IndiaFoxtEcho – F-35 Lightning II Updated to v1.4.3, “2.0” Graphics Overhaul Planned

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