With the announcement of FS2024, I feel it’s worth checking in on an important plane still missing from FS2020. Most of the planes at the top of my wish list have either been made, are nearing completion, or are at least in a developer’s pipeline. The one glaring exception is the B-17 Flying Fortress, preferably the F model but I’m not too picky at this point. Is there any news on this beautiful bird? I know FS2020 is complex but I’m surprised if really no one is working on the project, especially considering we now have multi-engine prop examples such as the DC-3, DC-6, and even the Hughes H-4 Hercules.
The B-17 is so special to me. I flew on one named “Aluminum Overcast” a few years ago and that really took my appreciation for the type (and aviation in general) to a whole new level! Last year, I got to visit “Memphis Belle” at the US Air Force museum and it was really impressive. Sadly, it is my understanding that all flightworthy examples are still grounded pending inspection for wing spar issues. Knowing full well that they will not be able to fly forever, I really want to see them live on virtually, especially while they are still available for detailed observation inside and out, and for high quality sound recording.
I have A2A’s B-17 for FSX, but I got it just before FS2020 released so I didn’t get to fly it nearly as much as I would have liked. I have uninstalled all my other FSX add-ons except the B-17, even though I can’t bring myself to go back to the old sim to fly it - I may have to force myself, and I’ve actually started re-reading the manual just in case. I would love, love for A2A to bring their work to FS2020, but at the rate they’re going they may not even have their first project released before FS2024 comes out.
I would be happy for now just if Aeroplane Heaven would convert their FSX B-17 so that we had something, even more so if it were upgraded to full FS2020 standards, of course. At this point, I would be grateful just to have a good visual model, ok sounds, and a flight model with the right feel and hitting in the ballpark for speed/altitude/range numbers.
Is anyone in the community working on one, or willing to do so? I found this post which mentions someone, “Elitel90”, who apparently would be happy if a skilled individual would convert her model: A2A B-17 for MSFS 2020? - #12 by MidLearner26126