FSimStudios took to their Facebook page a few days ago to officially announce the release of an update for their Halifax Airport (CYHZ) scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Bringing the scenery to version 2.0, it was also mentioned that the update is free for anyone who has purchased it in the past.
Key features
The developers mentioned that new programming techniques have been used to update their rendition of Halifax Airport to the new standards. This ensures smooth performance and consistent FPS. For example, they have improved the terminal model by remodeling and retexturing several areas according to new PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials. This means materials that describe the visual properties of a surface in a physically plausible way, such that realistic results are possible under all lighting conditions.
Additionally, FSimStudios has improved the interior modeling according to the latest photographic references using the newfound techniques for a minimal performance impact. Additionally, they have modeled new ground polygons, the new taxiway N (by runway 14), Apron 3 (the new cargo apron), and custom taxi signs all around the airport. The complete changelog can be found below.
About Halifax Airport
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (CYHZ) is an international airport south of the town of Enfield, about 38 kilometers north of Halifax. The airport is one of the largest in Canada, handling over 4 million passengers in 2019. It was built on behalf of the Ministry of Transport and started operations in June 1960. The airport was initially granted a temporary license.
Currently, it consists of two runways: 05/23 (3200m x 61m) and 14/32 (2346m x 61m). During the operational period of the Space Shuttle, Halifax Airport was a possible emergency landing site in the event of an aborted launch.
Closing notes
You can just update your Halifax Airport scenery through the Contrail Store, simMarket, Aerosoft, iniBuilds, and Flightsim.to. Due to Microsoft’s long testing process, the update will be available for the in-sim Marketplace in a couple of weeks. If Orbx customers have bought the previous version of the product, all they have to do is sign in with the same account they purchased the original version and avail a free upgrade.
If you want to purchase FSimStudios’ Halifax Airport, you can do so through the Contrail Shop for about € 19.64 including tax. FSNews will keep you updated on further scenery developments and updates, so be sure to check back and in the meantime read our previous articles for more flight sim-related content.
Halifax Airport Changelog (v2.0)
- Performance significantly optimized. New MSFS Techniques have been extensively used all across to update the airport to the new standards, ensuring smooth performance and consistent FPS.
- Improved terminal model, several areas have been remodeled and retextured, with crisp new PBR Materials.
- Improved Interior Model, highly detailed and accurate to March 2024. Interiors have been modeled utilizing MSFS Techniques for minimal performance impact.
- Glass materials all across the airport have been edited to make use of the stock Glass reflective materials for enhanced realism.
- All new Ground Polygon, highly detailed, making use of all-new materials and textures.
- New Taxiway N (by Runway 14) and Apron 3 (New Cargo Apron) modeled.
- New Cargo Terminal modeled in high detail.
- Custom Taxi Signs all around the airport.
- Improved night lighting all around the airport.
- Static Aircraft (GA and Airliners) and Detailed Interiors can now be removed through Scenery Configuration (ORBX and Contrail only)
- Improved static aircraft models.
- Improved GSE and Clutter vehicle models.
- Clutter and vehicles utilizing multiple LODs for improved performance.
- All new Jetway Models, utilizing high-resolution materials and modeled accurately to the type of jetways used in Halifax.
- Several Bugs Fixed.
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