Virtavia B-1B has been released!!

[centuryseries]

http://www.virtavia.com/?page_id=176

Looks great!!

http://www.virtavia.com/wp-content/gallery/b-1b-lancer/b-1b_fsx_13.jpg

http://www.virtavia.com/wp-content/gallery/b-1b-lancer/b-1b_fsx_vc07.jpg

[Pepere]

Looks really great... Wonder how the FPS are? And price is not that bad!

David

[Roger]

Looking very good indeed. I'm more of a low and slow flyer but I may have to get this sometime soon.

[mal998]

Frame rates are excellent.

[Tweek]

Gonna have to get some opinions before I consider buying it, as it isn't exactly cheap. Will have to be of very high quality for me to shell out the best part of £30.

[Prowler1111]

..You mean it´s usd 60.00?!?!...

EDIT: I stand corrected, it´s 39.95

Prowler

[conork]

sssssooooooo the sea king next ???? :P

[Tweek]

..You mean it´s usd 60.00?!?!...

EDIT: I stand corrected, it´s 39.95

Prowler

It's about £26.30, which to me, is starting to near the limit of what I'd pay for a single aircraft. And anything above £30 would have to be very high quality.

To me, it looks very similar to the old FS9 model, but I could of course be wrong, so would just like to know what has been improved before I part with the cash.

[AndyE1976]

Apparently a lot of people have been waiting for this as their website is struggling with the demand!

I'll pick this up when I get back to the states next week, it's no fun flying on a mouse yoke!

[skyhawka4m]

Looks very nice to me...especially since there are no annoying overly done raised panel lines and rivets. Some of the recent releases from various developers have over done the rivet and panel line looks.


Oh well....I'm still loving FSX now but hope some of the overzealous panel line and rivet makers calm a bit.

[Lionheart]

That is one sharp looking model! Love the chipping on the control sticks. Nice work on the exterior graphics.

That must have been one DIFFICULT model to create on that exotic shape of the fuselage. So many changing curves.



Bill

[fsafranek]

Looks very nice to me...especially since there are no annoying overly done raised panel lines and rivets. Some of the recent releases from various developers have over done the rivet and panel line looks.


Oh well....I'm still loving FSX now but hope some of the overzealous panel line and rivet makers calm a bit.
I agree completely! No external bumps on this on. We did test it but even with 2048 textures the scale was about 3 inches wide for a panel line. That's even three plus too wide for a control surface line on a old bi-plane. There is some bump mapping in the cockpit that gives it more life.

[strykerpsg]

I really want this one too, but as an owner of the AS B-1B, I want to see some feedback before jumping on a graphic update only. It looks very sweet, just want some feedback on incorporated nav systems, autopilot and FDE. It's too bad there isn't some sort of discount for exisiting AS owners of their B-1B or would jump all over it.

Matt

[Rezabrya]

Well, after a quick flight, here are some of my first impressions. The Framerates are excellent. The model (VC and Exterior) looks great. The FDE seems spot on but I obviously haven't flown a B-1 so I wouldn't know. It has a pretty detailed autopilot and some pretty detailed systems. My suggestion is that if you are on the fence, go ahead and buy it. I am glad I did!

Oh and another plus is that since it is through the Flight1 wrapper, you always have the option of returning it if you are unsatisfied.

[michael davies]

I agree completely! No external bumps on this on. We did test it but even with 2048 textures the scale was about 3 inches wide for a panel line. That's even three plus too wide for a control surface line on a old bi-plane. There is some bump mapping in the cockpit that gives it more life.

Conversely I was looking through some A-10 detail shots and you can nearly get your hand through the gaps LOL, know what you mean about panel lines, apart from some basic mesh work the pixel ratio was always high on my decision process at the start of a project. Is 2048 the biggest FSx will accept ?, wonder if one 4096 would work.

Best

Michael

[Rezabrya]

Can someone explain to me the Mach hold? I thought that if I wanted to maintain a .8 mach setting, I would go to that speed and then push the mach hold button and it would automatically adjust throttle to maintain that. Instead, the plane starts slowing down as if I turned the throttle all the way off. Could somebody enlighten me?

[peter12213]

It does looks excellent but I'm going to wait until I hear more reviews!

