Without much of a buildup, and taking nearly everyone by surprise, a new name has just entered the Microsoft Flight Simulator scene with a bold debut: Virga Studio has released its first aircraft for MSFS, and it’s an officially licensed Dassault Alpha Jet, available now on SimMarket for around 35€.
That’s two Dassault aircraft now in development for MSFS (that we know of), both officially licensed: the Rafale by AzurPoly and now the Alpha Jet by Virga Studio. But unlike the Rafale, this one’s already available to fly.
The Alpha Jet is a two-seat advanced trainer and light attack aircraft developed jointly by Dassault-Breguet and Dornier. It entered service in the late 1970s and has since become quite famous, particularly as the aircraft of choice for France’s Patrouille de France aerobatic team since 1981. Though originally developed to replace aircraft like the Fouga Magister and T-33, it quickly carved out its own identity as a high-performance trainer with tactical versatility.
Virga Studio is aiming high with its first release, claiming to have built what it calls a quasi study-level experience, developed with a combination of public documentation, pilot interviews, and extensive 3D scanning. Here’s a look at what you’re getting:
- Fully modeled front and rear cockpits
- Support for AI co-pilot and full checklist integration
- Multiplayer-ready instructor/student mode
- Five liveries, including all 9 jets of the Patrouille de France (more to come)
- Realistic three-color smoke pod system
- Tablet EFB for aircraft configuration, preset frequencies, fuel, and lights
- Fully animated cockpit, custom-coded systems, and functional fuel management
- Authentic engine start, VOR/ILS, and TACAN support
- Larzac-4C6 engine simulation with attention to realistic performance curves
- High-G wingflex, accurate gear physics, and aerobatics-optimized flight model
- All sounds recorded from a real Alpha Jet
- Multiple levels of cockpit lighting and dimming, suited for immersive night ops
Virga Studio also confirmed a realistic co-pilot checklist mode, interactive training sequences, and several visual refinements, including gear chocks, protection equipment, and future livery additions via free updates.
The aircraft is currently available only for PC via SimMarket. An Xbox version is planned, and the studio has stated that development will later shift toward full integration with MSFS 2024.
