The developer Synaptic Simulations has previewed their Airbus A220 rendition for Microsoft Flight Simulator earlier this week in a YouTube livestream, showcasing the art, the systems and other details of the aircraft.
The stream started off by showing the exterior model of the aircraft, including all the small details that we will be able to find when the aircraft is released. The model has been built from the ground up to ensure the visual fidelity in combination with the Microsoft Flight Simulator’s game engine. The model is created from various 3D scans and technical diagrams.
Most of the texture work was done by iniBuilds, as mentioned in the livestream. That way, the team was capable of texturing the detailed model in meticulous detail. Synaptic Simulations has previewed the attention to detail, especially on the landing gear and the spoilers. Each rivet line has different spacing, different texturing, making the aircraft look just like its real-life counterpart.
Various doors and handles will be capable of being handled in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s walkaround mode, including the engine covers. Those who enjoy the technical aspects of aeroplanes will definitely be happy to test that feature and see all the different systems uncovered.
Moving over to the cabin, which hasn’t been showcased in detail yet, and is based on the Korean Air Airbus A220. You will be able to access a lot of amenities in the cabin, including an animated lavatory, which you can also flush, the galley and working window shades. Despite the cabin being currently modelled and textured as Korean Air, the team aims to provide different textures for various airline carriers.
Moving over to the cockpit, which has also been modelled in meticulous detail. Each button and knob has individual wear and tear, based on how much it is used in an aircraft by pilots. Afterwards, the Synaptic team went to showcase the systems, initially the batteries start-up and APU start-up, which, according to the narrator, have been simulated as realistically as possible.
After the APU startup was showcased, the team moved over to the runway, showcasing the Fly-By-Wire and FADEC systems. The A220 works solely on thrust logic. Suppose you put the throttle to your maximum on a physical hardware. In that case, you should be limited by the aircraft’s situational limits, and the engine acceleration should be stopped on the current TOGA values. The cockpit’s night lighting has been showcased, too.
Lastly, the development timeline has been shown, too. As mentioned on the Discord server of Synaptic Simulations, the A220 will be further showcased at the iniBuilds booth during FSExpo in Providence, RI, on June 26th and 27th, where you will also be able to test the aircraft yourself.
In July, the team aims to showcase the most complex system of the A220, and that is electrical generation and distribution. August is not going to fall behind with news of the A220, and there will be a livestream dedicated to the displays, menus and other systems. By the beginning of autumn, this year, in September, we should know more about the flight controls, the autopilot and air data.
The Synaptic Simulations team is aiming to release the A220 by the end of this year for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. The first version to be released is set to be the A220-300, with A220-100 following later.
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