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27 Abril 2010

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

 

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

- 1983 for the Apple II
- 1984 for the Commodore 64 & Atari 800
A screenshot from Flight Simulator II, showing the southern end of Meigs Field in Chicago.
A screenshot from Flight Simulator II, showing the southern end of Meigs Field in Chicago.
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.)

 

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".

 

Microsoft Flight Simulators

FS 1.0 – Due to monochrome graphics it is often difficult to distinguish between land, sea and sky.

 

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 and Lotus 1-2-3, it was 100% IBM PC-compatible, and if it couldn't, it wasn't.
This version of the game is very rare. There is a higher value placed on the 5.25" disks, as opposed to the 3.5" disks.

There were dogfighting and crop-dusting games included. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Flight Simulator 2.0

- Released in 1984
In 1984, Microsoft released their version 2 for IBM PCs. 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.

 

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.

 

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, programmable dynamic scenery (non-interactive air and ground traffic on and near airports moving along static prerecorded paths). The basic version of FS4 was available also for the Macintosh.
A large series on add-on products were produced for FS4 between 1989 and 1993. First from Microsoft & the Bruce Artwick Organization (BAO) came the Aircraft and Scenery Designer (ASD) integration module. This allowed FS4 users to quite easily build, on the fly from directly within the program, custom scenery units know as SC1 files which could be used within FS4 and traded with other users (this activity was quite popular in the FS Forum on CompuServe). Also, ASD provided the addition of the Aircraft Designer Module. Again, from directly within the program the user could select one of two basic type aircraft frames (prop or jet) and proceed to parameter customizations ranging over 4 pages of flight envelope details and visual aspects. Finally, ASD provided additional aircraft including a 747 with a custom dash/cockpit (which required running in 640 x 350 resolution).
Next from Mallard Software and BAO came the Sound, Graphics, and Aircraft Upgrade (SGA). This added digital and synth sound capability to FS4 (which previously was only via PC speaker.) Second a variety of high resolution modes became available for specific types of higher end video cards and chipsets, thus supplying running resolutions up to 800 x 600. As with ASD, the SGA upgrade also came with some additional aircraft designed by BAO, including an Ultra-light.
The final addition was known as the Aircraft Adventure Factory (AAF). AAF consisted of two primary components. First, the Aircraft Factory which was a Windows based program allowing custom design aircraft shapes to be used within FS4 utilizing a unique, rather easy to use CAD type interface, supported by various sub menu and listing options. Once the shape was created and colors assigned to the various pieces, it could be tied to an existing saved flight model as was designed in the Aircraft Designer module. The end result was a two file unit, creating a new custom aircraft for FS4. Thousands of aircraft were designed by users using this utility and like scenery files, found their way onto the FS Forum at CompuServe (the Mecca for FS4).
The other Component of AAF was the Adventure module. Using a simple language (similar to BASIC), a user could design and compile a script that could be run from within FS4. Many FS4 parameters could be accessed including such things as aircraft position, airspeed, altitude, aircraft flight characteristics, etc. These could then be used to do things like display messages on the screen, play VOC audio files, and even display 256 color VGA images. The end result was that users could create fun adventures to use and share.
Other Add-On products (most published by Mallard Software) included: The Scenery Enhancement Edition (SEE4) which further enhanced SC1 files and allowed for AF objects to be used as static objects within SEE4. Pilots Power Tools (PPT) which greatly eased the management of the many aircraft and scenery files available. Finally, a variety of new primary scenery areas created by MicroScene. These included: Hawaii (MS-1), Tahiti (MS-2), Grand Canyon (MS-3), and Japan (MS-4). It should also be pointed out that all available scenery files previously produced by subLogic could also be used quite nicely with FS4, including subLogic's final massive USA East and West scenery collections.
With its many options and add-ons, yet still relatively tight "in program" integration and overall ease of use, the FS4 suite of programs presented a type of VR Toolkit for users with a flight simulator slant. While complex in some aspects, FS4 environment building options (including scenery and aircraft design) would provide an unsurpassed access to these activities for average users. An option, which in later versions of FS, was much less available and increasing complex.

 

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.

 

Flight Simulator 5.1

- Released in 1995
In 1995, Flight Simulator 5.1 was introduced, adding the ability to handle scenery libraries including wide use of satellite imagery, faster performance and a barrage of weather effects: storms, 3D 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.

 

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, including the Extra 300 aerobatic aircraft.
This was the first version released after the purchase of BAO by Microsoft, and after having physically relocated development of the BAO development staff to Microsoft's primary campus in Redmond, Washington. The BAO team was integrated with other non-BAO Microsoft staff, such as project management, testing, and artwork.
Additional scenery included major airports outside Europe and the US for the first time.

