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News, Releases, Updates
July 16th
Available now, the Yak-52 Expansion Pack ! This great model package now got even better with the addition of new variants and textures. This great value (only $10 USD) set adds a new 2-blade prop variant with the elongated prop spinner (and of course a new texture set), a 3-blade prop version (with its own flight model and 2 texture sets) and lastly the great taildragger version, with the 3-blade prop and of course its own flight dynamics and 2 texture sets. The package is available in both FS2004 and FSX versions and is provided as a self-installing file. The FSX version also includes the v1.2 patch mentioned below.
Filesize : FS9 24MB, FSX 44MB
Price : approx. $10 USD, £6.50, 7.75 EUR, 11.50 AUD, 10.50 CAD
Yak-52 Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen
July 15th
New update for the FSX Yak-52 ! The v1.2 patch for FSX adds all-new, more authentic flight dynamics and a 'RealGauge' Accelerometer with min/max needles and a reset button. The patch is in the form of a self-installer and can be downloaded from the Yak's download page, existing owners of the FSX Yak-52 just need to log in to their account area and they can download the new update. PayPal purchasers should send us an e-mail with proof of purchase, or street address. We will then forward a temporary link to the Yak-52 download area. There will be no patch for the FS2004 version. Note - this is not the new 'Expansion Pack', release of this product is immenent and it will be mentioned in a separate news post.
July 5th
Virtavia's all-new B-1B Lancer for FSX is out now ! Get yourselves over to the Virtavia web site and grab a copy of this mind-blowing addon.
July 3rd
Progress update for the new Sepecat Jaguar ! Here are some mouth-watering shots of the FSX version of Package 1. This product will be released soon from AlphaSim's Australian sister company site at Virtavia.com.
June 11th
First preview's of Virtavia's all-new B-1B Lancer for FSX ! Head over to the all-new Virtavia web site to see screenshots of the final package. Virtavia hope to release the B-1B in about a week.
June 5th
All-new Freeware Page now active ! Click the freeware link above for access to ALL AlphaSim freeware from the last 10 years. We have set up a dedicated high-speed site to host over 260 Zip files for FS2002, CFS2 and FS9 - all free ! There are many air base sceneries as well as aircraft, helicopters, WW1 biplanes and even a few aircraft carriers. All aircraft come with their original panels, gauges, and in a few case even their soundsets. We will of course add to this great collection as time goes on. All files are in Zip format and must in all cases be extracted into the root folder of the apporpriate sim version. All scenery files must be activated in the usual way. Refer to the 'readme.txt' in every Zip - there is often essentuial information and tips there. Please note, all these files are unsupported, there is however no restriction on their use, feel free to do whatever you want with them !
May 16th
The BN-2 Islander package has now been released by Flight One ! Head over to their site to get the download version, the boxed version will be available in due course. Some of you may have already realised the model package was rebranded as made by 'Virtavia', not AlphaSim. An explanation of this is overdue - Virtavia is a new Australian limited company which has emanted from AlphaSim, and which will soon have its own site and web store. The company is staffed by many of the AlphaSim contributors, as well as some new modellers. Virtavia's products will be premium FSX addons, similar in scope and quality to the BN-2 Islander, which will be sold directly from the Virtavia site, as well as selected titles through Flight One. We'll kick off the new site with an all-new B-1B package, which is already very close to completion. Like the B-1B, two other highly popular AlphaSim titles have also been radically overhauled into all-new packages for FSX, all include high-detail VCs, new textures, sounds, flight dynamics and some other new ideas such as special radars. These will be announced and displayed here and on the new site in due course. The forthcoming C-17 VC is now also being developed by the Virtavia team, as are several other, well-advanced and exciting projects - miltary and civil (current and classic), both fixed-wing and rotorcraft will all be covered. More information on these developments will be shown on the Virtavia site when it goes live in a week or two. The AlphaSim site will continue selling the majority of the products developed in the last few years, we also plan to update several of them and offer occasional free additional texture packs and freeware versions of the older titles from time to time. Support for AlphaSim products will continue for as long as they are sold.
