Third-party developers had some relevant news and reveals about upcoming aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator, including highly-anticipated ones.
We start with A2A simulations, which provided new screenshots and a feature list for its Piper PA-24 Comanche 250.
- A brand new external aerodynamics engine built with Accu-Sim 2.0 ‘Merlin’ technology.
- Remarkable performance accuracy based on operating A2A’s own Comanche 250, N6229P, over many years.
- Unparalleled aircraft feel, handling characteristics and trim behaviour based on extensive flight testing.
- A complete physics-based per-cylinder simulation of the Lycoming O-540-A internal combustion engine.
- Dynamic ground physics featuring true weight on wheels simulation, tyre side-loading and response to different surface types.
- Advanced turbulence system and subtle wing flex simulation which responds based on turbulence strength, ground bumps and fuel load.
- Sophisticated airframe vibration physics with unique ground roll and engine vibration-based effects.
- Authentic fuel system simulates fuel lines, primer, strainers and fuel contamination.
- Custom oil system with dynamic viscosity and contaminants that degrade and change the color of the oil.
- Advanced engine starter simulation that physically turns the engine through its compression cycle.
- Physics-driven sound environment featuring well over a thousand dynamic sound effects.
- Beautifully-rendered external and internal modelling and texturing with subtle wear effects, dynamic aircraft registration decals and advanced animations.
- Detailed JPI EDM 830 engine monitor with authentic displays and leaning procedures.
- Custom-coded Narco avionics stack with NCS812 COM/NAV/DME unit, Mark12E COM/NAV, AT150 transponder, CP 136 audio panel and 841 ADF receiver.
- Customisable integration of MSFS default/Working Title GNS 430W and 530W GPS units and support for PMS GTN 750 and TDS GTN 750Xi if installed.
- Century NSD-360A HSI with custom needle-smoothing physics.
- Advanced simulation of the S-TEC System 30 two axis autopilot.
- Beautiful night lighting implementation featuring multi-purpose dimmable and directable Type C-4A cockpit light, dimmable emissive indicator lamps and white and red lighting options.
- Pilot’s tablet for intuitive interaction with, and management of your airplane.
- Interactive walkaround with many moving parts that can be grabbed, manipulated and inspected.
- Customisable persistent airplane with failure and wear simulation which can be adjusted and deactivated if desired.
- Graphical tablet engine analyzer provides a detailed insight into the piston engine operation.
- Real time load manager with dynamic weight and balance indicator.
- Electrical system analyzer and circuit breaker functionality.
- Two naturally animated rear seat passengers and support for native MSFS avatars in the front seats.
- Fluid in-sim performance comparable with default aircraft of the same class.
We also get a development update from PMDG about its project, including a promising paragraph on the Boeing 777 from CEO Robert Randazzo. Apparently, a lot of progress has been made recently, and we'll finally see the highly-anticipated long-haul airliner "very soon."
Since our return from FSExpo, we have enjoyed massive forward progress on some of the more difficult areas of the 777 development. As usually happens with projects as complex as this, there comes a point when all of the pieces start to snap into place and suddenly you have a fully working product on your hands. The last two weeks have seen the fastest forward motion on the development agenda timeline we have yet experienced while working in MSFS. (Including the 737 and DC-6). We think this comes from our continued increase in experience with the platform finally beginning to pay off with productivity.
Generally speaking the 777 has benefited tremendously from many of the lessons we learned bringing the 737 into MSFS- and this changed the way we entered development on the 777. The end result being a really incredible product with some incredible refinement. We had given significant consideration to unveiling the 777 at FSExpo in Houston, but in the end we decided to sit on our hands because we thought it was best not to rush things. Initial impressions are important, and we want you to be blow-away by the quality of what you see.We think you will be- and we are looking forward to pulling open the hangar door and inviting you in to see her very soon!
We also hear that the Universal Flight Tablet that will be mounted on all of the company's airliners including the existing 737 series will finally enter the final beta phase this week or early next week. It's now "pretty close" to release.
Last, but not least, SimWorks Studios announced the Van's Aircraft RV-8 kit plane. Below you can see a screenshot and a brief description of what we'll be getting.
We are excited to share the news about the latest member of our Van's aircraft lineup, the Van's RV-8! Our team has invested time and effort over the last few months to meticulously model and texture the RV-8, ensuring it meets our highest standards. The SWS RV-8 will come with two cockpit configurations, one analogue and one with the G3X, while sounds have already been recorded from a real RV-8. The talented DeeJing, known for his outstanding contributions to the RV-7 freeware, is working on developing the flight model and systems for the RV-8.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is currently available for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, including Game Pass. If you'd like to learn more, you should stay tuned on TechRaptor as we have daily Microsoft Flight Simulator news to keep you updated on the many add-ons coming and released for the sim.
We have also recently interviewed Microsoft's Jorg Neumann about the Antonov An-225 "Mriya" and iniBuilds' CEO Ubaid Mussa on the work of the popular third-party developer.
If you're interested in reviews, you can check out Orbx's Stockholm Arlanda and Oslo Gardermoen Airports, iniBuilds' New York-JFK Airport, and RHDSimulations' Boeing 767-300ER.
