1643 replies to this topic

[Mathijs Kok]

We are happy to annouce that we have just started work on a new Twin Otter project to replace the best seller Twin Otter product that is not a few years old. It still sells well and we understand why, it's still a very solid add-on. But it is getting outdated rather fast. The new project will be much more in the line of the Bronco. So with high details in most systems and some maintenance aspects.

Next week we will do the photoshoot and measurements at our newest best friends at Businesswings located in Kassel.

Now clearly we got nothing to show but if you have suggestions, comments, let me hear them! Note that the 'Twin Otter Extended' is t he project name, we might select another name.

[tempelhof]

Woohoo, good news!

Is there any chance of having icing effects properly simulated?

[darem]

For old pricks like me, make an option that keeps the Twotter suitable for those who just want to fly it :-)

[Matt_Smith]

^{This I like}

[mopperle]

Very good news!! 2 question that came into my mind:
- do you also talk to Ken Borek Air, IMHO they are the world largest operator of the Twinotter. Just thinking about AntarcticaX
- is a modell of the new Series 400 planned?

And yes, system depth comparable to the Bronco would be relly great!

[Finn]

For old pricks like me, make an option that keeps the Twotter suitable for those who just want to fly it :-)

Like on the Bronco we will add the option to turn off all failures etc.

On top of that the PT-6 engines are easier to operate than the fixed shaft turboprop that are used on the Bronco.

Finn

[Emi]

I know it is very early to ask, but do you already know if customers of the old Twotter will get the new one discounted?

[Mathijs Kok]

Very good news!! 2 question that came into my mind:
- do you also talk to Ken Borek Air, IMHO they are the world largest operator of the Twinotter. Just thinking about AntarcticaX
- is a modell of the new Series 400 planned?

And yes, system depth comparable to the Bronco would be relly great!

As far as I know there is only one demo model of the 400 so I doubt we will include that. Will need to speak to Viking before deciding that.
I do have some contact with Ken Borek Air.

[Mathijs Kok]

I know it is very early to ask, but do you already know if customers of the old Twotter will get the new one discounted?

I doubt that. We always have the point of view that if we use old code again there should be a discount but this will be a full new build.

[Holgi]

Super good,

I flew with this plane so often on vacation on the Maldives. This is a very good idea of you! If you need help for the painting, then I can provide you with repaints!

Hello Mathijs, will the new version a update of the old one or a completely new product?

[Matt_Smith]

Holgi, it will be a whole new build

[Holgi]

Thank you Matt, very nice!

[Paul K]

I have a feeling Aerosoft are about to add another twin to my hangar, to join the Bronco and Catalina.

[RobdeVries]

It's becoming my pet peeve but please include a best as possible icing and anti-icing on the Twotter/PTA6 engines.
And please consider RXP integration.

Very pleased with the development of a new Twin Otter.

[Wildbird]

As far as I know there is only one demo model of the 400 so I doubt we will include that. Will need to speak to Viking before deciding that.

They started production last year or something, about one aircraft delivered each month. Looks like they are doing pretty well.

How long does it usually take to make an addon of the quality you're going for here?

[Prozac]

The 400 looks like a capable airplane, but new aircraft just don't have the same character as older ones. Plus the electrical system is completely different. Considering the amount of coding a Viking Twotter would take, combined with the performance hit of a glass cockpit, I'm happy with steam gauges. As preiously requested, 3D RXP integration would be outstanding. I'll also put in a plug for an altimeter that can be set in inches as well as millibars for us Yanks. Maybe some tundra tires for the bush flyers and possibly a cargo variant? Looking forward to it guys...I'm sure it'll be outstanding.

[Heinrich]

Great to see a new Twotter on the horizon!!
I rather like to stick to the older models (100/300) not the 400! A tundra tyre equipped plane is one I agree with Prozac, but we also need them for Antarctica...so ski/wheels !
A proper loading proggie, not just passengers but cargo as well, might be very welcomed by the community.

Cheers,
Hank

[marvic]

I had a chance to check out the new -400 from Viking. Wow, many upgrades and improvemments. Thanks for doing the new model. Cheers.

[sdspinelli]

Wow thats great! Any change of a Vistaliner and a coverage of the Winair Fleet?

[cosnowboarder_777]

Great news, can't wait for this one. +1 for the vistaliner, living in AZ its a must have for those Grand Canyon flights.

[Pivo]

Well, this is certainly good news but what about the new Beaver? Has that project been abandoned? I certainly hope not.

