113-548: Precision Manuals Development Group (often abbreviated as PMDG ) is a commercial add-on aircraft developer for the Microsoft Flight Simulator , Lockheed Martin Prepar3D , and X-Plane series. The company was founded by Robert S. Randazzo, who stated that his ultimate goal was to develop the software to the point where it could be used by airlines and manufacturers to supplement pilot training. The company
226-434: A carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) wing with a wingspan of 213 or 225 ft; 2,560 or 2,700 in (65 or 68.6 m) with blended winglets , or up to 233 ft 5 in (71.1 m) with raked wingtip would have provided for a 10% larger wing area. The aircraft would have fallen into ICAO aerodrome code F like the 747-8 and A380 but with 22 ft 6 in (6.9 m) folding wingtips would stay within
339-492: A crosswind when raised, alerting the crew when they are not correctly positioned while the mechanism and controls will be further inspected. Those ten special conditions were published on May 18, 2018, covering worst-case scenarios . Transported by sea from Subaru in Nagoya to Everett, the center wing-box is similar in size to the legacy 777 but is more reinforced and heavier, with more titanium . The internal cabin width
452-527: A 10:1 bypass ratio, a 60:1 overall pressure ratio, and 27:1 HP compressor ratio for a 10% fuel burn reduction. In March 2013, Boeing selected the GE9X with a 132 in (335 cm) fan. It is the largest fan made by GE. In the rest of 2013, thrust was bumped to 102,000 and 105,000 lbf (450 and 470 kN) to support the MTOW growing from 769,413 to 775,000 lb (349,000 to 351,534 kg) and increasing
565-460: A 120 ft (37 m) autoclave, and a robot to wind fiber for the wings. The first 777X was planned to be built on the ex-787 "surge" line. The -9 firm-configuration was reached in August 2015 and assembly of the initial aircraft was to begin in 2017 for a December 2019 introduction advanced from the previously scheduled 2020. With a current 777 production rate of 100 per year, 380 on order at
678-580: A 367,000 sq ft (34,100 m ) composites facility in St. Louis to be completed in 2016, to build 777X parts with six autoclaves for the wing and empennage parts, starting in 2017. The 787 'surge' line at the Everett factory would be converted into a 777X early production line by the end of 2015. Boeing built a 1,300,000 sq ft (120,000 m ) building adjacent to the Everett factory, with
791-684: A 777-9 with auxiliary fuel tanks and reduced seating capacity. However, Qantas subsequently preferred the Airbus A350-1000 for this project. The -8 would also fill the niche market for an aircraft capable of flying with a full payload from hubs in the Gulf states to the West Coast of the United States . It could, however, be cancelled if customers find the -9 acceptable for these routes. In August 2023, Boeing announced an increase in
904-408: A Software Development Kit (SDK) for development. The main improvements are graphical. Microsoft has also released a Flight Simulator X demo, which contains three aircraft, two airports, and two missions. It is compatible with Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista. On January 22, 2009, it was reported that the development team was heavily affected by Microsoft's program of job cuts, with indications that
1017-642: A budding or student pilot and can even help instrument pilots or those going for an instrument rating sharpen their skills". Another pilot similarly praised Flight Simulator 2.0 in PC Magazine that year, giving it 18 out of 18 points. He reported that its realism compared well to two $ 3 million hardware flight simulators he had recently flown, and that he could use real approach plates to land at and navigate airports Flight Simulator ' s manual did not document. Compute! warned "if you don't know much about flying, this program may overwhelm you. It's not
1130-463: A classic program, unique in the market". It praised the graphics and detailed scenery, and concluded "I think it's going to sell its share of IBM PCs , and will certainly sell some color/graphics adapters ". BYTE in December 1983 wrote that "this amazing package does an incredible job of making you think you're actually flying a small plane". While it noted the inability to use a RGB monitor or
1243-449: A delivery planned in summer 2020 to Lufthansa. The roll-out of the prototype occurred on March 13, 2019, in a low-key employees-only event overshadowed by the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX 8 on March 10. The GE9X engines installed on the 777X prototype were first run on May 29. However, a compressor anomaly occurred with another engine during pre-delivery tests, and the maiden flight previously planned for no earlier than June 26
