• Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.

    Post 16 Update

    Post 17 Warning old domain name stealing credentials

  • Special Server Maintenance

    Just when you think you have everything running some what better...

    You get a message from the Hosting company. Short story they need to move us to a new server. I have been working with them to plan a good date for all concerned. Here is what we have come up with as a schedule.

    1. November 4th 17:00 -5UTC shut off the forums and start backup proceedures. During this time there will be no access to the forums or the Resource Section.
    2. November 5th Continue with Backups and download same until complete.
    3. November 6th 7:00 turn over server to hosting company to move system to new server
    4. November 7th - 8th restore backups and upgrade forum software.

    If all goes well we should be back online on November 8th.

    To keep you updated we will post updates on AVSIM forums.

    Thank you for your support.

Blackbird KBAB native MSFS 2024 version

Dimus

SOH-CM-2025
Just to let you know that it is out: https://blackbirdsims.com/flight/PG.php?id=84

Blackbird-KBAB-Beale-AFB-MSFS-2024-3-1200x675.webp


Blackbird-KBAB-Beale-AFB-MSFS-2024-2-1200x675.webp


Blackbird-KBAB-Beale-AFB-MSFS-2024-1-1200x675.webp


It is fully rebuilt as native 2024. The 2020 version was compatible to a high degree but had some glitches on a few models and animations that could not just be made "compatible" easily. In this one you get nicer apron concrete detail and more inpressive night lighting with nicer bloom effects. Animations are redone to avoid cases of characters staying in the T-position with arms stretched. Also added spilled JP-7 inside the SR-71 hangars, a prequel to the upcoming "retro" version that will go together with the Blackbird. There is a modest discount for exisiting owners of the 2020 version. MP version is also under way.
 
Thanks, Dimus !

So he's not going to board the U-2, is he ?.....Just standing there chatting away with his crew..

Must say i'm about to expect he *will* board the plane, taxi to the runway and we get to sit in the follow car advicing him on his taxi- and take-off run ( or was that at landing only ?....). I mean, would be an instant buy for me then. :cool:
 
Yes indeed Jan, my figures are “statically” animated. He will just stand there chatting indefinitely. 😵‍💫

I would really like to add at least realistic AI planes like I could do in FSX and P3D. Still have not investigated that in MSFS.

The U-2s have the pogo wheels for take off and they drop them once in the air. The chase car assistance is during landing. I admit that I had thought about ways to have such a scene animated. Still in the thinking phase though…
 
I got to watch U2 operations at Osan in Korea, very interesting! They actually drop the wheels after gaining speed on takeoff and the plane is stable in roll. What was most amazing was the steep initial climb!
 
Some early WIP shots of the retro Beale version (late 80s) that will come to accompany Blackbird's Blackbird:
The old Tower:
Screenshot (1129).jpg

Vintage NF-2 Apron light (airman's uniform will eventually change to period one):
Screenshot (1127).jpg

The special version KC-135Q for refueling the SR-71 only (static apron model):
Screenshot (1130).jpg
 
Looking awesome!

Is this going to be a separate product? Or will it be an upgrade that lets you swap between them?
 
Thanks!

I can say for certain that this is a different scenery package, even though it may look similar. The grounds are reworked with an edited aerial image as many of the installations in the modern version did not exist or were different back then. Taxiways and aprons arrangements are different as are many of the buildings (mainly the maintenance hangars and others).

If you have both you would need to chose which one is active. As to pricing policy, at the moment I really can't say.
 
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