Leonardo Software, developer of the Fly the Maddog MD-80, announced the release date of the much-anticipated MD-80 on their forum. The release date was confirmed to be Saturday, April 30th.

This is Leonardo Software entry into developing products for the Microsoft Flight Simulator platform. Leonardo Software has previously released the MD-80, MD-83 and MD-88 for Lockheed Martin’s P3D.

Some of the key features are accurately represented MD-80 engines, working TCAS and EPGWS, a livery manager and custom cockpit panel colors. Further, the developers promise Honeywell FMS 4 startup panels states, and weights and balance configuration and route planner in Electronic Flight Bag.

Other features include custom aircraft failures, automatic fuel loading, and FSUIPC compatibility.

The development team also mentions that all settings including panel states can be updated while the sim is running without a need to restart the flight. WX radar will not be functional on initial release because of the MSFS SDK and will be free as a future update.

The MD-80, a T-tail McDonnell Douglas aircraft was a workhorse in the airline industry. Starting service in September 1980 with Swissair and in 1982 with American Airlines, the MD-80 was sold to more than 20 airlines from Alaska Airlines to Scandinavian Airlines, the MD-80 operated on at least three continents. Currently, most of the MD-80s produced have been retired.

In 2010 a program to convert MD-80s to freighters began and gave new life to the aircraft. The MD-80 proceeds with another workhorse, the Douglas DC-9.

The price for the Fly the Maddog MD-80 will be 75€. Fly the Maddog X will only be available via the SimMarket website.