TFDi Design recently released its May 2024 development update for the upcoming MD-11 for Microsoft Flight Simulator. In this short update, developer Collin showcases some of the new features implemented into the aircraft. Celebrating that they have reached “Feature Complete”, meaning all important features are now incorporated into the aircraft. Features shown in the video include the EFB with performance calculations tool and a SimBrief flight plan import tool. Minor changes and features like cabin lights and some alerts were also featured in this update.
Feature Complete Milestone
TFDi announced that they have reached the “Feature Complete” Milestone. This milestone indicates that all the important features that the aircraft should have according to TFDi have now been incorporated. According to the developer, the aircraft in its current state “behaves like how an MD-11 should”. These important features were obtained from various sources including the Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) and feedback from pilots, mechanics, etc… However, they stated that some minor features aren’t fully incorporated like alerts from the MCDU.
New Features Showcased in The Update
In the video, they demonstrated how the aircraft screens fade in to simulate the startup of a CRT screen turning on. Then, they introduced the EFB and some of its features. The flight plan can now be imported directly from SimBrief into the EFB. They have also included a performance calculator in the EFB, which provides take-off speed data based on thousands of real MD-11 data points.
Moving from the EFB, they showcased the payload loading correctly compared to previous builds of the aircraft. A test was performed to showcase the newly implemented alerts. Some cabin lights were also showcased, including the backlight of the FCP and night lighting inside the cockpit. Support for step-climbs and some advanced features of the FMC are now implemented but not showcased during the video.
What’s next in the MD-11 Development?
The development team focuses now on fixing features according to the video. After reaching the “Feature Complete” status, they will concentrate on fixing bugs as quickly as possible to prepare for a near-future release. However, no release date for the MD-11 has been mentioned. They have confirmed that more development updates will be coming to cover other systems. TFDi Design is sharing MD-11 updates on their Discord server, and a progress bar for the add-on can be viewed here. You can also read about their previous development update for the MD-11 in our article here.
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