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#17327873824521356-622: A fuel burn of more than 10% lower than the GE90-115B and 15% lower than its Trent 800 powering the 777; the RB3025 concept has a composite fan, a core derived from the Trent 1000 , and advanced HP materials. Pratt & Whitney responded with the 100,000 lbf (440 kN) thrust PW1000G geared turbofan architecture. GE Aviation proposed the GE9X with a 128 in (325 cm) diameter fan,
1469-426: A jig for robotic drilling . Boeing launched the 777-9 production on October 23 with the wing spar drilling; its maiden flight was scheduled in the first quarter of 2019, one year before its introduction, perhaps with Emirates. On November 7, 90% of the engineering drawings were released, with the airframe before the systems: 99% of the wing and 98% of the fuselage drawings are released. The detailed design phase
1582-480: A joystick, the magazine concluded that "for $ 49.95 you can't have everything". A pilot wrote in the magazine in March 1984 that he found the simulated Cessna 182 to be "surprisingly realistic". While criticizing the requirement of using the keyboard to fly, he concluded " Microsoft Flight Simulator is a tour de force of the programmer's art ... It can be an excellent introduction to how an aircraft actually operates for
1695-444: A lack of "design maturity". In April 2022, after an "updated assessment of the time required to meet certification requirements", Boeing again delayed 777X deliveries, this time to 2025. In November 2022, it was revealed that the GE9X engine on one of the four test 777-9s had suffered a technical issue on October 6. Boeing subsequently paused the test program while GE investigated the issue. In May 2024, launch customer Lufthansa
1808-593: A licensing agreement to purchase the intellectual property (including source code) for the Microsoft ESP product. It is the commercial-use version of Flight Simulator X SP2. On May 17, 2010, Lockheed announced that the new product based upon the ESP source code would be called Prepar3D (P3D). Lockheed hired members of the original Aces Game Studio team to continue development of the product. In November 2010, Lockheed Martin debuted Prepar3D version 1. Version 1.1
1921-465: A new flight simulator titled Microsoft Flight in February 2012. Developed by The Coalition (as Microsoft Game Studios Vancouver), it was not part of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series, but instead was designed to replace it and aimed at drawing new users into flight gaming. While claiming to be simpler to use for inexperienced users, it is incompatible with Flight Simulator and does not allow
2034-675: A range of 8,745 nmi (16,196 km; 10,064 mi) while the 777-9 has seating for 426 passengers and a range of over 7,285 nmi (13,492 km; 8,383 mi). The 777X program was proposed in the early 2010s with assembly at the Boeing Everett Factory and the wings built at a new adjacent building. As of September 2024 , there are 503 total orders for the 777X passenger and freighter versions from thirteen identified customers and unnamed buyer(s). The 777-9 first flew on January 25, 2020. Deliveries have been delayed multiple times; as of October 2024, Boeing expects
2147-424: A second quarter first flight. By late 2019, it should be joined in the flight program by the other four 777-9 prototypes which were undergoing assembly. The first flight-test aircraft was built 20% faster than the static airframe. At the end of November, the electric systems were powered on and the rollout was expected for February 2019. First deliveries are planned for May 2020 while the first production wing spar
2260-626: A simple simulation. It's a challenging program even for experienced pilots". The magazine concluded that Flight Simulator "is interesting, challenging, graphically superb, diverse, rewarding, and just plain fun ... sheer delight". Flight Simulator 2.0 was reviewed in 1989 in Dragon #142 by Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser in "The Role of Computers" column. The reviewers gave the game 5 out of 5 stars. Computer Gaming World stated in 1994 that Flight Simulator 5 "is closer to simulating real flight than ever before". Microsoft Flight Simulator X
