Watch Video Now! - REX Simulations!

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An in-depth look at reconstructing the entire flight simulator cloud and weather system!
Cloud Type Structures and Texturing
The implementation of the cloud system in Flight Simulator 2004 introduced a new way to
display cloud ‘sprites’ which simulated 3D clouds. This system is still in use within FSX, FSX:Steam
and Prepar3D. With the current cloud model system there are many limitations in regards to
the way clouds and full weather systems are properly displayed.
For Example:
• All of the current cloud models utilize randomly placed sprites. These sprites are randomly
rendered inside the simulation, causing most cloud types to be misrepresented within all
weather scenarios. This can severely decrease frame rates because of this unnecessary
cloud sprite injection.
• According to real-world cloud specifications, cloud thickness is lacking on all cloud types,
including position and overall representation. We periodically notice upside down clouds
and inaccurate cloud formations.
• Cloud bases are represented without true volume, represented by thin and often patterned
skyscapes.
For Example:
• Overcast is not truly represented and containing open areas, or ‘holes’.
• Limited thunderstorm representation and specification, containing no true severity level as
well as no precipitation visuals.
• 5/8, 6/8 and 7/8 conditions and formations are misrepresented.
• Limited cloud type representation.
• No ability to add certain cloud classification, such as rain shaft, wall clouds, shelf clouds
etc.
IT TOOK US 2 YEARS TO RE-DESIGN THE
ENTIRE CLOUD MODEL SYSTEM WITHIN
FSX, FSX:STEAM AND PREPAR3D!
We have successfully created superior cloud and weather formations containing precise
definition for EACH cloud type. We are now able to implement soft and more robust detailed
clouds structured together within the same session. Since we have added close to 1,400 new
cloud models, textures and cloud types simulate real-world cloud classification; from uniform
clouds to full and complete mature stage cloud structures.
Single-Session Cloud Texture Variation
Before Sky Force 3D, the simulator was limited to 16 textures linked to 3D cloud structures and
representation. We have now doubled that amount to 32! This allows more variety during a
flight session, increasing the overall realism. Cloud representation automatically updates
without user interaction, making the flying experience more realistic and enjoyable.
Clouds Thickness and Formation
The current cloud model system misrepresents appropriate, real-world cloud classification
cloud thickness and formations. In most cases, the randomly created cloud sprites that are
injected will cause a severe frame rate hit, especially with more dense cloud cover. Because
of this, we notice upside down clouds in bizarre and unrealistic positions, cloud bases that are
represented with repeating patterns and no true volumetric feel, in-appropriate texture types,
all of which affects the overall realism in flight.
Clouds Thickness and Formation
During our development we have corrected all of this and even increased the frame rate by
eliminating unnecessary cloud sprites for all cloud types! Now, cloud structures are correctly
and accurately displayed, and detailed clouds will never be represented upside down. In
addition, we have added NEW clouds types, including; altocumulus, stratocumulus, humilis,
mediocris, congestus, tower cumulus, cumulonimbus calvus\supercell\rainshaft, tornado,
stratus, nimbostratus, altostratus and cirrus class.
Thunderstorm Synced with Current Metar
in Real-Time Within Flight Simulator
The thunderstorm representation within the current flight simulators are severely lacking. We
not only redesigned the cloud structures, we introduced supper cell and their own weather
severity level. Now, during flight you will able to experience light or heavy precipitation super
cells depending on the current metar read. These include the complete structure of the super
cell, wall, funnel, shelf, rain shaft and tornado. Our super cell representation reaches up to 75K
feet, making your flight more challenging and realistic to real-world standards. These include
single super cell, squall line and multi cell. Calvus clouds have also been greatly improved
and contain their own precipitation level as well.
Development Based on Real-World
Cloud Classification
Each cloud model was developed in comparison to their real-world counterpart, with their
own specifications, positions and heights. Now, we can even experience cloud streets with
specific cloud types!
Cloud Textures for Each Cloud Type
Before Sky Force 3D, the simulator was limited to the use of 16 texture types which has
created problems representing different types of weather systems within a single session. Not
anymore! We have developed this system which pairs the texturing with the correct cloud
types and formations. By doing this, we avoid experiencing incorrect cloud formations on
small clouds types, and vice-versa. The texture variation has been increased considerably,
creating a more versatile and flexible cloud structure system.
Realistic Overcast - Gap Free Consistent Flyable Frame Rates
Prior to Sky Force 3D, weather engines were forced to synthesize 2 overcast layers to try and
mask the holes present within the flawed overcast model system. In most systems, these
‘workarounds’ would destroy frame rates in such dense cloud cover.
With our new modeling system, full overcast conditions have been vastly improved.
No gaps are noticeable within the overcast structures at any level.
Sub Cloud Types Within Cloud Categories
We now have now the ability to display sub cloud types from existing cloud types. For
example, supercell clouds can contain high or low precipitation, thus making the supercell
large or standard.
Sound Awareness for Severity of Weather
We are now able to sync specialized environment sounds WITHIN a flight. These sound
responses, including hail sounds mostly appear within supercell and severe weather
conditions. In the event that a tornado warning is in effect, you will hear realistic tornado
sirens in the distance, and only while on the ground at the airport.
Synced With Real-World Metar
If requested, all cloud types can automatically be selected, injected and swapped out into
flight simulator in real-time during the flight.
From fair weather to extreme meteorological conditions, this process is seamlessly and
dynamically achieved according to current metar. We provide a metar weather page that
detects the weather conditions of the actual metar and syncs all clouds from Sky Force 3D to
the simulator, ensuring stability, representation and accuracy.
Clouds, Realistic Skies, Suns and
Effects, Moon, and Lightning
In addition to the myriad of cloud textures included within Sky Force 3D, we have also
included 1000’s of textures for sky coloring, suns, effects, moon and lightning presentation.
Previous techniques were expanded upon, creating much smoother sky color blending during
dusk and dawn times. With our new technique called VBlend, we have achieved more
realistic fog and sky visibility blending. Now, the sun atmospheric rendering effects will be
noticeable through the virtual cockpit, creating even more realism. HDR versions included for
use in Prepar3D.
Environment Force Sync
Sky Force 3D will take full advantage of the upcoming REX Environment Force application!
With the two, you will be able to swap out unlimited cloud textures in real -time without ever
having to close the flight simulator, and MUCH much more.
WX Advantage Weather Radar
Sky Force 3D is fully compatible with the new REX/Milviz WX Advantage Weather Radar
system. Because of the new Sky Force 3D cloud models, you will enjoy more precise
precipitation feedback. You will be able to notice clouds streets and large supercell
thunderstorms with better accuracy.
Compatible With ALL Weather Engines
Sky Force 3D is fully compatible with ALL payware and freeware weather engines as well as
the built in weather within FSX, FSX:Steam and Prepar3D.