Microsoft Flight Simulator continues to expand its virtual horizons with the release of World Update 17, focusing on the United Kingdom and Ireland. This update brings a new level of realism to the digital representation of these iconic regions, including landscapes and landmarks of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Beyond just that, the latest update introduces several key improvements. It features enhanced visuals for 16 cities using TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) technology, along with 79 Points of Interest. Additionally, five handcrafted airports have been added. The update also includes new discovery flights and landing challenges in various scenarios across the British Isles and Ireland.
Photogrammetry improvements
The update features 16 cities enhanced with TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) technology. These include major urban centers such as Bristol, Brighton, Greater London, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Cardiff.
Notable landmarks
The update adds 79 Points of Interest (POIs) across the region. These landmarks include:
- England: Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Angel of the North
- Scotland: Stirling Castle, the Forth Bridges, and the National Wallace Monument
- Wales: Snowdonia National Park and the Principality Stadium
- Ireland: Blarney Castle and Killarney National Park
The update has an impact on various regions:
- England: 31 POIs
- Ireland: 13 POIs
- Northern Ireland: 11 POIs
- Scotland: 9 POIs
- Wales: 10 POIs
- Isle of Man: 5 POIs
5 Handcrafted Airports
World Update 17 introduces five newly handcrafted airports, created in collaboration with iniBuilds and Gaya Simulations.
Farnborough and Stansted
Farnborough Airport (EGLF) and London Stansted Airport (EGSS) in England have been recreated. Farnborough features custom hangars with sloped roofs, a true-to-life control tower, and detailed surroundings including the BAE Systems hangar with a Eurofighter static display. Stansted Airport has also received significant attention to detail.
Cork Airport
Cork Airport (EICK) in Ireland has been given a makeover. The handcrafted version offers improved textures and more accurate layouts compared to the default scenery.
Sumburgh and Cardiff
Sumburgh Airport (EGPB) in Scotland and Cardiff Airport (EGFF) in Wales complete the set of handcrafted airports in this update. These additions ensure that each country within the United Kingdom has at least one highly detailed airport representation in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Discovery Flights and Challenges
World Update 17 introduces eight new activities to enhance the flying experience in the United Kingdom and Ireland. These activities include discovery flights, landing challenges, and bush trips. The discovery flights showcase Dublin, Edinburgh und Cliffs of Moher. The update includes two landing challenges, one for London's Stansted Airport (EGSS), and one for Ireland's Cork Airport (EICK). To provide extended exploration of the region, the update features three bush trips in Scotland, Southern England and Wales.
Microsoft Flight Simulator: World Update 17 is now available to download for free from the in-game Marketplace.
