A big update is coming for one of the coolest default helicopters included in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the Airbus H225.
The helicopter, previously known as the Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma, is included in the sim as part of the Premium Deluxe Edition, but it has needed some work and love since the launch of the simulator.
Its developer, Hype Performance Group, recently promised a “huge update” to bring it up to the standard simmers expect, and today they announced on their Discord Server that the update has been delivered to Microsoft.
The developer added that, while the patch still needs to go through the internal testing process, they’re confident that it’ll pass Microsoft’s requirements.
On top of that, we also get a comprehensive set of patch notes, so we can glean what has been changed and improved.
You can find the full list below.
General Fixes
- Fixed issue where pilot avatar loads into backseat on “Ready to Fly” screen
- Resolved issue causing missing copilot
- Corrected LOD rendering bug on ESC Menu
- Fixed issue with helicopter losing textures and turning gray at LOD 7/7
- Addressed missing thumbnail images on Departure/Arrival screens
- Fixed aggressive stuttering after entering Pause Menu or crashing in career mode
Crew and Positioning
- Corrected pilot and copilot positioning in SAR/Cargo configurations
- Fixed cargo hold LOD issues when zooming in/out
- Adjusted rescue worker spawning behavior (now spawns as actual rescue worker, not pilot)
UI and Camera
- Checklist cam now properly focuses on N1
- Removed debug text AIRCRAFT.UI_INSTRUMENTATION from Configure UI
- Fixed display errors in the mass and balance menu; seats now show correctly and passengers spawn
Flight Controls and Simulation
- Gamepad mapping for collective input now functional
- Collective and throttle now respond correctly to both gamepad and key binds
- Fixed issue with aircraft behaving as if it were flying when on “Ready to Fly” screen
- Cold and dark state now correctly disables panel functionality
- Engine crank switch inputs now correctly mapped (no longer inverted)
Startup & Shutdown
- CTRL + E now properly triggers Auto Shut Down
- Auto start now functions as intended
- Aircraft no longer shuts down automatically on the “Ready to Fly” screen
- Resolved issue where skipping manual engine startup rendered aircraft inoperable
Checklist and Interactions
- Player avatar no longer clips through the aircraft
- External preflight checklist and interactables now available
- Checklists are now properly localized across all supported languages
LOD and Visuals
- Fixed EXT LOD texture issue on Pause Menu
- Addressed INT LOD clipping
- Tail number from Settings now correctly displays on aircraft
- Livery artwork has been updated and corrected
Of course, we don’t know when exactly the update for the Airbus H225 will be delivered. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 should soon receive its Sim Update 3, which has been in public testing for a while.
Considering the timing, it’s hard to predict whether it’ll make the cut or will have to wait for Sim Update 4. We’ll have to wait and see.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 currently available for PC and Xbox Series X|S. If you want to see the massive visual difference against Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, you can enjoy our video and screenshot comparison.
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