Earlier this week, X-Plane developer X-Scenery officially announced their latest project - the Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 Marquise 2.0. The aircraft, a completely reinvented version of the developer’s first payware product back in 2008, will serve as nostalgia for longtime X-Plane users while allowing others to enjoy a memorable general aviation experience.

According to the developer, the 3D model of the MU-2 has to be redone from the ground up to accommodate for the differences between X-Plane 9, the simulator the first version of the plane was designed for, and X-Plane 11. Improved software technology, hardware capabilities, and workflow have allowed the team to improve the model’s geometric fidelity and “get the challenging shapes and curves more accurate”. To illustrate the differences between the two models, the developers included a comparison between the two where the v2 model clearly has “a higher density 3D model all around”. Additionally, higher 3D details have been utilized in certain areas of the aircraft to “reflect light more realistically as [the user] moves the camera around”, an approach that differs from the traditional method of using texture decals which may result in “fake looking 3D models”.

To compliment the new model, the developers are also utilizing PBR textures with a solid implementation of ambient occlusion, “a phenomenon where light loses energy as it bounces around into corners, resulting in darker corners and recesses”. Since ambient occlusion is not provided for aircraft in X-Plane by default, it will be painted, or "baked", into the MU-2's textures. For a full list of improvements in version 2, checkout the developer's post.

Finally, the developers teased that additional progress updates that will introduce the users to the MU-2’s cockpit will be published soon, though no specific time frames has been given.

Currently, X-Scenery is yet to announce the release date or pricing of the Mitsubishi MU-2. However, the developers did indicate owners of V1 will receive a discount when purchasing MU-2 V2. Threshold will keep you updated on this front.