Keeping You in the Loop!
After the summer break, we’ve jumped right back into the action and are hard at work on several different fronts. Today we’d love to give you a little glimpse behind the scenes.
Super27
Our expansion for the base 727 variants is almost ready for release. We’ve already published two blog posts that go into detail about the visual updates and system changes. The real highlight: the EFIS with a brand-new autopilot, VNAV mode, RNAV approaches, and much more.
Also, keep your eyes open – by now, streamers should already be taking it for a spin. Furthermore the documentation is already available.
A quick reminder:
- It’s an expansion. The base version (pax or freighter, or both) is required
- The EFIS with the new autopilot only works with the GNS-XLS, but it’s optional.
- The digital VSI with TCAS can also be used in the base 727 as long as the Super27 is installed
727-100
It’s official – we’re working on the 727-100 variant. The plan is to offer both a dedicated freighter and a dedicated passenger version. Convertible models aren’t on the table right now, but we do have a Super27 expansion in mind for it as well. Details on that will come later – first things first, we need to get the aircraft into the sim.
E-Jets Series
For some time now, the closed beta has been running with our first group of testers, and we’d like to start by giving you a huge thank you. It’s not always easy to stay calm between a misbehaving autopilot and random WASM crashes – and still report everything correctly. But you’re doing an amazing job, and thanks to your efforts we’ve already been able to fix a lot of issues.
Step by step, we’re working our way through the bug reports. By now, we’ve identified the biggest and most critical issues. These include:
- Lateral flight path often skipping waypoints and cutting corners
- Vertical path sometimes dropping to 0 and back up again
- Autothrottle oscillating during step climbs
- Flight Director sequence on takeoff not always reliable
- Performance prediction (fuel, time, etc.) still not trustworthy
To give you a little glimpse, we’ve picked out two reported bugs that are now fixed. Both were related to route handling during departure. Previously, the routing logic was messy and unreliable – now it’s finally working as it should. Just note that the screenshots still show other bugs, which aren’t fixed yet. At the moment, our focus is fully on lateral and vertical guidance.
Navigraph Integration
Right now, we’re also busy integrating Navigraph nav data into the new MCDU. This turned out to be a surprisingly lengthy and complex process, which unfortunately slowed down the bug fixing progress. Still, it’s an essential step, since a good number of bug reports actually stem from faulty MSFS nav data. Once Navigraph is in, those issues should be resolved automatically.
VNAV Autopilot
As you can see, we’re already calculating vertical flight profiles. Some time ago, we also started mapping the autopilot to follow them. The E-Jets have several VNAV modes, which we’ve been integrating one by one. At this point, it can already handle RNAV approaches, step climbs, and descents before TOD. The autopilot follows the path that the MCDU generates – even if that path is wrong. And yes, more than a few test approaches ended with the aircraft buried in the ground before the runway.
That’s why the VNAV function isn’t active yet in the closed beta build. We don’t want to add extra frustration.
And just to prove the screenshots aren’t Photoshop fakes – here are a few shots with VNAV actively engaged 🎉
Why You’re Not Missing Out (Yet)
There are still plenty of good reasons why we haven’t released the current closed beta as a public experimental build. It’ll take a bit more time before we’re ready… but hey, Christmas is coming up. Let’s hope Santa’s packing something nice. 🎁
Tecnam Aircrafts
For our propeller aircraft fans, we’ve got some news too. We’re currently working on updated versions that will release natively for FS24.
P2006T
- Enhanced 3D model and new textures
- Improved flight dynamics
- New FS24 EFB
- Native FS24 walkaround
P2012
- Improved sounds
- New FS24 EFB
- Native FS24 walkaround
We can’t pin down a release window just yet, as progress also depends on other projects.
One thing’s for sure though: you can already look forward to it!