May 7th
New Freeware releases ! All these free titles come with complete panels, but use default FS sounds. Head off to AVSIM, Simviation and SOH for these classic AlphaSim packages :
Westland Future Lynx for FS2004
P-47D Thunderbolt Set for CFS2, FS2002 and FS2004
Martin PBM Mariner for FS2004 (includes all-new Dutch variant !)
SAAB Draken for FS2004
Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a for FS2004 and FSX
Fairey Swordfish Set for CFS2, FS2002 and FS2004
Lockheed U-2S for FS2004
Apr 7th
New update for the C-17 Globemaster III out now ! The long-awaited 2D panel suite is here. Just log in to your account and download the v1.05 update Zip. Extract the Zip into the root folder of your sim and overwrite the panel.cfg when prompted. NOTE : the default setup is for a Widescreen monitor, an alternative set of bitmaps and cfg are provided for non-widescreen users. These are in the panel folder and a readme.txt file is there to explain what to do. A 'manual' is also included, an illustrated PDF file will be put into the C-17's main folder. Also note that an ATC-type radar is provided for FSX users, whilst not authentic as such, it does provide useful visual backup to ATC calls. Those who used PayPal should contact us by e-mail and a short-lived link will be provided to access the files directly. This update provides the 2D panel and gauges only, it does not provide the virtual cockpit, which is still in development.
Here are some screenshots from FSX (Widescreen version) :
Apr 3rd
C-17 Globemaster III status report ! The 2D panel suite is almost ready, final testing is being carried out. We hope to release the v1.05 update during the coming week.
Mar 13th
C-17 Globemaster III status report ! An interim version (v1.05) including the 2D panel suite (and hopefully some new texture sets) is due for release later this month, all being well. The VC work has repeatedly stalled due to lack of finance. General low sales and a poor return on the C-17 version 1.0 has left funds gravely depleted. Efforts had to be switched to some new FSX model packages for release through a 3rd party publisher in order to obtain the necessary funding for the expensive items needed to complete the C-17 cockpit. We apologise for the long wait and bad estimates. As a company we are not in good shape right now, so we ask for just a little more patience as we attempt to complete this project while we still can. The whole of April and May are set aside for non-stop C-17 work, no other projects are scheduled for that period, so the VC should be ready by the end of May.
Mar 13th
BN-2 Islander status report ! The very last tidying up of issues reported during testing by a real-life BN-2 pilot is now under way. The finished package will be delivered to Flight One within days.
Mar 13th
New Expansion Pack for the Yak-52 coming soon ! The new package includes the more powerful three-bladed prop version in tricycle and taildragger versions, as well as an additional 2-blade prop version with the large-type prop spinner. Five all-new texture sets for these new versions are included. The package will be a low-priced addon for the original, along the lines of previous AlphaSim expansion packs, such as the A-6.
Jan 3rd
The paintkit for the C-17 Globemaster III is now available in the C-17's download area. Note the Zip also includes fonts required for text on some layers. The .PSD's are 2048-pixel size so FS2004 users will need to reduce their finished work down to 1024-pixel size.
Dec 11th
Forthcoming products update ! Just to let everyone know we are still working on several new products, despite the apparent lack of activity. The BN-2 Islander project is proceeding well now after several months in the doldrums due to internal problems. The exterior models and textures are completed, we are working flat out now on the VC, aiming for a January release. The C-17 VC has also progressed and currently not presenting any problems. The C-17 2D panel and gauges were completed over a year ago but it was decided to bring it more up to date and also try to achieve more similarity with the VC appearance. Release of the v1.1 update for existing owners is aimed the period mid-Jan to mid-Feb 2010. The Sepecat Jaguar project is in the final testing phase, the first release (the GR1 package) is likely to be in January '10. This will be FS9 only, although a later FSX conversion now looks likely (a free update). There will be subsequent packages for the GR1A, GR1B, GR3 and Indian AF versions, available as low-cost Expansion Packs to the GR1 version. The French Jaguar package will be native FSX as will the 2-seater package. These will be standalone packages. Other big FSX releases are in the works and progressing well.
