Third-party developers had news to share about Microsoft Flight Simulator add-on including relevant updates for two popular freeware aircraft.
We start with the freeware Airbus A320neo by FlyByWire, which had its stable version updated to version 0.10.0. Here's a list of major features as spelled on the official website. It's worth mentioning that if you want VNAV, you'll have to be a little more daring and download the development version, which was updated with it a few days ago.
- More robust ATSU implementation.
- Enhanced flight operations with flyPadOS 3 improvements to pushback system, payload management, QuickControls, GSX integration and more.
- Seamless integration of Terrain on ND through SimBridge.
- Fully replaced default fuel system with properly simulated A320neo fuel system with crossfeed functionality, center tank transfers, and more.
- FMGC + FMS improvements, including:
- Improved flight plan management and handling.
- Fixed bugs with thrust reduction and acceleration altitude.
- Navaid selection and automatic tuning.
- TakeOff Surveillance 1 functions in the FMGC and FWC.
- FWC reports and simulates more warnings appropriately.
- Hydraulics calculations and simulation improvements across the entire aircraft.
- Working windshield wipers.
For those who want to fly bigger and longer-range, but still freeware, Headwind has released the 0.4.0 version of its Airbus A330neo, implementing the systems created by FlyByWire for the new version of the A320neo mentioned above. It can be downloaded on FlightSim.to and it includes a brand-new ACJ330neo version, the Airbus Corporate Jet variant, albeit it's still experimental.
"We've just released a new stable version of the A330neo with the latest FlyByWire System (0.10.0). In line with our commitment to creating immersive and innovative experiences, we've meticulously enhanced and fine-tuned the onboard systems of the A330-900neo. These enhancements accurately emulate real-world operations and functionalities - this is our biggest update so far.
In an effort to optimize your download experience and reduce the overall size of the base package, we've made a strategic decision to remove our liveries from the primary download. Instead, these liveries are now available separately as a Livery Package through the Installer. This ensures a quicker, more streamlined download of the base package, while still offering the full breadth of our detailed liveries at your convenience. We believe this change will enhance the user experience and make our offerings more accessible to all.
In an exciting development, we're introducing the ACJ330-900neo as a second aircraft. Though the ACJ330-900neo is offered by Airbus, it is yet to be purchased in the real world, making this addition a unique and innovative feature in our simulator.
This version of the ACJ330-900neo is highly experimental, but is based on planned specifications and data. It features a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 251 tons and a passenger capacity of 90, with a configuration specifically designed to emulate the type of aircraft that would be used by governments. We're thrilled to present this unprecedented addition to your flight simulation experience, and we eagerly anticipate your feedback on this new offering.
At present, we have temporarily suspended the ability to install or update our public development build. This decision has been made due to significant refactoring processes that could negatively impact the user experience and increase the volume of support requests. Rest assured, we are working diligently to resolve these issues and plan to reinstate this feature soon. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period of enhancement."
Speaking of aircraft, but moving into the realm of payware, IndiaFoxtEcho released a new screenshot of its Panavia Tornado.
Here is a screenshot of the much requested 311mo Gruppo special color... just to tell you that we have started detailing the cockpit and programming the systems.
We cannot wait to show you the Tornado in action, but it will take a while. As usual, our motto is "it is done when it is done."
We move on to airports with Pyreeague, which released new screenshots of the upcoming East Midlands Airport (EGNX) in the UK. The developer joked about whether this is Microsoft Flight Simulator or Euro Truck Simulator, and I can certainly see what they mean.
We also get to see something rather... special. Check out the video below and see if you can spot what it is about. You'll have to squint a bit, but it's certainly a rather impressive level of detail for an airport in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
— PYREEGUE Dev Co. (@pyreegue) May 14, 2023
Next, we move on to two releases. The first is from Barelli MSFS Add-on, which released another of its Italian airports, and it's Crotone-Sant'Anna Airport (LIBC). It's currently available on Simmarket for $15.13.
Another airport comes from Feelthere, and it's Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS). It's currently available on Simmarket for $18.57.
- Over 50 highly detailed buildings with PBR texturing.
- Complete modelled ground polygon including realistic decals, dirt, taxi lines and surfaces.
- Custom animated jetways.
- Airline parking codes and modified airport services.
- Updated AFCAD, parking spots, taxiway names and taxi signs.
- Improved taxiway and runway lighting.
- Multiple objects and clutter placed over the airport using the SDK.
- Improved night lighting and apron lamps.
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 iniBuilds' New York-JFK Airport, Orbx's Oslo Gardermoen Airport, and RHDSimulations' Boeing 767-300ER.
