Aircraft developer, AOA Simulations, has previewed the changes they have made in an update to their Lockheed Martin F-35b Lightning II for X-Plane 11.
The F-35 Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine, multi-role stealth aircraft built by Lockheed Martin. The F-35b variant is capable of Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) which gives the aircraft the ability to be launched in both maritime and land-based platforms. The F35b is used in air to air, air to ground and other intelligence operations around the globe by the USMC, RAF and Italian Air Force.
AOA Simulations first released the F-35b for X-plane 9.70 back in 2013 and planned to improve the external textures and modelling but has revamped the entire aircraft except for the overall 3d model.
Some of the major improvements to the aircraft include realistic PBR texturing effects with a complete texture overhaul, a rebuilt 3d cockpit with panoramic display, animated weaponry in three different load models, which include close air support, anti-ship/land-attack and V/STOL loadouts and enhancements to the avionics, mission systems and flight model within X-Plane. Additional items include nine real-world 4K liveries and a comprehensive 106-page flight manual and tutorial for those just getting to grips with flying the new age aircraft.
Although there were no timeframes included in the Facebook post, it did mention that the development is very close to where they expect in terms of quality so the update release should be imminent. The update will be free for existing customers, if you don’t already own the F-35b for X-Plane, you can pick it up on the X-Plane Store for $32 which is roughly £24.57/€27.15.
Changelog
- 3 different models (Close Air Support, Anti-ship and land attack with the new Kongsberg Joint Strike Missile, V/STOL)
- Realistic PBR effects
- Complete textures overhaul
- A new 3D cockpit with a panoramic cockpit display
- Enhanced avionics, mission systems and flight model
- New animated weapons set (AGM-158, GBU-12, GBU-53B, JSM, GAU-25 gunpod, AIM-120D, AIM-9X)
- FMOD sounds
- A new comprehensive 106-pages flight manual and tutorial
- A Photoshop Paintkit
- New plugable air intake covers
- 9 real-world 4K liveries