The popular PILOT's SR-71 Blackbird model for Flight Simulator has now gained a DVD version published by Just Flight. The SR-71 Blackbird is the most famous reconnaissance aircraft ever to fly. It was renowned for its distinctive shape, dominated by the two giant engines; the all-over black livery and an ability to fly at up to three times the speed of sound. The Blackbird still holds a clutch of world records and it was probably the most exciting aircraft ever to fly.

The Just Flight SR-71 Blackbird is modelled in GMax and features fully working afterburners, numerous moving surfaces, custom effects (afterburners, fuel drip...), working refuelling bay door, clickable virtual cockpit with HUD and many other goodies. Even a drag chute for braking on the ground is modelled! The SR-71 Blackbird DVD is now on sale for a price of $29.99.

 More info: Just Flight

Eaglesoft released today the Liberty Aerospace XL2 aircraft model for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Continuing the line of small planes, the Eaglesoft Liberty XL2 features a detailed GMax model with clickable virtual cockpit, reflective textures and dynamic shine, multiple animated surfaces, VC rain effects, night textures, advanced avionics and an autopilot system. The Eaglesoft Liberty XL2 is priced at $22.00 and available via download only.

 More info: Eaglesoft - Product Page

Captain Sim announced today that the 'CL-130 Floatplane' and 'KC-130 Tanker' expansion models are currently at the final testing stage and should be released soon. The expansions are sold for $9.30 and require the base package, which can be purchased for $49.30 (professional) or $36.30 (standard). These two upcoming expansions will add float and tanker capabilities to the 'Legendary C-130'. However, it's important to point out that the 2D panel and Virtual Cockpit remain the same for all C-130 variants - modifications are made in the external model and flight dynamics only.

 More info: Captain Sim

 

The BirdsEyeView team released the fifth volume of the BEV replacement textures, Spring! BirdsEyeView textures enhance the visual quality of your simulator by replacing default textures with higly detailed ones for several different areas: city, urban, rural, desert and wilderness. With its custom autogen (including houses, buildings and even trees), landscape, rivers, powerline, streams, railroads, optional reflective water and many other textures, BirdsEyeView gives complete continents a more realistic look, not only a specific city or area.

Also included is the BEV Configurator, allowing you to select the textures and control exactly how the ground scenery will look like. You may also choose and save your favorite set of textures and use environamental add-ons with no compatibility or frame rate problems. The BirdsEyeView "Volume V: Spring" is priced at $12.00 and available only via download.

 More info: BirdsEyeView

FlightScenery released today a few more preview screenshots of their upcoming scenery, FlightZone 02: Portland, which is nearing completion. The team did not publish any new information about the scenery features or release dates. You can check out all FlightZone 02: Portland preview screenshots at the Flight Scenery Forums. Also remember to watch the promotional videos.

 Preview Sceenshots: Flight Scenery Forums