Today, Microsoft Flight Simulator developers released new information about the aircraft's upcoming expansions and revealed the corresponding new airport.
We start with PMDG's first look at the interior of the Boeing 777.
The developer, via CEO Robert Randazzo, has released four images and detailed explanations of each, as you can read below.
The beta process for the 777 is progressing quickly, with another beta version released to the team last night. Over the last few weeks we have focused on finding/resolving some conflicts between our C++ code and the Clang compiler. Clang (used by msfs) is slightly less sophisticated in the way it handles some of the problems that naturally arise over the life of source code. Therefore, it is important to identify and resolve these conflicts as they cause stability issues for the end user. what we don't want. The Beta team did an excellent job helping us reproduce the events we saw and then verify that the fixes were correct.
As we look forward to the release, we've been busy creating detailed previews and, yes, even videos. Watch for them to start the introduction here... This is a natural indicator that we're feeling pretty good about the overall project, and we're starting to scan the schedule for suitable release dates. As with the initial release of the 737, we will keep you updated and as soon as we are sure the date is set I will let you know. We currently have a “window”, but this window is quite wide as there are still some features in the package that have not yet been implemented that we would like to go through.
There was supposed to be an "interior review" this week, but Vin has been away for the last two weeks, so instead of a full interior review, I asked Vin if he could send me a few photos showing his level of detail, especially happy about it; Vin has been simulating PMDG cabins since 2001 and, like Jason, has spent a lot of time in those 23 years sticking his nose to blueprints and diagrams, studying the fine details that previous simulators couldn't model well.
However, with MSFS the game changed (literally: HA!) and since every product line is a learning experience, the 777 benefited tremendously from the experiences with the DC-6 and the 737. We were able to leverage our industry. The resources, data collection, technology and fundamental skills that Vin and Jason brought to the table to create what we believe is the best 777 simulation ever created outside of a corporate environment. (And – PMDG and Boeing would say – probably the best office simulation, even in a corporate environment, but more on that later).
In this image you can see the fine details inside the Korrey switches, with a slightly rounded surface that rolls up to reveal the status indicator underneath when the switch is moved to the closed position. You can also see the fine structure of the spring mechanism that closes the switching shield on the left and right injection valves. I disassembled Korrey's switch for Vin so he could see how the mechanics worked, and it helped him create an animation simulation that looked decent and worked properly.
Another area we are very happy with is the fine detailing of the surfaces and the use of high quality materials to make them look realistic when modeled. In this image you can see that the texture of the Velcro is quite subtle and the vapor permeable surface of the shell on which the device sits stands out when approached during the simulation. There are also subtle details on the screw head and torque tubes, and these details really bring the entire cabin together, even if you don't notice them individually at first.
A few more ambient shots for you, showing the high level of detail of the interior. Thanks to our excellent access from our industry partners, we were able to double-check our results against the actual aircraft to ensure we were capturing the aircraft correctly, and I think we did. Details such as the mechanism for opening/closing the window and the hardware that holds it together are all very clearly visible in this image, as is the structure of the table top, which can be folded when necessary.
My favorite details in this last picture are the jacket stored in the closet to the right of the cabin door and the crew bag pocket behind the captain's seat. The helmet storage box above the captain's head is also very detailed. The shelf behind the captain's chair also has anti-slip strips and the texture is such that it feels as if you could rub your hand over the rough surface. These are small things, but overall they give the entire salon a feeling of authenticity.
Finally, Randazzo said that the team still has a busy few weeks ahead of them and he is confident that the aircraft will live up to even the highest expectations.
Next we can look at the Seafire Mk.III from Flight Replicas. The developer notes that this is still a work in progress, but development has progressed far enough to show this.
Orbx has launched Gold Coast Airport (YBCG) in Australia and is available from Orbx Direct for $16.20.
It has the following features:
- High quality delivery at Gold Coast Airport
- 2024 Updated airport layout
- Textures 4k
- Animated tracks with sounds
- In the main terminal
- Unique GSE vehicles
- Incredible attention to detail, both on the ground and in the air
- For highly optimized performance
- Dynamic airport lighting
- Separate traffic signs
- Detailed floor marking
As always, I want to leave you with the fact that you can find daily Microsoft Flight Simulator news here on TechRaptor to keep you up to date on the ins and outs of the add-on industry.
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