 

Flight Simulator 98

- Released in mid 1997
FS98 (6.1) is generally regarded as a 'service release', offering minor improvements, with one notable exception: The simulator now also featured a helicopter, as well as a generally improved interface for adding additional aircraft, sceneries, and sounds. Other new 'out of the box' aircraft included a revised Cessna 182 with a photorealistic instrument panel and updated flight model. The primary rationale for updating the 182 was Cessna's return to manufacturing of that model in the late 1990s. The Learjet Model 45 business jet was also included, replacing the aging Lear 35 from earlier versions.
A major expansion of the in-box scenery was also included in this release, including approximately 45 detailed cities (many located outside the United States, some of which were previously included in separate scenery enhancement packs), as well as an increase in the modeled airports to over 3000 worldwide, compared with the approximately 298 in earlier versions. This major increase in scenery production was attributable partially to inclusion of the content from previous standalone scenery packs, as well as new contributions by MicroScene, a company in San Ramon, California who had developed several scenery expansions previously released by Microsoft.
This release also included support for the Microsoft Sidewinder Pro Force Feedback joystick, which allowed the player to receive some sensory input from simulated trim forces on the aircraft controls.
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, "virtual cockpit" views, texture filtering, and sunrise/sunset effects.
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.
New aircraft in FS2000 included the supersonic Aerospatiale-BAC Concorde (prominently featured on both editions' box covers) and the Boeing 777, which had recently entered service at the time.
An often overlooked, but highly significant milestone in Flight Simulator 2000, was the addition of over 17000 new airports, for a total exceeding 20000 worldwide, as well as worldwide navigational aid coverage. This greatly expanded the utility of the product in simulating long international flights as well as instrument-based flight relying on radio navigation aids. Some of these airports, along with additional objects such as radio towers and other "hazard" structures, were built from publicly available U.S. government databases. Others, particularly the larger commercial airports with detailed apron and taxiway structures, were built from detailed information in Jeppesen's proprietary database, one of the primary commercial suppliers of worldwide aviation navigation data.
In combination, these new data sources in Flight Simulator allowed the franchise to claim the inclusion of virtually every documented airport and navigational aid in the world, as well as allowing implementation of the new GPS feature. As was the case with FS98, scenery development using these new data sources in FS2000 was outsourced to MicroScene in San Ramon, working with the core development team at Microsoft.
Flight Simulator 2002

- Released in October 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. A "target framerate" option was added, enabling a cap on the framerate in order to reduce stuttering while performing texture 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. A free copy of Fighter Ace 2 was included with the software.
Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight

- Released in July 2003
Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight, also known as FS9, 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.
Flight Simulator X

- Released in October 2006
Flight Simulator X, or FSX, is the tenth and current edition of Flight Simulator. The new features include new aircraft, improved multiplayer support, including the ability for two players to fly a single plane, and players to occupy a control tower (available in the Deluxe Edition), and improved scenery with higher resolution ground textures.
It is also the first of the series to be released solely on DVD due to space constraints.
publicado por Paló às 21:31

26 Abril 2010

 

Não sei quem é o autor desta forto, mas a ideia foi brilhante.

 

publicado por Paló às 11:58

16 Abril 2010

publicado por Paló às 17:04

15 Abril 2010

 

 

 

 

publicado por Paló às 11:32

06 Abril 2010


O Microsoft Flight Simulator começou ser desenvolvido como um conjunto de artigos sobre gráficos de computador escritos por Bruce Artwick em 1976 sobre programas de gráficos 3D. Quando o editor da revista disse que os leitores queriam comprar o programa, Bruce Artwick incorporou uma companhia chamada subLOGIC Corporation em 1977 e começou a vender simuladores de voo para os computadores 8080 como o Altair 8800 e o IMSAI 8080.

 

Em 1979 a subLOGIC lançou FS1 Flight Simulator para o Apple II. Em 1980 a subLOGIC lançou uma versão para o TRS-80 e em 1982 eles licenciaram uma versão IBM PC com gráficos CGA para a Microsoft, o qual foi lançado como Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.00.

 

A subLOGIC continuou a desenvolver o produto para outras plataformas e, melhorado o Flight Simulator II, foi lançado para o Apple II em 1983, para o Commodore 64 e o Atari 800 em 1984 e para o Commodore Amiga e Atari ST em 1986. Enquanto isso, Bruce Artwick deixou a subLOGIC para fundar a Organização Bruce Artwick e trabalhar nos subsequentes lançamentos da Microsoft, começando com Microsoft Flight Simulator 3.0 em 1988.

 

Microsoft Flight Simulator chegou a maturidade comercial com a versão 3.1 passando então a utilizar gráficos 3D e hardware de aceleração para se tornar um produto de alta qualidade.


