Microprose B-17

Discussion Hub Aircraft
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I did a full test flight from codl & dark and honestly have to say, that this is not worth a single dollar at the moment. I really rarely do this, but please think twice or better quadruple before buying this. I am really surprised Just Flight is supporting this release in this state.

Besides graphics, animation glitches, 50% inop switches and sound, it is just not really usable at the moment, because simple basics dont work.

  • manifold pressure gauge is completely off. it shows ~ 50 % of your actuall in SIM manifold pressure
  • propeller RPM gauge shows roughly 200% of you actuall in SIM RPM, altough this can be seen on a lot of aircraft, because of flight model tuning, but this is a bad omen for such a simple aircraft from an aerodynamic and engine simulating viewpoint. They use modern prop simulation, but why going through all that fuzz, when your flight model is so off, that you have to cut the simulated RPM in half, to achieve the desired power outcome
  • compasses are all wrong, partially of up to 100° heading
  • you cant see actuall flap degree, you have to guess, that one notch are 10°, but who knows
  • mostly no tooltips and no ingame checklist
  • the manual is useless, since half of the stuff in the checklist, is INOP.
  • magnetos can only be switched on or off, no L or R, so no magneto test
  • I cant even find any fuel selectors, there are only valve switches

So this alpha at best functionality wise.

Graphics are average and ok for that price considering early access.

Sound appears very odd in cockpit. Sounds like artifically generated sound from the olden day simulators for me, but I am not good in judging sounds, to be honest. So here I can be wrong.

Flight Model is actually the best aspect at the moment, feels heavy and flies as I would expect it, but I am no pilot.

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217

Thanks for those details. I struggle to see the upside to early access. Anyway, hopefully Microprose addresses these things eventually.

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It may be semantics, but, the Collings foundation did not “lose” the ability to fly passengers. They’ve chosen not to, as given insurance costs now, it’s too expensive. While they are creating a new museum where aircraft will be statically displayed, many of them will be taken out and flown. Just not with paying passengers anymore. But, yes, it’s likely their eventual new B-17 (they’re looking at a few) and Witchcraft will not fly again. Given all this, yeah, we’ll see fewer and fewer warbirds flying over the next 10 to 30 years. They’re all getting too old and rare to risk flying. Look at all the accidents over the last few years.

To that point though, all their aircraft will be maintained in flying condition. I was there for the runup of their FW-190. It will be flying “soon” (still some work to do on it, I forget what). There will likely be some planes flying this weekend at the AHM for their Battle of the Airfield event.

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Ref the flap gauge ….its acurate:

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Doesn´t matter if the gauge is accurate, when you don´t know how much 30° are? Is it 3 klicks? is it full? When I know the full range, than it would be ok. But no info in the manual.

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This may prove useful:

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The use of flap “settings” was officially vague.

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Yeah, well … it’s Early Access and that’s usually what you get when you buy Early Access. It is in Alpha state because it is basically IS an Alpha. :wink:

In theory early adopters can provide feedback and shape the direction of the product while it’s still in development.

For the most part, though, it’s just an upside for the developers: they make money with an incomplete product and they have reduced liability and probably don’t have to adhere to many consumer protection rights either, because people knowingly purchased an incomplete/buggy product in its pre-release state that was declared as such. That way no one can claim they didn’t get what they paid for, because they got exactly what they paid for. :wink:

P.S.: AvAngel gives those of us, who want to wait for the full release, a tour:

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It’s a choice about supporting the development of a product by the team. If you choose to wait for a fully released product that is also an option.

I have a personal connection to this aircraft so I will probably support any B-17 for the major sim platforms. I’m looking forward to the B-25 from Aeroplane Heaven as well.

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Well, I know what early access means, and there are a lot of positive examples, where early access version where just useable. This one here is in my opionion far from what they state in the roadmap or product description and is one of the most incomplete early access releases that I bought. And I ususally always buy early access, since I wanna test all that addons for my audience. Or maybe I have a complete different interpretation of what “All the basic systems” mean. Besides all the really broken stuff, some basic just dont work, like manifold pressure gauge, compass, pitot heat or any exterior lights.

And for this one here I really dont have any hope. I really would be glad, if I am completely wrong.

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A legend reborn - ready for takeoff today in stunning detail

The legendary Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress is now available in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, bringing one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history to life for a new generation of virtual pilots.

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Rebuilt with unparalleled attention to historical and technical accuracy, the B-17G Flying Fortress is the first release in MicroProse’s Heritage Valor Collection - a series dedicated to preserving aviation heritage through world-class simulation experiences.