[mal998]

Can someone explain to me the Mach hold? I thought that if I wanted to maintain a .8 mach setting, I would go to that speed and then push the mach hold button and it would automatically adjust throttle to maintain that. Instead, the plane starts slowing down as if I turned the throttle all the way off. Could somebody enlighten me?

Here's an explanation from the Manual:


5.4.8 MCH - Mach Hold Mode
When selected the system maintains the current existing Mach value. Clicking the display window will allow adjustment to be made.

There is an included manual that explains all system functions and extensive reference card as part of the kneeboard.

[Rezabrya]

That doesn't answer my question though. I understand that it should hold the mach, but it doesn't. My plane slows down as if the throttle was off. What is causing this?

[strykerpsg]

Here's an explanation from the Manual:


5.4.8 MCH - Mach Hold Mode
When selected the system maintains the current existing Mach value. Clicking the display window will allow adjustment to be made.

There is an included manual that explains all system functions and extensive reference card as part of the kneeboard.

Mal, thanks for checking out the thread. You are a former AS develper correct? If so, any info you want to share about some of the modelled systems and differences between the original AS model and this one...? If you're not from the AS team, apologies, I just seem to connect your name with AS.

Matt

[Rezabrya]

I figured it out. Thanks for the help.

[fsafranek]

I figured it out. Thanks for the help.
What was the solution?

[Rezabrya]

I wasn't setting the mach inside the gauge. I was just getting up to the speed I wanted and hitting mach hold. You have to adjust the mach value in the speed gauge.

[MenendezDiego]

I really want this, but $40.00? Really? I can't do it at that price

[mal998]

I wasn't setting the mach inside the gauge. I was just getting up to the speed I wanted and hitting mach hold. You have to adjust the mach value in the speed gauge.

Glad you got it working!

[fsafranek]

To me, it looks very similar to the old FS9 model, but I could of course be wrong, so would just like to know what has been improved before I part with the cash.
Well, it is a B-1B. So they are going to look kinda similar. :icon_lol:

As the painter of both the old FS9 version and this new one let me just say this, any repaints from the old FS9 version will not work on this new one at all -- it is a different model.
:ernae:

[Dag]

No bumps, no buy. And they are not only for panel lines and rivets. Think of all the skin doublers, scabbed-on panels and fibre-glass covers. I agree, the B-1 is probably pretty smooth but bumps can be done very subtle and they bring life to the model.

[centuryseries]

No bumps, no buy. And they are not only for panel lines and rivets. Think of all the skin doublers, scabbed-on panels and fibre-glass covers. I agree, the B-1 is probably pretty smooth but bumps can be done very subtle and they bring life to the model.

Personally, all the Lancers I've ever seen have been immaculately smooth skinned. Nothing like all the rivetted strengthening plates that cover some parts of Stratofortresses and other older types.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Air/Rockwell-B-1B-Lancer/1646643/L/

[michael davies]

Personally, all the Lancers I've ever seen have been immaculately smooth skinned. Nothing like all the rivetted strengthening plates that cover some parts of Stratofortresses and other older types.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Air/Rockwell-B-1B-Lancer/1646643/L/

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mickoo/files/IMG_1955.jpg

[nio]

I'd say that was pretty smooth.

best

nio

[centuryseries]

Looking forward to RIAT, but according to the aircraft list no B-1B's....

Interesting to note two things about your photo Michael, the Reluctant Dragon artwork - sure I saw that aircraft in the Euro one scheme at Mildenhall with the Dragon - seems like so long ago! Do they keep their names indefinately? Also the weathering on the wing leading edges showing the yellow primer?

[michael davies]

Looking forward to RIAT, but according to the aircraft list no B-1B's....

Interesting to note two things about your photo Michael, the Reluctant Dragon artwork - sure I saw that aircraft in the Euro one scheme at Mildenhall with the Dragon - seems like so long ago! Do they keep their names indefinately? Also the weathering on the wing leading edges showing the yellow primer?

