 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the: FST Data Port
This site serves as an depository outpost for all things pertaining to FST (Flight Sim Toolkit), released in 1993 - and modified / added to, by others over the years. Get everything you need right here to build your very own flight simulator and download pre-built complete FST Sims for examination and enjoyment.
(Its all free, no catches, and no spyware.)
FST was / is an advance Windows / DOS program created by software creator Simis and published by Domark (both software companies having long ago ceased operations and FST relegated to abandonware status). FST allowed users to build, fly, and distribute their very own flight simulators with little knowledge of actual programming. The program used a small collection of Windows based design tools that easily output files to: (1) build a terrain and place / assign behaviors to objects, (2) create a color palette, (3) Design 3D static and dynamic objects via an impressive 3D CAD module (a massive pre-built library of 3D shapes was also supplied), (4) Easily create mathematical flight models for a/c performance, and (5) Create cockpit and layout for instrument panels. The collection of output files from the tool set, along with a flight engine executable made the complete simulation. To date, this highly creative software package has been unsurpassed for what it offers - at a level which does not require years of study to become proficient in...
Unfortunately, development by its parents quickly ceased by the mid 90s as the product had very limited appeal and old sims created with FST would not run properly on newer computer systems. This was due to the nature of the drop in flight engine called: FLY.EXE which was initially rushed to production with many errors. Luckily, in 2002, the FLY.EXE source code was released by the successor to Simis and the complex project of fixing and augmenting the FLY.EXE code was undertaken by accomplished C programmer: Dave Daniels. To date, Mr. Daniels dedication has continued to advance and refine FST sim functionality. As such, the new FLY.EXE engine allows old FST sims - once dead - to fly again... and new FST sims to be made and shared for enjoyment on modern computer systems and OSes. Currently, FLY.EXE runs mainly on Windows based computers and has very low hardware requirement by todays standards.
As It now seems that nearly all resources for this software have disappeared off the web, I have taken up the cause! As I have been active with this program for many years - and do not wish my work, collections and all these other efforts, to fall into the data abyss - I am posting all my FST related files here for any who are interested. Feel free to browse, download, utilise, and enjoy.
Additionally many FST files can be used in other programs, especially the shape (FSD) files. There's an FSD to DXF file conversion utility that really gives shape files legs! Further, FST tools can still be used to develop object and terrain files, - their output being in simple text file format. FST's excellent Windows based CAD program - is still very powerful and in some ways even better than modern software alternatives.
Okay, be aware that the FST Data Port is just starting up and - may or may not be ever updated regularly in the future. If you have lots of questions or need extensive help with using FST - or any of these files - I will be glad to assist; if I can. However, detailed consulting on FST is available for a fee.
I Hope you enjoy the site, and welcome to the FST Data Port!
|
|
