IndiaFoxtEcho
Website: https://www.indiafoxtecho.com/ Founded: c. 2010 Headquarters: Italy Platforms: MSFS, P3D, FSX, X-Plane
Overview
IndiaFoxtEcho (IFE) is an Italian flight simulation development studio led by Dino Cattaneo, one of the most respected names in military aircraft simulation. The studio specializes in producing highly detailed military jets and trainer aircraft, with a particular focus on European and NATO platforms. Their work is characterized by meticulous attention to authentic systems modeling and collaboration with real-world pilots and military operators.
The developer has built an exceptional reputation for quality over quantity, often spending years perfecting aircraft before release. IndiaFoxtEcho’s products are considered benchmark releases that other military aircraft developers are measured against. The studio’s partnership with Heatblur Simulations on the F-14 Tomcat for MSFS exemplifies their collaborative approach to complex projects.
IndiaFoxtEcho maintains a philosophy of fair pricing and customer-friendly policies, notably offering free upgrades for existing customers when aircraft transition to new simulator versions.
History
Dino Cattaneo began developing freeware military aircraft for FSX in the early 2010s, quickly gaining recognition for exceptional quality. The T-45C Goshawk and F-14D Tomcat freeware releases for FSX established his reputation within the community. These projects demonstrated a commitment to authentic cockpit layouts, flight dynamics, and systems modeling unusual for freeware releases.
The transition to payware came with FSX and P3D releases including the F-35 Lightning II and MB-339 trainer. When MSFS 2020 launched, IndiaFoxtEcho became one of the first developers to bring high-quality military jets to the new platform. The studio continues expanding its portfolio with ambitious projects like the Eurofighter Typhoon, developed in collaboration with real Typhoon pilots.
Aircraft Portfolio
Current Products
- F-35A/B/C Lightning II - Fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter
- Panavia Tornado - European multi-role combat aircraft (IDS/GR variants)
- MB-339 - Italian military jet trainer used by aerobatic teams
- M-346 Master - Advanced jet trainer
- T-45C Goshawk - US Navy carrier-capable trainer
- Aermacchi SF.260 - Military trainer and light attack aircraft
- F-14A/B Tomcat - (In collaboration with Heatblur Simulations)
In Development
- Eurofighter Typhoon - Targeting November 2025 release
- F-16A Fighting Falcon - In collaboration with Heatblur, planned Q1 2026
Legacy Products (FSX/P3D)
- F-35 Lightning II (various versions)
- T-45C Goshawk (freeware origins)
- F-14D Tomcat (freeware)
- MB-326
Notable Achievements
- Pioneered high-quality freeware military jets for FSX
- Partnership with Heatblur Simulations for F-14 and F-16 projects
- Eurofighter Typhoon developed with input from real-world Typhoon pilots
- Consistent commitment to free updates for existing customers on platform transitions
- MB-339 features authentic Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team liveries
Community Reputation
IndiaFoxtEcho enjoys one of the strongest reputations in the military flight simulation community. Users consistently praise the studio for exceptional quality, authentic flight models, and well-implemented systems. Dino Cattaneo’s “it’s done when it’s done” philosophy means releases may take longer than expected, but the results justify the wait.
The developer’s customer-friendly policies—particularly regarding free upgrades—generate significant goodwill. Community members frequently cite IFE products when comparing other developers’ work, using phrases like “not IndiaFoxtEcho quality” as shorthand for lesser implementations. The studio is seen as setting the standard for what military jets in civilian flight simulators should be.