Military developer AOA Simulations recently branched out into civilian aircraft development with the release of their RV-8, which has just been updated to version 1.1. In addition to this, they've also shared new information regarding their F-35A and an incoming update for that aircraft.

The Vans RV-8 is kit-set aircraft sold by Vans Aircraft in the US. The aircraft is powered by a Lycoming IO-360, 4 cylinder piston engine that produces 200 HP. The unit price for an RV-8 can range from US $41,000–98,000.

Some features of the update are a completely redone canopy, more cockpit details and a damage model.

Here’s the full list:

3D model improvements

• Added custom "AOA  RV-8" chrome fuel caps
• Attached rudder control horns to rudder and animated
• Added rudder control horns to 8A
• Added turtle deck canopy slide
• Added Tie down rings (when chocks and cones are showing: control +c)
• Added new, completely round roll bar/ canopy windscreen arch
• 10% larger cockpit panel switch VR click spots
• Entire G1000 PFD / MFD is now VR click-able
• Removed second elevator trim tab
• Remove right side canopy open/close handle, improved latch on left handle
• Removed upper right wing non-skid patch
• Added fire extinguisher behind pilot seat
  

Flight-model updates

•  Removed critical altitude from engine parameters (reconfigures MFD engine display)
• Reduced roll rate
• Reduced pitch rate
• Added custom autopilot constants
• Increased maximum weight to 1600 lbs
• Increased fuselage drag index
• Move center of gravity (CG) fwd .43 (from 1.50 aft to 1.07) and down .40
• Increased min prop pitch to reduce RPM when the throttle pulled back
• Increased prop pitch change rate for faster engine response
• Simplified flap selection: was 10, 20, 30 deg now 20 deg (takeoff / approach) and 40 (landing). 5 second deployment time for each increment.
• Increased first 20 degree flap speed to 96 knots = 110 mph Van's Aircraft specification
• Decrease pitch bauble when flaps deploy
  

Cockpit / avionics displays

• New "touch zones" for G1000 MFD moving map control (see RV-8_8A User Guide)
• Added sectional maps in right side pocket (touch for pop-up default X-Plane map)
• Added TAS display to G1000 PFD. Jumbo font digital numbers next to KIAS display.
• Increased O2 quantity to 22 Cubic feet on PDF display. Display appears when system turned on or, when aircraft altitude is >= 10,000 ft MSL
• Raised pilot's eye level up from 1.80 to 1.90 above relocated CG
• Added ELT sound on hard landing (-1,000 fpm at touchdown) or if crash = 1

In a Facebook post not 5 minutes after the release of RV-8 version 1.1, the developers also informed their followers of an incoming update to their recently released F-35A aircraft. Here's what they had to say:

"F-35A 1.1 is coming soon. This version has improved yaw axis flight model, the new touch controls overlay over the G1000 MFD/moving map, a better cockpit and more sounds. Stay tuned for the release date."

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On top of both of these projects, AOA Simulations are currently working on a new aircraft: the Boeing/Saab TX. You can find more info on it in a previous article.

The AOA Vans RV-8 is available to purchase from the X-Plane.org store in 3 different ways.

Purchase the AOA Simulations RV-8  here.

Purchase the AOA Simulations RV-8A here.

Purchase the AOA Simulations RV-8 and RV-8A bundle here.

Thanks to user Doudoualexou for the tip over on the Threshold Discord server.