
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


