In the last hours of 2024, TFDi Design Studios has shared an extensive progress update and reflection on the year 2024 with their Discord community. It covers key milestones, and what lies ahead. This update highlights the state of their biggest projects, including the MD-11, smartCARS, PACX, and the 717 aircraft.
MD-11: Further Improvements After Release
2024 was a birth year for the MD-11 project for not just Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS). The team kicked off the year by enhancing the aircraft while still being in internal testing. Following a successful announcement at FSExpo, the MD-11 was officially released in July, marking a major milestone.
Key highlights include not just significant progress on the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) for the General Electric (GE) and Pratt & Whitney (PW) engine variants. TFDi Design’s work on engine tuning is nearing completion, with the PW engine update expected in early 2025. Similarly, the approach systems have been undergoing extensive testing as per their statement.
Additionally, the MD-11’s art and sound packages are receiving notable upgrades. The next major overhaul of the aircraft’s exterior model and textures is apparently underway, ensuring compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020) and MSFS2024. While MSFS2024 compatibility remains a priority, TFDi has yet to determine whether it will be offered as a free update or a paid upgrade, depending on the development effort required.
smartCARS: Sunsetting v2 and Strengthening v3
TFDi is preparing to officially sunset smartCARS 2, their legacy flight tracking tool, on January 6th, 2025 after over ten years. Instead, smartCARS Pro is now set to enable pilots without Virtual Airline memberships to log flights independently while using Airline Schedules.
Enhancements for PACX and 717
Along with all the improvements stated above, TFDi also updated their PACX program for MSFS2024 with various other enhancements and their Boeing 717 simulation to be compatible with Prepare3D v6.
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