Today marks the first day of FlightSimExpo 2026, and flight simulation developers shared plenty of news about aircraft, scenery, and hardware for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, MSFS 2020, X-Plane, and more.
Simulation Daily publishes a roundup every day for all the news across the flight simulation field, helping you keep up to date with the ins and outs of the industry. Of course, today is going to be much bigger, and the same will go for the next two days.
Before we move on to the flight simulation news, you can check out today’s episode of our “Can You Guess this Airport?” video series.
Without further ado, I leave you with today’s flight simulation news.
Wingflex Presents New Hardware
Wingflex kicked off the day at FlightSimExpo with plenty of product reveals from its line of relatively affordable flight simulation hardware.
The manufacturer is entering the full-scale market with the DAP 500, a general aviation-style autopilot panel that launches today and costs $139. We also get to see more general aviation panels coming at a later date.
We then go back to airliners with the GMP, the Gear Management Panel, inspired by Airbus, coming in September.
More Airbus products include the ECAM control panel (ECP), coming in December for $99, and the Cockpit Flight Display, also coming in December for $199.
December will also bring an Airbus tiller for $99, for those who want more realism in ground operations.
We then move on to 2027, with the BN777 Glareshield Combo inspired by the Boeing 777. This is modular, and the MCP on its own will cost $199, coming in March.
Back to Airbus, we’ll see two full-scale and modular throttle quadrants. The Airbus Throttle Standard will release in April, while the Airbus Throttle Pro will release in December. Both will have additional panels for those who want to combine them into a full pedestal.
Tupolev Tu-154M Announced for MSFS 2024 and More
Next on stage at FlightSimExpo was FlightSim Studio, which talked about the upcoming MSFS 2024-native Tecnam P2012 Traveller. It’s already in testing and serves as a testbed for the developer to work natively on the newer simulator.
It’ll include walkaround mode, career mode compatibility, several variants including the new VIP cabin, more system depth, new sounds, and renewed visuals. Learnings from it will be applied to the Tecnam P2006T, which will get the same treatment.
Moving on to airliners, we get to see the new textures of the Boeing 727, which will also get a v2 native to MSFS 2024 with walkaround mode, the ADV variant, and additional system depth.
Version 1.0 of the Embraer E-Jets is “around the corner” with deeper systems and a fully custom autopilot. It’ll be pushed to the experimental branch this week. After it’s released, a native version for MSFS 2024 will be developed.
The developer also announced a partnership with Anatolii Iakmets to launch the Tupolev Tu-154M, developed from the ground up for MSFS 2024.
The aircraft has already been in development for 4 years, and it will come with the following features.
Visual Features
- A stunning 3D model crafted from a 3D scan and thousands of images
- High-resolution textures by Atarium
- A beautifully-recreated cockpit, in the famous Soviet blue
- A high-fidelity soundset based on real recordings
- A fully modeled cabin
Systems/Engines Modeling
- Fully simulated electric, hydraulic, pneumatic systems for normal operations
- Proper gauges, indications, warnings, for each system
- Accurate Aviadvigatel D-30KU-154 engines, with proper indications and behavior
- A fully modeled and functional flight engingineer’s station
- Comprehensive, dynamic failure simulation, including progressive impact (more info to come)
Instrumentation and Cockpit
- Period-correct analog instrumentation
- Original Soviet autopilot system
- Retro GPS systems (Falcon71 KLN90B)
- Modern navigation options (such as the GNS530 and MX20 MFD)
Boeing 787 by Vector for MSFS 2024 Gets New and Detailed Showcase
Vector shared more information and images about its upcoming Boeing 787. First of all, we get to see a new livery, representing United Airlines 787-9 N27958.
The developer also shared a look at the hydraulic system in action in the new gallery of screenshots, and how different pages can be moved anywhere on the MFD system, and even displayed on screen halves.
Moving out to the EFB, the original Boeing Electronic Flight Bag has been reproduced in its entirety, including every page, menu, and available function.
