FlightSim Studio, the developers of the Embraer E-Jets for Microsoft Flight Simulator, have taken to their blog page to post a new development update on their upcoming rendition of the Tupolev Tu-154M for the platform. The Tu-154M had been shown off at FSExpo in Saint Paul, MN earlier this year, and we now have a closer look at the upcoming aircraft.
Systems
Development of the aircraft’s various systems has now reached its final stage. The major item on the developers’ checklist is the implementation of the EFB. Although the real-world classic did not feature one, the devs argue that having an EFB in a simulator context is essential for load planning, performance calculations, configuration options, and general usability. They aim to deliver an authentic simulation while being accessible.
Regarding the questions received about the various navigation options, the devs state that the Tu-154M will include the original Doppler navigation system used on the real-world aircraft for those who want an authentic simulation of the airplane. It would be especially important for simmers who would enjoy the classic workflow of a three-man cockpit and want to experience the aircraft as closely as possible to the real-world thing.
Alongside the Doppler navigation system, the devs will also integrate the KLN90B as a more familiar and accessible navigation system. There is still debate within the team on whether to integrate the GNS-XLS or the MSFS native UNS system. The final word will be shared soon.
Exterior Model
The exterior model also continues to receive love and resources from the team simultaneously. One of the more important aspects is the tail section, which now features the authentic Tu-154M trim system. The real-world aircraft’s entire horizontal stabilizer/elevator unit moves as one, and at stronger trim values, a distinctive edge is created between the elevator unit and the upper forward tail section.
Engine cowlings, engine mounts, and the engines themselves also continue to be worked on and receive additional detail. The dev team is referring to the Tu-154M maintenance manual and its many detailed illustrations, panels, access points, and component references to accurately capture the intricacies of the airplane. Work is currently progressing from the tail towards the nose of the plane.
Cockpit and Interior
The cockpit has also gone through another round of detail improvements and various corrections. In one example, the dev states that the Flight Engineer panel had the incorrect warning light version installed, alongside expressing dissatisfaction with the shape of various components. These have since been corrected. Current work focuses primarily on fine-detail work such as switches, panels, labels, surfaces, small geometry corrections, and other miscellaneous items.
The interior cabin of the aircraft also continues to receive similar levels of attention, with even the lavatories of the aircraft cabin being modeled. A lot of the details are inspired by and referenced from a large amount of Tu-154M footage, photos, and other reference material. The developer also mentioned that a wide variety of liveries will be included as part of the add-on with airlines and operators from all over Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Closing Notes
The developer also requested the larger community to chip in with all sorts of reference materials such as photos and videos to aid in the accurate development of the upcoming aircraft. Neither a release date nor a price point for the aircraft was revealed, but according to the blog post, more information is to be expected soon. We were, however, treated to a cinematic reveal trailer by the FSS team, which can be viewed below.
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