FlyingIron Simulations teases the B-17 and Hawker Hunter for MSFS

FlyingIron Simulations has sparked excitement in the MSFS community this week with a Halloween tease of two iconic aircraft: the Hawker Hunter and the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Through a couple of render images and a playful statement on Facebook, “Two spooky aircraft have been sighted haunting our hangars,” the developer has set the stage for the addition of these historic warbirds to their growing lineup of high-fidelity aircraft models in Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The Hawker Hunter, a British jet-powered fighter aircraft, served in the mid-20th century and was operated by several air forces worldwide. Known for its sleek design and reliable performance, the Hunter holds a notable place in aviation history. MSFS pilots have had the opportunity to fly this awesome airplane thanks to the freeware model by Dave Garwood, but seeing a payware rendition from one of the most esteemed warbird developers in the community is certainly very exciting!

FlyingIron has requested the help of the community in the development of the Hunter, specifically seeking references for the F.6 or F.6A models. They expressed a need for a comprehensive cockpit photoshoot, covering various angles, gauge and panel close-ups, and details of the canopy both open and closed to aid in the accurate recreation of the aircraft in MSFS. If you’re lucky to have access to a real-world aircraft, do give them a word!

On the other hand, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is an American four-engine heavy bomber used during World War II. Known for its ability to endure substantial damage and still complete its mission, the B-17 is a symbol of American air power during the war. FlyingIron’s B-17 is expected to embody the essence of this legendary aircraft, providing an immersive experience to MSFS users.

While there is no official release date for these aircraft, we reckon it’s safe to say that they are squarely aimed at 2024, based on FlyingIron’s previous release patterns. The team does note that the B-17, in particular, is a “pretty massive project for a small team”, which hints at a long development time. In any case, we’ll keep an eye on future updates!