REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 1, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that
“Flight Simulator 2000,” the newest version of its best-selling PC simulation game, is now available in U.S. retail outlets, with worldwide availability planned for later next month. One of the most anticipated computer entertainment titles of the year, Microsoft® “Flight Simulator 2000”
provides desktop pilots with the most realistic flight simulation available for the PC. For the first time, PC pilots can jump inside the cockpit of the Concorde, download real-world weather for their destination and take off to one of more than 21,000 worldwide airports.
“Microsoft ‘Flight Simulator 2000’ marks the most significant release in the product’s 17-year history,”
said Ed Fries, general manager of Microsoft Games.
“Whether you’re a novice who’s always dreamed of taking flight or an experienced pilot wanting to refine your skills, ‘Flight Simulator’ delivers the most realistic flight experiences available on the PC.”
For the first time, Microsoft is offering two versions of
“Flight Simulator”
: a professional edition that is realistic enough to be used as a complement to formal flight training and a standard edition for seasoned and novice PC pilots alike. Both versions feature a new 3-D graphics system that offers better visuals than ever, with 16-bit color, true elevation data, improved textures and seasonal effects.
The new features in
“Flight Simulator 2000”
include the following:
-
New aircraft. The standard edition will feature the Concorde and the Boeing 777-300; the professional edition will include these as well as the Mooney Bravo and the Raytheon (Beechcraft) King Air 350.
-
More than 21,000 airports worldwide. An astounding 21,015 airports are featured in both editions, making it possible for virtual pilots to fly out of nearly any airport in the world, no matter how large or small.
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More cities rendered in unprecedented detail. London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and other cities are brought to life in high-resolution detail. More than 40 other worldwide cities are featured with spectacular 3-D effects.
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Global positioning system (GPS). The GPS provides point-to-point navigation, with constant updates of position, ground speed and the course to the next destination.
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Real-world weather system. For the first time, users will be able to download hourly feeds of real weather from airports around the globe that can be imported into
“Flight Simulator 2000.” -
Jeppesen Sanderson Inc. worldwide NavData database. “Flight Simulator 2000”
includes the Jeppesen database of navigation and airport information used by pilots around the world. Real navigation aids as well as airport and weather information enhance the realism of the flight experience for
“Flight Simulator 2000”
pilots. -
Exclusive content from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). AOPA, the largest aviation association in the world, has provided access to its vast archives of authoritative articles, photos and other materials to bring the real world of aviation closer to
“Flight Simulator 2000”
users. This material is included in the new pilot’s handbook and online Help.
“Flight Simulator”
users also can join AOPA for access to additional technical information, the AOPA Flight Training Magazine and other services.
“Flight Simulator 2000”
continues Microsoft’s tradition of working directly with aircraft manufacturers, pilot organizations, flight training organizations, respected flight instructors, aeronautical engineers and other leaders in aviation to add authenticity and experience to the product. Key providers include Cessna Aircraft Co., Jeppesen Sanderson, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, FlightSafety International Inc., Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Mooney Aircraft Corp., Systems Management Inc. and pilots John and Martha King, Rod Machado and Patty Wagstaff.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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