Oct 15th
RE-released for FS9 - the Sukhoi Su-33 and Admiral Kuznetsov ! Features -
Su-33 Naval Flanker:
3 models - Air Defence, ECM, Refueller (with animated refuelling drogue)
Animations - usual ones, plus refuel probe, pilot (automatic, with AB 'shove'), AB petals
Effects - wingtip vortices, multi-stage AB flames, wing surface 'flash'
Flanker soundset included
Panel / V-C - highly detailed and highly functional, including HUD
Kuznetsov:
10 locations - Anadyr, Canada, Lebanon, Norway, Panama, Persian Gulf, Severodvinsk, Taiwan, Turkey.
Landable deck with working 'ski jump'
Wire traps possible with Abacus FD3/4, data provided
Full night lighting
All normal nav aids
Fully functioning Su-33 AI aircraft - perform launches and recoveries automatically
Animated blast deflectors (use NAV 2 - 1200, 1205, 1210)
Filesize : FS9 18MB and 21MB
Price : approx. $29.50 USD, £18.50, 20 EUR, 32.50 AUD, 30.50 CAD
Su-33 Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen
Kuznetsov Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
Oct 1st
Out now for FSX and FS9 - the C-17A Globemaster III ! Demand for this awesome model was so strong that we decided we should not make our customers wait any longer, so we are releasing the finished exterior model package right now. Version 1.0 does not however have a v-c yet, the cockpit is still under development. It is however in a very advanced state, and we already have the gauges and HUD ready to go. So 1-2 months should be enough to see the release of version 1.1, which will not only include the v-c and gauges, but also some additional texture schemes (Qatar AF, NATO and USAF Hickam Bay). The v1.1 update will of course be free of charge to existing owners.
Included in the version 1.0 package is the 100% complete exterior model, along with EIGHT incredibly-detailed textures sets by master artist Pierre Lheureux (listed below) and a fantastic C-17 sounds set by sounds experts TSS. Both FS2004 and FSX are supported with unique models - the FSX one excels with super-sharp 2048-pixel resolution textures, self-shadowing and very subtle bump mapping. Both sims also share many animations : alongside the usual fowler flaps, spoilerons and reverse thrusters, there are anims for the front exit and steps, paratroop doors, rear cargo to level AND optional ground position, togglable pilots and togglable formation ('slime') lights. The rear cargo hold also has night-lighting. A PhotoShop paintkit is being put together and will be uploaded in due course.
Here's a list of the amazing texture sets :
March AFRC - 55140
McChord AMC - 10186
McGuire AMC - 44130
Mississippi ANG - 33113
Royal Australian Air Force - A41-207
Royal Air Force - ZZ171
Royal Canadian Air Force - 177701
Bare 'Primer', the pre-delivery scheme - 00172
The AlphaSim C-17 has been a long time coming for sure, and it's still not all here yet, but it is nevertheless the result of a massive work effort by many dedicated parties, beyond what we have have been used to with previous releases. Development costs were unusually high, and this has to be reflected in a higher than usual price point than our customers are used to. We are confident however that the enjoyment of this high quality model will long outlast any concerns over the initial outlay. We are of course committed to long-term maintenance of the package beyond the addition of the v-c and gauges in v1.1, further additions and updates will appear as time goes on, to ensure that the AlphaSim C-17 continues to evolve to meet our customers' requirements into the foreseeable future.
Filesize : FS9 153MB, FSX 142MB
Price : approx. $58.75 USD, £36.75, 40.00 EUR, 66.50 AUD, 62.75 CAD
C-17 Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen.
Sept 28th
Out now for FSX and FS9 - Yak-52 v1.1 ! With three additional paint schemes, making a new total of five, all beautifully enhanced by FSX's bump-mapped 2048-resolution, this is the definitive Yak-52 enthusiasts have been waiting for. The improved texture resolution also extends to the cockpit, where additional 3D detailing has been added. The paintkit is now available, as well as the new FS9 version, which also includes the three new paintjobs. Several fixes have been done to both FS9 and FSX versions, most notably the reversed levers in the v-c, as well as some cfg tweaks to provide better v-c night illumination and one-step flap action. The prop blades have also been widened to better match the huge paddles of the Yak ! Owners of the FS9 version can download the new FS9 version as well as the FSX version at no extra charge.