I'm not sure on aircraft art, there was a stage where all art was banned, then it was relaxed during the Gulf I and then clamped but now seems allowed but toned down, there are some special B-1B artworks around, but by my deductions these are either airframes of high ranking commanders or specials for air shows and such. Name changes do occur, I've heard of F-111 changing names between airframes, I suppose they go with the crew, it was certainly very fluid during WWII, I've been reading about B-29s that had almost a dozen names and if returning state side bare flesh was heavily censored.

That particular airframe is 0103 (note this was the static, the flight one was 0061) so you'd have to check if that was present at Mildenhall or ever painted in Euro one.

Most of my Mildenhall negatives are in a box somewhere, little chance of a cross reference at the moment.

Best

Michael

Addendum, just used my favorite friend Mr Google and turned up this http://www.militaryaircraft.de/pictures/military/aircraft/B-1B/B-1B_AIRFETE2001_027_800.jpg you are indeed correct, 0103 was present at Mildenhall in 2001, but not in Euro one but in dark grey.

I cant remember the last Mildenhall I went to, went to quite a few in the 80s (Bentwaters and Lakenheath too) then missed many years and picked up one of the last, wish I'd kept all my brochures now !.

[centuryseries]

My bad!!

Great nose art that. Glad the US relaxed their rules. I always thought the B-1B looks better in that grey than the Euro One scheme anyway - looks more sinister.

Funny you should say that, I made a special effort fairly recently to 'complete' my collection of air fete calendars lol from 1977 all the way to 2000!! Quite a few variations way back when.

[michael davies]

My bad!!


Yes, shame on you, write out 100 times, "I must remember more inane details of 5 years or more" LOL.

Best

Michael

[CodyValkyrie]

Having been around many "bones" in the USAF, I can tell you that they are indeed very smooth aircraft, which was quite the opposite of most the airframes I worked on. The biggest thing I remember about them however is how LOUD they are! The F-16s were bad enough, but when these babies took off I had to watch small objects on my shelves.

Regarding rules, the USAF in general regards most photography even if unclassified as INFOSEC (information security). This is why if you stand outside a base and snap pictures, the Security Police may give you a visit. It's not that what you are photographing is classified, it's that collectively, information over a period of time may provide classified information or information they do not want people to know. And yes, commanders typically get all the fancy photoshoots of their aircraft. I remember the F-16 commander at Eielson had his plane under a hanger with a HUGE American flag and the thing was so clean you could eat off of it, which is quite the opposite of most F-16s I encountered which were dirty as sin. Don't get me started on the A-10s.

[strykerpsg]

It's about £26.30, which to me, is starting to near the limit of what I'd pay for a single aircraft. And anything above £30 would have to be very high quality.

To me, it looks very similar to the old FS9 model, but I could of course be wrong, so would just like to know what has been improved before I part with the cash.
Tweek, I have the FSX AS variant(although probably an FS9 portover) and must say, after purchasing the Virtavia model today, I don't see a big difference in aircraft. Admittedly, the cockpit looks a bit more updated, but it's a VC only and just not enough to tickle my fancy. The exterior does seem to be updated too, but just not enough to warrant the amount. Luckily Flight1 offers refunds within 30 days, my first ever.

As an addendum, I am certain much was put into this aircraft, but just feel the price is a bit much for not enough bang for me, other's opinions will widely vary I am certain. I would rather save up for their upcoming C-17. I would re-consider if there was an upgrade offer from the AS model, but since they are different entities, feel certain that will not happen.

Matt

[centuryseries]

Tweek, I have the FSX AS variant(although probably an FS9 portover) and must say, after purchasing the Virtavia model today, I don't see a big difference in aircraft. Admittedly, the cockpit looks a bit more updated, but it's a VC only and just not enough to tickle my fancy. The exterior does seem to be updated too, but just not enough to warrant the amount. Luckily Flight1 offers refunds within 30 days, my first ever.

As an addendum, I am certain much was put into this aircraft, but just feel the price is a bit much for not enough bang for me, other's opinions will widely vary I am certain. I would rather save up for their upcoming C-17. I would re-consider if there was an upgrade offer from the AS model, but since they are different entities, feel certain that will not happen.

Matt

Matt don't forget the original FS9 B-1B was added to the Alphasim shop almost 5 years ago and as such is very much more basic than this aircraft. If you haven't I'd suggest reading the manual to see what the changes are before you decide on a refund.

