Third-party developers shared some very juicy news about upcoming add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator, focusing on aircraft.
We start with acclaimed developer PMDG, which released the first screenshots providing a good look at the upcoming Boeing 777.
We get to see how the developers have done a really detailed job with the looks of the aircraft, capturing many subtle effects.
We also hear from CEO Robert Randazzo that performance in testing is very close to that experienced with the developer’s 737 line. The aircraft will provide “very true-to-life simulation” in all phases of flights, including failures.
More Images will come “in the days and weeks ahead” and some of the cockpit will come “soon enough.” In the meantime, you can check out what we have below.
We also get good news about iniBuilds’ Airbus A300, which will be released this week before the weekend. It’ll cost $44.46 and the store page is already available for you to spam F5 on.
Here’s a list of features we can expect:
Authentic Systems
- Detailed custom FMS with SIDs, STARs, SEC flight plan, custom VNAV and LNAV, altitude and speed constraints and holds
- Independent FMS with state-of-the-art high-resolution cockpit displays
- Custom system rendition including bespoke hydraulic, electrical, pressurisation and fuel operation including unique A300-600R trim tank functionality
- Cautions and warnings triggered by poor maintenance Realistic
- RNAV and autoland capability modelled
- Unique behavioural characteristics of the A300-600R simulated throughout each system for the most excellent immersive experience
- Extensively tuned flight model to capture A300-600R characteristics including accurate performance; landing and takeoff behaviour
- Accurate rendition of General Electric GE CF6-80C2A1 [Pratt and Whitney PW4158 variant engine coming soon!]
- Custom maintenance functions: Engine oil levels, APU oil level, Hydraulic fluid level, wheel brake wear and tire wear
Outstanding Visual Fidelity
- New and optimized PBR textures up to 8K quality. With performance texture packs available for lower-end systems via iniManager.
- A reworked cockpit 3D model and new exterior of the A300-600R (Passenger) and A300-600RF (Freighter) variants.
- A plethora of easter eggs and eye candy associated with maintenance options and other abnormal situations. (brake wear indicators, fuelling panel, openable APU cowling, openable engine cowlings [GE ONLY], APU Mechanic, visible tire wear, RAT, reactive windshield rain)
- Realistic door arming simulation with emergency slides modedlled on passenger variant only.
Immersive Sounds
- Authentic WWise soundset with full 3D environment using recordings from the real aircraft
- Advanced implementation of sound environments for the exterior, cabin, and cockpit, creating an immersive audio experience
- Authentically modelled the CF6s “Buzzsaw” sound dynamically balanced depending on N1
Additional Features
- Pre-set cargo loads with visual models (racing team charter, horse stable transport, cargo transport, aero parts, humanitarian charter, postal freight)
- Basic iniBuilds ground handling set (freighter stairs, chocks, ground power unit)
- Panel State functionality
- Feature-rich onboard Electronic Flight Bag (EFB); including Navigraph and SimBrief integration, performance calculators and load manager
- The most critical and important featue of all: Fally Blocks!
- Please note the PW, IDC (CPDLC/ACARS functionality) will come in an update and is not present on launch V1
We also get an extensive introduction video that you can enjoy below.
We then get an extensive video from Blackbird Simulations, starting with the Beechcraft T-6A Texan II. We also hear that it’ll be priced under $40.
Moving on to the SR-71 Blackbird. It’ll be all analog and there will be no FMS. The model is finished. We also get to see it in the simulator.
The rear seat is not going to be playable (with the ability to give orders to the AI rear-seat crew member), and everything else in the aircraft will be simulated with the exception of the map.
The MH-60 helicopter is done in terms of model, but Blackbird Simulation doesn’t have the manual for the CDU and mission control system. As a consequence, it’ll be released in a simplified version within the lineup of the developer’s sub-brand Shrike.
It’ll have most of the systems and functionality besides the CDU and mission control system
The C-130 Hercules will have injected systems working outside of the simulator like Fenix’s A320. It’ll have a functional CNIME, electronic circuit breaker system, collimated HUDs, fuel system, and more.
The T-38s are in the pipeline. The models are nearing completion. When they’re completed in the early new year, the developer will decide whether to have an injection system or not.
The models of the F-15C and E are also nearly done and should be finished in a couple of months. They will hopefully be released in 2024.
The model of the F-16 is being redone from scratch.
The models for the exterior and cockpit of the de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter are done. The painting process is ongoing and should be finished 3-4 months down the line. The Turbo version will also be done.
The model and liveries for the North American F-86 Sabre are done. When the UH-1H is done, its developer will move on to the Sabre.
The model and liveries for the Rockwell B-1 Lancer are “pretty much done.” The back seats won’t be done at all. They won’t even be modeled or accessible, blocked off by a curtain.
At this time, the decision hasn’t been made on whether there will be functional AI for these two seats. The developer also hasn’t decided whether it’ll be sold within the Shrike brand, because many of the systems are classified. Coding has not been started yet.
Blackbird also plans to do the Mitsubishi A6M Zero with a fully functional simulation of all of its features, including carrier operation capabilities.
Lastly, we take a good look at the UH-1H Iroquois, also known as Huey, in action. We also hear that it’s planned to come for Xbox.
You can watch the full video below.
More news comes from the freeware developer WWD Development team which showcased on its Discord server the progress made on the Eurocopter EC135/Airbus HC135.
Yet, that’s not all, the developer also announced that it’s creating the Airbus Helicopters H225, previously known as Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma.
You can see the progress made on both helicopters below.
As usual, you can count on TechRaptor to publish daily Microsoft Flight Simulator news to keep you updated on what’s happening with the simulator.