A living legend

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Every part of the aircraft has been crafted with precision - from the bomb bay and turrets to the pilot’s station, crew compartments, and tail gunner position. Authentic sounds were recorded directly from the flying B-17 “Sentimental Journey”, while experts familiar with the real aircraft helped tune its flight dynamics and systems behavior.

Optional modern avionics offer additional navigational capabilities, while period-correct instruments allow pilots to experience the plane exactly as it was flown in the 1940s.

Early Access Launch Features

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The B-17G Flying Fortress launches today in Early Access, offering sim pilots the chance to experience and help shape the aircraft’s continued development.

At launch, players can expect:

  • Initial flight model built specifically for MSFS 2024
  • Authentic 3D model with hand-crafted 4K PBR textures
  • Fully modeled cockpit, panels, and instruments
  • Wwise engine and cockpit sounds recorded from the real aircraft (WIP)
  • Five liveries
  • Simple crew customization via an in-sim clipboard

The Road Ahead

The Early Access phase marks only the beginning. Over the coming weeks, MicroProse will deliver bi-weekly updates featuring new features and refinements - including additional liveries, a crew configuration system, optional modern avionics, maintenance mode, a paint kit, and compatibility with MSFS 2024’s walk-around system.

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The final release version will complete the experience - and development will continue even beyond that, with new content and community-driven improvements.

Fly History Today

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The B-17G Flying Fortress is not just an add-on, it’s a living tribute to the courage, ingenuity, and resilience that defined a generation.

Take off today and experience the roar of four Wright Cyclone engines, the challenge of precision flying, and the unmatched legacy of the Flying Fortress.

The B-17G Flying Fortress is available on Just Flight.*

* available at the marketplace as soon as possible.

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226

Thank you for the in depth review. I sorta suspected as much from the video but confirmation is nice and I thank you for putting out the money to try it.

There is absolutely no upside to it for anyone but the developer who wants to make money on a partial product as well as get people to test the product who will pay to do so rather than be paid.

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That’s what purchasing is for. You know, buying a finished product.

First impressions are everything. So far, I’m not all that impressed.

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I dont even see Early Access per se that critical. Early Access as a concept has its upsides for customers too in a global scale. It is comparable of crowdfunding or being an investor in any other real life business. It can lead to financial loss for individuals on the smaller scale, but helps developers to fund themselves. Without early access we might not get an B-17G at all, with Early Access there is at least a chance of getting a decent one. And I just wanne clarify, that I am not complaining or ranting or something, I am just stating my findings (but I dig deeper than the usual youtuber) and I compare it maybe to other early access release states I witnessed. So I am basically feeding back^^. And that is something they say they want. It helps nobody in the end, if one would sugarcode everything.

Here would be my first impression video (german language)

Cheers

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So, folks, we’re all discussing our personal opinions on what we expect when we spend money. Let’s not assign our own opinions as if they are the “right” opinion, or what other people might want. To me, if I get back to using the simulator, I, personally, probably won’t mind buying the early access version. Cause, well, I can, and, I like to support people, and, for the money being asked, I won’t notice the difference. But that’s just me. I totally understand why other people won’t feel that way.

In any event, reports on what works and doesn’t is interesting, too me. Hearing more about the benefits or lack thereof, not so much. But, if you really feel like discussing it, be my guest.

Examples… anyone remember how long it took Flysimware to get to version 1.0, lol :smiley: But that worked out.

I’m really sad that Wing42 disappeared (again), he had some really good ideas, but, he tried the “early access” path a couple of times… so, yep, lots of examples and good reasons for how people feel.

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I was getting a virus detected on windows defender when downloading from JustFlights website. I trust JustFlight so disabled WD and it downloaded fine. going to re-enable WD. Anyone else getting this?

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I can’t say JF executables have ever been flagged for me, but I don’t have the B-17 specifically.

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I know at least one person who has, they contacted JF who I believe sent a file straight to them to enable the load.

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The interior stamping on the panels, looks, to put it lightly, horrendous. Would have been better not to include it all.

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234

Maybe it should be on certain liveries or as an option to turn off? I think the font size is too large and it’s over prominent, but I have seen archive photos where you can see the red print.

There are areas where it is done well, and it doesn’t slap you in the face…and there are areas where it needs to be toned down. We’ll have to see how this evolves. Especially now that it’s in the wild.

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if I Rember when TwoToneMurphy was reviewing the plane on his livestream he said that he was told the lettering was too big and it would be in one of the fixes? I vaguely remember him talking about that.