Orbx FTX Global Vector v1.30 is a major scenery upgrade for FSX and Prepar3D that replaces default vector data with high-resolution global details like coastlines, roads, and rivers. Version 1.30, released in late 2015, specifically improved airport data and fixed various scenery bugs. Key Features & Requirements
Vector Enhancements: Adds accurate coastlines, lakes, rivers, highways, main roads, and railroads globally.
Visual Details: Includes city parks, golf courses, power lines, and extrusion bridges.
Pre-requisite: Must be used alongside Orbx Global BASE Pack for the best visual results.
Simulator Compatibility: Supports FSX, FSX: Steam Edition, and P3D versions v1 through v4. Installation Guide
Orbx Central: Use the Orbx Central application to download and install the product automatically.
Manual Method: If you have a zip file, open Orbx Central, go to "Installation Options," and select "Install from my manually downloaded .zip". FSX ORBX FTX Global Vector V1 30
Library Insertion: Ensure Orbx entries are below any 3rd party add-on scenery in your simulator's library. Use the "Insertion Point" tool in Orbx Central settings to automate this. FTX GLOBAL VECTOR configuration tool - Orbx Forums
FTX Global Vector V1.30 is a critical enhancement layer for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) and Prepar3D. It replaces the default vector data with high-resolution global geometry. 🗺️ Primary Improvements
Coastlines: Replaces jagged, inaccurate shores with high-definition, realistic boundaries.
Water Bodies: Accurate placement of lakes, rivers, and streams using updated GIS data.
Transport Networks: Precise mapping of motorways, primary roads, and local streets worldwide.
Bridges and Tunnels: Includes accurately placed structural points for road and rail networks. Orbx FTX Global Vector v1
Landmarks: Improved golf courses, parks, and large cemetery boundaries for better VFR (Visual Flight Rules) navigation. 🛠️ Technical V1.30 Enhancements
Vector Configuration Tool: Includes an interface to enable/disable specific features (e.g., secondary roads) to save performance.
AEC (Airport Elevation Corrections): Automatically fixes "sunken" or "plateau" airports caused by terrain mismatches.
Performance Optimization: Reduced memory footprint compared to earlier versions for smoother frame rates.
Regional Accuracy: Significant data updates for parts of Russia, South America, and Asia. 💡 Why It Matters
Standard FSX data is over 15 years old. Vector V1.30 ensures that the "lines" on your map (roads and water) match the real world. This is essential for pilots who fly using real-world charts or Google Maps for navigation. If you are setting this up now, I can help you with: Why Hunt for "FSX ORBX FTX Global Vector V1 30"
The installation order for ORBX products (Global vs. Vector vs. OpenLC)
Fixing Airport Elevation (AEC) issues if your runways look like canyons
Performance tweaks to prevent "Out of Memory" (OOM) errors in FSX
You might ask: Why not just download the latest ORBX Central version? Several niche reasons make V1.30 a talking point in legacy forums:
If you have an older Vector version:
Note: V1.30 is not the final Vector version for FSX – later updates (1.35, 1.40, 1.45, 1.51, 1.60) exist, but 1.30 is a stable, widely used release.
The ORBX FTX Global Vector V1.30 is designed specifically for FSX, making it essential for users to ensure their version of the game is compatible. The installation process typically involves using the ORBX Manager, a utility provided by ORBX that simplifies the installation and management of their products.
In the Vector Config tool, navigate to Features. Uncheck Secondary Roads. You will lose minor residential streets, but you will gain 500MB of free VAS over a 2-hour flight.