FlyingIron Simulations has today announced something a little different to their warbird line-up, that of the Grob G109b Motor Glider. It is currently a work-in-progress but is expected either later this month or the next.

A German 2-seat, motorised glider, it was also used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to train cadets from 1991-2018. It is also famed for its use by the Aerosparx aerobatics team.

Working with a real-world G109b pilot, who is providing the developer with "invaluable amounts of information and reference," he has used his own money to "have its sounds professionally recorded by an audio engineer."

Features of the aircraft will include:

• Ultra-realistic Artwork & Texturing
• Multiple Liveries, including an Aerosparx Livery
• FMOD Soundscape - Professionally recordings from a real G109b, everything included from the engine to the smallest switches & levers.
• Highly realistic & accurate Flight Model - tuned & tested by real G109b Pilots
• Full systems simulations - Powered by Xlua & SASL
• Code-driven Engine & Prop Simulation for enhanced accuracy & realism
• Full simulation of the Icom IC-A2910e Radio Unit
• Pilot 3D Ipad/Tablet Integration (Also including optional Avitab Integration) - The Tablet allows pilots to access various functions & features, such as Weight/Balance, Fuel loading, PAX & Baggage Loading, CG, Maintenance options & various other features.
• Checklists Integration

Not only all that, but FlyingIron also listed further feature goals they are working towards, subject to change:

• Aircraft Ownership & State-saving Features - every switch will be in the same place after you leave X-plane & come back for your next flight. This factors in many system/aircraft states, such as oil levels, battery drain, spark plug maintenance, fuel levels & contamination etc.
• Failures & Damage simulation - Systems will degrade over time and eventually fail, adding importance & meaning to the way you perform your aircraft maintenance. This also includes aircraft damage & flying-induced damage when exceeding operational limits.
• Aircraft Maintenance Procedures & Requirements - We are planning to have a vast array of maintenance functions available; accessible via either menu operation (on the tablet) OR by actually going outside the aircraft, opening up the engine bay and clicking to access the various engine parts & assess their status.
• Particle FX & Pyrotechnic FX to recreate AeroSparx incredible displays
• FlyJSims SharedFlight Integration for true Pilot/Copilot Flight Experiences
• Detailed & Interactive Engine Bay, which can be exposed during maintenance

For some more information, you may check out the announcement post on x-plane.org.

FlyingIron, however, said they have stepped off their F-117 Nighthawk for a little while, due to "financial sustainability, development time & resources currently available." They said the F-117 is still to be released this year. (Source)

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