FlightSim Studio AG, the developers behind the popular E-Jets for Microsoft Flight Simulator, has announced the latest product in their lineup: the Boeing 727-200F Freighter for the platform. What’s more, is that the developer has also added that the work-in-progress aircraft is not far from release with a tentative release window given.
What can we expect?
FSS’ implementation of the iconic tri-jet will include lots of system simulations, a variety of NAV options, automated crew procedures, and more. The 727-200F will feature an incredibly detailed 3D model and high-resolution textures for both the exterior and interior. The product will also feature custom aircraft systems, SimBrief integration, performance calculations, and flight dynamics created by a real-world pilot.
A variety of LNAV (lateral NAV) options will be included such as the GNS530 by Working Title, GTN750 by PMS, GTNXi by TDS, and the CIVA INS by FSS themselves. Furthermore, a true-to-life sound environment including ambient sounds along with highly detailed liveries and paint schemes covering a variety of operators will also be included with the product.
Anything else we should know?
The FSS team has already put up a product page for the 727-200F and naturally simmers had a lot of questions about the aircraft. Some of those frequently asked questions have been answered by the team; this rendition will not be an early access type of product but is instead a feature-complete add-on and will be improved upon and updated after release.
The systems of the complex aircraft will be simulated extensively and in the real world are operated by a crew of three. Therefore, simmers have the option of taking on the challenge of operating the whole thing on their own. However, should you need assistance, FSS has added a virtual crew functionality to alleviate some of the responsibilities and have a more relaxed time flying the tri-jet.
A passenger version is confirmed for the 727-200 but the release timeline, unlike the freighter version, is still very unclear as of the time of writing. It may or may not be a standalone product; a -100 variant will not be developed at all.
VNAV in the real world 727 was no such thing. However, FSS has included a include a feature where you can calculate a descent profile depending on your target altitude, and with a click, the autopilot will follow the descent profile (kind of like a managed DES mode). The 727-200F from FSS will include an autothrottle reflective of the real-world retrofit package Pan Am had back in the day on a few of its 727s. It can be toggled on and off.
About the 727-200F
The Boeing 727 is an American narrow-body airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the only tri-jet ever produced by Boeing and is powered by P&W JT8D low-bypass turbofans below a T-tail, one on each side of the fuselage and a center one fed through a S-duct. The 727 entered service with Eastern Air Lines on February 1, 1964, after it was launched four years prior with 40 orders each from United and Eastern.
Closing Notes
FSS’ 727-200F will launch soon at the end of July 2024 according to the developer. The full feature list can be found on their product page. If you are at FSExpo 2024 this weekend, you can visit Aerosoft’s booth for a demo flight and a chat with the developers. We are also extensively covering the event on our page so do visit FSNews to stay up to date with all the news coming out of there.
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