FlightFX has released version 1.7.0 of its Hawker 800XP for Microsoft Flight Simulator, with a built-in copy of the Pro Line 21 avionics and a new terrain alert. The changelog was shared in an announcement on the developer’s Discord server, posted by a member of the FlightFX team.
The Hawker 800XP is a midsize twin-engine business jet from the long-running Hawker line, which traces back to the British-designed BAe 125. It has been a common sight in corporate and charter fleets for decades.
The most important change is that the aircraft now ships with its own copy of the SU6 Pro Line 21 avionics. Changes to the simulator’s default Pro Line 21 can therefore no longer break it, and the developer says this should resolve the incompatibility with Sim Update 7. The update also adds a Terrain Clearance Floor mode to the EGPWS. It gives a TOO LOW TERRAIN alert when the aircraft descends too low for its distance from the runway on approach. According to the developer, a normal 3° approach stays well clear of it, and the TERR INHIB switch turns it off.
Among the many refinements, the top-of-descent chime now sounds once the magenta vertical situation bug starts moving down. Turning the speed knob without autothrottle now switches to a manual cyan speed, and selecting RESUME on the FMS PERF MENU returns to the managed magenta speed. The altitude knob snaps to the nearest 1,000 ft when spun quickly, and the armed GS indication stays hidden until LOC is captured. The developer also reduced ground idle thrust, retuned the turbulence response, and made the refuel panel rocker switches unlit to match the real aircraft.
Several fixes target false or unwanted behaviour. Hydraulic temperature was exaggerated on the ground, causing false HYD OVHT messages during taxi, and with component failures enabled, it could damage both engine-driven hydraulic pumps. The team also fixed a fire bottle discharging when a saved state was loaded, and made further changes to nuisance TERRAIN calls on landing. Rain on the windshield now reacts to airspeed.
On performance, FlightFX says it fixed stutters that grew worse on long flights with terrain shown on the MFD, and that the systems, avionics and displays now do less work each frame. With Total Persistence on, it saves fuel, consumables, and wear every 30 seconds in flight instead of every second.
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