Microsoft Flight Simulator is specifically designed to celebrate flight simulation fans through a focus on the authenticity of flying and visually stunning environments.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is the next generation of one of the most beloved simulation franchises. From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and stunning aircraft in an incredibly realistic world. Create your flight plan and fly anywhere on the planet. Enjoy flying day or night and face realistic, challenging weather conditions.

By revamping our tech, working in close collaboration with the community and pursuing the best partnerships across the industry, we intend to deliver the best-in-class flight simulation experience.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases World Update X: United States and US Territories

Explore the renowned canyons and rugged beauty of the vast Southwest, roam through the storied architecture of America’s great cities, and soar among the majestic peaks that tower miles above their surroundings with Microsoft Flight Simulator’s World Update X.

The Microsoft Flight Simulator team built World Update X using the latest high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery available. The update also features brand new 3D cities including San Diego, CA, Albany, NY, Key Largo, FL, Seattle, WA, Olympia, WA, and more.

World Update X includes:

• Four Handcrafted airports
  • Catalina (KAVX) on California’s storied Catalina Island
  • Valdez (PAVD) in the gorgeous Alaska landscape
  • Lake Tahoe (KTVL) in the towering Sierra Nevadas of California
  • Block Island (KBID) on Rhode Island’s historic East coast
• 87 New Points of Interest (POIs)
• Three New Landing Challenges
• Three Discovery Flights
• Three Bush Trips

World Update X: United States and US Territories is available free today to all Microsoft Flight Simulator owners. Ensure that your simulator is updated, download World Update X, and explore the expansive and awe-inspiring views that the United States has to offer from sea to shining sea.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases Beechcraft Model 18, a New Aircraft in Local Legends Series

In conjunction with the release of World Update X: United States, today we are excited to introduce the fifth plane in the Microsoft Flight Simulator “Local Legends” series, the Beechcraft Model 18. It is a low-wing, twin-engine utility aircraft produced by American aviation manufacturer Beech Aircraft Corporation. Frequently called the “Twin Beech” or, less commonly, the “Beech 18,” it seats six in typical configurations with two crew members. It took its first flight on January 15, 1937, and was introduced into mainstream service shortly thereafter. More than 9,000 were manufactured between 1937 and late 1969.

With power to spare thanks to its two muscular radial engines, the all-metal Twin Beech has served needs that include passenger and cargo service, business and executive transport, scientific, fire suppression, and mapping. During the Second World War, more than 4,500 of the aircraft, designated as the C-45, were used for forward observation, reconnaissance, and bombing. Today, despite its age, the Model 18 serves in more than a dozen countries throughout the world, a testament to its sustainable design and rugged construction.

The Model 18 features a slightly-swept main wing with a span of 47 feet, 8 inches, a traditional undercarriage, and a twin-fin empennage that consists of a horizontal stabilizer and two vertical stabilizers. It is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 Wasp Junior 9-cylinder radial engines that each produce up to 450 horsepower. The Beech 18 has a range of 1,130 miles, climbs at 1,200 feet per minute, and has a service ceiling of 20,500 feet above sea level. It cruises at 211 miles per hour, stalls at 77 mph, and enjoys a top speed of 230 mph.

The Beechcraft Model 18 comes with ten liveries in total: a historic Navy, Aviator’s Club, Xbox Aviator’s Club, and seven civil variants. Soaring the skies in the Beechcraft Model 18 is an unforgettable experience for any pilot. The storied machine has delivered power, control, and prestige to aviators for decades.

Try it out today! It is available in the Microsoft Flight Simulator in-sim marketplace for $14.99. Stay tuned for more “Local Legends” aircraft coming soon.

 

Key Features:

• Vivid and Detailed Landscapes – Immerse yourself in the vast and beautiful world that is our planet with more than 37 thousand airports, 1.5 billion buildings, 2 trillion trees, mountains, roads, rivers and more.
• A Living World – Earth is vibrant and ever-changing and so is the world of Microsoft Flight Simulator which includes live traffic, real-time weather and animals.  
• Highly Detailed Aircraft – Hone your pilot skills in a variety of aircraft from light planes to commercial jets with comprehensive flight models. Every aircraft includes highly detailed and accurate cockpits with realistic instrumentation.
• New Checklist System – From pro to beginner, scale your level from full manual to full assist with interactive and highlighted instrument guidance and checklist.
• Dynamic Weather – The new weather engine enables users to switch on the live weather mode to experience real-time weather including accurate wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, rain and more.
• New Day & Night Engine – Experience flight at any time of day or year allowing for night VFR, visual flight rules, navigation.
• Aerodynamic Modeling – A state-of-the-art physics engine with over 1,000 control surfaces per plane allows for a truly realistic experience.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC (Xbox Game Pass).