Horizon Simulations has kicked off its “787 v2 deep-dive series” for Microsoft Flight Simulator with a look at the upgraded communications panel. The first of several upcoming features, the developer has taken to Discord to showcase how the team is reworking core systems to bring the 787 family closer to real-world standards.
Focus on the COM system.
The COM panel receives a complete overhaul compared with the Working Title implementation. Previously limited and mostly inoperative, the new system now features a fully functional Store Active menu on the VHF page, matching the aircraft’s FCOM specification. Pilots will be able to save and recall radio frequencies, just as in the real 787.
While HF radio functions are not simulated in Microsoft Flight Simulator or current ATC add-ons, Horizon has faithfully recreated the HF pages for authenticity. The developer also mentions “further ideas” to make this part of the aircraft even more realistic than any other airliner currently available in the simulator. Shared screenshots illustrate the depth of the new COM interface, showcasing pages for weather radar, GPWS, interphone, SAT‑phone, and miscellaneous radio settings.
Community engagement and next steps
This first look at the COM panel marks only the beginning of Horizon Simulations’ deep-dive series for the 787 v2. The team continues rigorous internal testing while preparing future showcases focused on areas such as the EFB, sound design, and visual model enhancements. Horizon has invited its community to participate by voting on which topic should be explored next, reinforcing the studio’s close collaboration with its user base and commitment to transparent development.
Expanding the Dreamliner family
The Horizon Simulations 787 Series represents a major enhancement of the default Microsoft Flight Simulator Dreamliner family. Building on the base 787-10, Horizon is also developing the 787-9 and 787-8 variants, each featuring upgraded flight dynamics, accurate cockpit logic, and detailed exterior models. The team’s 787-9, already released, includes over 30 liveries, refined lighting and sound, and remains compatible with both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. Work on the shorter 787-8 continues, with ongoing progress shared regularly through development updates.
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