Attention X-Plane island hoppers, Torquesim has provided us more incentive to fire up their BN-2 for a trip around the Tropics by releasing update 1.1.0.
Three weeks ago we were promised a major update for the Islander, this update would bring massive improvements to the aircraft while fixing “all bugs reported to us so far”. Let’s take a look at the feature-rich update. Right off the bat, we are introduced to a revamped FMOD Sound Pack which includes; new engine and propeller sounds, revamped switch/internal sounds, as well as customized headset simulation with adjustable noise cancellation.
Visually, the 3D cockpit has seen an immersive improvement with new panel shake and vibrations. Following some requests by the community, the overhead utility lights are now functional with individual HDR lights attached. On launch, the aircraft was already compatible with Reality XP’s virtual GNS devices and will now include its GTN devices as well. The aircraft now features integration with the Avitab plugin, including the ability to relocate it throughout various positions in the cockpit.
Torquesim has invested quite a bit in performance optimizations for their BN-2. This latest update brings new textures that can retain full 4K when required, while simultaneously downsizing resource-heavy normal maps. Night flights and cockpit lighting will see negligible performance impact due to “Heavier reliance on LIT textures…”, and a substantial amount of unnecessary polygons have been removed for contributing little to the appearance of the aircraft. Look no further than the objects folder to see the texture and mesh optimizations made, originally over 1GB in size, the file size has been reduced to a little over 500MB.
Lastly, some quality of life and other improvements for pilots; an expanded UI with more options for the aircraft and passengers, updated manuals, improved mouse interaction with cockpit switches, and the addition of a CSL package.
For a complete changelog, including bug fixes, please visit Torquesim’s post.
Changelog
- RealityXP GTN 750/GTN 650 Integration
- New engine/prop noises
- Revamped switch and internal noise
- Custom “headset” simulation with adjustable noise cancellation
- Panel shake/vibrations
- Mechanical Hobbs meter/tacho in 3D
- Placard with flaps speeds
- Add ability to open plugin menu from plugins bar at the top instead of only side tab
- Avitab integration
- Updated GUI
- Add cockpit utility light (moveable)
- Utility lights
