FSX Iowa Class Battleship

This updated freeware package introduces a fleet of meticulously crafted Iowa-class battleships for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, featuring enhancements to camera viewpoints and newly refined visual effects. Created by Gart Shetter, the add-on immerses virtual captains in the history and operation of the United States Navy's renowned fast battleships from the World War II era through the late 20th century.

Visual Reference and Notable Refinements

These Iowa-class vessels, originating from initial 1939 and 1940 orders, have been adjusted with optimized camera angles, allowing for a more authentic view of each deck, turret, and mast. The newly introduced effects system contributes to realistic gunfire flashes (bright muzzle bursts) and lingering smoke plumes (residual haze following discharge), further enhancing immersion for battleship enthusiasts.

Comprehensive Details of the Iowa-Class Series

Developed to escort and protect carrier task forces in the Pacific Theater, Iowa-class warships were the last U.S. battleships ever constructed. Four vessels were completed and saw service from World War II through conflicts such as the Korean War and the Gulf War. Two additional hulls, Illinois and Kentucky, remained unfinished and were later scrapped. During their active years, these formidable ships provided long-range bombardment, carrier screening, and anti-aircraft defense, showcasing exceptional speed and firepower.

USS Iowa (BB-61)

Commissioning: Ordered in July 1939 and commissioned in February 1943, Iowa embarked on training in Chesapeake Bay before moving north to counter potential threats from German battleships. She then deployed to the Pacific Fleet, actively participating in the Marshall Islands campaign and providing escort for carrier operations in subsequent campaigns. Additionally, Iowa engaged in missions during the Korean War at strategic locations such as Hungnam and Kojo. After several periods of decommission and reactivation, her final service ended in the early 1990s. Currently, she remains in reserve awaiting potential museum status.

USS New Jersey (BB-62)

Operational History: Dispatched to the Pacific Theater following initial training, New Jersey excelled at carrier escort duties during the Marshalls and Marianas operations. She later bombarded Japanese strongholds at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. New Jersey served effectively off Korea’s coast in the early 1950s and saw additional use during the Vietnam conflict. Recommissioned under the 600-ship Navy program in the 1980s, New Jersey was eventually deactivated in 1991 and now serves as a museum ship in Camden.

USS Missouri (BB-63)

Historic Signing: Often noted for hosting the Japanese surrender in September 1945, Missouri completed a shakedown off the American East Coast before heading to the Pacific. Beyond extensive shelling operations at Okinawa, she engaged in further Charleston-based training and global cruises after World War II ended. Active missions during the Korean War and reactivation in the 1980s highlighted Missouri’s sustained value. Decommissioned finally in 1992, she now resides in Pearl Harbor as a museum.

USS Wisconsin (BB-64)

Extensive Engagements: Like her sisters, Wisconsin offered carrier shielding in the Philippines theater. She supported amphibious landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa through preparatory bombardment, then participated in strikes against the Japanese mainland. Following deactivation after the Korean War, she was modernized in the mid-1980s. Her last major contributions were during Operation Desert Storm, after which she was decommissioned and placed on display at the Nauticus maritime museum in Norfolk.

Illinois (BB-65) & Kentucky (BB-66)

Neither hull was completed to its full potential. Both experienced shifts in construction priorities and shortages of materials. Illinois (originally designated Montana) was ultimately scrapped in 1958 when partially complete. Kentucky reached a higher percentage of completion, with its bow and machinery later repurposed for other naval vessels. Several proposals to finish Kentucky as a guided missile battleship never came to fruition.

Installation Instructions

After downloading, extract the contents to a temporary location. Within the resulting files, locate the Iowa class folders. Place these folders into the “airplanes” directory inside your main Microsoft Flight Simulator X installation path (for example, C:/Program Files/Microsoft Games/Microsoft Flight Simulator X/SimObjects/Airplanes). Next, copy the contents of the Effects folder into the simulator’s “Effects” folder, overwriting files if prompted. This process ensures that all visual enhancements function correctly.

Tribute and Credits

These virtual battleships have been painstakingly modeled by Gart Shetter, who has brought the legacy of the Iowa class to life. The project pays respect to the men and women who served aboard these vessels, honoring their dedication and sacrifices. This release stands as a testament to naval engineering and the remarkable achievements of the United States Navy during pivotal moments in 20th-century maritime warfare.