IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations has issued a long-awaited update on its TA-4J Skyhawk project for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. After reshuffling the project team, IndiaFoxtEcho announced on its Discord server that development of the Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk trainer jet (a derivative of the A-4F Skyhawk attack aircraft) has advanced significantly. IndiaFoxtEcho also dropped a brief but interesting update on their Eurofighter Typhoon as the project moves steadily toward release.
Model Overhaul and System Improvements
According to the developers, the external 3D model has been completely overhauled (excluding the accessories and loadouts) and remapped for better texture resolution with a more logical layout. The new first-pass external textures represent a significant improvement over earlier Prepar3D-derived artwork. The cockpit model is nearly finished, requiring minor tweaks and the addition of a few missing details.
Taking the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach, IndiaFoxtEcho will reuse the system modelling from Prepar3D, while focusing its efforts on developing the flight model for MSFS 2020 and 2024.
Delays and Overlaps
Citing delays in art creation and subsequent overlaps with its two other high-profile projects—the F-16A Falcon and the Eurofighter Typhoon—the developers are unable to provide a realistic timeline on the release of the aircraft. IndiaFoxtEcho is also aware of the community’s wish for the single-seater version of the TA-4J and has earmarked it as a potential future project.
Eurofighter Typhoon
Fans of the Eurofighter Typhoon also have cause for optimism. While suffering from the same delays and overlaps, IndiaFoxtEcho expects to have a fully flyable alpha version by the end of May, and a beta version in June. The full release is unlikely before the end of July, depending on the final level of quality. The developers also released a screenshot of the cockpit, showcasing the internal lighting system, the first fully revised subsystem on the Eurofighter Typhoon.
If you’d like to view the original announcements, you can do so on the IndiaFoxtEcho Discord server here. If you’re interested in other IndiaFoxtEcho news, check out our article on the F-16A Falcon for MSFS.
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