FlyingIron Simulations
Website: https://flyingironsimulations.com/ Founded: c. 2018 Headquarters: Sydney, Australia Platforms: MSFS, X-Plane 11, DCS World
Overview
FlyingIron Simulations is an Australian flight simulation studio founded by two brothers based in Sydney. The team brings together expertise in 3D game art and sound design, with self-taught programming skills developed over years of aircraft development. Their passion for military aviation—particularly World War II warbirds—drives every project.
FlyingIron has established themselves as the premier developer of WWII fighter aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator, with a focus on authentic recreations of legendary Allied and Axis fighters. Their aircraft are characterized by exceptional visual quality, immersive sound design, and flight models that capture the unique character of each airframe.
The studio’s cross-platform presence across MSFS, X-Plane, and DCS World demonstrates their technical versatility and commitment to reaching the widest possible audience of warbird enthusiasts.
History
FlyingIron began developing aircraft for X-Plane 11, where early releases including the P-47N Thunderbolt and G109B motorglider established their quality standards. The transition to MSFS 2020 coincided with the simulator’s launch, positioning them to become a leading warbird developer for the new platform.
The Spitfire L.F Mk IXc was among their early MSFS releases and remains one of the defining warbirds for the platform. Subsequent releases have expanded their WWII coverage to include American, British, and German fighters. The studio also maintains DCS World development, with the A-7E Corsair II in progress.
Regular updates to existing products demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement and platform compatibility.
Aircraft Portfolio
Current Products (MSFS)
- Supermarine Spitfire L.F Mk IXc - Legendary British fighter, the definitive Battle of Britain icon
- Lockheed P-38L Lightning - Distinctive twin-boom American heavy fighter
- Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat - US Navy’s dominant Pacific War carrier fighter
- Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 - Germany’s primary single-engine fighter, “The Knife”
- Focke-Wulf FW 190 A-8 - “The Butcher Bird,” feared German radial-engine fighter
Current Products (X-Plane 11)
- Supermarine Spitfire L.F Mk IXc
- Lockheed P-38L Lightning
- Republic P-47N Thunderbolt - “The Jug,” legendary American fighter-bomber
- Grob G109B/Vigilant - Motor glider for soaring enthusiasts
In Development
- A-7E Corsair II - Carrier-borne attack aircraft for DCS World
Notable Achievements
- Established as the premier WWII warbird developer for MSFS
- Successful cross-platform development across MSFS, X-Plane, and DCS
- Authentic collaboration between 3D art and sound design expertise
- Regular free updates maintaining compatibility and adding features
- FW 190 A-8 represents pinnacle of German radial-engine fighter simulation
Community Reputation
FlyingIron Simulations commands exceptional respect in the warbird community. Their aircraft are consistently cited as the best WWII fighters available for MSFS, with the Spitfire often described as essential for any warbird enthusiast. Users praise the visual fidelity, authentic flight characteristics, and particularly the immersive sound design that brings these legendary aircraft to life.
The studio’s attention to period detail extends beyond the aircraft themselves to include authentic wear patterns, cockpit layouts, and handling quirks that characterized the real machines. The Bf 109G-6 and FW 190 A-8 have been praised for capturing the notorious handling challenges of these German fighters.
Customer support through their Discord community and prompt bug fixes maintain strong relationships with buyers. The studio’s dedication to regular updates—even years after initial release—demonstrates long-term commitment to product quality rather than a release-and-forget mentality.