The integrated checklist system includes 700 pages and 3366 Checkpoints for Normal Procedures (NP), Supplementary Procedures (SP), and Non-Normal Procedures (NNP).
The developer also showed how the fonts have been reproduced from the ground up to faithfully represent those used in the real aircraft’s screen.
We also hear that audio has been recorded directly from a real-world 787 and will have its own dedicated spotlight down the line.
As usual, Vector vows that everything showcased today is already working in the simulator, and no part of the systems of its 787 (or anything else) has been recycled from the default 787-10. Everything has been built from scratch.
Airbus A220 for MSFS Showcased in New Trailer
Synaptic Simulations showcased its Airbus A220 for Microsoft Flight Simulator, providing a brief but enticing look at the visuals and systems.
You can check it out above, including a list of the features you can expect. The only thing missing for now is a release date.
Fokker F100 & F70 For MSFS Gets New Screenshots
Just Flight wasn’t at FlightSimExpo, but still celebrated the event with new screenshots of the Fokker F100 and F70, which are getting the final touches.
In-depth videos are going to start coming next week.
Rockwell Commander 114 for MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020 by Black Square Gets Tons of Screenshots and Details
Just Flight opened the store page of the Rockwell Commander 114 for MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020 by Black Square. While it’s not yet available for purchase, we get to take a good look at the aircraft with many screenshots and a handy list of features.
- 150+ page manual with your complete guide to flying Black Square’s Commander 114, including systems guide, tutorials, limitations, performance tables and electrical schematics.
- Two aircraft in one: Normally Aspirated Commander 114, and aftermarket Turbo-normalized 114 with air conditioning and passenger/crew oxygen.
- Tablet Interface for configuring options, payload settings, failure management, and real time visualizers for engines, electrical schematics and environmental systems.
- Physics-based engine simulation with compression, magneto impulse couplings, blade angle, oil temperature and pressure, cylinder head temperatures, and preheating.
- Fuel-injected engine simulation with fouling, vapour lock, flooding and backfires. Even the magneto impulse couplings are simulated and have sound.
- 15 hot-swappable radios, configurable via tablet interface. Includes PMS & TDS & KLN-90B.
- 75+ random, scheduled or performance-triggered failures, settable via the tablet, including engine damage, compatible with third party UIs and instructor stations.
- Fully simulated environmental control system for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, ram air cooling. Cool things off by opening a door, or watch the aircraft heat up in the sun. Monitor via the new tablet interface.
- The most advanced turbocharger simulation in MSFS. Turbocharger sounds reflect the turbine RPM, and engine performance is dependent on boost.
- NEW – rough running engine sounds and effects for excessively rich/lean mixture, detonation, fouling, cold idle and engine damage.
- NEW – airframe vibration, resonance and engine animations bring the airframe to life.
- NEW – nose gear shimmy encourages holding yoke back-pressure and careful braking.
- NEW – MSFS’s first working stormscope with plausible lightning depiction for stormcell avoidance works with default and third party weather injection.
- NEW – Foster RNAV511 navigator supports autopilot with No-GPS configuration.
- Physics-based sound system. Sounds such as engine starting are not mere recordings, but instead are many layered sounds, constructed based on the underlying simulation.
- Engine preheating required for cold starts, with heater and ground power cart.
- Voltage-based light dimming, an immediately recognisable effect to night-time pilots.
- Gyroscope physics simulation for electric and pneumatic gyroscopes with precession and partial failures, based on a coupled quadrature oscillator, with manifold standby system.
- Magnetic compass effects, including fields from onboard circuits.
- Instrument needle stiction and friction. Analogue instruments can become sticky without engines running. Tap the glass to free the needles and get a more accurate reading!
- Strobe light system causes realistic distracting flashes in clouds.
- Functional exterior elements (interactive in MSFS 2024) and control locks: chocks, pitot covers, engine covers, preheater and ground power cart. Pitot flags blow in the wind.
