Montreal, April 15, 2008 - Xtreme Prototypes is proud to announce the release of version 1.1 of its X-15-1 add-on rocket aircraft package for Microsoft® Flight Simulator X and FS2004, featuring fully functional 3D virtual cockpits, an automatic ignition sequence, new X-15 custom sounds, 10 new camera definitions for FSX and 12 saved flights based on actual X-15 missions.
The upgrade is now available online at no additional cost for registered users of version 1.0. The full package is still available at the same competitive price of $34.95 USD (suggested retail price).
Version 1.1 is a major revision of version 1.0 and contains many new features in addition to those found in the original package, including four different virtual cockpits. Each VC contains over 900 parts and nearly 200 animated gauges, switches, levers, light indicators and flight instruments. Like in the advanced 2D instrument panels of the previous version, the virtual cockpits have been meticulously created to conform as closely as possible to the cabin of the real X-15 rocket aircraft. The add-on is compatible with both FSX (SP2 recommended) and FS2004.
The VCs allow a total 3D immersion into the X-15 flying environment and come with new internal spotlights, switches, control sticks, handles and levers with tooltips. Some switches have also been replaced on the 2D panels. Virtually all switches in the VCs and 2D panels are clickable and can be used to simulate nearly every step and procedure required in a typical X-15 mission.
The X-15-1 add-on now features an automatic ignition sequence that enables the rocket engine(s) to be easily started at the touch of a single "magic" red button. Users can now click this button, sit and relax while watching all the switches and gauges move all by themselves in the cockpit while the auto ignition sequence executes the "quick-start" procedures described in the manual and ignites the engine(s).
The X-15-1 now has her own custom sound effects for both FSX and FS2004. In addition to the basic FS sound set (igniter idle, rocket engine, flaps and gear), extra sound effects (APUs, turbopump, engine precool/prime and fuel jettison effects) are included in the FSX version.
The X-15-1 add-on has a special feature that renders the VC canopy "invisible" to give the user the impression that the aircraft is equipped with a "bubble" glass canopy for more visibility and a spectacular outside view when flying in the VC.
It is now easier to prepare the X-15 for takeoff or simulate an X-15 launch at a high altitude from a "carrier aircraft" over different dry lakes in the Mojave Desert by loading one of the 12 saved flights included with version 1.1 and clicking the automatic ignition sequence start button. Virtual test pilots can also use one of these flights as a "template" for a new flight. This has the advantage of presetting all X-15 custom systems to OFF before the flight. The saved flights are described in the manual and are based on historical X-15 flights.
The Xtreme Prototypes X-15-1 rocket aircraft package comes with the original X-15-1 (over 100-page, PDF format) utility flight manual and a 20-page VC manual supplement (English and French), both inspired from the real-world X-15 manuals. The VC supplement is available as a free download on the Xtreme Prototypes web site.
X-15-1 (v1.1) rocket aircraft for Flight Simulator is available for immediate download at: www.xtremeprototypes.com.
Version 1.1 of the X-15-2&3 and X-15A-2 packages are currently into their final stage of development and will be available in the second quarter of 2008. Visit our web site regularly for more information and product availability.
About Xtreme Prototypes
Xtreme Prototypes, incorporated in 2006, is a game studio based in Montreal, Canada, mainly dedicated to developing and marketing high-quality add-on products for Microsoft® Flight Simulator. The company focuses on products with a high educational or historical value and is looking forward to the development of add-on aircraft that have influenced the evolution of flight and can provide an exciting and unique flight simulation experience to our users. Its first series of products, the X-15 for Flight Simulator, brings the excitement of high-speed and high-altitude flight and the challenge of an X-15 research mission to flight simulation enthusiasts and X-15 fans around the world. Xtreme Prototypes recognizes the financial participation of Telefilm Canada, administrator of The Canada New Media Fund funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, in the development and marketing of its products.
