Blackbird Simulations, one of the two consumer-focused sub-brands from Milviz (the other being Shrike Simulations, whose first products were just launched for MSFS), has released their first scenery creation for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Beale Air Force Base (KBAB), an active USAF base in Northern California, is out now ahead of the expected release of its most iconic resident, the mighty SR-71, which Blackbird hopes to release later this year.
Located in the breathtaking Sacramento Valley of Northern California, Beale AFB has been an active USAF base since the start of the Cold War. Known primarily for reconnaissance, Beale has launched many significant surveillance missions, informing world-changing decisions over the years.
Blackbird’s Beale AFB scenery for MSFS covers the main airbase, storage areas at the north side, and housing and services area to the south east. It also includes two small additional features to the east: a training “bullseye” and the PAVE PAWS radar installation.
The company promises its rendition of KBAB features accurate buildings and hangars, base-specific static planes like the U-2, T-38, RQ-4, KC-135, USAF ground equipment, and support vehicles specific to U-2 operations. Furthermore, the scenery includes tarmac texturing with weathering effects true to the actual base, dynamic night lighting, and animated ground crew and equipment, among other features.
The current release of KBAB gives you the airport as it stood as of 2022. Interestingly, Blackbird is also planning to release an “old school” representation from around the 1970s, from the time the SR-71 missions were in full swing at the base. Expect that to come at a later date, possibly by the time the SR-71 is released, which we’re expecting for sometime later this year.
Blackbird’s Beale AFB is now available for Microsoft Flight Simulator, priced at $17.99 USD through the developer’s own webstore.
