The developer behind a de Havilland Comet 4 for Microsoft Flight Simulator has shared a development update and a first list of planned features, aimed at what the developer describes as a study-level recreation of the classic jet airliner.
The development update was posted as a message to the community on the Classic Aircraft Simulations Discord server by a team member, who says development is “still in full effect” and hopes to have users “flying around like it’s 1958 fairly soon”.
The Comet 4 was the improved successor to the de Havilland Comet, the British aircraft often described as the world’s first jet airliner. It entered airline service in 1958 and is remembered as a pioneer of early jet travel, flying in an era when navigation relied far more on radio aids and the stars than on modern avionics.
That period flavour runs through the feature list. According to the developer, the aircraft will include LORAN navigation with an APN-9 unit and custom LORAN maps, which the developer says is the first time LORAN has been authentically modelled in any sim. Astronavigation is also planned, with a periscopic sextant that pilots can pick up to navigate by the stars.
Systems are a major focus. The developer lists detailed engine behaviour, including failures, fires and damage from engine abuse, as well as a custom-coded electrical system with a DC split busbar and AC systems. The team says every aircraft circuit is modelled and every cockpit circuit breaker and fuse works. Custom hydraulic and fuel systems with authentic failure modes are also planned. The flight model is said to be built using CFD and data from the original manuals.
Other announced items include the Smiths Flight System and SEP-2D autopilot, an ASRAD E.160 weather radar “modelled as accurately as possible”, physics-based animation, and a crew checklist with optional cockpit automation. The developer adds that there is “much more” to come and that more details will follow soon.
No price, release date or sales channel has been announced for the Comet 4, and no product page is available yet. We will report on further updates as they appear.
Feel free to join our Discord server to share your feedback on the article, screenshots from your flights or just chat with the rest of the team and the community. Click here to join the server.