- Mathematically accurate VOR and ADF signal attenuation and noise degradation.
- JPI EDM-800 Engine Monitor with engine-leaning optimisation ‘Lean Find’.
- Completely simulated electrical system, with 55 circuits, thermal breakers and failures.
- Carbon Monoxide leaks are possible, and can be detected with the CO detector.
- State saving for fuel, radio selection, radio frequency memory, cabin aesthetics etc.
- Crew/Passenger oxygen depletes according to pressure altitude, passenger occupancy.
- Ultra-custom dynamic registration number system for livery creators.
Zakynthos, Ikaria, and Thessaloniki Airports Get New Screenshots.
MXI Design had a development update to share across its lineup.
The first three screenshots above show a major update in the works at Zakynthos Airport (LGZA) in Greece, including further improvements for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and a dedicated MSFS 2024 version.
Development is in its final stages, and the update will release later this month.
The fourth picture is a brand new airport also in Greece, Ikaria Airport (LGIK). This will also release later this month.
Lastly, we get an image of a major update in the works for Thessaloniki Airport (LGTS). Changes will include airport infrastructure, visual enhancements, and overall airport accuracy.
The developer is also working on “one of the world’s most important aviation hubs,” but shared no details for the moment.
Westchester County Airport Released for MSFS 2024
Fly2High released Westchester County Airport (KHPN) in New York, United States, for MSFS 2024.
It’s available on Orbx Direct for $16.91, including the following features.
- Highly detailed recreation of KHPN Westchester County Airport
- Accurate airport layout based on recent real-world data
- Custom terminal, FBOs, hangars, and airport structures
- High-resolution PBR textures throughout the airport
- Realistic ground markings, signage, and pavement details
- Custom night lighting for an immersive experience
- Handcrafted airport surroundings and points of interest
- Optimized for smooth performance
- Compatible with GSX Pro
Grumman AA-5 Released for MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020
Just Flight and Bluesky Hangar released the Grumman AA-5 family for both MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020.
It’s available on Just Flight for $27.99, including the AA-5 Traveler, the AA-5A Cheetah, and the AA-5B Tiger.
It includes the following features.
Model
- Accurately modelled Grumman AA-5 family, featuring the three main variants produced between 1971 and 1979: AA-5 Traveler, AA-5A Cheetah and AA-5B Tiger
- Numerous animations including sliding canopy, baggage doors and rear foldable seats
- PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism
- Ground equipment including chocks, pitot cover and engine covers
- Visual effects for passenger and cargo loading (MSFS 2024 only)
- Full support for walk-around and inspection of various items like tyres, suspension, brakes and flight surfaces (MSFS 2024 only)
- MSFS ground services support
- Full support for MSFS visual icing effects
Cockpit
- High fidelity 3D virtual cockpit with accurate gauges and avionics from various periods, spanning from equipment found in factory variants from the 1970s to modern 2000s avionics
- Four separate panel configurations, all changeable on the fly via the Pilot’s Operating Handbook:
– A common early 1970s factory layout, featuring a VFR panel with Collins VHF/VIR radios, Bendix-King KR87 ADF and single needle Bendix-King KI208 VOR
– A more robust IFR avionics package from the 1980s with some retrofitted modules, featuring a Bendix-King KI209 VOR, NAV-122 VOR, Bendix-King/MX-11 radios, Century-1 Autopilot, Bendix-King KN62 DME and Bendix-King KR87 ADF receiver
– A fairly common early 2000s modernisation effort featuring a Bendix-King KI209 VOR, NAV-122 VOR, a Bendix-King radio package, Century-1 Autopilot, GNS430 GPS unit and GTX327 transponder;
– A modern G1000 panel only installed in a handful of real world examples - Fully simulated Century-1 Autopilot – experience an old-school workload-reduction system that still demands active pilot monitoring. Includes functions such as wing levelling, commanded wing bank of up to 15°, manual aileron trimming and very basic VOR tracking capabilities.
