IndiaFoxtEcho has released version 1.4.3 of its F-35 Lightning II for MSFS 2024/2020, delivering several significant system improvements, bug fixes, and new features – while also outlining the roadmap toward a major “F-35 2.0” upgrade.

Although the previous release was intended to be the final update before the next-generation F-35, the developer decided to include several nearly completed features and fixes that had also been tested for the upcoming Eurofighter project.

Highlights of version 1.4.3 include:

• PCD: New limitation to one instance per portal (except TSD) for realism and performance.
• Weapons: SMS must now be in TRAIN mode to change loadout, with Master Mode linked to weapon selection.
• HUD/TSD: Weapon symbology added (requires radar module, PC only).
• Numerous bug fixes for navigation, ILS, Tacan, and loadout saving.
• Flight model tweaks to prevent excessive roll rates with overridden limiters.
• New cabin temperature simulation by Ralph Lehmann.
• New liveries for F-35A (Italian Air Force, Florida ANG) and F-35B (JMSDF, Italian Air Force).

The update is PC-only for now, with the Xbox Series S release pending further testing due to memory usage concerns.

Looking ahead, F-35 “2.0” will feature a complete rework of mapping, texturing, and model details for future-proofing. This major overhaul is unlikely to arrive before 2026, as the developer is prioritizing its F-16, Eurofighter, and TA-4J projects.

Full changelog v1.4.3 and details below :

• – Fixed bug in saving/retrieving load configuration
• – Fixed bug causing Tacan bearing not to show correctly in PCD/HUD portal
• – Fixed bug causing ILS locator bar not to move on HMD if HMD is in CDM mode
• – Minor improvements to pilot mesh skinning
• – Revised SMS system to support additional symbology
• – Fixed bug causing STA1 configuration not to be saved/retrived
• – Master Mode is now dependent on weapon selection
• – Added DGFT Master Mode
• – Darker tint canopy selection will not affect external model
• – SMS must be on TRAIN mode to change weapons
• – Added cabin temperature simulation courtesy of Ralph Lehmann
• – Fixed incorrect APP HOLD color coding
• – Minor tweaks to flight model to prevent excessive roll-rate if limiters are overriden by the pilot
• – ANNUCIATOR key binding now linked to Weapon Change command
• – Changed brake application logic so that brake application countdown is now dependent on brake pedal total movement
• – Changed standby electronic flight instrument to include baro settings both in inHG and in mbar, and added Mach number

PCD

• – Fixed minor graphical glitches in the SMS page
• – Fixed incorrect captions for currently selected weapon
• – Rescale Target Information Box for better readability and realism
• – Fixed bug causing portal configuration to be incorrect when switching back to full screen mode in certain instances
• – Fixed bug very minor bug in touchscreen command handling
• – Enforced limit of ONE INSTANCE per portal except TSD (as in the real plane) – YOU CANNOT HAVE DUPLICATE FUNCTIONS ANYMORE
• – Major code optimization (reduced code duplication, 20% shorter XML code)
• – Added A-A and A-S NTS lists to TSD in subportal mode
• – Fixed incorrect “ARM/SAFE” caption on SMS page
• – Enlarged SMS page mouse areas (note – to change configuration it is now REQUIRED to be in TRAIN mode)
• – Live/Train status can be changed from SMS page
• – Fixed bug causing IFF controls not to work if FAB is swapped
• – Added SLAVED and SLEW captions to TFLIR page
• – Added laser ranging caption to TFLIR page (only if A/S target is close to the crosshair)
• – FAB: selected weapon is now highlighted in SMS section

HMD

• – HMD now shows master mode, selected weapon and master arm status
• – Target icon is now reported on HMD (icon changes depending on affiliation)
• – Target data added to HMD if a target is selected
• – Multiple minor adjustments for readability

Liveries:

F-35A

• – Added Italian Air Force 6-06
• – Added 159th FS Florida ANG 22-5816
• – Fixed MADL antenna color on VT ANG livery

F-35B

• – Added JMSDF 59-8204 livery
• – Added 32-14 101mo Gruppo Aeronautica Militare Italiana
• – Minor fix to 32-14 32mo Stormo Livery