Filesize : FS9 41MB, FSX 45MB
Price : approx. $29 USD, £17.95, 19.75 EUR, 33.75 AUD, 31.25 CAD
Yak-52 Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten
Sept 24th
In Memoriam : The AlphaSim H-60 Black Hawk package contains a variant depicting an aircraft belonging to Alpha Company, 137th Aviation Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, tail No. 272. It was with great sadness we learned that this aircraft crashed on the night of 19 Sept at Balad AB, Iraq, claiming the life of SPC Michael Cote, an Active Duty soldier assigned to Alpha Company 1/52 AVN from Ft. Wainwright Alaska.
Sept 19th
Out now ! The Yakolev Yak-52 for FS2004 (full-spec FSX version to follow in a few days). The radial-engined Yak is a firm favourite with warbird enthusiasts in the GA flying club scene around the world. The AlphaSim Yak-52 was deliberately made with close attention to detail, not least in the cockpit, such that a real-world Yak flyer would feel right at home. Both front and rear cockpits have been recreated to the same high level of detail. The exterior modelling does not fall short either, meticulous effort went into getting the quirky pneumatic undercarriage just right, and both solo and tandem flights are possible with a model depicting each. One of the truly outstanding features of this package are its sounds - TSS pulled out all the stops and made us a truly outstanding soundset, a sub-woofer is a must ! The FS2004 version has been released first - it's ready so why keep all the FS9-ers waiting ? Over the coming days we will finish off the FSX version, which will be the true measure of this great model with its 2048-pixel texturing and detailed bump maps. Although only two paint schemes have been included, there are more on the way, these will be released for both sims when the FSX version is ready (FSX version available at no extra cost to FS2004 users). There are also plans for a further version which will include the 3-blade prop and more powerful engine.
Filesize : FS9 30MB.
Price : approx. $29 USD, £17.95, 19.75 EUR, 33.75 AUD, 31.25 CAD
Yak-52 Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight
Sept 14th
More preview images of the Sepecat Jaguar ! Here are shots of the VC of the Indian AF variant.
Sept 10th
At last here are the first previews of the forthcoming Yak-52 ! These images show the FS9 model only. Both front and rear v-c cockpits are fully detailed in FS9. The FSX version will of course have both crew and 2048-pixel bump-mapped external textures. V-C pictures will follow in a few days.
Yak-52 Screenshots: (see above for newer shots)
Sept 3rd
The eagle-eyed may have spotted we recently re-released the FS9 DH Sea Venom, DH Sea Vixen, Sukhoi Flankers Set, Dornier Do217 and Tu-22M3 Backfire. Well we saved the best until last - back in the store are the F-4 Phantoms ! All three Phantom packs are now available once again. They are still all for FS2004 and no changes have been made to these outstanding packages. Please note, Pack 3 is in the RAF/RN section of the Store, as it covers mainly the UK variants, although the RF-4C and RF-4E are also included in that package. Many thanks for 'FSDSMan' for allowing AlphaSim to sell these superb model sets on his behalf.
Sept 2nd
AlphaSim has completed its move and all systems are back to normal. Apologies to anyone who had to wait for answers to tech support questions. We will publish some screenshots of the new Yak-52 in the next few days.
Aug 10th
The AlphaSim store and Gallery are now working again, sorry for the wait.
July 5th
More preview images of the Sepecat Jaguar ! Here are shots of the VC's in the GR1A and the GR1B variants.