Em 26 de janeiro de 2009 a Microsoft informou o fecho do laboratório de desenvolvimento do Flight Simulator, o ACES Game Studio e a dispensa dos profissionais que desenvolviam o produto. O site oficial do Flight Simulator, [FSInsider.com] registou o facto, no artigo "About the Aces Team,":

"Esta difícil decisão foi tomada para alinhar os recursos da Microsoft com nossas prioridades estratégicas. O MS Flight Simulator X continuará disponível nas lojas, a comunidade continuará usando o software e continuaremos comprometidos com o produto no longo prazo."

De acordo com Phil Taylor, ex empregado do laboratório ACES, o fecho da unidade não foi devido a resultados financeiros adversos do MS Flight Simulator X, mas sim por questões gerenciais combinadas com atrasos de projecto e falta de pessoal, ao mesmo tempo em que a Microsoft tenta cortar custos.

Especula-se que futuras versões serão parte de um jogo para Internet ou do Xbox 360.

A versão actual do Flight Simulator conta com cerca de 25.000 aeroportos criados no mundo inteiro, alguns bem detalhados como os das principais cidades dos Estados Unidos e Europa. Estão incluídas no programa mais de 24 aeronaves para se voar, desde aviões do início do século 20 aos modernos jactos comerciais da atualidade.

O Flight Simulator também tem a possiblidade de simular o clima real, no qual informações sobre nuvens, vento entre outros itens,  são baixados pela internet. Também existe a possibilidade de se baixar Addons (como aeronaves, cenários de aeroportos, texturas do solo, etc).

Add-Ons
Com a intenção de aumentar a realidade do jogo, muitas empresas têm surgido para criar aeronaves, cenários e programas para melhorar os gráficos do solo, céu, mar entre outros itens.

Existem os Add-Ons pagos (chamados paywares) e os que são disponibilizados de graça em sites pelos próprios autores (Add-Ons freewares).

Um dos mais famosos é o FsPassengers que adiciona passageiros ao Flight Simulator

VAs (Virtual Airliners).


VAs são companhias virtuais que simulam companhias aéreas reais. Existem desde meados da década de 90. A maioria possui o mesmo sistema de funcionamento, pilotos que se inscrevem, ganham uma matrícula e passam a fazer voos em aeronaves e rotas  estabelecidas pela VA. Ao enviarem à companhia o seu relatório de horas de voo, os pilotos sobem gradualmente na hierarquia da empresa. Algumas VAs são baseadas em companhias aéreas verdadeiras e outras são fictícias.

Outro recurso do programa é a possiblidade de se voar online, ou seja, através de uma conexão com a internet onde pode haver interacção entre pilotos e controladores de voo. Hoje muitas companhias virtuais, as VAs (Virtual Airliners), operam em servidores na internet e os seus membros realizam voos baseados nas rotas de companhias reais.

Jogo ou Simulador?


O Microsoft Flight Simulator é tido por muitos como um simulador, mas no Brasil não pode ser assim chamado, pois não é homologado como tal. Para ser considerado um Simulador segundo as normas Brasileiras, ele precisaria ser uma réplica em tamanho natural, contendo instrumentos, equipamentos, painéis e controles de uma aeronave (ser uma cabine de avião em tamanho natural), possuir controles que simulem a rotação do piloto em três eixos, instrumentos reais (e não apenas no monitor) e ter sido avaliado, qualificado e aprovado pela ANAC.

Porém, uma característica muito interessante do Flight Simulator é que ele fornece todos os instrumentos de controle e navegação básicos da aviação, fornece o planeta terra inteiro de forma virtual e muito bem detalhado, com praticamente todos os aeroportos e a geografia dos locais, tais como relevo e condições climáticas, é muito semelhante à real.

Em alguns países (como EUA, por exemplo), o Flight Simulator é válido como simulador de voo e no Brasil, muitos dos simuladores de aeroclubes e companías aéreas nada mais são do que grandes computadores montados em uma réplica de cabine de avião, que usam o Flight Simulator para fazer a simução de voo. A única diferença é que, em vez de usar Teclado, Mouse e Joystick, os computadores são ligados a dispositivos iguais aos reais, como painel de rádio, manche, horizonte artificial, etc.

Sequência da série:


1982 – Flight Simulator 1.0
1984 – Flight Simulator 2.0
1988 – Flight Simulator 3.0
1989 – Flight Simulator 4.0
1993 – Flight Simulator 5.0
1995 – Flight Simulator 5.1
1996 – Flight Simulator 95
1997 – Flight Simulator 98
1999 – Flight Simulator 2000
2001 – Flight Simulator 2002
2003 – Flight Simulator 2004
2006 – Flight Simulator X

 

Em Cabo Verde, muitos pilotos reais pedem aos virtuais que lhes "deixem" fazer uns voos no FS, tendo havido um que, em vésperas de exame para o ATR 42-300 em Tolouse, treinou no Microsoft Flight Simulator de um dos pilotos virtuais da nossa praça.

publicado por Paló às 20:49

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