2373-551: A single installation. The Steam Edition includes "all standard Steam functionality", including an overhaul of the multiplayer support to go through Steam rather than the now-defunct GameSpy , improved stability on Windows 7 and 8 , and features minor performance tweaks including a complete recompile using VS2013 . Additionally, Dovetail Games has worked with existing developers and publishers to distribute their content on Steam as DLC. Currently, there are over 100 add-ons for FSX: Steam Edition from over 35 developers available on
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#17327873824522486-425: A special demonstration lab is not as quick as planned. The first 777-9 fuselage assembly started in March 2018. In May 2018, Qatar Airways head Akbar Al Baker thought development was a couple of months late but expects Boeing to catch up, provided no certification issues arise. To avoid disrupting current 777 assembly, a temporary low-rate assembly line was set up for up to 38 airframes before transitioning to
2599-401: A text editor such as 'Notepad'. Dedicated 'flight simmers have taken advantage of Flight Simulator's vast add-on capabilities, having successfully linked Flight Simulator to homebuilt hardware, some of which approaches the complexity of commercial full-motion flight simulators. The simulator's aircraft are made up of five parts: Most versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator include some of
2712-722: Is AI ( artificial intelligence ) traffic. AI traffic is the simulation of other vehicles in the FS landscape. This traffic plays an important role in the simulator, as it is possible to crash into traffic (this can be disabled), thus ending your session, and to interact with the traffic via the radio and ATC. This feature is active even with third-party traffic. Microsoft introduced AI traffic in MSFS 2002 with several airliners and private aircraft. This has since been supplemented with many files created by third-party developers. Typically, third-party aircraft models have multiple levels of detail, which allow
2825-487: Is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada but has several employees in countries such as Belgium , South Africa , and Canada . It has eight employees as of 2018, with a collection of beta testers which include multiple aviation professionals. Precision Manuals Development Group was founded by Robert S. Randazzo, Senior Developer, in January 1998. Originally conceived as a small technical publishing company, PMDG's first product,
2938-439: Is distributed between Charleston, Huntsville, Long Beach, Philadelphia, and St. Louis in the U.S and Moscow, Russia. Its development cost could be over $ 5 billion with at least $ 2 billion for the carbon-composite wing. On September 18, 2013, Lufthansa became its launch customer by selecting 34 Boeing 777-9X airliners, along with 25 Airbus A350-900s to replace its 22 747-400s and 48 A340-300/600s for its long-haul fleet. At
3051-400: Is equipped with automatic riveters , transfer, and painting machines. Boeing's first composite wing spars, stringers, and skin panels are formed in the $ 1 billion Composite Wing Center before assembly on a new horizontal build line. In February 2018, its wing components were ready to go through assembly as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries , the 787 composite wings manufacturer, advised Boeing on
3164-525: Is increased from the previous 777 models' 231 to 235 in (587 to 597 cm) through thinner interior cabin walls and better insulation to allow 18.0 in (46 cm) wide seats in 10-abreast economy. The 777X will feature cabin design details requiring structural changes that were originally introduced on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner : larger windows, higher ceilings, more humidity and lowered cabin altitude to 6,000 ft (1,800 m). Its flight deck
3277-429: Is similar to the 787 cockpit with large displays and head-up displays , controls for the folding wingtips, and touchscreens replacing cursor control devices . Windows are dimmable. For the longer 777-9, replacing the engines should improve fuel consumption by 10%, with the longer, carbon-fiber wings adding an estimated 7% improvement. As 4 to 5% of fuel savings is lost from the 12 tons heavier basic structure of
3390-584: Is the lead developer. The game is Microsoft's first simulator since Microsoft Flight in 2012. In addition to the PC release it was also released for the Xbox Series X and Series S, making it the first entry in the Microsoft Flight Simulator series to be released for a gaming console. The Windows PC version of the simulator was released on August 18, 2020. Microsoft Flight Simulator launched for Xbox Series X and Series S on July 27, 2021 and can be played on
