AzurPoly’s OV-10 Bronco Nears Release for Microsoft Flight Simulator

AzurPoly appears to be approaching the final stages of development for their next aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator, the OV-10 Bronco. Since our previous update in July 2023, the AzurPoly team has made significant strides in bringing this iconic aircraft to virtual skies. The latest updates reveal that the Bronco is not only nearing completion but will also feature some cool and innovative features.

Recently, AzurPoly has been more open in sharing details about the ongoing progress with the OV-10 Bronco. We’ve learned that 3D modeling and texturing were recently completed and that the team is incorporating numerous customization options, including the unique glass dome from the OV-10B variant.

Furthermore, AzurPoly aims to raise the bar in their products once again by including features such as:

• Animated Antennas: These will react to relative wind and G-forces, adding a dynamic aspect to the aircraft’s behavior.
• Fully Animated Canopy: Experience the canopy’s vibrations, which change depending on the environment.
• Custom Tire Compression Animations: The Bronco’s tires will compress under the aircraft’s weight, with an appropriate animation as the wheels roll.

AzurPoly is also focusing on the Bronco’s systems and the TPE331 engines. Sound design is crucial for aircraft add-ons, and it’s notable that AzurPoly is using real aircraft recordings for the Bronco, promising a high-fidelity and accurate auditory experience.

Beta Phase has Begun

Entering 2024, the OV-10 Bronco took a significant leap forward by entering the beta testing phase. This phase is critical for refining the aircraft to meet AzurPoly’s standards and to create a polished final product that simmers will appreciate.

For those seeking a more menacing look for their Bronco, AzurPoly will be offering a weapons manager for non-Marketplace versions of the OV-10 Bronco. Due to Marketplace policies, the version for PC and Xbox users will remain weapons-free, but there’s always the option to purchase from third-party sources if you wish to display weapons.

Accompanying these updates, AzurPoly has released new preview images showcasing the OV-10 Bronco’s stunning detail and features. These images offer a glimpse of what to expect from the final product, including the impressive internal and external textures, tire compression, a few liveries (including CAL FIRE!), and more.

Stay tuned for more updates as we eagerly await the arrival of this very cool aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator!

Background

AzurPoly first announced the OV-10 Bronco in July of the previous year. This announcement followed their successful release of the C-160 Transall, which has garnered praise for its high-fidelity model and immersion.

The OV-10 Bronco, a twin-turboprop observation aircraft originally designed in the 1960s, is known for its versatility in roles ranging from counter-insurgency to light attack duties.

The OV-10’s unique structure, featuring a central nacelle with twin booms, has been a focus for AzurPoly. This design allowed the Bronco to excel in challenging environments, capable of short takeoffs and landings on diverse terrains, including aircraft carriers. AzurPoly’s model is based on the OV-10B variant, a target towing aircraft with distinctive features such as a transparent dome and an altered cockpit layout.

AzurPoly collaborated with the Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse, gaining access to a rare, flying OV-10 Bronco in Europe. This partnership allowed the team to gather detailed information, which will hopefully result in a highly accurate simulation model. With the project now in beta testing, we will soon find out!