The F-35 Lightning II by IndiaFoxtEcho, one of our favorite modern military fighters in Microsoft Flight Simulator, has received an important update that promises to shatter your ears with a fantastic new sound set. Version 1.3.3 introduces a suite of improvements, with a particular focus on an immersive new sound package developed in collaboration with Echo19.
IndiaFoxtEcho’s F-35 Lightning II is a highly detailed model of the U.S. fifth-generation multirole fighter, famous for its stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and versatility in combat.
IndiaFoxtEcho add-on provides a richly simulated experience of the F-35’s three variants — the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C — each designed for different modes of operation from conventional runways, short takeoffs, or aircraft carriers.
What’s New in Version 1.3.3?
The centerpiece of the latest update is the new sound package by Echo19, a sound design studio known for their high-fidelity audio work. If you’ve flown the F-86 Sabre from Shrike Simulations or the Hawker Hurricane from Aeroplane Heaven, you’re already familiar with their stunning work.
Echo19 has now collaborated with IndiaFoxtEcho on an update that completely overhauls the F-35 for a more authentic and groundbreaking auditory experience. According to the developers, this aims to create the most authentic-sounding fighter jet in-simulation to date.
Key features of the new sound package:
- Interior Sounds: Simmers will notice all-new sounds for the Environmental Control System (ECS), engines, and afterburners while in the cockpit.
- Exterior Audio: Outside the aircraft, the update brings new engine sounds that cover the entire operation cycle from startup to shutdown. These sounds are designed to change dynamically based on the aircraft’s speed, throttle, engine RPM, and distance from the listener. Listen below to a preview of the awesome new fly-by sounds!
- Ambiance and Effects: Additional new sounds include proximity-based effects and ambiance sounds that vary with flight conditions. There’s also an introduction of G-Force driven sounds that sync well with visual effects like over-wing vapor, enhancing the overall sensory impact of high-speed maneuvers.
While the sound set is the star of the show, the F-35 also got a few additional updates to the avionics, displays, and liveries. Check the full release notes below to see all that’s new.
The update is currently rolling out through vendors where the product is available. You may be able to download and install it now, or you might need to wait a few days.
F-35 VERSION 1.3.3
Echo19 sounds and avionics update
- Fixed bug causing time indication on the control bar to show 24 instead of 00
- Removed duplicate entries in autopilot configuration
- Slight modification to effects of crosswind on flight dynamics
- Added HMD Boresight and GCAS preferences to permanent variables
- Reworked afterburner effects
- AoA bracket now adapts to the model (A, B or C)
- Additional key bindings are now disabled by default and can be enabled with an option in the MENU screen
- Fixed multiple minor glitches on PCD FUEL interaction
- Major restyle of HMD boresight and off-boresight graphics
- Tweaks to FBW PID coefficients
- ILS signal can now be received ONLY if the nose gear doors are open
Head-mounted Display
- Fixed FPV and ghost VV graphics
- Added proper CDM symbol
- Reworked off-boresight symbology
- Reworked waterline graphics
Primary Control Display
- FAB: added engine anti-ice captions
- FAB: reworked landing gear symbology
- ENG page and FAB: FF indication changed to ppm instead of pph
- EFI page: fixed waterline position
- FCS page: added NOSE DOOR functionality on FCS page
- HUD page: reworked graphics for better match with HMD
- HUD page: fixed FPV and ghost VV symbology, added CDM
- HUD page: fixed minor bug in clock indication
- HUD page: fixed waterline graphics and behavior
- TWD page: added draft RWR track implementation
- TWD page: optimized code and revised symbology
Sound
- New sound package by Echo19
Liveries
- Added VMFA-311 lo-viz livery
- Minor tweaks to VMFA-311 hi-viz livery
- Added RAAF 75 Squadron livery
- Minor tweaks to all Australian liveries
