[MSFS] Top Mach Studios – F-22A Raptor (Premium) v1.1.8

Info

Note: In case you have the Freeware F22 Raptor installed, delete it before installing this Premium one.

Changelog

v1.1.8:

– 3D Model, Animations, and Art Changes:

– Added two additional texture sets with modestly weathered/patched exterior textures for 525th and 19th squadrons.

– Added some slight wear and weathering effects to console areas of cockpit.

– Corrected location of command insignias on vertical stabilizers for all three liveries.

– Reduced ICP size and moved position forward to reduce visual obstruction of TMFDs and PFD.

– Added detail / texture for HUD reflector.

– Updated auxiliary console knob 3d models and textures.

– Moved several aircraft animations from wasm module to XML for performance improvements.

– Rudders now in neutral position when cold and dark.

– Ailerons deploy up when Cruise Speed Braking.

– Speedbrake deflection now scales with speed.

– Corrected normal map on upper fuselage to improve rib / spar visibility.

– Arm Rest Animation enabled.

– Added / updated animation for canopy open / close switch.

– Flaperons animation added when aircraft at low speeds and high AoA.

– Avionics Changes:

– 25kHz COM Channel Spacing. Will need documentation update: When selecting a COM frequency, you can enter either 5 or 6 digit numbers to get to the frequency you need. E.g. 12775 or 127725.

– HUD Glide Slope Indicator Added.

– Fixed flickering “Airspeed” HUD Alert.

– Updated synoptics page to reflect XML animation updates.

– Bug Fix: NAV IDENT String Was Too Long causing Avionics to Crash when navigating to NAV1 or NAV2 pages on ICP.

– Moved Nav frequency change selection to first page for ease of access.

– Improved lateral course seeking and hold capability when using autopilot for precision approaches or RNAV approaches.

– Flight Model Changes:

– aileron control deadzone increased to 25% when aoa greater than 45 degrees when pulling into high positive AoA envelope.

– Aileron user control deadzone increased to 20% when AoA less than 0 degrees to reduce unintended spin behavior when pushing into negative AoA envelope.

– Reduced aileron drag on roll.

– Eliminated pitch oscillation / buzz at 400 knots.

– Improved pitch responses at higher airspeeds

– Improved pitch responses at high altitudes and low airspeeds

– Smoothed transition between g-rate and pitch controller (transition to “thrust vector” flight regime) at high altitudes

– Reduced game induced pitch oscillation at higher airspeeds and max G

– Eliminated pitch oscillations at low altitudes and approx. 400 KIAS

– Reduced induced drag by 4.5% (edited)

– Moved vertical stabilizer position aft to improve high alpha roll performance.

– Increased lateral_cx value to improve knife edge maneuver capability and lateral stability.

– Improvements to roll controller behavior for NOFBW to improve handling and high altitude oscillation reductions.

– Lighting / Systems Changes:

– Reduced intensity and other parameters of key user controlled lighting elements after SU10 game lighting system changes.

– Cleared always on emissive from HUD reflector Lens.

– Revised HUD reflector lighting effect.

– Moved HUD reflector ambient light to prevent bleed through.

– Quality of Life Changes:

– Updated default camera eyepoint position to adjust for revised ICP geometry.

– SU11 localization bug fix addressed.

– VR – improved compatibility with latest game VR controllers configuration.

Description

The F-22A is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed exclusively for the United States Air Force (USAF). Known around the world for its unique shape, remarkable tactical supermanoeuvring and supersonic cruise capabilities, and its devastating ability to dominate adversary aircraft, the F-22A is the world’s most capable operational fifth generation air superiority fighter.

The world’s most advanced operational air superiority / air dominance fighter presents a challenge for any flight simulation developer. A passion project of ours, the Top Mach Studios team has dedicated over two years of research and development to the development of this model for Microsoft Flight Simulator and in doing so we have pushed the limits of what is possible in the sim. We are proud to present this highly capable, highly detailed and highly functional replica of the F-22A to the MSFS community. You’ll find this aircraft model, our first effort to produce a premium quality aircraft for flight simulation, to be an absolute thrill and a true joy to fly in MSFS. We hope you’ll have at least as much fun flying the Raptor as much as we’ve had making it.

We can say with certainty that nothing available for MSFS flies like this aircraft model or can perform the manoeuvres it is capable of. We’re confident it will provide sim pilots of all abilities a variety of piloting challenges for many hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

Model features and capabilities

Much about the F-22A is still classified; even basic details about the cockpit layout, instrumentation and screens is still protected as United States Government secret information and privileged only to those with appropriate clearances. We’ve done our best, utilising publicly available images, videos, graphics, statements by the USAF, pilots and engineers, and publicly known specifications, to replicate what we know about the F-22A. However, regardless of any inaccuracies or omissions, we’ve rendered a highly capable and entertaining, and very realistic feeling model of the F-22A on the basis of the information available to us.