Black Square has recently released a development update where they previewed their newest project for Microsoft Flight Simulator, the Beechcraft Starship. This futuristic-looking aircraft was one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the 80s and was designed by Burt Rutan Scaled Composites, a well-known aircraft designer. The Starship was also the first all-composite business aircraft with a pressurized cabin. 

Unfortunately, despite its design, the Beechcraft Starship was a commercial failure, as during 7 years of production, only 53 were made. Many of the aircraft never found a buyer and were later leased to Raytheon. Today, only 5 Starships are airworthy. The Beechcraft Starship was also the first certified aircraft with a canard wing, the first business aircraft with an all-composite structure, the first certified twin-pusher turboprop, the first general aviation aircraft with a glass cockpit, and one of three civilian turboprops that are certified with a service ceiling up to 41.000 feet. 

According to the last development update, the cabin is finished, and the developers are focusing on the Starship’s unique systems and avionic suites such as the AMS-850.

The AMS-850 is an avionic suite that was used only in the Starship. It was one of the most advanced avionic suites in the 80s, and many of the feature used in today’s suites were pioneered by the AMS-850. As GPS wasn’t publicly available when the prototype made its first flight, the avionics would automatically tune to the nearest navigational aid and would generate an estimate of the current position. The positional estimation could be enhanced by manual pilot input. Along with other navigational receivers, the Beechcraft Starship had receivers for VLF (Very Low Frequency) radio stations, such as Omega. Omega consisted of 9 transmitters located in various locations around the globe. 

Black Square’s rendition of the Starship will feature all technology developed for Dukes, which will also be added to the TBM850 in a free update this summer. This update will include a tablet with options to manage payload, control failures, change options, monitor engines, as well as a live schematic of the electrical and environmental control system.

The Starship will feature CRT displays that take time to warm up, and navigational databases that can be updated with floppy disks. Over 230 failures and 172 circuit breakers will be present.

The Black Square developer will be attending the FSExpo 2024, where you will be able to learn more about this amazing aircraft and its progress.

‍

Stay tuned to Threshold for more flight sim news and reviews!