Didn’t see a thread going for this, so thought I should start it. Aeroplane Heaven have hinted at developing a B-17F for several months, and now they have confirmed it. We all know AH has their issues, but the B-17 is on a different level for me. Plus Microprose is struggling to finish off their G model. I, for one, can’t wait for this to release!
From their FB page:
INSIDE “THE BELLE”
As work progresses slowly on “Memphis Belle” - our tribute to the iconic B-17F bomber, we thought we would share some work-in-progress screens. Whilst modeling the interior we discovered just how cramped the B-17 actually is once you install a crew. The waist gunners, for example, often got in the way of each other in the heat of combat. The crews used to call this “dancing cheek to cheek”!
Of course in the later G models, the waist gun windows were staggered to improve the space for the gunners. Another area that can look palatial when unoccupied is the nose. Once a bombardier and navigator are installed, however, things get a little cosier.
Each of the stations including the ball turret will be fully modeled and detailed out. You will be able to enter through the crew hatch and travel right through the ship to the tail gun position.
Very impressive work! I can see that they’ve referenced the USAF Museum’s restoration of the B-17F ‘Memphis Belle’ very well. Down to details such as the cloth-covered armor plate at the bottom of the nose plexiglass (for which there should be a spent .50-cal shell casing stuck underneath), the stenciling on the waist gunner’s armor plating, and the correctly-sized Alcoa watermarks on the bare aluminum. It’s really good to see properly-scaled crew figures, in addition to all of the authentic details throughout the interior. It’s also great to see DDG (dark dull green) paint used in the cockpit, which is precisely what was used on B-17F production. All of the details of the cockpit look perfect. If it flies to the numbers, this will be a must have!
Not typically Aeroplane Heaven’s strong suit, but it probably won’t be worse than Microprose’s version. Their recent addons seem to be better in that regard.
I’d be hoping they at least do both versions,2020 and 2024 as I and a lot of people are still with 2020.I’ve tries 2024 a few times and still don’t like where it’s at.Has only cost me $1 so far on the 2 week playpass xbox trial.
They’ve now got Wells Sullivan working on their flight dynamics. He’s Flight Model Review on YouTube and FlightFizzix on Flightsim.to. He’s very good at this. He was responsible for the AH B-25 and the Mosquito. I can vouch for the Mosquito - it flies well and on the numbers. A definite step up for them
The last photo of the radio operator reminds me of my Uncle George who did that on 35 missions in WWII. He called his hunting dog “Gunner”. Radio in one hand and 50 caliber in the other.
He flew out of the same base as the Memphis Belle…. Bassignbourn…. if they put this model out will get it just for that seat reproduction. I got the other model which is not bad. Have to compare the seats… I did look back there…
You can find the base in MSFS and I believe I purchased an upgrade of the base that is quite nice. It has been decommissioned and the land mostly developed except for a museum and a minimal military base I believe.
Thanks for that, I knew about them working on the Spitfire currently. However, I have a lot of aircraft to fly and will always sit back and wait for the quality Flying Iron bring.
Assuming the FI B17 reaches completion, it will be well worth the wait.
They stated on Facebook that it is a 2020 plane with 2024 compatibility. For some reason it seems like they are going hold out until the very end before doing any Native 2024 planes.
From a business perspective it makes sense as long as it converts over nicely to FS24. Plus, I’m sure people who don’t or can’t run FS24 appreciate it. Personally, I run both sims, but FS2020 is more and more limited for legacy stuff that doesn’t necessarily work in ‘24. The preflight feature only really interests me for GA aircraft, so that isn’t a huge loss in my book.
Just to be fair, FI has a ton on their plate and they are looking at years before their B-17 might see the light of day. I’d place them neck and neck with A2A in the “If Race” for a B-17.
I skimmed through some of the A2A B17 familiarization videos - they really did an amazing job with the depth of simulation there. I’d pay quite obscene amounts of money for an MSFS 2024 version at that quality level!
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I would absolutely do the same! I had the A2A B-17 for a short time just before FS2020 came out, and man oh man, if only I could get myself to stomach FSX’s graphics and camera controls, I’d be right there today. Going through the engine start procedure was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in a flight sim! I’m still tempted to reinstall FSX from time to time because A2A did that great a job on the whole package - graphics (for the time), systems, sounds, and immersion. It really is a work of art!
I just want to be a gentle reminder about realistic timeline expectations for the high quality work we know A2A and FI deliver. A2A is on, what, their third project total for 2020/24, and while they have announced a future road map, they haven’t indicated returning to the warbird category at this time. FI continues to work on their first native '24 project, and have understandably halted work on their B-17 as they still have their entire catalogue to go through. In either case, we are looking at multiple years IF ever.
So we have Microprose and AH. MP is a complete unknown in MSFS who are still working through their first project with the B-17, and man is that a mammoth undertaking. AH is a known commodity with their issues, but they have upped their game with their last few releases. I have waited 6 years now so I am hopeful, though realistic, and really looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