3503-686: Is the third most recent major release of Microsoft Flight Simulator , and the last one developed by Aces Game Studio. It includes a graphics engine upgrade and compatibility with preview DirectX 10 and Windows Vista . It was released on October 17, 2006, in North America. There are two versions of the game, both on two DVDs. The "Deluxe" edition contains the new Garmin G1000 integrated flight instrument system in three cockpits, additional aircraft, and missions; Tower Control capability in multiplayer mode; higher detail scenery for cities and airports; and
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3616-711: The 8080 , Altair 8800 , and IMSAI 8080 . In 1979 Sublogic released FS1 Flight Simulator for the Apple II . In 1980, Sublogic released a version for the TRS-80 , and in 1982 they licensed an IBM PC version with CGA graphics to Microsoft, which was released as simply Microsoft Flight Simulator on a self-booting disk . In the early days of less-than-100% IBM PC compatible systems, Flight Simulator and Lotus 1-2-3 were used as unofficial compatibility test software for new PC clone models. Sublogic continued to develop for other platforms and ported Flight Simulator II to
3729-468: The Boeing 737 MAX groundings and the delayed first flight of the 777-9, in 2019 Boeing pushed back design and development of the 777-8 until at least 2021, for first deliveries expected in 2023 or beyond. The delays were not expected to affect Boeing's participation in Qantas' Project Sunrise , for which it has proposed a 777-8 variant. Boeing also proposed an interim solution to Qantas, assumed to comprise
3842-548: The Flight Simulator franchise for the long term." According to former Aces employee Phil Taylor, the shutdown was not due to sales performance of FSX , but due to management problems and delays in project delivery, combined with increased demand for staff. Speculation in the mainstream and gaming media was that future versions could be released as an Internet-based version, or on Microsoft's Xbox platform. In October 2009, two (out of over fifty) former members of
3955-403: The Flight Simulator series with an updated release, simply titled Microsoft Flight Simulator . On the same day, Microsoft launched a new website for the title and posted a teaser video on their Xbox YouTube channel. The new version features tight integration of ground satellite data and Microsoft's own Azure AI into the simulator's engine to generate near-photorealistic graphics. Asobo Studio
4068-555: The Prepar3D platform. With employees and contractors working around the world, PMDG is headquartered in Northern Nevada. On April 6, 2012, PMDG announced that they would move back to Virginia, where the company was founded. PMDG has created nine aircraft for Flight Simulator 2004 and ten aircraft for Flight Simulator X , two of which are extensions of the 747-400X . The 777-200LR and accompanying 777-300ER expansion were
4181-468: The Xbox Series consoles at a later date. On July 12, 2020, Microsoft opened up preorders and announced that Microsoft Flight Simulator for PC will be available on August 18, 2020. The company announced three different versions of the title – standard, deluxe, and premium deluxe, each providing an incremental set of gameplay features, including airports, and airplanes to choose from. The Xbox edition
4294-497: The long-range , wide-body , twin-engine jetliners in the Boeing 777 family from Boeing Commercial Airplanes . The changes for 777X include General Electric GE9X engines, composite wings with folding wingtips , greater cabin width and seating capacity, and technologies from the Boeing 787 . The 777X was launched in November 2013 with two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9. The 777-8 provides seating for 395 passengers and has
4407-412: The payload-range , with a possible 108,000 lbf (480 kN) envisioned. Some customers bemoaned the loss of engine competition, like Air Lease Corporation 's CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy who wanted a choice of engines. Airbus points out that handling more than one engine type adds millions of dollars to an airliner cost. Pratt and Whitney said: "Engines are no longer commodities...the optimization of
4520-421: The 213 ft 4 in (65.02 m) code E like current 777s. Horizontal stabilizers also were extended. The General Electric GE90 -115B of the earlier 777-200LR and -300ER variants has a 42:1 overall pressure ratio and 23:1 HP compressor ratio. Rolls-Royce Plc proposed its RB3025 concept with a 132 in (335 cm) fan diameter, a 12:1 bypass ratio , and a 62:1 overall pressure ratio, targeting
