While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is already out, some third-party developers are still releasing aircraft for the original MSFS, and FlightSimLabs is one of these with its brand-new Airbus A321.
The aircraft is currently available on the developer’s own website priced at $69.95 plus applicable VAT.
The aircraft promises the following features, as claimed by the developer.
Our A321 model incorporates:
- All-New Visual Models: Leveraging advanced 3D scanning technology, our cockpit and airframe are modeled with incredible precision, delivering stunning visuals and dynamic effects tailored to the Microsoft Flight Simulator platform.
- High-Fidelity Systems: Experience fully operational and interactive systems, electrical systems, and environmental controls.
- Accurate Flight Dynamics: Developed in collaboration with real-world pilots and engineers, the A321’s handling is as true-to-life as it gets.
Advanced Flight Management Systems:
- Enhanced FMGS: Features like Offsets, Step Altitudes, RTA (Required Time of Arrival), CMS (Constant Mach Function), and RNP-AR Navigation (Required Navigation Performance with Authorization Required) bring realism and flexibility to every flight. Plan and execute challenging approaches with precision, manage efficient cruise performance, and ensure accurate timing on arrivals—all through the industry-leading FMGS suite.
Immersive Interactivity and Dynamic Operations:
- Custom MEL System: Experience operational challenges with randomized system defects that dynamically alter your planning and decision-making processes. Adapt and follow real-world procedures with assistance from the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB).
- Cold Weather Operations: Fully integrated icing simulation, with realistic snow and ice accumulation dynamically affecting performance and visual fidelity.
- GPS Jamming Simulation: Encounter real-world navigation challenges with GPS-denied scenarios.
Expanded Features:
- Seamlessly integrate with third-party services like GSX for ground handling and SimBrief for flight planning.
- Enhanced dynamic visual effects, including windshield ice and bug impacts, atmospheric phenomena like Saint Elmo’s Fire, and realistic wear and tear.
If you have already moved on to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, FlightSimLabs promises a free upgrade for the new simulator “in the near future.”
Below you can check out a gallery of screenshots of the Airbus A321 provided by the developer. It’s worth mentioning that an Airbus A321neo is also coming at some point.
If the name FlightSimLabs doesn’t ring a bell, they are considered one of the best third-party developers for older simulators, having worked on Prepar3D for a long time.
They have taken longer than most to transition to Microsoft Flight Simulator, so much so that their first release arrived after MSFS2024 was already released. Time will tell whether it was worth the wait.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is currently available for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is currently available the same platforms. if you want to see the visual difference against Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, you can enjoy our video and screenshot comparison.
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 made the rounds over the past few weeks.
You can also watch our latest interview with Jorg Neumann, the previous interview with Neumann himself and Sebastian Wloch, another with Asobo CCO David Dedeine, and one featuring Chris Burnett of Working Title and Brandon Yaeger of Got Friends about their work on MSFS 2024.