During a livestream on Twitch, Blackbird Simulations provided extensive development updates about several of its aircraft in the works for Microsoft Flight Simulator and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
CEO Colin Pearson started the livestreamed broadcast by mentioning that the developer opened “Meshmart” which does what it says on the tin. Blackbird decided to sell the models of aircraft they won’t use so that other developers can, alongside models of weapons.
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is still in development but it’s taking a temporary backseat to the aircraft in development at Blackbird to be included in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
The same goes for the C-130 Hercules and the Boeing 737-200 (which have relatively 5 and 2 developers working on them). Incidentally, the flight profile of the 737 is being done by a rated 737-200 pilot and is very close to completion. Development of models and systems is ongoing. It should come “fingers crossed sometime soon-ish.”
It’ll be “definitely study-level or close to it.” The audio team has recorded the aircraft extensively, including the sound of every single switch.
Modeling for the DHC-3 Otter and the DHC-3-T Turbo Otter is now finished. It will be sold in 2 separate versions each with regular tires, tundra tires, skids, and amphibious.
We then get to see some work-in-progress footage of the SR-71 Blackbird (you can find it directly on Twitch). Work on the flight profile and systems is at the beginning. It will be tested by real SR-71 pilots.
A “dumbed-down version” will be available for those who don’t want to fly it the way it’s meant to be, which is very complex. Of course, this is optional, and the actual simulation will be “study-level.” The intention is to have the backseater pilot be handled by the AI.
The package will include both nose shapes and all the liveries of the SR-71s that existed.
The hope is that it’ll be ready to beta test in the next couple of months or so. It’s almost about to enter alpha testing. It’s 99% that it’ll work on the Xbox Series X|S.
Moving back to the C-130 Hercules, the developer is in the process of adding tooltips as the code is mostly ported. The flight profile is being worked on and the intention is to go into full-on beta testing “very soon.”
It will have cargo, the ability to parachute it, both long and short versions, 5 cockpit variants, and some wingflex. It may not work on Xbox Series X|S.
The code for the F-16 Viper is “nearly done.” Approximately 28 different weapon systems are being done and the developers are trying to figure out how to make them work nicely. The model is being painted. It’ll have 12-15 liveries. The package will include a Block-50 and a Block-52 version and the conformal fuel tanks will be in.
The release date will depend on what will depend on what will be doable with weapons. It’ll be possible to fire the guns and possibly to drop bombs and fire missiles. The ability to destroy targets is unlikely.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is currently available for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
If you’d like to hear more about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, which releases on November 19, 2024, you can enjoy our hands-on preview with plenty of interesting details for your perusal.
You can also watch our interview with Head of MSFS Jorg Neumann and Asobo CEO 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.
Last, but not least, you can take a look at our A-10 flight through the Grand Canyon, our first look at the extensive pilot customization, another at the first mission of the Career Mode, a video featuring the new walk-around move showing off a Boeing 737 MAX up close and personal, and a challenge with the A-10 over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
