Microsoft Flight Simulator Harrier & San Francisco Airport Get New Screenshots; Incheon completed and Belfast City announced; RV-8 released

Microsoft Flight Simulator developers are constantly sharing new reveals and releases of add-ons for the popular simulation, and today is no exception.

We start with DC Designs who have provided an update to the Harrier and Eurofighter Typhoon which will now include the V-8B, AV-8B+ and GR9 variants.

The Harrier is scheduled to be released in early November, while the Typhoon won’t come until mid/late October.

Work on both current projects, the AV-8B Harrier and the Eurofighter Typhoon, is now coming to an end. Both planes look great and fly great so my focus now is mostly on detailing and improving what’s already there.

I’m happy to report that the Microsoft Marketplace team has outdone themselves and provided me with LOC files for the AV-8B, AV-8B+ and GR9 Harrier variants, bringing the number of Harriers to the pack to three (each with the same cockpit model). I can also confirm that Sim Acoustics provided me with sound samples and the Harrier’s signature howl is perfect and as loud as you would expect. All of this means that I only have to do some additional livery textures, the manual and the associated test flights to complete the project and submit it for release. CodenameJack works on the final coding of systems before we put everything together.

The typhoon is in the same location, with many details added this week. Flight modeling is complete with only liveries and some final code from Jack to finalize the systems. A few more liveries will be added and the manual will be written fairly soon.

There won’t be many more updates on either project as we’re close to release, with the Typhoon likely to be mid/late October and the Harrier early November. As soon as I have release dates, I’ll share them here as usual.

Terrainy Studios follows with a corresponding publication. The developer just launched the Van’s Aircraft RV-8.

It is available on SimMarket for $19.50 plus sales tax.

• Accurate flight model developed together with real rv8 pilots
• Realistic taildragger behavior
• Fully IFR capable cockpit
• GPS options, G430 (Asobo) and GTN650 (PMS50)
• Working circuit breakers
• Dynamic/interactable static objects
• Dynamic fuel in fuel tanks with level visible
• Tablet in the cockpit to control static objects
• Physical checklist in the cockpit
• Simulated ice accumulation on surfaces and engine
• 3D adjustable indoor and outdoor lighting
• High resolution 4k PBR textures
• Optimal performance
• VR compatible

Next up is Flightbeam Studios, who have released the first images of San Francisco International Airport (KSFO) in the United States.

In Asia, Pacific Island Simulations announced the completion of its Incheon International Airport (RKSI) serving South Korea’s capital, Seoul.

The airport’s release is “imminent” and below you can see a feature list and numerous images.

• Microsoft’s default ground textures have been replaced with new orthoimages that reflect the real Incheon. Whole Incheon Island covered.
• Added/removed vegetation (grass and trees) where required.
• Added realistic shorelines with correct blending techniques.
• Added Incheon Bridge (longest bridge in South Korea).
• Added buildings and skyscrapers in Songdo City/District.
• Added piers, fuel depots and buildings in coastal areas near Songdo and Incheon Island.
• Added buildings and skyscrapers on Incheon Island and near the airport.
• Added terminal buildings including Terminals 1 and 2, satellite hall and air traffic control towers.
• Added cargo terminals and aircraft parking lots.
• Added airport fire stations (south, east and west areas of the airfield).
• Added airport catering buildings and service/maintenance buildings.
• Added grunge work showing tire markings on runways and taxiways.
• and much more.

UK2000 Scenery announced a brand new airport, Belfast City (EGAC) in Northern Ireland.

The release is actually imminent as it launches on September 30th. You can see what to expect below.

Last but not least, the Flight Simulation Association is hosting a livestream panel on “Gaming vs. Flight Simulation” tomorrow (September 24th).

They will be there to try to represent both sides of the issue, along with friends from FSElite and HeliSimmer.

The panel begins at 7:00pm Zulu, which means noon PDT, 3:00pm EDT, 8:00pm BST, or 9:00pm CEST depending on where you live.

Below you can read a description of the panel and find the embedded live stream ready to watch along at launch.

“Today flight simulation is available on game consoles, low-end PCs and even mobile devices. With the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator, the hobby of flight simulation has become more accessible and common than ever. Does this mean that we are entering a new “race to the bottom” for flight sim add-on quality? Is it still worth developing products for the PC market?

Join some of the community’s highest-profile media personalities to discuss how the world of flight simulation is changing. The live discussion will also include a Q&A segment with the audience.”

If you want to read more about Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons, you can check out our latest reviews of Twin Otter, Auckland International Airport, Skiathos Airport, Athens International Airport, Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, Amami Airport, Bristol Airport, Marrakech Menara Airport , Great Britain Central, Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport, Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Krakow Airport, Fukuoka City & Airport, Fort Lauderdale Airport, Chongqing City & Airport, Manila Airport, Santiago Airport, Frankfurt City Pack, Key West Airport, Okavango Delta, Bali Airport, London Oxford Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, CRJ 550/700, PA-28R Arrow III, Kristiansand Airport, Macau City & Airport, Bonaire Flamingo Airport, Milano Linate Airport, Singapore City Pack, Tokyo Narita Airport, Yao Airport, F-15 Eagle, Paris City Pack, Greater Moncton Airport, Tweed New Haven Airport, Santorini Airport, Sydney Airport, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Reg gio Cala Bria Airport, Bastia Poretta Airport, Munich Airport, Paris Orly Airport, Newcastle International Airport, Sankt Johann Airfield, Dublin International Airport and Seoul City Wow. We also have a beta preview of Singapore Changi Airport.

If you want to learn more about the game itself, you can read our review, which will tell you everything you need to know about the game from Asobo Studio.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is already available for Windows 10 and Steam as well as Xbox Series X|S.