MSFS: Spitfire Mk IXc Update 1.4.2 is Now Available!

G'day everyone!

We’re thrilled to announce the release of Spitfire Mk IXc Update 1.4.2 for Microsoft Flight Simulator! This update brings a host of improvements to the iconic aircraft, with a special focus on sound compatibility for MSFS 2024, flight model refinements, and enhanced realism across the board.

For instructions on how to update your aircraft, please read through our installation guide.

Sound Updates

• Fixed 2024 Sound Compatibility
• Fixed infinitely looping sounds
• Increased engine volume
• Reduced valve and knob sounds
• Reduced weird reverb sound

Flight Model Updates

• Introduced new wing airfoil lift coefficient profile
• Corrected control surface area sizes
• Rebalanced forces across all axes
• Implemented a new suspension system
• Adjusted aeroplane geometry for improved accuracy
• Retuned control surface elasticity tables
• Doubled CFD resolution for enhanced precision
• Retuned adverse yaw behaviour
• Updated Mach table based on Spitfire-specific data
• Introduced a new ground effect table
• Adjusted control surface input scaling and effectiveness data
• Fine-tuned engine torque and gyro precession setup

Vibration System

Running changes to the vibration system are intended to increase the quality of the simulation as well as fidelity. As the system advances, there is increasingly more user feedback going beyond the purely visual realm. The most recent changes include:

• Introduced new vibration code for smoother animations, computed per frame for consistent performance regardless of FPS
• Sources of vibration now include:
  • Static thrust turbulence (high power, low speed, on the ground)
  • Ground interaction (g-forces, bumps, and landings)
  • RPM range smoothness (smooth around 2100-2400 RPM, rougher outside this range)
• Added vibrations to:
  • Rudder and elevator
  • Throttle and wobble lever
  • Control column and rudder pedals
• Refined vibration algorithms for improved realism

Propeller and Ground Physics

• Smooth propeller animation now calculated per frame
• Added multiplayer propeller support using Beacon Light 2
• Improved taildragger physics core, based on Fw190 and customised for the Spitfire
• Customised tailwheel animation to align with airflow during slips and drops forward during noseover
• Enhanced ground loop algorithms for better differentiation between landing and takeoff conditions
• Refined suspension behaviour to match observed performance
• Improved propwash steering and differential brake steering algorithms
• Reduced ground effect and refined ground physics for smoother transitions

Drag and Performance Tuning

• Fine-tuned drag coefficients to meet top speeds accurately
• Increased elevator trim authority
• Balanced overall flight characteristics, maintaining known snap roll behaviour
• Retuned flap behaviour to match official specifications (flap up cLmax: 1.36, landing cLmax: 1.80)
• Adjusted propeller drag to align with expected approach parameters
• Implemented new propeller and cD0 data
• Fine-tuned high-speed behaviour up to 0.89 Mach

Buffeting and Vibration Refinements

• Introduced new Lvar "Buffeting"
• Enhanced buffeting logic, now accounting for speed and amplitude variations
• Added 4Hz buffeting cockpit camera vibrations
• Optimised buffeting and vibration algorithms

VR and Camera Improvements

• New organic camera setup considering head/neck rotation and eye position
• Tweaked VR pilot camera position
• Retuned vibrations for VR compatibility
• Improved ground handling and roll sensitivity in VR

Miscellaneous Updates

• Consolidated and refactored exterior.xml for improved performance
• Retuned control surface reactivity to match real-world aerobatic responses
• Adjusted stall behaviour for better aileron control during stalls
• Refined drag for open canopy, open radiator, and slipper configurations
• Improved slip coordinator using Incidence Beta SimVar

Update Availability

• MSFS 2020 Version: The update for MSFS 2020 is available now.
• MSFS 2024 Marketplace Port: The Marketplace port for MSFS 2024 will be available soon.

2024 Native Upgrade

We’re thrilled to share that we’re hard at work on a native MSFS 2024 upgrade! This version will not only make full use of the latest platform features but will also include a total art overhaul, bringing the Spitfire’s visuals to modern standards. Stay tuned for updates as we prepare to bring you this incredible enhancement in the coming months!

Important: Remove Sound Mod Before Updating

If you have previously installed the sound mod, be sure to remove it before updating to this version to avoid conflicts.

We hope you enjoy the update, and thanks all for your support!

• The FlyingIron Team