Just Flight is back with another exciting update on their Avro Vulcan project for Microsoft Flight Simulator. This iconic RAF strategic bomber, known for its distinctive delta-wing design and pivotal role during the Cold War era, is being meticulously recreated for the MSFS platform. Today, we delve deeper into the weaponry, configuration options, and the sheer attention to detail that Just Flight is bringing to this project.
The Avro Vulcan B Mk.2, K.2 & MRR for MSFS will come equipped with a range of weapons and loadouts, adding another layer of visual realism to the experience that simmers can expect from flying this incredible aircraft. Here is the weaponry that can be fitted into the Vulcan:
- GM-45 Shrike Anti-Radiation Missiles: Precision-guided missiles designed to target enemy radar installations.
- Blue Steel Nuclear Stand-Off Missile: A British-built air-launched, rocket-propelled nuclear stand-off missile.
- Mk13 Unguided Bombs: Conventional free-fall bombs.
- WE-117 Nuclear Bombs: Tactical nuclear bombs that were part of Britain’s nuclear arsenal.
Note that all of these weapons will only be a cosmetic feature of the Vulcan and will not be available on the Marketplace version of the product.
Beyond these formidable weapons, the Vulcan also boasts non-weapon related loadouts, including Cylinder Tanks, MRR-Pods, and Saddle Tanks, offering a diverse range of configurations for various mission profiles.
All the mentioned loadouts can be easily managed via the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) situated on the pilot’s seat. This EFB also integrates Navigraph and SimBrief functionality, consistent with other MSFS aircraft developed by Just Flight. For those who seek an authentic cold war bomber experience, there’s an option to hide the EFB from view, ensuring immersion isn’t compromised by modern contraptions.
Beyond weaponry, Just Flight has incorporated a plethora of airframe and equipment options that can be toggled using the EFB. This includes antennas, ground equipment, and tanker equipment. Additionally, users can open and close the bomb bay, manage crew doors, and even extend the refuelling hose on the K2 variants. Some of the preview images you can see here showcase these equipment options in action.
The EFB’s options are dynamic and will continue to evolve. Just Flight promises to hear community feedback and introduce more features to the EFB leading up to the release and even post-release.
As for the liveries of the Vulcan, they will be more than cosmetic customizations for the aircraft. Every livery included with the product will come with default equipment that’s historically accurate. For instance, K2 tanker liveries will automatically feature the Hose-Drum Unit. Each livery will be fitted with equipment that aligns with reference photographs. Given that Vulcans underwent multiple equipment upgrades and modifications over the years, Just Flight has chosen one specific configuration for each livery, ensuring accuracy based on at least one reference image.
This update offers another glimpse into the meticulous detail Just Flight is investing in the Avro Vulcan. The next in-development update promises to showcase the Vulcan’s iconic sound set, which is something we should be looking for with great anticipation based on the developer’s fantastic work on the sounds of the F28. Besides, the team had close contact with one of the last remaining ground-running Vulcans, the Vulcan XM655 based at Wellesbourne Airfield in Warwickshire, where they recorded a complete sound package for the virtual rendition of the plane. Exciting!
For now, we leave you with the latest screenshots of this magnificent aircraft. Just Flight is hoping to release the Vulcan within the next couple of months if all goes well, so stay tuned for more updates!
