Back in November 2022, Project Stratosphere announced that they would be working on an MBB Bo 105 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. After some delay, the project went back on track on August 2024 and Project Stratosphere is getting ready to release what they are say is their “most ambitious project yet”.
The team says that “every component from the rotor assembly to the cockpit instruments has been meticulously recreated to ensure realism and immersion”. The exterior model’s 1.9 million triangles help “capturing the fine details of the fuselage, rotor system, among other structural elements”.
When you get to the interior, we will be greeted by 800,000 triangles. Sounds like a lot? Well, it is. But the team is “taking full advantage of the Level of Detail (LOD) system” to ensure that they are able to offer that level of detail but still make sure we get “optimum performance in Microsoft Flight Simulator”.
Texture-wise, Project Stratosphere wrapped the Bo 105 in 2K textures. The team used this as a strategy to also improve performance: ”By utilizing hundreds of 2K textures instead of fewer 4K or 8K textures, the Bo 105 maintains a high texture density while ensuring smooth performance. From the fuselage to the smallest rivet, you'll notice realistic weathering and wear patterns—scuff marks, dirt, and fading that reflect years of service.”
Flight model
Project Stratosphere seems to be proud of what they are doing, and they also seem to be taking the flight model serious as they say that theirs is “where realism truly takes center stage”.
They got themselves an actual Bo-105 pilot to develop the flight model. Someone trained in the helicopter that would make sure that “every movement in the sky feels as authentic as possible”.
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Speaking of sound…
Sounds
Was that a bad pun? That was a bad pun.
But, seriously, speaking of sound, Project Stratosphere partnered “with a highly experienced sound engineer to develop a comprehensive Wwise audio package” and the team says they will be showing some previews of the soundscape for the Bo-105 in April.
Avionics
On top of all this, Project Stratosphere is also adding an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) “to enhance operational efficiency and provide valuable in-flight tools”. But the team says that the EFT will not be included on the released version. It will come in a later update and will also be fully integrated with the upcoming MSFS 2024 version.
With the EFT you’ll have access to an interactive navigation map, real-time METAR weather updates, and comprehensive procedural checklists.
It will also have a Ground Handling app which will allow us to customize the Bo 105 variant of our choice.
When are we getting it?
Yes, Project Stratosphere does have a date in mind. And, also yes, they have shared it with us. They expect to release the MBB Bo 105 for MSFS 2020 shortly after May 25th, through an exclusive Marketplace release, priced at US$19.99 (or the equivalent in your currency).
By that time, the team will also provide more details regarding the MSFS 2024 version.
You can find more information on the official website or join Project Stratosphere’s Discord server.