Jaguar GR1A Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight
July 1st
Now available for FSX - the AS365N Dauphin ! One of Aerospatiale's finest designs, the Dauphin found roles in both the civilian and military spheres, acting as a reliable VIP transport as well as a well-equipped lifesaver in the SAR and MedEvac roles. AlphaSim's package includes both the earlier N1 version as well as the modified N2, each in VIP transport and MedEvac guises. One thing the Dauphin is known for is the variety of colourful paint schemes which were applied to its sleek lines, our model set does not disappoint here, there are no less than eight colourful texture sets (including a fictional US Coast Guard one), with matching interior colours. The models feature different interior fittings for VIP and MedEvac, the latter sporting a working winch on the N2 version. The FSX is as usual where the model looks its best, self-shadowing and bump mapping adding to the appreciation of the Dauphin's classic shape. FSX also adds some more detail, including a third crew member in the MedEvac version and added v-c detailing in all versions. A superb set of Dauphin sounds by Adriano Martoni is included with both sim versions, these reproduce that special Dauphin whirring to a tee. Both FS9 and FSX-specific flight models make the Dauphin a pleasure to fly. 6 months in development, this is a great package for both beginners and conessieurs alike. Owners of the FS9 version can get the FSX version FREE, just go back to your account area and access the Dauphin's download area.
For FS2004 AND FSX (unique packages, FSX NOT a portover). Filesize : FS9 70MB, FSX 48MB.
Price : approx. $32 USD, £19.95, 22.75 EUR, 40 AUD
FSX version Screenshots: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 vc1 vc2 vc3 vc4
June 19th
Full FSX conversion of the T-28 Trojan now available ! The model package is now 100% compatible with FSX SP1/SP2/Acceleration and features self-shadowing with bump mapping and reflectivity. Pilot figures are now togglable and a hefty radial soundset is now inlcuded. Existing owners of the T-28 just need to log in to their account area and they can download the new FSX version. Pre- Jan '06 purchasers should send us an e-mail with either an order No. or the e-mail address used at the time of purchase, or street address. We will then forward a link to the T-28 download area.
T-28 FSX Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.
MAY 30th
Now available for FS2004 - the AS365N Dauphin ! One of Aerospatiale's finest designs, the Dauphin found roles in both the civilian and military spheres, acting as a reliable VIP transport as well as a well-equipped lifesaver in the SAR and MedEvac roles. AlphaSim's package includes both the earlier N1 version as well as the modified N2, each in VIP transport and MedEvac guises. One thing the Dauphin is known for is the variety of colourful paint schemes which were applied to its sleek lines, our model set does not disappoint here, there are no less than eight colourful texture sets (including a fictional US Coast Guard one), with matching interior colours. The models feature different interior fittings for VIP and MedEvac, the latter sporting a working winch on the N2 version. The detailed v-c has many mousable features, including a full suite of radios. The initial release is of the FS2004 version, but FSX is as usual where the model looks its best, self-shadowing and bump mapping adding to the appreciation of the Dauphin's classic shape. FSX also adds some more detail, including a third crew member in the MedEvac version and added v-c detailing in all versions. A superb set of Dauphin sounds by Adriano Martoni is included with both sim versions, these reproduce that special Dauphin whirring to a tee. Both FS9 and FSX-specific flight models make the Dauphin a pleasure to fly. 6 months in development, this is a great package for both beginners and conessieurs alike.
For FS2004 only. Full FSX version to follow. Filesize : 70MB.
Price : approx. $32 USD, £19.95, 22.75 EUR, 40 AUD
FS2004 version Screenshots: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 vc1 vc2 vc3 vc4 vc5
MAY 26th
More preview images of the C-17 Globemaster ! These are the non-USA schemes.
C-17 Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven
MAY 26th
The paint kit is now available for the HU-16B Albatross. Existing owners just need to log back into their account and access the HU-16B's download area.
MAY 24th
Full FSX conversion of the HP Victor now available ! The model package is now 100% compatible with FSX SP1/SP2/Acceleration and features self-shadowing with subtle bump mapping and reflectivity, as well as all-new detailed and weathered textures for the K.2 models, the later K.2 version now has the famous Gulf War desert scheme. The gauges are now all-xml, new radios/autopilot popups are accessible via simicons on the panel, gauges are back-lit, the 2D panel had been dropped. Pilot figures are now togglable and a new animated crew access ladder is inlcuded. Sounds are inlcuded and the smoke trail is now fully automatic. The new radios/AP and sounds are also included in the FS9 version now. Existing owners of the Victor just need to log in to their account area and they can download the new FSX version or the updated FS9 version. Pre- Jan '06 purchasers should send us an e-mail with either an order No. or the e-mail address used at the time of purchase, or street address. We will then forward a link to the Victor download area.
