Author: Just Flight News

2 August 2022

Black Square's Steam Gauge Overhaul - Analog Caravan MSFS add-on now includes over 90 unique failures for nearly every system on board the aircraft.

These failures can be triggered randomly by assigning them a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), or scheduled manually, via an interface in the cockpit. Failures and engine condition are persistent between flights, leaving you to discover sneaky systems failures while completing your checklists.

The new failure system will be expanded and included in all future Steam Gauge Overhaul aircraft, starting with the upcoming King Air.

Also included in todays v1.1 update are major improvements to the Analog Caravan's engine performance and a complete simulation of the aircraft's environmental controls, which will also be standard in future Steam Gauge Overhaul add-ons. Users can learn how to keep passengers comfortable with the in-panel cabin temperature gauge, by opening a window, turning on the A/C, or activating bleed air, and the aircraft will even heat up in the sun.

See the video below for more information and the Support page for the full list of v1.1 updates. You can view the updated manual here.

25 July 2022

Top Mach Studios' new F-22A for Microsoft Flight Simulator is now on sale!

This VR-ready model of the F-22A 'Raptor' tactical fighter for MSFS features a highly detailed 3D cockpit with custom-programmed fly-by-wire control system, fully functional SMFDs and PMFD, custom ICP module, full suite of essential autopilot and navigation controls, HUD and 'hidden' G3000 navigation screen.

Three paint schemes are included and other features include numerous animations, optional drop tank models, impressive cockpit and exterior lighting, custom dynamic visual effects and engine and performance modelling based on USAF specifications.

See the Top Mach Studios F-22A page more screenshots and full details of all the aircraft features!

22 July 2022

Analog Caravan - the first release in Black Square's Steam Gauge Overhaul series for default Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft - is now on sale!

This new study-level add-on for the default MSFS Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX provides a completely new interior and panel with 'steam' gauge (analogue) instrumentation and swappable radio configurations, each modelled and coded with extreme attention to detail and based on a specific piece of real-world equipment.

The panel of the aircraft contains only fully 3D gauges, modelled and coded to meticulously match their real-world counterparts and developed with reference to real-world maintenance and installation manuals. No piece of equipment appears in a Black Square aircraft without a real-world unit as reference.

Radio and navigation systems are available from several eras of the Caravan’s history, so users can fly without GPS via an original Bendix KNS-80 RNAV system or with the convenience of a Garmin GTN 750 (PMS50 or TDS). Other swappable radio equipment includes KX-155 NAV/COM radios, GNS 530, GNS 430, KR 87 ADF, KDI 572 DME, GTX 327 transponder, KAP 140 autopilot, and a Bendix RDR1150XL colour weather radar.

The Steam Gauge Overhaul add-ons have been developed by a real pilot and aircraft owner seeking to bring extreme realism to MSFS for those who historically enjoy the complexity of airliners but who have come to appreciate lower altitude flying in MSFS. These aircraft were designed to satisfy serious simmers who expect nearly every word of the real aircraft's operating handbook to apply to its simulation and are all well equipped for the most demanding IFR flying.

The aircraft are compatible with all existing livery mods for the default aircraft and make use of their excellent 3D sound packages. The original default aircraft will always be available to fly, unaffected by the new Steam Gauge Overhaul add-ons. Installation is simple and seamless.

For the full list of all the included avionics and equipment, see the information on the Analog Caravan page, where you can also download the extensive PDF manual.