4633-593: The 747-400PS1 User's Guide was released in February 1998, to assist non-pilots with mastering the aircraft. The 747-400PS1 User's Guide was a popular handbook in the PS1 community until it was removed from availability in early 2000. Looking toward the burgeoning add-on software market for Microsoft Flight Simulator, PMDG launched the FS98 Series Aircraft Operating Manual product line for use with Microsoft Flight Simulator '98. Building on
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4746-465: The 777-300ER. Its maximum takeoff weight is targeted for 775,000 lb (351.5 t) like the 777-300ER but Boeing hopes to have at least a 10,000 lb (4.5 t) margin at introduction. Boeing predicts the -8 to be 4% more fuel efficient and cost effective than the A350-1000, while the -9 would be 12% more fuel efficient and 11% more cost effective. Lufthansa, when it ordered both, stated
4859-626: The 777X does not have an equivalent of the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) that is installed on the 737 MAX and that played a role in two crashes. The first test flight took place on January 25, 2020, at 10:09 a.m. from Paine Field in Everett, and ended in Boeing Field in Seattle after 3 hours and 52 minutes. The second 777X first flew on April 30, by which point
4972-460: The 787 wing but with less sweep , this wing has a higher lift-to-drag ratio , aspect ratio increased from 9:1 to 10:1, area increased from 4,702 to 5,562 sq ft (436.8 to 516.7 m ), and usable fuel capacity increased from 320,863 to 350,410 lb (145,541 to 158,943 kg). To stay within the size category of the current 777 with a less than 213 ft (65 m) wingspan, it features 11 feet (3.5 m) folding wingtips with
5085-452: The AI traffic to be better on frame rates, while still being detailed during close looks. There are several prominent freeware developers. Some third-party AI traffic can even be configured for "real-time" departures. Scenery add-ons usually involve replacements for existing airports, with enhanced and more accurate detail, or large expanses of highly detailed ground scenery for specific regions of
5198-609: The Aces Game Studio formed a new game studio called the Cascade Game Foundry for the development of simulation games. In late 2007, Aces Game Studio announced Microsoft ESP (Enterprise Simulation Platform), a development platform for companies that want to create products that use the technology in Flight Simulator . Following the closure of the Aces Game Studio in January 2009, Lockheed Martin announced in late 2009 that they had negotiated with Microsoft
5311-495: The Airbus A350-900 and the 777-9X will consume an average of 2.9 L/100 km per passenger. The 777-8 is a shortened derivative of the 777-9, initially specified as 229 ft (69.8 m) long, between the 209 ft 1 in (63.7 m) 777-200 and 242 ft 4 in (73.9 m) 777-300. It would seat typically 395 passengers with a range of 8,745 nmi (16,170 km; 10,050 mi). It would succeed
5424-469: The Apple II in 1983; Commodore 64 , MSX , and Atari 8-bit computers in 1984; and Amiga and Atari ST in 1986. Meanwhile, Bruce Artwick left Sublogic and founded The Bruce Artwick Organization to continue his work on subsequent Microsoft releases, beginning with Microsoft Flight Simulator 3.0 in 1988. Microsoft Flight Simulator reached commercial maturity with version 3.1, and went on to encompass
5537-645: The FAUB robotic system was abandoned after six years of implementation, to use human machinists more. By mid-November, a pair of flight compliant engines were installed on the first 777-9. As part of an investigation by the FAA into the fatal crashes of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, emails were released that showed that a problematic supplier of parts for the 737 MAX flight simulators was still being used for 777X simulators, on an even more aggressive schedule. Boeing stated that
5650-472: The November 2013 Dubai Airshow , the -8X for 350 passengers over a 9,300 nmi (17,200 km; 10,700 mi) range and the -9X, seating more than 400 over 8,200 nmi (15,200 km; 9,400 mi) were launched with 259 orders and commitments for US$ 95 billion (~$ 123 billion in 2023) at list prices. This was the largest commercial aircraft launch by dollar value with Emirates ordering 150, Qatar Airways 50, and Etihad Airways 25, in addition to