Victor FSX Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
MAY 21st
Full FSX conversion of the EE Canberra now available ! The model package is now 100% compatible with FSX SP1/SP2/Acceleration and features self-shadowing with subtle bump mapping and reflectivity. New pilot figures have been added and are now togglable. Sounds are now inlcuded and the smoke trail is now fully automatic. Existing owners of the Canberra just need to log in to their account area and they can download the new FSX version. Pre- Jan '06 purchasers should send us an e-mail with either an order No. or the e-mail address used at the time of purchase, or street address. We will then forward a link to the Canberra download area.
MAY 20th
Now available for FSX ! The HU-16B Albatross. The classic amphibian has been recreated with seven unique models and twelve texture sets, with options for 'weathered' or 'factory fresh' versions, bringing the total variations to sixteen. Full SP1/SP2/Acceleration compatibility is gauranteed, with all FSX features such as bump-mapping and self-shadowing used to full effect. The bump-mapping and reflectivity cause the great many lines of rivets in the aircraft skin catch the light and make for a near-photographic look. AlphaSim's 'RealGauge' tech is used throughout the detailed v-c to provide silky smooth gauge movement, and after dark the user has the choice between cabin or direct gauge lighting and the flick of a switch - all the normal functions are present and mousable in the cockpit, custom views allow different and useful perspectives. A truly outstanding sounds package by TSS brings the Albatross radials to life, a good subwoofer is recommended for the visceral bass rumble ! Flight dynamics have been expertly crafted to provide a very authentic experience, with no nasty suprises. Water take-offs and landings are simple, the sim provides nice spray, wake and wallowing effects. Often overlooked in the sim world in favour of the 'other' well-known amphibian, the classic Albatross finally makes its appearance - in startling, state-of-the-art form.
For FSX only. Filesize : 180MB. Self-installing .exe.
Price : approx. $35.99 USD, £23.25, 26.50 EUR, 46.75 AUD
Screenshots: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, vc 1, vc 2, vc 3, vc 4, vc 5, vc 6, vc 7.
MAY 6th
Here are some more up-to-date images of the C-17 Globemaster. The scheme depicted is the first of several we will be displaying in the coming weeks.
MARCH 6th
New FSX update for the Gloster Javelin! Here's a full FSX upgrade, free to existing owners. The usual FSX features such as bump mapping and self-shadowing really do the 'Flat Iron' justice, both SP1 and SP2 versions of FSX are supported. Existing owners of the Javelin just need to log in to their account area and they can download the new FSX version. Pre- Jan '06 purchasers should send us an e-mail with either an order No. or the e-mail address used at the time of purchase, or street address. We will then forward a link to the Javelin download area.
MARCH 3th
New Freeware Releases! Here's some AlphaSim classics for FS9, CFS2 and FSX, complete with all panel and gauge files, all FREE. The links are on our freeware page, they link to AVSIM, so you will need to be logged in there to get the files.
Available NOW:
Cessna C170B (FS9)
Sikorsky S-55 / Whirlwind (FS9 and FSX!)
A-3B Skywarrior (original, single-scheme FS9)
T-34A/B Mentor (CFS2, FS9)
T-34C Turbo Mentor (CFS2) (FS9 version already released)
FEBRUARY 28th
Progress update for the new Sepecat Jaguar! Pack One is nearing completion, as you can see in the screenshots below. This first product will cover the Royal Air Force variants and other related users, such as Nigeria and Equador. Later packages will cover the French AF and the 2-seaters. All are aimed squarely at FS2004, but we are confident a good quality FSX portover will be possible. Some shots of the amazing VC will be shown soon!
