Diamond DA40-NG Announced for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Cows announced that their current Diamond DA40-XLS for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and MSFS 2020 will simply become “DA40 Series” with the addition of the latest Diamond DA40-NG model, which will be free of charge for those who already purchased the XLS.
The add-on is available on Orbx Direct and the official marketplace.
At some point, it’s also coming for X-Plane 12.
PMDG Offers Update (and Teases) on Upcoming Releases
PMDG provided updates about its upcoming and current aircraft, mentioning that the Boeing 777-300ER and 777F should get updated on the official MSFS 2020 marketplace, while the 777-200ER will be released. All will be at build 116.
As for the official MSFS 2024 marketplace, the 777-300ER and 777F should be released also next week (and you’ll get them automatically if you own them in 2020), while the 777-200ER may not come out yet due to persisting issues. CEO Robert Randazzo isn’t optimistic about it and believes waiting for a further week may be in order.
As for those who purchased the 777 line on the developer’s own store, all the aircraft will be updated to build 116 on July 15.
The 777-200LR is in the final testing phase and could hit the developer’s own store on the 15th as well, but it may be delayed if last-minute issues arise, although it currently appears unlikely.
Interestingly, Randazzo also provided some cryptic teases about things that were asked by simmers at FSExpo. I’ll just quote him directly, and I’ll be damned if that’s not a tease of a PMDG 787.
- When will 737NG appear in MS 2024? (answer: ASAP)
- When will 737Max appear in PMDG colors? (answer: <silent nod and smile>)
- When will 747 release? (answer: a bit of wild conjecture that was largely, intentionally unhelpful)
- When will PMDG do a 787? (answer: another silent nod and a smile)
SimWorks Studios Provides Updates on the Airvan, Kodiak 900, and Pilatus PC-12
SimWorks Studios provided some updates about its aircraft, starting with the MSFS 2024 version of its GippsAero GA8 Airvan.
“The Airvan for FS24 has made solid progress and all the FS20 functionality has been ported into FS24. The FS24 Airvan takes advantage of the new dirt and grime build-up, being much smoother and looking better! The preflight items are now executed in FS24;s walkaround mode, and we managed to keep our own preflight features in place without breaking the core logic!”
Next, we hear about the Quest Kodiak 900.
“Next is the Kodiak 900. The systems have been sitting in a near-finished state for almost a year, as we were waiting to see what FS24 brings. Due to the significant changes from FS20, the plane has been re-textured inside and out. The cabin has been partially remodelled and arranged to take advantage of the new modular aircraft system offered in FS24 and despite some niggles, she looks way better now! As we said before, the K900 will be done first as it is a simpler aircraft, to be followed by the Kodiak 100 update into FS24 in short order. “
Lastly, the Pilatus PC-12.
“On to the 12 then! Firstly, we seem to have found the cause of the right-veering tendency and are testing the solution for it, with good results so far! We were also able to bring in the new cabin walls from our PC-12NG into the legacy, along with fresh seat models and new LODs. In the screenshots, you can see what the new cabin looks like and let us know if you like it! Lastly, we are looking to port the tablet over from the Airvan as soon as its production is over, along with avionics bug fixes. While it seems like a lot of extra work, this will enable us to turn the PC-12 Legacy into a solid foundation for the NG, SystemsPulse and FS24.
For the repainters, customization of the cabin was made easier by removing several excess materials and adding more detail textures. You can now customize the pillow, headrest, curtain, inner and outer seat quilting individually, through the use of detail textures. It is worth noting that we have changed a lot of texture names, but will provide at least a list of before/after names so you can easily adjust your repaints.”
Sikorsky S-76C++ for Microsoft Flight Simulator Gets New Screenshots
Cowan Simulation revealed on its Discord Server new screenshots of its upcoming Sikorsky S-76C++.
The helicopter should be released this month, and you can see what it looks like above.
Palm Beach International Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator Gets New Screenshots, Details, and Release Date
Verticalsim revealed new screenshots and details of its upcoming Palm Beach International Airport (KPBI) in Florida, United States. It’ll come to both MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020, and according to the official site, it’ll release on August 25, 2025.
It’ll include the following features.
- Terminal w/simple interior for maximum performance
- Fully modeled accurate hangars and FBOs
- LOD’s for optimization
- Custom high-grade aerial imagery
- 2025 airport layout
- Custom taxiway signage, obstruction lights, centerline lights, etc.
- High-resolution accurate texturing of airport buildings with the full PBR suite
- Surrounding areas modeled (Hilton, Home2, Driveshack)
- Official GSX Profile (made by US Profiles) (COMING SOON)
- All spawn types (airliner, helipad, GA, business jet)
- Spawnable hangar
Raleigh-Durham International Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator Is Almost Complete
Pacific Islands Simulation released a new batch of screenshots of its upcoming Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU) in the United States.
The airport for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 is now being tested, and the developer hopes the project to be completed by next weekend.
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.
