FlyByWire Simulations' A32NX has seen a sweeping update today with the release of stable version 0.5.0, the first official update since mid-November, which now includes simBrief integration, a re-worked flight model and much more.

Pushed to the group's Github repository earlier today, 0.5.0 in full comprises of over 165 changes to the aircraft, which in itself has seen many changes from the default A320neo present in Microsoft Flight Simulator through v0.4.0.

Some of the more notable additions for seasoned simmers include support for airways in the MCDU, METAR/TAF/ATIS request with the new ATSU system and the ability to switch between metric and imperial units.

We've elected to use the slightly more manageable Github changelog as opposed to the lengthy full changelog in this article, however, if you'd like to see the full list of changes, you can do so on the group's website here.

Major new features

• AOC INIT REQUEST SimBrief integration
• Completely reworked flight model (Flaps, AOA, drag/thrust ratio, vertical stabilizer)
• Completely reworked engine, cockpit, and ground roll sounds
• Completely reworked interior and exterior lighting
• Major improvements to PFD, ND, EWD and SD display graphics
• Improved speed calculations (S, F, VApp, VLS), including ground speed mini implementation
• Added support for airways
• Implemented ATSU/AOC with METAR/TAF/ATIS requests and free text
• Implemented OPTIONS MCDU menu for configuring user settings
• ADIRS alignment time
• DMC self-test time
• METAR/TAF/ATIS request sources
• Switching between metric and imperial units

Minor new features

• Added COND ECAM page
• Added CABIN PRESS ECAM page
• Added ELEC ECAM page (currently not functional)
• Implemented ECAM "ALL" button functionality
• Added Go-Around MCDU page and flight phase
• Improved RAD NAV MCDU page
• Improved cockpit textures and decals
• Basic CFDS implementation with EIS display tests
• Overhauled MCDU message and scratchpad handling
• Separated windshield wipers
• New default camera positions
• Added many new ECAM warnings and memos
• Added G LOAD indication to lower ECAM
• Added flashing QNH when passing transition altitude
• New icing detected ECAM messages

Bug fixes

• Flaps, PTU, and fuel pumps are no longer heard in cockpit
• Improved calculation of VSPEEDs
• Autopilot wobble mitigated
• Fixed takeoff memo appearing after landing

A list of known issues is available as well, which can be seen here.

Speaking about the presence of these known issues, project founder Iceman had this to say in the group's Discord chat server - "We are aware everyone was looking forward to new features such as electrical & hydraulic systems and our new custom fly-by-wire system, but unfortunately we ran into a few issues with the SDK and are waiting on MS/Asobo to address them before we can include them in a stable version."

"If you don't mind a few bugs, and are interested in trying out the experimental custom fly-by-wire branch, you can download it here."

You can download stable release 0.5.0 of the FlyByWire A32NX from Github.