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Super27 Focus #1

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Hello captains,

It’s hard to believe, but it’s already been a year since you first got to enjoy flying our 727 in MSFS. A lot has happened since then – what started as a young wild horse has grown into a stable, reliable, and feature-rich old lady. We’ve added tons of new features and options, turning it into a truly complete package that offers hours of fun – all at a fair price.

But that’s not all. We’re back with something new: the Super27 Expansion Pack!

As the name suggests, this is an add-on to the base 727 package. But if you’re thinking it’s just about more powerful engines, you’re in for a surprise.

We’ve added loads of new features in the cockpit: a digital VSI, TCAS, a new transponder, and the biggest highlight – a retrofitted Collins EFIS with autopilot and VNAV.

On top of that, the aircraft comes with other cool extras like high idle mode, updated flight dynamics, and more.

So, you see – the add-on keeps growing, and we’d love to walk you through everything step by step.

In this episode, we’ll focus on the visual differences of the Super27 compared to the base pack.

But first, a quick reminder:

  • You’ll need the base 727 package to use the Super27.
  • The expansion includes upgrades for both passenger and freighter variants.
  • If you own both base versions, both get covered. If you only have one, only that one will be covered.

 

New Engines

Since the real Super27 was a retrofit of the 727 Advanced, we first had to upgrade the center engine to the JT8D-17A version. This only changes the power settings. The real difference comes with the pod engines – the JT8D-217C are bigger, much more powerful, and surprisingly quieter. You’ll recognize them from the MD80 series. The iconic clamshell reversers, also used on the 737-200, are a real eye-catcher.


S27-engine1

S27-engine2

 

New Liveries

Both freighter and passenger versions come with fresh liveries, all based on real Super27 operators. And good news for livery creators: apart from the engines, the exterior textures haven’t changed. That means you can easily adapt your existing liveries.

Freighter
  • CAT
  • CAA
  • Charter America
  • Cougar (with animal)
  • Cougar plain
  • Fedex
  • IFL Group
  • LAS Cargo
  • Serve Air Cargo
  • Kingfisher
Passenger
  • Airline Americas
  • Ansett Australia
  • Ansett Classic
  • Avensa
  • Carnival Airlines
  • Cougar (with animal)
  • Eastern
  • Lloyed Aereo Boliviano
  • Nomads
  • Santa Barbara Airlines
  • Sterling
  • Sterling European
  • Sun Country
  • Trans World Airlines

 

S27-liveries2

S27-liveries1

 

Digital Fuel Gauges

With the Super27 we’re entering the digital age. For example, the fuel gauges on the flight engineer’s panel have been modernized with digital displays.

S27-fuelgauges

 

VSI with TCAS

In the “modern” age, TCAS is a must-have. We’ve integrated it into a combined digital VSI, compatible with MSFS AI traffic as well as tools like BeyondATC, VATSIM, and more. Naturally, this also means you’ll get a new transponder with TCAS modes.

S27-VSI

 

Moving Map

A highly requested feature: the moving map, in our case the Apollo MX20. We’ve added it as a standalone instrument, and you can swap it with the weather radar dummy if you prefer. (Yes, we know – a real weather radar is also on the wishlist, and we’ll get there!) The map works with all GPS systems and displays their routes. Since the INS isn’t GPS-based, no routes will show there.

S27-MX20

 

Collins EFIS

This is the biggest update by far: our brand-new EFIS suite, which includes an EADI, EHSI, matching control panels, and a completely new autopilot. Think of it as the missing link between the classic old-school navigation/autopilot setup and today’s modern avionics.

The EFIS suite is optional – you can toggle it via the clipboard. If you prefer the traditional six-pack, stick with that and just enjoy the other upgrades.

The Mode Control Panel is mounted on the glareshield for easy handling. You’ll also get new modes like RNAV approach (FGS), climb/descent with predefined speeds, and VNAV (descent only). All of this makes flying the Super27 way smoother – though remember, it’s still an old-school system, so don’t expect it to behave like a modern Airbus. But honestly, even die-hard switch pilots might enjoy giving the 727 a try now.

S27-EFIS1

S27-EFIS2

 

More technical details are coming in the next episode – stay tuned!