Classic Aircraft Simulations (CAS) announced the release of the Piper J3 Cub for MSFS 2024 at the beginning of January, alongside the development of their next project, the de Havilland Comet 4. The J3 Cub was Classic Aircraft Simulations’ first aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator, originally released for MSFS 2020 in mid-June of 2024, marking the beginning of their contributions to the flight simulation community. These announcements reflect CAS’s continued focus on introducing historically significant aircraft into the world of flight simulation.
The Legacy of the Piper J3 Cub
Introduced in the late 1930s, the Piper J3 Cub became a cornerstone of general aviation. Renowned for its simplicity, lightweight design, and responsive handling, the J3 was widely adopted as a trainer during World War II under the designation L-4 Grasshopper. Its forgiving flight characteristics made it ideal for novice pilots, while its minimal instrumentation required precise, hands-on flying skills that honed essential techniques.
While the J3 Cub became popular for beginner pilots due to its simplicity and forgiving flight characteristics, some criticized its slow cruise speed and limited payload. Despite these drawbacks, the aircraft remains a favorite among enthusiasts, with thousands still operating today. Its iconic bright yellow paint scheme is a lasting symbol of classic aviation.
Bringing the Piper J3 Cub to MSFS 2024
Classic Aircraft Simulations introduced the J3 Cub to Microsoft Flight Simulator in mid-June 2024, showcasing detailed flight dynamics and a faithful aircraft recreation for MSFS 2020. Feedback on Discord, Contrail, and simMarket highlighted user satisfaction with the aircraft’s realism and handling, with many users noting its detailed design and flight characteristics.
While updating the J3 Cub, CAS faced significant challenges transitioning it to MSFS 2024 due to unexpected differences in the simulator’s architecture. These included updates to the flight model and compatibility issues with custom WASM modules, which initially affected some liveries. Through extensive troubleshooting and development, CAS resolved these issues, ensuring that all liveries are fully functional. The J3 Cub was released for MSFS 2024 at the beginning of January 2025.
On January 10, 2025, Classic Aircraft Simulations announced an update to the J3 for MSFS 2024, noting the following outstanding issues remain unresolved: excessively fast animation speed on first load or view change, MSFS 2024 native avatars not appearing, and radio frequency change functionality being inoperative. CAS has committed to continuing to release updates as these issues are addressed.
The J3 Cub is available for purchase through Contrail here and simMarket here. Those who purchased the MSFS 2020 version from either store will be offered a free upgrade to the MSFS 2024. Buyers can access this upgrade by logging into the same store where the 2020 version was purchased.
The de Havilland Comet 4: A Jet Age Milestone
Classic Aircraft Simulations has revealed its next project: the iconic de Havilland Comet 4, a historic jetliner that successfully competed with Boeing in the early jet age. The Comet 4, which entered service in 1958, was a pivotal model in British aviation history. It addressed structural issues in the earlier Comet 1 and became a competitive rival to the Boeing 707 in the emerging jetliner market.
Designed for long-haul routes, the Comet 4 featured extended range, enhanced safety, and increased passenger capacity. The Comet 4C model remained in passenger service until 1980, while its military derivative, the Nimrod, served the Royal Air Force until 2011.
Flying the de Havilland Comet 4: A Historical Experience
The Comet 4’s flight deck showcases mid-20th-century innovation. Unlike modern aircraft with advanced computer systems, the Comet’s cockpit relied on analog instruments and required exceptional skill and teamwork from pilots. Classic Aircraft Simulations is working to create a detailed simulation of this historic aircraft, using extensive documentation and research to ensure accuracy.
Chris from Classic Aircraft Simulations shared work-in-progress images of the Comet 4’s flight deck (see below). These images highlight the detailed recreation of the cockpit’s mid-20th-century analog design. While development is ongoing, CAS intends to create a detailed and historically accurate simulation of this landmark aircraft for MSFS 2024.
Looking Ahead for 2025
Classic Aircraft Simulations aims to finalize updates for the Piper J3 Cub and advance the de Havilland Comet 4’s development, focusing on refining outstanding issues and delivering historical accuracy. The challenges and lessons learned during the J3 Cub’s development will be beneficial in the ongoing work on the Comet 4 project.
Stay tuned to FSNews for further updates as CAS continues to refine the Piper J3 Cub and progresses on developing the de Havilland Comet 4 for MSFS 2024.
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