[This is a live article with updates and images coming as we get them]
During Flight Sim Show 2019, Aerosoft allowed Stairport Sceneries to deliver a presentation on the upcoming new SAM (Scenery Animation Manager) version 2. The demonstration was delivered live during the presentation.
SAM Version 2
The first element the team wanted to show off was the all-new user menu which will come with the next version. You will be able to use the Flight Details Widget, you can fill out the flight details or they can be imported from a flight plan file. The METAR widget can also pull in weather details from a xEnviro, Active Sky or a generic source.
A new feature confirmed is the introduction of the automatic door control, which will open the doors in the aircraft automatically. The same will happen once you are ready to depart. The beacon plays a big role in that automatic process.
As for Jetways, lots of changes have happened with this new version. Jetways will have some form of intelligence to connect to the closest door on the parking stand. Furthermore, if you have a small aircraft parking in a large stand, with two jetways, then only one will move to connect on a single door. It was also confirmed that all current scenery using SAM will be compatible.
SAM version 2 is due to go into beta by the end of the month and hoping to be ready by November. It will remain free for the end-user and freeware developers. If you are a developer then you will need to reach out to the team.
The team spoke about a setting within the user menu that will enable seasonal textures inside SAM, which will come as a separate library to download to prevent the file size being too large. This means that scenery products won’t include seasons anymore, but will be applied to the same quality via SAM.
Finally, the team announced that they have reached an agreement with Laminar Research to include the SAM animated jetways to be included in all the base airports. This will be known as World Jetways. These will also be added to all MisterX airports, too. Due for a release in a few weeks and will be a paid product. No price was mentioned.
During a Q&A, a question was asked about 3D objects such as vehicles being included in the future. It is confirmed that in theory, vehicles such as stairs and attachable 3D objects can be added in the future upon the base SAM in the long term.
Scenery News
LEVT Vitoria
PDI Sims has officially joined Stairport Sceneries and LEVT Vitoria airport will now include SAM and other Stairport Sceneries technology. Another Spanish airport by PDI Sims was also confirmed to be in development but was stopped at confirming which one.
LFTZ Saint-Tropez
In-house production and in beta. Available sooner than later.
LGSA Chania
This is a conversion from the Prepar3D airport, which will also include a custom mesh to ensure that the airport renders correctly whilst on 2-levels. This is due to be in beta pretty soon.
EGNT Newcastle
I.D.S developed and converted from the P3D version. Will include SAM jetways. Will release soon
EDDN Nuremberg
Converted from the 29Palms/Captain7 version on Prepar3D and will be due to release very soon. The vegetation work is in progress.
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Stairport Sceneries also confirmed more airports will continue to be developed including conversion from Prepar3D.
As for the new Microsoft Flight Simulator, the team said “it depends on you.” The team will continue to focus on X-Plane going forward, but not currently working on Microsoft Flight Simulator.