- Interactive Pilot’s Operations Handbook featuring various customisation options alongside checklists and performance figures for quick reference mid-flight
- Fully simulated electrical circuit breakers
- Various combinations of panel and upholstery colours to match factory configurations or refurbished examples
- Dimmable instrument panel lighting
- Openable sliding canopy – experience one of the party tricks of the AA-5 by opening the canopy mid-flight and feeling (and hearing) the wind in your virtual hair!
Liveries
The AA-5 is supplied in the following liveries, following real-life examples:
- C-FHYU (AA-5 Traveler
- CF-KYS (AA-5 Traveler)
- D-EEHB (AA-5 Traveler)
- N5989L (AA-5 Traveler)
- N6050L (AA-5 Traveler)
- D-EMDC (AA-5A Cheetah)
- N321ES (AA-5A Cheetah)
- N581 (AA-5A Cheetah)
- N27202 (AA-5A Cheetah)
- N99710 (AA-5A Cheetah)
- D-EPTJ (AA-5B Tiger)
- G-BXTT (AA-5B Tiger)
- N4512N (AA-5B Tiger)
- N74867 (AA-5B Tiger)
- N81124 (AA-5B Tiger)
Mykonos Airport Released Natively for MSFS 2024
29Palms released a MSFS 2024-native version of Mykonos Airport (LGMK) in Greece.
It’s available on Contrail for $16.85 with the following features, but if you have the MSFS 2020 version, you can upgrade at a discounted $5.90 price.
- The new terminal updated including a new control tower with interior, full terminal interior, new lighting and updated external textures with better detail on normal maps and Ambient Occlusion.
- The terminal has a full walk-through capability. It is also possible to visit the control tower by climbing an existing exterior ladder.
- Terraforming of the airport’s surrounding area updated to comply to the MSFS2024 environment.
- High-detailed 3d objects, buildings and ground textures. Missing 3d objects, normal ground texture maps, details, dirts, skids and “new lines” on apron runway thresholds and “rackets” have been added.
- Detailed representation of the airport’s vehicle parking area. The area has been modified to represent in more detail and accuracy the today’s layout with new vehicles objects and lighting.
- High detailed apron including the new airport’s layout lines and signs. The number markings texture has been updated. Four new parking positions along with their designation and lines have been added.
- High detailed night lighting. All the lights have been re-exported with MSFS2024 standards converting the scenery to have only physical light.
- Fully custom taxiway, runway, rail and tower beacon lights. All the lights have been designed from scratch with custom 3d objects. All the objects have been updated with more detailed ones emitting more accurate lighting and reflection on ground. The first lights of each runway were converted to “orange” instead of white like in real life. Guard lights have been added to hold short of A1 and A2 taxiways.
- Custom houses around the airport area added for around a mile.
- New fences with better texture around the airport.
- Static and animated people added inside and outside the terminal.
- Two animated flags added at the entrance.
- Two JET A1 fuel facilities has been added at their real position (behind the fire station).
- All the 3d objects have the new LOD system for better performance.
- Sloped runway
- Custom animated windsocks.
- Custom Hazard beacon lights at airport’s surrounding area (on top of the surrounding hills)
- Custom boats and ships at the island’s port
- Three existing heliports are present in the scenery:
- Army’s Heliport at the east of the airport
- Marina’s Heliport close to Ornos beach
- Superior Air heliport close to Kalo Livadi beach
- Three characteristic landmarks have been added to the scenery:
- Windmills at Mykonos town
- Broken windmill at the south of the airport (close to the terminal)
- A lighthouse at the north of the island
If you’d like to read more flight simulation news, you can find plenty in our previous roundup article from yesterday.
If you want to go further back, we have a handy overview video of the major flight simulation news in the past week. You can watch it below. As usual, leaving a like and a comment and subscribing to our growing YouTube channel is extremely helpful.
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