I have been flying this glider now for about three weeks and absolutely love it, especially in VR (I flew gliders in real life). Although FS does not currently have usable thermals, it is possible to create them using 3rd party software. However it’s easier atm to simply dial in some wind and use ridge soaring to get lift. I have managed to maintain altitude with as little as 4kts of breeze off a decent hillside. Not surprising, as the AS 33 has a glide ratio approaching 60 to 1.
Being electric though, you don’t need a tow plane or winch to get airborne or climb back up if you misjudge a traverse to another area of lift.
Check it out at flightsim.to, it’s free and was programmed by glider pilots who know their stuff.
Okay never seen such an animal before so I was curious. Back in the day (ha) you used a tow plane to get you up, and once you released the strap you were on you own, with just nature to provide for you.
Thanks for promoting our AS33 Me. It was months of hard work and Ian and I are happy with the result.
Having said that, there is loads I still wish to improve. Ian (B21) has years and years of experience with developing gauges for FSX. For me this was my first ever project. Ian did a fantastic job with the gauges, so I want to remodel the plane itself and improve things like the cockpit, wingflex and motor but it will require a complete re-build.
We have a pure sailplane LS4 and a jet sustainer JS3 on the way, probably both only a few weeks away from beta release. Keep an eye open for them.
My pleasure, Brett. I am really in awe of the AS33 Me, it’s my favourite plane in MSFS in VR, so any improvements you make over time will be much appreciated. I’ll certainly keep an eye out for the LS4 and JS3 too.
defenitely one ‘to stay’… soaring over the Alps, making your way down (slowly) and then back up again wiht the electric motor - lots of fun. Very good immersion too when you look at the lonnnngg wings and te flexing wingtips…
Can I get rid of the pilot though? In the position that I find comfy, I am just behind his sunglasses with my VR headset
I just spent a wonderful two hours flying the west coast of New Zealand’s south island in the AS 33. I set up 15 knots of wind from the west at two altitudes and then ducked and weaved through snow covered mountains a few ridges inland before heading back out to the coast and then inland again through wondrous valleys.
In VR gliding in a modern sailplane is as close to being a soaring bird like an albatross as it’s possible to get. No wonder Neil Armstrong spent his last years flying gliders.
