PMDG has recently published a lengthy two-part development update regarding their plans for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the upcoming Boeing 777F, and their ongoing work on the 747 Classic (with pictures).

The first part is very similar to their previous statement on their plans for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, with their plan to rebuild their product line in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s SDK and feature all the new niceties still in place: 

‍

• The DC-6 will receive a compatibility build and will be enhanced in the future, depending on demand. If necessary, an upgrade charge may be imposed. 
• The 777-300ER, 777F, 777-200ER, and 777-200LR will receive a dedicated MSFS 2024 version with as many 2024 features as possible during the development lifespan. They are currently using the toolkit documentation to plan walkaround, career, sound package improvements, and other enhancements for future updates. As the amount of work required is unknown, PMDG can not estimate whether they will charge for it.
• The 737 lineup will need a significant update to fully take advantage of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s new features, including an overhaul of the aircraft’s interior, significant updates to the exterior, sound package improvements, and more. PMDG is currently evaluating the workflow and resource allocation. They anticipate it will be treated as an upgrade for MSFS 2020 users and require a modest charge. 

‍

Their position regarding pure compatibility without the 2024 niceties is still the same. The compatibility claim made by Asobo didn’t prove to be true, with the airplanes not functioning as they should in the new simulator. They have been working together with Asobo to figure out a potential fix that would allow the straightforward drag-and-drop compatibility to work.

‍

The second part concerns their upcoming products (777F, 747 Classic) and further information on their issues with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s SDK. It lists some of the “blockers” that have been making their lives slightly harder and draws a parallel with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020’s initial period and its initial lack of development tooling. 

‍

The 777F remains under beta testing in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, with the latest beta build featuring small fixes, a completed simulation of the cargo deck lighting systems, operational controls of the cargo deck door, safety nets, and “other fun features within the main deck cargo area,” in Randazzo’s words. They have also included further integration with FSDT’s GSX, allowing the software to seamlessly manage their doors, entries, cargo loading, and unloading. 

‍

Their best-case scenario plan was to release it for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 only if the release went well enough, which did not happen. Thus, they are moving ahead with the release for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. 

‍

They anticipate another beta cycle, “likely earlier next week or the early following week,” and then “she will roll out of the hangar to support your cargo hauling adventures.” PMDG will let people know when they have the release date set.

‍

The work on the upcoming 747 Classic continues to roll forward, with code-side preparation for the 747-400 reaching an advanced stage of readiness. As the code is running within MSFS 2020 for now, they are beginning mapping changes that will be required to make it MSFS 2024 compatible, making for a “truly magnificent simulation of this airliner.”

‍

‍

On the other hand, the 747-100 Classic Whale is shaping up nicely, with feature sets mapped up that will “open this product line up to a greater swath of users.” “After all, while navigating via fixes defined by their lat/lon positions was revolutionary back in 1971, it can be intimidating and confusing for folks who don’t understand how the process works or who might not be inclined to take the time to learn it just for their weekend simming experience”, justified Randazzo.

Their 747 Classic will come with the CIVA triple INS system—fully modeled to a high degree of detail—with a built-in flight engineer ready to assist the user should they struggle with its sheer complexity. Hardcore pilots will have the option to handle it all by themselves if they so desire.

In addition to the CIVA INS, they will also offer a relatively more modern option: a Honeywell FMS, which equipped many 747-100s later in their service cycle.

‍

They anticipate it will be the “most detailed classic airliner yet produced for desktop flight simulation.”

‍

PMDG’s lineup is available on their website, with prices ranging from $34.99 to $74.99.

Stay tuned to Threshold for more flight simulation news!

‍