Microprose B-17 Flying Fortress Released

[SpaceHippy1975]

Just had an email from Just Flight about the latest update;


Latest Update: 2025/11/27

The below log shows all updates for this product since release:

Update 3: Burbank (v0.9.3)
Changelog:

• Added Sentimental Journey livery
• Updated external textures
• Fixed model issues in radio room
• Added functioning landing lights
• New sound package
• Fixed see-through gaps in cockpit
• Fixed feet sticking out of front compartment
• More LOD issues fixed
• Wheel Heights fixed
• Aircraft sits nicely on runway at spawn and for photos, no jumping any more.
• CoG adjusted to allow for tail wheel to come up on takeoff run.
• Fuel tank positions adjusted to correct wing positions
• Fuel tank configuration simplified and renamed
• Balance adjusted for less trim input required during climb phase of flight
• Computational Fluid Dynamics disabled due to Microsoft having not fully implemented this feature at this time, causing imbalance and instability at all phases of flight.
• Stall Behaviour improved

 

[dvj]

How is the new sound package?

 

[SpaceHippy1975]

They sound okay, but I'm totally deaf so can't really say if there's any change!

Taxiing speed feels too fast despite having the throttle at 2-3%.

Keith.

 

[Javis]

Taxiing speed feels too fast despite having the throttle at 2-3%.

You know I dreamed that THAT was the only problem... ;-)

 

[Javis]

How is the new sound package?

You don't have to download & install this new update for the sound, dvj, although if you have a really good morning you *might* think that the Cyclones *may* sound a little better..

Still....

the tires are stuck (MP must think that the 'weight bulged' tires are more important than turning wheels..). Still transparant bottom turret. Still childern crew (both pilots seem to have grown up a bit...? ). They've put their O2 masks and goggles on while on the ground.. Still no 3D spinning propblades (particularly heartbraking view from the cockpit..). Still holes everywhere (war damage simulation ?....) In short: still not 'Early Access' worthy..

@MP: please stop working on the crew figures (just scale 'em up a bit), actually the're the best looking feature of your B-17 model. You must know too that there are waaaay more important issues to fix, right ??

Thank you!

 

[jimjones]

Hot Fix Changelog

- Fixed missing RTPC curves from audio mix
- Gyro removed for more realistic handling
- New Pilot and Copilot camera positions for realistic eye levels.
- Rudder Authority improved
- Weighty feeling returned.

 

[Wittpilot]

I actually missed this trip to England because my wife was almost 8 months pregnant believe it or not. The Belle arrived to Duxford on July 4th, 2008, baby came August 19th... So I could have made it work...... if only someone could have convinced the wife of that at the time! HA!

 

[jimjones]

Now that The Microprose B-17 is at version 0ne here are a few of my comments.

Disappointed that so few switches can be activated and that those that can be are only identified by a blue over color when hovered over or a flag which remains blank. One of my biggest complaints.

The paint kit should be welcome to some.

Engine sound changes with throttle position is more prominent and welcome. The engine sounds are impressive.

Flight behavior at takeoff, cruise. landing and taxing has improved through the updates. Fun to fly.

Front tires now display a slight flattened bulge when plane is on the ground. A must have for some but of little personal importance.

The plane's internal parts and crew are a plus feature for me. External model and textures are good.

New GPS feature has yet to be tried. A simple autopilot feature would be welcome.

Not disappointed in my purchase. Having fun while I still have time.



Hope someday for a version that satisfies more simmers.

 

[Javis]

Front tires now display a slight flattened bulge when plane is on the ground. A must have for some but of little personal importance.

It was already there with the first release, Jim. It's supposed to mimic the large load on the wheels/tires. MP is to be commended to even dare to try and finally add this well known effect from the real world that has literally always been missing in the sim. It's rather a simple addition to the mesh of a tire, the problem reveals itself when the aircraft starts to taxi.... The 'solution' that MP managed to come up with in order to tackle this rather nasty problem is to simply refrain from animating the tires.... Hello ??...... Anybody home ??.....

A second reason to better forget about this 'heavy weight' effect on the tires is that the 'bulge' is more or less only visible looking straight at the front or back of the main wheels/tires. If they would've asked about it in their Discord forum, what would you prefer: weight effect on the tires but they'll remain static or animated turning wheels/tires. The answer would've been 100% preference for the latter option no doubt.

However, better not get bogged down on the non animated tires nore on the fact that the MP B-17 crew still consists of childern. With every 'update' it's getting more clear that it's a matter of consistency.

 

[lagaffe]

If I have properly followed the developments of the SDK, this effect on tires is now achievable via modeling ... with 3DS Max and Blender does not access these properties for now.
On the other hand, according to what I had read, this effect under 3DS does not prevent the tires from spinning, so did the developers of Microprose read the SDK well or were they unable to use it?

