Before Microsoft's longest-running franchise, the Microsoft Flight Simulator, became a force to be reckoned with, the most comprehensive simulation software on the market started small. It began as a set of detailed articles that discussed a 3D computer graphics program in the late 1970s. Microsoft eventually approached the program's author, Bruce Artwick, who initially distributed the stand-alone application for various computers, and asked him for a revision to demonstrate the difference between older 8-bit computers and the up-and-coming 16-bit machines. Nearly four decades later, Microsoft Flight Simulator is getting ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary this November by introducing new aircraft.
To mark this important milestone in Flight Simulator's journey, Microsoft partnered with some of the best third-party developers to inject new life into the game. The 40th Anniversary Edition comes free of charge for those who already own the base title or play it via Xbox Game Pass. Aside from the timely return of the most iconic planes from previous versions, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight and Microsoft Flight Simulator X, players can also look forward to revisiting a number of classic airports. As a comprehensive celebration of the franchise's growth, the 40th Anniversary Edition not only pays tribute to its roots but welcomes new and highly anticipated assets to the title.
Every Aircraft Confirmed for 40th Anniversary Edition
In line with the brand-new Fluid Dynamics Simulation and two gliders, DG Flugzeugbau LG8-18 and DG1001E neo, which allow players to experience Earth from a unique perspective, 40th Anniversary Edition also includes the true-to-life airliner Airbus A310. Manufactured and designed by Airbus, this wide-body aircraft is shorter than the A300 variants and boasts a smaller wing, with overwing exits located between the two (main) front and rear doors. Depending on the onboard classes, the Airbus A310 can seat between 220 and 240 passengers.
New historical aircraft are set to make an appearance as well. The Wright Flyer, which cordially marked the beginning of the golden era of aviation, will soar through the skies in its full glory, just as it did when the Wright brothers flew it for the first time. It's followed by the Douglas DC-3, a propeller-driven airliner with exceptional qualities that had a lasting effect on the airline industry in the first half of the 20th century and during World War II. One of the best Canadian engineering achievements in the past hundred years, the De Havilland Canada DHC-2-Beaver, an aircraft primarily used as a bush plane with a wide range of utility roles, is also going to power up its single-engine and quickly take off in Flight Simulator this November.
As far as helicopters are concerned, players will get to pilot the Bell-407, a civil multipurpose utility aircraft originating from the US and Canada. Contrasting with its single-engine, four-blade, and soft-in-plane design rotor with composite hub is the French Guimbal Cabri G2, a two-seat light helicopter with a fully articulated, three-bladed main rotor and a reciprocating engine. Mostly taken advantage of in rotorcraft training, Cabri G2's versatility is beneficial in the sector of remotely controlled aerial vehicles as well.
Every Collaboration Confirmed for 40th Anniversary Edition
In what's good news for Halo Infinite fans, Microsoft announced an exclusive collaboration with the Halo franchise and 343 Industries. A fully operational Dropship 77-Troop Carrier add-on, also known as the Halo Infinite Pelican, is readily available for download from the in-game marketplace at no additional cost for Flight Simulator owners and Xbox Game Pass members.
Additionally, a unique collaboration with the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum will see one of the world's most famous planes come to life in the 40th Anniversary Edition. Almost a century after its maiden flight from Long Island, New York, to Paris, France, the "Spirit of St. Louis" will take to the skies again, but in a virtual manner. Officially known as the Ryan NYP, this historical custom-built, single-engine, high-wing monoplane will pay a fully modernized tribute to Charles Lindbergh and his first solo nonstop transatlantic flight. It's certain to delight many aviation history buffs.