Cheers,
Fritz

[jencas]

You know excactly how to get all my money

[Thralni]

Loving this! I will surely buy a new, more detailed development of the Twin Otter. It has always been one of my favorite FS add ons.

[Chri]

Sounds great!
The Twin Otter is still one of my favourites!!

[Vadim]

Mathijs, are you planning Twin Otter version for X-Plane 10, or FSX only?

[Mathijs Kok]

They started production last year or something, about one aircraft delivered each month. Looks like they are doing pretty well.

How long does it usually take to make an addon of the quality you're going for here?

About 5 months.

[Mathijs Kok]

Mathijs, are you planning Twin Otter version for X-Plane 10, or FSX only?

Pretty sure this will be a Prepar3D / FSX / X-plane10 release

[Sasa]

VERY good news!

Looks like we should consider a new version of Lukla among that.
Anyone thinking the same?

[Boerries]

VERY good news!

Looks like we should consider a new version of Lukla among that.
Anyone thinking the same?

Yepp! For X-Plane please!

[Mathijs Kok]

VERY good news!

Looks like we should consider a new version of Lukla among that.
Anyone thinking the same?

I think the same! It remains my favorite place to land.

[Vadim]

Pretty sure this will be a Prepar3D / FSX / X-plane10 release

Thanks Mathijs. Fantastic news about XP10 version!

[Rimshot]

Great news!

[simmerhead]

Holy cow! The best flight sim news in years! This is my all time favourite aircraft and I can't wait to get a better version of it for the sim. The current version is OK, but definetly has room for some improvement. I used to fly these a lot when Widerøe's Flyveselskap and the RNoAF operated them in Norway:


My hopes in terms of improvements:
* If not all systems are simulates, at least make all buttons and swithches animated so they can be used for procedural simulation.
* Sound. This is the weakest area of the current version in my opinion. Especially the sound at full take off power is lacking the intense "humming" of the real aircraft. I also hope you manage to replicate some of the other distinct Twin Otter sounds like the ones heard here:

Listen to the "flapping" noise of the profellers spinning, the "whining" noise at 0:13 into this video (And in the end while taxiing from 13:19 - 14:12), and the propeller noise at the very end 14:12-14:15 - All very distinct Twotter sounds:


The above video also has a very good recording of the take off sound, although it lacks the lower tones/bass (video cameras are usually bad at recording bass sounds).


Good luck with the project! My credit card will be right here waiting.

[Wildbird]

About 5 months.

Ah, very good, thanks. Some new Alaskan scenery and a new Twotter at the same time if everything pans out then.

If anyone is interested, here's a link to a report from a Twin Otter 400 being ferried to Russia from Anchorage: link. Nice interiour pictures and a good read.

[Matt_Smith]

I think the same! It remains my favorite place to land.

Does that mean we can expect a new Lukla in the future too?

[hotelfox]

Does that mean we can expect a new Lukla in the future too?

... or a Syanboche (VNSB) scenery added to the existing Lukla?

[TangoGolf]

I purchased last month during the sale, but I realize that progress often comes with a cost so I'd be happy to purchase a new version.

My hopes are that for any complex aircraft... that any system or switch or value that is simulated outside of the MSFS engine would expose a local xml variable to allow it to be read or set by an external controller / panel.

For example if there is an independant autopilot, that the heading / altitude / driver values could be read or set. Likewise, if there is a "fancy anti-ice" system, then to include a variable to read/write the system's status (L:fancy_anti-ice_system_status, enum) and other variables to indicate the amount of fancy ice being modelled (L:amount_of_fancy_ice_on_left_wing, number).

[Matt_Smith]

... or a Syanboche (VNSB) scenery added to the existing Lukla?

Or even better still an all new Lukla with that included

[Kavehpd]

Cannot wait for a brand new Twotter in HD!!

This is probably just nitpicking and won't bother anyone but a few anal retentive detail freaks like myself... Regarding the Wheel/Ski version (if included, of course), please sort out the ski animation and make it work properly like the default Maule: animated suspension and wheel contact points (class 1) when skis are up; animated suspension and ski contact points (class 16) when skis are down.

The current model just doesn't work. It's either animated class 1 contact points with skis up or rigid ones with no suspension animation with skis down. This is hard coded into the model. Fixing the CFG file won't do any good.

Another animation issue that is not limited to just one model is the nose wheel. It keeps turning with the rudders mid-air. I'm pretty sure that shouldn't happen.

[flashman]

The twin Otter is Hands-down my favourite aircraft of all time, I still cant belive I am reading this?????? I need to pinch myself again..... oh dear me I'm all giddy now jee whizz!

From the bottom of my heart I thank you Aerosoft