Flight sim development studio Big Radials took to their Facebook page yesterday (15th October 2024) to announce that their rendition of the Lockheed JetStar for Microsoft Flight Simulator will enter early access this week. The business jet has been in development for a while now as the public release inches closer. The developers also addressed a few FAQs regarding the Lockheed JetStar.
About the Lockheed JetStar
The Lockheed JetStar (designated L-329, L-1329, and C-140) is an American-made business jet produced from the early 1960s to the early 1970s. It was the first dedicated business jet to enter service and the only such aircraft type produced by Lockheed. It was also one of the largest aircraft in its class for many years seating ten passengers plus two crew. Its distinguishable features include four engines with dual pods mounted on each side and the “slipper”-style fuel tanks fixed to the wings.
Early access information
With the MSFS2024 tech alpha being available to the wider public earlier this week, Big Radials announced that they still do not have access to the SDK of the newer sim, and hence do not yet know what is possible. They are, however, preparing to release the JetStar into early access for MSFS2020 as soon as this week which at the time of writing is projected to be 18-19 October 2024. The Lockheed JetStar will be sold at a discounted price for as long as the product is in Early Access.
Until the aircraft is complete, the team is aiming to push updates weekly or bi-weekly. An added disclaimer will be posted on their product page advising simmers not to purchase unless they want to use a product that is still in active development. There will be separate releases for MSFS2020 and MSFS2024 and as soon as access is gained to the MSFS2024 SDK, 2024 native features will be added as soon as possible.
The 2020 release will be cheaper than the 2024 release and an upgrade path is being considered but is yet to be ascertained as they still have no access to the SDK. The flight model of the aircraft along with its interior has progressed very well. Furthermore, the team is also coding a full implementation of the CIVAS INS instrument for the aircraft. It will be INOP on the Early Access release and functions will be added with updates through to the final release version.
FAQs
The team also shared a few work-in-progress previews of the Lockheed JetStar while also addressing some frequently asked questions. Their version of the JetStar will come equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT12-8A jet turbines producing 33,000 lbf of thrust each which powered the JetStar I, the first-ever variant. At this point, only one interior type of the aircraft will be implemented on launch.
As mentioned before, the CIVAS INS will be non-functional during the Early Access period with functionality added with each update to then morph into a completely functional INS. It will be fully functional when released on the in-sim Marketplace (note that the Early Access aircraft will only be available through their website and nowhere else) but will use GPS calls. If there is considerable interest in the JetStar, they will then go the extra mile and do a full simulation of the Inertial Navigation calculations based on the initial position and then timed updates that use wind speed, heading, airspeed, and drift.
The sound pack aspect of the aircraft, according to the developer, is at a satisfactory starting point right now but will also improve throughout the Early Access period. High and medium-speed handling aspects of the flight model are quite good and their attention has now turned to tuning the low-speed and stall-handling aspects of the aircraft.
Closing Notes
A pretty nice and substantial update from the team over at Big Radials and it seems their latest product is coming along nicely although still has some ways to go. The Lockheed JetStar is a unique piece of aviation history and seemingly one of the first of the business jet’s kind. The aircraft will go on early access sale soon in the coming days and will be available through their website only.
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