MicroProse Sets Release Date for the B-17G Flying Fortress in Microsoft Flight Simulator

A legend of the skies returns — rebuilt in stunning detail for a new generation of pilots

Hilldale, NSW, Australia — A symbol of history, perseverance, and bravery, the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress was forged in the skies over Europe and is famous for returning crews home against insurmountable odds.  With an accuracy and level of detail befitting her fame, MicroProse will recreate this legend in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on 9 October 2025, with an MSFS 2020 version to follow later on.


Pilots all over the globe will be able to relive the thrill of flying historic B-17Gs and other WWII warbirds in Microsoft Flight Simulator thanks to MicroProse's new Heritage Valor Collection.


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"We want to bring these aircraft to this huge stage, which is MSFS, to people who are passionate about aviation, value and appreciate them — just like we do at MicroProse," stated Sérgio Costa, Product Development Manager.


More than just simulation is at stake here. The main goals are to keep these incredible warbirds in the air for future generations to enjoy, to pass on our love of flying to them, and to preserve our heritage.


The development journey


Months of painstaking work have gone into recreating every single feature of the B-17G, including the bomb bay, top and ball turrets, the tail gunner's position, and every inch in between.  Joining fully animated crew stations, period-correct details, and authentic sounds captured directly from the flying B-17 Sentimental Journey are optional modern avionics for those who desire more navigational capabilities, as well as period-correct details.


Professionals versed in the aircraft's actual behavior are assisting with the tuning of flight dynamics and systems.  This meticulous attention to detail, along with the meticulous visual work, guarantees that the B-17G will have a genuine feel both when flying and when exploring.


Early access approach


As soon as the B-17G is "ready to start using," it will be available in Early Access, giving sim pilots a chance to fly while also giving important feedback for future updates.  While the team works to complete the sophisticated systems and make further improvements, they are releasing the aircraft in stages so that the community can connect with it early on.


Product features


An obsession with historical accuracy, meticulous study, and top-notch craftsmanship went into creating the B-17 Flying Fortress for Microsoft Flight Simulator.  To pay tribute to the legacy of this legendary plane, we recreated it in stunning detail and made it as immersive as possible.


Launch features for the aircraft include a high-fidelity flight model, interior and exterior hand-crafted 4K PBR textures, effects for engine vibration both inside and out, sounds from Sentimental Journey's engine, cockpit sounds recorded specifically for the add-on, and animations that can be used in multiplayer modes to further immerse players.


In addition to a maintenance model, a fully functional electrical system with circuit breakers, visible wear and tear, and an in-sim clipboard for basic aircraft functions will be available to pilots.


Looking ahead


With the B-17G as its inaugural member, the Heritage Valor Collection kicks off a larger initiative to acquire historically important warbirds for the Museum of Flight Simulation (MSFS). Aircraft that pay homage to these legendary planes are already in the works, with the goal of bringing them to life for the modern generation of sim pilots.


There will be a full crew, first-pass animations, a prototype of the in-sim clipboard system, a range of authentic liveries, and all basic systems, including the initial flying model, for the B-17G when it launches in Early Access. Following that, MicroProse will adhere to a regular update cycle, delivering new content and improvements every two weeks for about eight weeks, until the final release version.


Additional liveries, a crew configuration system, a maintenance mode, optional modern avionics, a paint kit, and the MSFS 2024 walk-around system will be added to the experience in that final release. The B-17G will be one of the most satisfying aircraft experiences in Microsoft Flight Simulator, and the team plans to keep improving it beyond the final release by fixing bugs, introducing new features, and responding to user input.


Call to experience
This isn't just an add-on for flight simulators; it's an opportunity to experience what it was like to fly the "Flying Fortress" in the days when four Wright Cyclone engines rumbled through the air.


MORE INFORMATION


About the Heritage Valor Collection

The Heritage Valor Collection is MicroProse’s initiative to preserve and share the legacy of historic military aircraft through Microsoft Flight Simulator. Combining meticulous research, advanced modeling, and authentic sound design, each release in the collection is crafted to honor the pilots, crews, and engineers who made these aircraft legendary.


About MicroProse

Founded in 1982, MicroProse is a legendary name in simulation and strategy gaming, responsible for some of the most iconic titles in PC history, including F-15 Strike Eagle, F-19 Stealth Fighter, Gunship, and B-17 Flying Fortress. Revived with a mission to honor its heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern game development, MicroProse continues to create high-quality, immersive experiences across multiple genres. From deep tactical simulations to historically faithful recreations, MicroProse remains committed to innovation, authenticity, and delivering unforgettable experiences for gamers and simulation enthusiasts worldwide.