Payware VIRTAVIA - F-111 AARDVARK FSX released

[thunder100]

Hi Roland, no terrain following autopilot but the terrain following radar display is very nice indeed.

Personally, I'd like to commend the Virtavia team for releasing a great aircraft to the FSX community! This is a 'niche' product, so I don't think we can compare it to the quality of recent releases that are aimed at a different market... Having said that, the VC is simply superb and easily makes up for any flaws in the exterior. Chatting with a buddy last night about the Aardvark exterior reminded us of something a fellow simmer and mentor said many years ago - I quote - 'What on earth are you doing looking at the exterior? You fly the plane from the inside!!' I don't mean to silence those with opinions about the exterior model, I just think we need to appreciate the whole package that's been delivered for a fair price...

I'm still looking forward to seeing the 'other' F-111 when finished. I don't buy that many 'heavy' aircraft or scenery packages, so I can treat myself to the fast jets when they come along!

Like Bone, I think there's enough screenies and info. on the Virtavia / SimMarket websites for us to evaluate the F-111. By the way she performs and the sheer nostalgia of sitting in the drivers seat, I think she'll be in my FSX hangar for a long while.

Attachment 61404

Thanks

I have the elder FS9-->updated to FSX version.I think its basically same exterior with a FSX model output and a new(er) VC.I will wait on the other offerings and then decide.

At Simviation (PIG number something ) there is a terrain-follow-Autopilot mod(uses radaraltitude)

Roland

[tommieboy]

I have always said...that the rivets are being overdone in FSX especially on fast jets, that and the panel lines which on some jets are raised....last time I check panel lines on the real fast movers....aren't raised. As to the textures....I am positive we will see some nice weathered textures come out......that is if Virtavia offers a nice layered paintkit unlike what Alphasim used to offer.

I agree with the overuse of bump mapping in regards to panel lines and rivets; I can do without it on most aircraft. This new FSX release doesn't use bump mapping. I just looked at the paint kit. It's layered PSD that only covers the external skin of the aircraft; no external stores, no VC textures. The external store textures seem easy to modify (if you feel a need to) even if they're not included in the paint kit.

Tommy

[Chris Sykes]

Just a question regarding the weapon loadouts. Are they fixed loads and are they not releaseable? I think in the way fsx has gone with the military style weapons and tackpack due to be released I think provisions such as releaseable weapons or tackpack integration is a must.

[IanHenry]

There's an update available, but I can't see what it's changed.

Ian.

[Ian Warren]

Jeepers , that was quick .... already a patch to the pig ver.s1.1

Edit : Ian to Ian ... silly me did'nt not read the above .... now were is my gun

[Bone]

By posting shots of this model with an FS9 paint, I feel like I did a diservice to the Virtavia team. Sorry, my bad. I hope these shots do some justice, because this model is really a nice one, even though it doesn't have the external detail of other models. The upside to that is awesome fps. You can have a whole squadron of these things fly with you and still have a nice fluid flight.

[Bone]

More...

[Ark]

What exactly is the external model missing?

[DennyA]

That looks pretty darn nice to me!


SOH 2012: "This plane has less detail than the actual aircraft sitting at the local air museum. I will not buy it until I cannot tell them apart!"

SOH 2013: "Why are there no new planes coming out for FSX anymore?"

[skyhawka4m]

That looks pretty darn nice to me!


SOH 2012: "This plane has less detail than the actual aircraft sitting at the local air museum. I will not buy it until I cannot tell them apart!"

SOH 2013: "Why are there no new planes coming out for FSX anymore?"

[strykerpsg]

I'm still hoping some painters can make her more appealing. To me, the externals are hard to explain. I see panel lines and rivets, but it just seems to lack a depth of feel to it....

Don't get me wrong, the internals are fantastic, but look as though they belong to some other model. Anyway, as neither a developer or a painter, who am I to criticize but it's not screaming buy me just yet.

Matt

[zsoltquack]

Hi my Friends,

The Paintkit now available:
http://www.easyfly.co.nz/Freeware/in...=/Paint%20Kits

Regards,
Zsolt

[stiz]

just as an "i'll never buy it as i aint a jet guy" to be honest i dont think they've done that bad a job! Though i have to say a little bit more shine wouldnt hurt.

some pics of the real thing for comparisons sake

Attachment 61462

Attachment 61463

[Victory103]

Bone, nice form with the Spark Vark, what scenery is that?

[skyhawka4m]

All this jet needs is a painter or two to get their hands on it. I am goign to download the paintkit to see how its laid out. If anyone is familiar with Adobe, maybe by simply adding some drop shadows to the panel lines it will add to the weathering and overall appearance to the paints.