timeline for fans awaiting the next installment. This information is significant for those tracking the evolution of air combat games within the genre.
iniBuilds London City Airport (EGLC) is out now for MSFS 2024
iniBuilds releases London City Airport (EGLC) for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The new airport scenery is available immediately from the iniBuilds online store. This product specifically targets the updated MSFS 2024 platform. The scenery replicates the airport's signature steep 5.5° glide slope approach, a defining characteristic of EGLC. It is priced at £12.99, reflecting iniBuilds' standard pricing for detailed airport add-ons. This release provides MSFS 2024 users with an accurate representation of one of London's most challenging airports.
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MSFS Live Traffic in 2026: FSLTL, Beyond ATC, and SayIntentions Explained
FSLTL, Beyond ATC, and SayIntentions are three live traffic solutions discussed in relation to Microsoft Flight Simulator's 2026 outlook. These products aim to improve the simulator's live traffic system by providing more accurate aircraft positions, liveries, and behavior. The discussion centers on how these tools interact with MSFS and address its current live traffic limitations. The core problem identified is that live traffic often results in unrealistic aircraft behavior, such as a British Airways 777 stopping mid-taxiway and causing traffic congestion. FSLTL and Beyond ATC attempt to solve this by enhancing AI traffic management and communication, while SayIntentions focuses on improving pilot intent simulation for more natural traffic flow. These developments matter because they target the fundamental issue of AI traffic pathfinding and coordination, which has long frustrated users seeking authentic live traffic representation in MSFS.
PMDG is hunting down WASM crashes while the 747 enters alpha
PMDG announces ongoing development updates for their 737 and 777 fleets, alongside the initiation of alpha testing for the 747. The developer is actively addressing WebAssembly (WASM) crashes affecting their products and investigating a recent crash issue with the DC-6. These updates pertain to PMDG's products for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The 737 and 777 updates focus on fixing stability issues related to WASM, which have caused unexpected crashes during simulation sessions. The DC-6 crash investigation aims to identify and resolve a specific fault that has compromised the aircraft's reliability. The 747's alpha phase signals the start of detailed system integration and testing, marking a significant milestone in bringing this iconic airliner to the simulator platform.
Orbx and The Attic Flyer Studio release T42 Ruth Airport, another Northern California backcountry challenge
Orbx and The Attic Flyer Studio release the T42 Ruth Airport, a new backcountry airstrip located in Northern California. This product is designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator and adds a challenging mountain valley approach at the confluence of the Mad River. The developers emphasize the difficulty of the landing due to the tight terrain surrounding the airstrip. The scenery features detailed terrain modeling that captures the narrow approach corridor and the surrounding mountainous landscape. The developers include custom ground textures and accurate vegetation to enhance the visual fidelity of the airstrip environment. This release is available immediately through Orbx's platform, targeting pilots who seek demanding short-field operations in remote locations.
CSS 737 Classic family is now complete: -300 and -400 variants released
Captain Sim releases the 737 Classic -300 and -400 variants, completing the 737 Classic family for their simulator lineup. This update is available for Microsoft Flight Simulator and Prepar3D users. The release follows the initial 737 Classic base model and expands the fleet with these two additional variants. The update includes significant VNAV improvements that enhance vertical navigation accuracy and functionality. Dozens of fixes address various systems and flight model issues reported by users, improving overall stability and realism. This expansion allows pilots to operate the full range of 737 Classic models within the same simulation environment, broadening operational possibilities.
AzurPoly shows the Rafale coming to life with a full startup sequence video
AzurPoly releases a detailed preview video showcasing the startup sequence of their upcoming Rafale fighter jet add-on. The project is designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator and highlights the aircraft's systems initialization from a cold and dark cockpit state to flight readiness. This video serves as a demonstration of the current development progress for the Rafale module. The startup sequence video reveals specific system activations including avionics boot-up, engine start procedures, and cockpit lighting adjustments. The developer emphasizes the accurate replication of the Rafale's complex systems and the step-by-step process required to prepare the jet for flight. This level of detail indicates a focus on system depth and procedural accuracy, which will appeal to users seeking a comprehensive military jet simulation.
Citation Sovereign+ Released for MSFS 2024
Skyward Simulations releases the Citation Sovereign+ for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The aircraft is available through Orbx Direct and represents Cessna's midsize business jet with a focus on system depth and flight model accuracy. The developer bases the model on real-world references and tests it using the CE-680 aircraft. The release emphasizes operational behavior that matches the actual Citation Sovereign+, aiming to replicate its systems and flight characteristics precisely. This addition provides a detailed midsize jet option for MSFS 2024 users seeking authentic business jet simulation.
The DCS: F-14B(U) pre-order begins
Eagle Dynamics and Heatblur Simulations announce the pre-order availability for the DCS: F-14B(U) add-on for DCS World. This new version of the F-14 is introduced alongside updates to the existing F-14A and F-14B modules. The announcement includes detailed pricing and feature information for both the new and updated aircraft. The DCS: F-14B(U) features enhanced avionics and systems improvements over previous versions, reflecting Heatblur's commitment to deep systems modeling. The update to the F-14A/B modules includes bug fixes and system refinements that improve flight dynamics and cockpit functionality. Pre-orders are now open, allowing the community to secure the new module ahead of its official release.
Introducing Flightsim.to Radar and Horizon
Flightsim.to announces the launch of two new tools called Radar and Horizon, designed to enhance the flight simulation experience on their platform. These tools are integrated with popular simulators, including Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane, providing users with real-time situational awareness and improved navigation support. The release targets the community of users who rely on Flightsim.to for addon downloads and flight planning. Radar offers a live map displaying aircraft positions, weather conditions, and air traffic control frequencies, while Horizon provides a horizon line overlay to assist with orientation during flight. Both tools are accessible directly through the Flightsim.to website without additional software installation, making them immediately usable for all registered users. This development addresses long-standing user requests for integrated situational tools, enhancing flight planning and in-flight decision-making.