Black Square has released its latest aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, the Beechcraft Starship. This fast and technological 80s twin turboprop features advanced systems and a high level of detail, as has been shown on previous development updates.
The Beechcraft Starship
The Starship is an aircraft that was manufactured by Beechcraft from 1983 to 1995 and features rather unconventional design aspects, both inside and out. Outside, it has twin turboprops in pusher configuration, a variable-sweep canard, and twin tails on the wingtips. Additionally, it was constructed, in large part, out of composite materials. These features give the starship a truly standout look that makes it appear futuristic, even today.
Inside, the Starship is equipped with an advanced Omega/VLF navigation system. This pre-GPS system automatically tuned to various navaids to determine its position, giving the Starship en route RNAV capabilities. This was also the first general aviation aircraft to feature an all-glass cockpit, giving it navigation and instrumentation capabilities that could match or even exceed those of airliners of the time. Sadly, the Starship ended up being a commercial failure for Beechcraft for various reasons, and of the 53 built, only six remain airworthy today.
Black Square’s Rendition
Black Square’s Nick Cyganski considered the Starship to be a passion project of his, spending years researching and working with Starship owners to create a highly detailed rendition of the aircraft. Black Square’s Starship features an advanced simulation of the aircraft’s systems, including its Collins AMS-850 avionics suite, the VLF/Omega navigation system, and even avionics temperature management. It also features an advanced turboprop simulation, including damage from engine mismanagement, hot starts, and debris entering the turbine during icing conditions or when landing on unpaved surfaces.
Black Square’s Starship also features highly detailed models and textures, a sound set by Boris Audio Works, and a tablet interface that includes weight and balance, failures, and options management, as well as real-time engine and electrical systems diagrams.
The Black Square Beechcraft Starship is available now from Just Flight’s store for $54.99 USD. If you’re interested in more Black Square news, check out our latest development update article here. FlightSimExpo 2025 is approaching, and Nick Cyganski of Black Square has mentioned that he will be present at the event, which we will be covering in detail next June 27-29. Stay tuned to FSNews if you want to know the latest about this important event.
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