I'd also point out purely from a personal viewpoint that the reason you don't see much of a difference is because the original model was excellent. I mean you not going to get a change of the aircrafts exterior shape if the shape is right already?!! Granted the VC is so much better than the original, but the enhancements IMHO are more than skin deep.

Just my 2c.

[Tweek]

Thanks for the honest opinion. I'd like to have it, but it's one of those borderline aircraft that I'd enjoy a few flights in then probably rarely touch it, afterwards. I'm not the biggest fan of heavies, so I can't see me getting my money's worth.

The upcoming Jaguar on the other hand... :jump:

[strykerpsg]

Matt don't forget the original FS9 B-1B was added to the Alphasim shop almost 5 years ago and as such is very much more basic than this aircraft. If you haven't I'd suggest reading the manual to see what the changes are before you decide on a refund.

I'd also point out purely from a personal viewpoint that the reason you don't see much of a difference is because the original model was excellent. I mean you not going to get a change of the aircrafts exterior shape if the shape is right already?!! Granted the VC is so much better than the original, but the enhancements IMHO are more than skin deep.

Just my 2c.
Century, you're right. I will look through the manual this week and see if it still keeps my attention. I do enjoy the AS B-1B in FSX, just can't seem to ever get rid of the sharksmouth on the intake, regardless of whose skin I use. Anyway, will take them a few days to reply, I feel certain. For the record, it is a looker, but as you pointed out, so was the AS portover into FSX.

Matt

[fsafranek]

Looking forward to RIAT, but according to the aircraft list no B-1B's....

Interesting to note two things about your photo Michael, the Reluctant Dragon artwork - sure I saw that aircraft in the Euro one scheme at Mildenhall with the Dragon - seems like so long ago! Do they keep their names indefinately? Also the weathering on the wing leading edges showing the yellow primer?
That would have been a long time ago. Just before SAC was disolved repaints starting being done in the overall "Gunship Gray". That was the early 1990's. There were a lot though that kept their "B-1B Strategic" camo scheme for quite a few years.

Aircraft are typically named by the crew chief and if he's up to the task he also does the artwork. Currently on B-1B's they are allowed a 3ft square area for the noseart. And as quickly as the crew chief can change so can the aircraft name. That 86-0103 in Michael's image was originally named "Huntress" while at Ellsworth (delivered in 1987). When it transferred to Dyess in 1991 it was renamed "Lovey Lady". Eventually it was renamed "The Reluctant Dragon".

Tracking B-1B's is a lot like tracking the F-106, another aircraft that was around for a long time and in limited numbers. There were only so many serial numbers and they moved from unit to unit over the years. Great fun if you like researching.
:ernae:

[Shane Olguin]

Regarding rules, the USAF in general regards most photography even if unclassified as INFOSEC (information security). This is why if you stand outside a base and snap pictures, the Security Police may give you a visit. It's not that what you are photographing is classified, it's that collectively, information over a period of time may provide classified information or information they do not want people to know. And yes, commanders typically get all the fancy photoshoots of their aircraft. I remember the F-16 commander at Eielson had his plane under a hanger with a HUGE American flag and the thing was so clean you could eat off of it, which is quite the opposite of most F-16s I encountered which were dirty as sin. Don't get me started on the A-10s.

Ugh... don't remind me about INFOSEC right now. My yearly death-by-CBT INFOSEC is coming due here in a month or so.

[MenendezDiego]

Purchased the B-1B and am very happy

[An-225]

Does this rendition of the Lancer have terrain-following radar?

[CodyValkyrie]

Ugh... don't remind me about INFOSEC right now. My yearly death-by-CBT INFOSEC is coming due here in a month or so.

LOL! I have an old kevlar helmet that was scribed on by the guys I worked with. It reads "Born to MOPP". Have faith brother! I don't envy you... but I've been there.

[strykerpsg]

Does this rendition of the Lancer have terrain-following radar?

Ummm, no. Funny though, when you select the TFR controls, it just displays a change to the Artificial Horizon on the MFD. If they had modelled something along the lines of TFR, it would have been a keeper for me. Honestly though, I think TFR would be tough to model.

[vora]

... Honestly though, I think TFR would be tough to model.

