Today, PMDG provided an extensive update about its upcoming aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and MSFS 2020, starting with the Boeing 777-200ER.
First of all, CEO Robert Randazzo narrowed down the release window of the 777-200ER, with a slight delay. Previously, we heard that the plan was to release the aircraft between April 16 and April 29. Now the window is down to three days, between April 20 and May 1.
It’ll be a complete package including both versions for MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020, three engine options and their complete engine models, sound packages, and aircraft performance profiles.
It’ll also be submitted to the official marketplaces, but PMDG expects it’ll release there a bit later compared to its own website. As soon as it launches on the marketplace, it’ll also be available for Xbox for both simulators with a single purchase.
Moving on to the 777F freighter, PMDG plans to release it for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 during the second half of May. The 777-300ER should follow after 10-14 days.
Those who purchased the aircraft for MSFS 2020 will get the new MSFS 2024-compatible versions automatically at no additional cost. The same should go for customers who purchased them on the official marketplace, albeit Randazzo is still checking to make sure with Microsoft that this is the case.
The Douglas DC-6 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is “coming along nicely,” and there will also be “some minor cosmetic improvements in various areas.” It’s coming “soon” but Randazzo did not commit to a date.
Incidentally, we also heard about some interesting details that will likely excite fans of “study level” aircraft. You can read them below directly from Randazzo’s words.
“Last weekend, I flew the PMDG 777-200ER through the entire Heavy Maintenance Validation test flight profile and the results were fascinating. I recorded the entire process, which resulted in 90 minutes of preflight systems checks and 4:35 of in flight maneuvers and systems operations validation.
The test flight showed just how in-depth the PMDG 777 is modeled, as I was able to perform nearly every check that is performed on the actual airplane prior to return-to-service from a heavy maintenance check. The tests I was not able to perform are those that required specific maintenance action to enable or disable certain functions buried someplace in the E&E bay of the airplane, and a few that simply wouldn’t apply to a simulated airplane, such as cabin function checkouts and intercom validation tests.
From this test flight I developed a half dozen squawks, all of which were handed to the development team for further review. Half of those have been addressed and the other half are still in research.
I am still trying to sort out what to do with 6+hrs of video of this exercise. A post heavy maintenance validation test flight is an extremely aggressive check program and I think it is important to recognize just what a statement it makes about the PMDG 777 that you can perform such a test on the airplane, flying it in real time, over the exact location used in the procedure, following the precise steps provided by the procedure- and you will get the correct results for the airplane.
I am very proud of the work we do at PMDG, and I am proud of our team for creating such a magnificent airplane simulation for you to use and explore the virtual skies. My hat is off to each member of the 777 development team. It is a satisfying moment to pull the airplane to a stop in front of the maintenance facility after 6hrs of a thorough test flight workout, knowing that the PMDG airplane likely completed the flight with fewer squawks than most actual 777s coming back into service from a heavy maintenance visit.
Something to think about next time you hear a conversation about “what does study level mean?”
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available for PC and Xbox Series X|S. It’s worth mentioning that Fenix’s aircraft are PC exclusive.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is also available for the same platforms following its recent release in November. If you want to see the massive visual difference against Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, you can enjoy our video and screenshot comparison.
A few weeks ago, we published an extensive interview with Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann about the present situation of the sim and the plans for the future
You can also check out our in-depth analysis of how much data the simulator downloads from the cloud, clearing the air from some widespread misinformation that has made the rounds over the past few months.