 

[Javis]

If I have properly followed the developments of the SDK, this effect on tires is now achievable via modeling ... with 3DS Max and Blender does not access these properties for now.

Yes, i remember having read something about that a while ago. I even think i saw it demonstrated somewhere in a short clip. Looks very nice . It will be interesting to see how it works... Those default groundcrew boys and girls are animated quite well, almost natural, keeping a tire bulged at the bottom while it's turning should be possible thru animation as well today (atleast that's what i could think of atm... ;-)

On the other hand, according to what I had read, this effect under 3DS does not prevent the tires from spinning, so did the developers of Microprose read the SDK well or were they unable to use it?

A mystery to me what these MP folks are doing, never seen such a mysterious pattern in the progress of their B-17 project. In fact it's hard to see any progress at all. It's quite a beautiful external model and very nice VC as well but i can't help thinking they don't exactly know how to continue, how to deal with all the hurdles, flaws and imperfections along the way and add the still missing stuff. How exactly to create something beautiful and seriously worthwhile out of it. No doubt it has the potential to become legendary like her RW sister, a masterpiece even, but for that to happen MP has to get its act together and for what i've seen so far it's an act alright but a very strange and mysterious act all together...;-)

 

[Mr.Mugel]

While I have been trying to keep people open minded during the EA phase, I don't get the decision to end that phase and release it as 1.0 at this point. As a fully released product, it should deliver what was originally promised, which includes system simulation, wear and maintenance.
I just had an opportunity to load it up since I'm at home over the holidays. Yeah, under the 1.0 circumstances it falls short and not by a small margin. No priming, fuel pressure doesn't seems to matter, cowl flaps settings don't seem to do anything. And still lots of LOD issues, even after some fixes in that regard.

At this point I really agree with Javis, optics are nice, but as a simulation it is not even close to what I expected.

 

[Killbilly]

Helpful thread. I've been holding off. Looks like I'll hold off a bit longer.

 

[Javis]

At this point I really agree with Javis, optics are nice, but as a simulation it is not even close to what I expected.

Welcome to the (sad) club, mate..

 

[jankees]

OK, in a moment of weakness I bought it, and although it is a B-17, it feels so unfinished... Just a few examples, apart from the dwarf like crew..
1. where's the radio operator, and how does that gun just float there?
2. Why all the unpainted parts below the wings, and should that ball turret be completely transparant like that?
3. Why do the cowl flaps look so different from the rest of the textures?
4. I had a look at pics of the real Our Gal Sal, but never saw that much wear and tear on the engine cowlings. Never saw it on any B-17 actually...

I think I'll park it in the back of the hangar for now...

 

[Paul K]

OK, in a moment of weakness I bought it, and although it is a B-17, it feels so unfinished... Just a few examples, apart from the dwarf like crew..
1. where's the radio operator, and how does that gun just float there?
2. Why all the unpainted parts below the wings, and should that ball turret be completely transparant like that?
3. Why do the cowl flaps look so different from the rest of the textures?
4. I had a look at pics of the real Our Gal Sal, but never saw that much wear and tear on the engine cowlings. Never saw it on any B-17 actually...

I think I'll park it in the back of the hangar for now...

Good grief - that ball turret! What on earth are they thinking of ?

 

[Javis]

 

[bazzar]

For what it is worth, I believe that the LODS are changing out far too early which is why you see missing geometry. If you move in closer you'll see it all come back.

 

[FlakNine]

For what it is worth, I believe that the LODS are changing out far too early which is why you see missing geometry. If you move in closer you'll see it all come back.

Yep it’s definitely this. The LODs still need a lot of work on this project. Microprose said they will revisit them but are working on getting more systems functional first. I’m ok with that order, providing they really do come back and fix them. The B17 group flight we did the other day exposed some serious LOD issues, as I was often looking at invisible aircraft or just a floating cockpit, until I got in very close formation.

My guess is the ball turret is a particularly awkward LOD problem because it’s a densely detailed area with both internal and external details, but occupies a small amount of screen space so gets culled to a lower detail LOD very easily.

Fingers crossed Microprose can get the LODs working, along with all the other outstanding items. The next few weeks/months will be critical for this project, if I recall correctly they have a release plan for a few major updates to get it feature complete.

 

[jankees]

Yes, I guessed it was a LOD problem, but come on, on version 1.0? And do you see how close I am in that shot?
And look at that first pic I posted, where are the fuel caps? I see lighter circles where they should be...it goes on and on..
If only A2A had done a simple update of their version...maybe we should ask Flying Iron to restart their version?