Aerosoft made an autohover gauge for their Seahawk/JayhawkX ... was quite a frame killer IIRC.
A TFR would be even more so I suspect.

[centuryseries]

TFR without using a very unrealistic slew mode would be a mean feat of programming.

[VCN-1]

There is a TFR for the AlphaSim F-111 that was added by a third party IIRC.

Maybe it can be adapted to the B-1B.

VCN-1

[strykerpsg]

There is a TFR for the AlphaSim F-111 that was added by a third party IIRC.

Maybe it can be adapted to the B-1B.

VCN-1
Hmmm, would re-generate my interest in her. It's tight looking bird, but just not enough ooomph for me to replace my AS Bone.

[MenendezDiego]

This is one of the first payware aircraft (excluding CS 767 sort of stuff), that actually flies the ILS approach into Edwards AFB. Usually aircraft will track the localizer, than drift right of the runway. Not so with the B-1B...this puppy went right down the throat of the approach. I couldn't be happier.

And remember guys, it's only version 1.0 :)

[Shane Olguin]

This is one of the first payware aircraft (excluding CS 767 sort of stuff), that actually flies the ILS approach into Edwards AFB. Usually aircraft will track the localizer, than drift right of the runway. Not so with the B-1B...this puppy went right down the throat of the approach. I couldn't be happier.

And remember guys, it's only version 1.0 :)


You're welcome!

[fsafranek]

Honestly though, I think TFR would be tough to model.
Can someone post a photo from a real B-1B of the Terrain Following mode
display on the green VSD? Maybe something can be done if it is that different
from what was modeled?

[centuryseries]

Sadly the B-1B (and A-10 for that matter) were notably missing from RIAT 2010 this year.

Looks like I'll have to get my kicks from this virtual Lancer instead!

[Rattler]

I am Thinking about Buying this bird, Has anyone had any problems with it? I would be greatful for any feedback Anyone could give. Thanks

[fsafranek]

I am Thinking about Buying this bird, Has anyone had any problems with it? I would be greatful for any feedback Anyone could give. Thanks
On the other side of the coin if you have any questions about the model's features or the systems please don't hesitate to ask. I've been involved with the project since the beginning and can answer your questions.
:ernae:

[Rattler]

On the other side of the coin if you have any questions about the model's features or the systems please don't hesitate to ask. I've been involved with the project since the beginning and can answer your questions.
:ernae:

I have done some research and I think Im sold, Going to the Site Now!!!!!:jump::jump::jump:

[Rattler]

Just Purchased the New B-1B, Will let ya Know how it goes!!:salute::salute::salute:

[Rattler]

On the other side of the coin if you have any questions about the model's features or the systems please don't hesitate to ask. I've been involved with the project since the beginning and can answer your questions.
:ernae:
I would like to keep this out of the Public Eye, If you could PM me when you have Time, I have some Questions Sir?

TY

[dvj]

On the other side of the coin if you have any questions about the model's features or the systems please don't hesitate to ask. I've been involved with the project since the beginning and can answer your questions.
:ernae:
Is there a way to turn down the green interior lighting? too bright for night flight. could be about 50% dimmer IMO.

thx for a wonderful model otherwise.

d

[centuryseries]

Should be possible to edit either the fx file for VC lighting or simply move the VC lighting backwards by changing 64.50 to maybe 60, or less.

light.4 = 4, 64.50, 0.0, 4.2, fx_virtav_B1B_vclight_Gr

Hope that helps

[dvj]

That worked! Big thanks!

[centuryseries]

That worked! Big thanks!

No worries, it's a brute of an aircraft! :wiggle:

[merida72]

which is the latest version?

There is a review somewhere?

there is a repaint kit?


Thanks in advance

[hey_moe]

I was looking at the screen shots at there site....looks mighty fine to me...why don't you guys pull together and gets her for me...lol...Mike

[fsafranek]

which is the latest version?

There is a review somewhere?

there is a repaint kit?


Thanks in advance
The Virtavia FSX (http://www.virtavia.com/?page_id=176) version is the latest. There is a two-page review in the Nov-Dec issue of PC Pilot. 85 points out of 100. Not sure if a PDF version of the article was made to point you at. And yes, there is a repaint kit included.
:ernae: