History of Microsoft Flight Simulator

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Microsoft Flight Simulator began life as a set of articles on computer graphics, written by Bruce Artwick throughout 1976, about flight simulation using 3-D graphics. When the editor of the magazine told Artwick that subscribers were interested in purchasing such a program, Artwick founded subLOGIC Corporation to commercialize his ideas. At first the new company sold flight simulators through mail order, but that changed in January 1980[1] with the release of Flight Simulator (FS) for the Apple II. They soon followed this up with versions for other systems and from there it evolved into a long-running series of computer flight simulators.

[edit] subLOGIC Flight Simulators

[edit] First generation (FS1 for Apple II & TRS-80)

- January 1980 for Apple II

- March 1980 for TRS-80

Short animation from the subLOGIC Flight Simulator 1.
(The frame rate is fairly consistent with the simulator running on orginal hardware.)

The original simulator had black and white wireframe graphics, featured a very limited scenery consisting of 36 tiles (in a 6 by 6 pattern, which roughly equals a few hundred square kilometers), and provided a very basic simulation (with only one aircraft simulated). Despite this, it ended up being one of the most popular Apple II applications of the early eighties.

The simulator was later ported to the TRS-80 Model I, which had only rudimentary graphics capability. To squeeze the simulator into the TRS-80 limited memory and display, subLOGIC saw it necessary to drop the instrument panel and reduce the resolution. Flight Simulator for the TRS-80 therefore has the most simplistic graphics of all versions of flight simulator.

Later subLOGIC released updated versions of Flight Simulator for both the Apple II and TRS-80 on 5 1/4 inch diskettes. The updates included enhanced terrain, help menus and a bomb sight.

[edit] Second generation (FS2 for Apple II, Commodore 64 & Atari 800)

- 1983 for the Apple II

- 1984 for the Commodore 64 & Atari 800

With the release of a superior Flight Simulator for the PC, subLOGIC felt some pressure from their customers to backport these improvements to the original platforms, thus prompting subLOGIC to release a new version called Flight Simulator 2 version 1 for non-IBM compatibles. This version, like the Microsoft release, did away with wireframe graphics for solid colors, and featured real-world scenery (although limited to a few areas in the United States).

It was also this version (FS II) that introduced the whole concept of simulator add-ons, although not in the form it is today, as subLOGIC also included functionality to load additional scenery from floppy disks, thus making it possible for a user to virtually fly in his or her own backyard.

It should be noted that although the versions for the various systems had the same foundation, they differed slightly due to technical limitations (for instance the C64 version had more natural looking colors thanks to having more memory.)

[edit] Third generation (FS2 for Amiga, Atari ST & Macintosh)

- 1986 for the Amiga, Atari ST & Macintosh

Although still called Flight Simulator II, the Amiga/Atari ST versions were such a vast step forward that they compare favorably with Microsoft Flight Simulator 3.0. Notable features included a windowing system allowing multiple simultaneous 3d views, and (on the Amiga and Atari ST) modem play. The Mac version was similar, but sold by Microsoft as "Version 1.0 for the Apple Macintosh".

[edit] Microsoft Flight Simulators

[edit] Flight Simulator 1.0

- Released in late 1982

Sometime during 1981/82, Microsoft obtained the license to port the simulator to IBM PCs (and compatibles). This version was released in November 1982 as Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.00, and featured an improved graphics engine, variable weather and time of day, and a new coordinate system (used by all subsequent versions up to version 5).

Anecdotal evidence from the period suggests that Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 was used as a benchmark program. It was said that if one's computer could run MSFS 1.0, it was 100% MS-DOS-compatible, and if it couldn't, it wasn't.

There were dogfighting and crop-dusting games included.

[edit] Flight Simulator 2.0

- Released in 1984

In 1984, Microsoft released their version 2 for IBM PC's. This version didn't differ too much from MSFS1; the graphics were somewhat improved, an additional aircraft in the form of the Gates Learjet 25, as well as a more precise simulation in general had been created. The new simulator expanded the scenery coverage to include a model of the entire United States, although the airports were limited to the same areas as in MSFS1.

[edit] Flight Simulator 3.0

- Released in mid 1988

Microsoft Flight Simulator 3 improved the flight experience by adding additional aircraft and airports to the simulated area found in MSFS2, as well as improved high-res (EGA) graphics, and other features lifted from the Amiga/ST versions.

The four simulated aircraft were the Gates Learjet 25, the Cessna Skylane, the Sopwith Camel and a Schweizer glider. Flight Simulator 3 also allowed the user to customize the display; multiple windows, each displaying one of several views, could be positioned and sized on the screen. The supported views included the instrument and control panel, a map view, and various external camera angles.

[edit] Flight Simulator 4.0

- Released in late 1989

Version 4 followed in 1989, and brought several improvements over MSFS3. These included amongst others improved aircraft models, as well as an upgraded model of the Cessna Skylane, dynamic scenery (non-interactive air and ground traffic on and near airports moving along static prerecorded paths) and a basic aircraft designer, allowing the players to choose between several aircraft models, with the option of modifying several of the simulation parameters, as well as the visual appearance. This version was available for both PC and Macintosh.

[edit] Flight Simulator 5.0

- Released in late 1993

FS5 is the first version of the series to use textures. This allowed FS5 to achieve a much higher degree of realism than the previous flat-shaded simulators. This also made all add-on scenery and aircraft for the previous versions obsolete, as they would look out of place.

The bundled scenery was expanded (now including parts of Europe). Improvements were made to the included aircraft models, the weather system's realism and artificial intelligence. The coordinate system introduced in FS1 was revamped.

More noticeable improvements included the use of digital audio for sound effects, custom cockpits for each aircraft (previous versions had one cockpit that was slightly modified to fit various aircraft), and (of course) better graphics.

It took about a year for add-on developers to get grips with the new engine, but when they did they were not only able to release scenery but also tools like Flightshop that made it feasible for users to design new objects.

[edit] Flight Simulator 5.1

- Released in 1995

In 1995, Flight Simulator 5.1 was introduced, adding the ability to handle scenery libraries, faster performance and a barrage of weather effects: storms, clouds and fog became true-to-life elements in the Flight Simulator world. This edition was also the first version that was released on CD-ROM.

[edit] Flight Simulator 95

- Released in mid 1996

As Windows 95 was released, a new version (6.0) was developed for that platform. Although this was more or less just a port from the DOS version (FS5.1), it did feature a vastly improved frame-rate, better haze, and additional aircraft.

Additional scenery included major airports outside Europe and the US for the first time.

[edit] Flight Simulator 98

- Released in mid 1997

FS98 (6.1) is generally regarded as a 'service release' with minor improvements, with one notable exception: The simulator now also featured a helicopter simulation, enabling helicopters to be added to the experience, as well as a generally improved interface for adding additional aircraft, sceneries, and sounds.

This was the first version to take advantage of 3D-graphic cards, through Microsoft's DirectX technology. With such combination of hardware and software, FS98 not only achieved better performance, but also implemented better haze/visibility effects, texture filtering, and sunrise/sunset effects.

[edit] Flight Simulator 2000

- Released in late 1999

FS2000 (7.0) was released as a major improvement over the previous versions, and was also offered in two versions; one version for "normal" users, and one "pro" version with additional aircraft. Although many users had high expectations when this version arrived, many were disappointed when they found out that the simulator demanded high-end hardware; the minimum requirements were only a Pentium 166 MHz computer, although 400-500 MHz computer was deemed necessary to have an even framerate.[2]. However, even on a high-end system, stuttering framerate was a problem, especially when performing sharp turns in graphically dense areas.

This version also introduced 3D elevation, making it possible to adjust the elevation for the scenery grids, thus making most of the previous scenery obsolete (as it didn't support this feature). A GPS was also added, enabling an even more realistic operation of the simulator.

[edit] Flight Simulator 2002

- Released in late 2001

FS2002 (8.0) improved vastly over previous versions. In addition to improved graphics, FS2002 introduced ATC and AI aircraft. Users could now fly alongside computer controlled aircraft and communicate with airports. FS2002 also was the first to feature the Boeing 747-400 as part of the default distribution. A "target framerate" option was added, enabling a cap on the framerate in order to reduce stuttering while performing texure loading and other "maintenance" tasks. The external view also featured an inertia effect, inducing an illusion of movement in a realistic physical environment. The simulation ran smoother than Flight Simulator 2000, even on comparable hardware.

[edit] Flight Simulator 2004

- Released in mid 2003

Flight Simulator 2004 featured dynamic weather with three-dimensional clouds that could build and change realistically with the time and temperature. The Bombardier Learjet 45 is shown above.

Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight, also known as FS9 was basically an improved version of FS2002. FS2004 was shipped with many historical aircraft such as the Wright Flyer, Ford Tri-Motor and the Douglas DC-3 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Wright Brothers' first flight. It included an improved weather engine, which provided true three-dimensional clouds and localized precipitation for the first time. The engine also allowed users to download weather information from real weather stations, allowing the simulator to keep the weather synchronized with the real world.

[edit] Flight Simulator X

Main article: Microsoft Flight Simulator X

- Released in late 2006

FSX was the tenth edition of Flight Simulator. The new features included[3]:

• new aircraft,
• improved multiplayer support, including the ability for two players to fly a single plane, and players to occupy a control tower and
• improved scenery with higher resolution ground textures.

It was also be the first of the series to be released solely on DVD due to space constraints.

[edit] Gallery

FS 1.0 – Due to monochrome graphics it is often difficult to distinguish between land, sea and sky.	FS 2.0 – Now sports 4 color graphics. Scenery coverage includes the entire United States.	FS 3.0 – Features separate windows and for the first time, allowed the aircraft to be seen from the outside.	FS 4.0 – Now with dynamic scenery, more detailed roads, bridges and buildings. Allowed users to design their own aircraft.
FS 5.0 – Photorealistic scenery and a database of the entire world, rendered in smooth 3D modeling. For the first time, cockpits are photorealistic.	FS 5.1 – Adding the ability to handle scenery libraries. Faster performance. Weather effects added (storms, clouds and fog).	FS95 (6.0) – More scenery and aircraft. Notice the texture mapped runway, aircraft and sky.	FS98 (6.1) – Ten times more airports than ever before, 3D acceleration, new aircraft, better scenery both on the ground and in the atmosphere.
FS2000 (7.0) – Elevations levels have been improved when compared to FS98. For the first time, a GPS feature is added.	FS2002 (8.0) – AutoGen buildings, vegetation and landforms throughout the world of FS2002 were true to their surroundings.	FS2004 (9.0) – Weather effects have been dramatically improved even when compared to FS2002. 3D clouds and real weather.	Flight Simulator X (10.0) – Improvements in AutoGen, increased ground resolution, improved lighting effects.

[edit] Aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator

Notes:

• AI: Aircraft can only be used by the AI traffic.
• Deluxe: Aircraft is included only on the Deluxe Edition.
• Pro: Aircraft is included only on the Professional Edition.

[edit] References

• Jos Grupping (2001). "Flight Simulator History". Retrieved Feb. 27, 2006.
• Josef Havlik (2005). "Czech Flight Simulator History Website".

[edit] External links

• Microsoft – History of Flight Simulator
• Flight Simulator X trial version from Microsoft
• subLOGIC/Microsoft Flight Simulator history video (2006) – Features all versions up to FS2004 (280MB zip file)