5763-562: The PMDG NGXu was released. It is an improved version of their previous Boeing 737 product for the Prepar3D platform and offers the BCF, BDSF, BBJ1, and BBJ2 variants as expansions. PMDG had announced the previous day that all development for the X-Plane platform as well as all 32-bit platforms would be cancelled. On October 20, 2020, PMDG announced the development of the 777X family of airliners
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#17327873824525876-481: The September 2013 Lufthansa commitment for 34 aircraft. Boeing dropped the variants' "X" suffix, while keeping the 777X program name at the 2015 Dubai Airshow. In June 2017, Lufthansa was considering delaying 777X deliveries and could limit its -9 orders to 20 and order more A350s. Due to its large order, Emirates will become the first operator instead of Lufthansa. In December 2014, Boeing began construction on
5989-541: The Steam store including Aerosoft, Captain Sim, Orbx Simulation Systems, Real Environment Xtreme (REX), Carenado, Virtavia, and others. In May 2017, Dovetail Games announced Flight Sim World , based on the codebase of Flight Simulator X , and released later that month. Only a year later, on April 23, 2018, Dovetail announced end of development of Flight Sim World and the end of sales effective May 15, 2018. Microsoft released
6102-694: The Xbox One with Cloud Gaming from Xbox Game Pass. On June 11, 2023, during the Xbox Games Showcase Microsoft revealed a trailer for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 , which was captioned "the next generation of the legendary franchise." This update will bring performance improvements, graphics improvements, and more planes. On Nov. 2024, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introduces Joby Aviation’s cutting-edge electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, offering an immersive urban air mobility experience. This addition showcases
6215-432: The aircraft. The FAA did not announce how its review and certification of the 777X may be affected. The 777X was already a year behind schedule as service introduction was targeted for 2022, a further delay due to the certification as a derivative could risk key orders. Boeing received the first flight compliant GE9X on October 18 with a second engine due by the end of the month, for a mid-November power up. On November 13,
6328-473: The celebration of one hundred years of powered flight and had only one edition. Flight Simulator X , released in 2006, returned to dual versions with a "Standard" and a "Deluxe" edition. The flying area encompasses planet Earth with varying degrees of detail and includes over 24,000 airports. There is an ever-growing list of scenery representing major landmarks and popular cities. Landscape details become sparse as gameplay moves away from population centers within
6441-507: The changes in elevation between version 4 and version 5, many developers charged for upgrades to make their airport sceneries compatible with the new elevation. This elevation issue, in turn, created new developers to pop up to create "compatibility files" for older version 4 airports to work on version 5. Companies such as iniBuilds and Scandinavian Mountains lead the development of compatibility files. On July 9, 2014, Dovetail Games announced that Microsoft had granted them rights to develop
6554-427: The desktop flight simulation. In August 1999, PMDG became the first software developer to formally announce support for FLY! by Terminal Reality. A relatively unknown company at the time, Terminal Reality was endeavoring to produce a flight simulator experience that more closely mirrored the complexities of modern aviation than previously available retail market simulators. To this end they succeeded at
6667-444: The development of add-on items, tools, and software. Excel Unusual hosts two versions of flight simulator downloads and tutorials, built from scratch with only VBA and cell formulas, in both 2D and 3D. A number of websites are dedicated to providing users with add-on files (such as airplanes from actual airlines, airport utility cars, actual buildings located in specific cities, textures, and city files). The wide availability over
6780-489: The end of 2013 and no orders at the February 2014 Singapore Airshow , bridging the gap to the 777X deliveries starting from 2020 is a challenge: to stimulate orders, sales of current 777s can be paired with 777Xs and used 777s can be converted to freighters to be sold and stimulate sales. In April 2017, the initial one-piece wing spar came onto the assembly jig and was about to enter lay-up in June; first parts assembly for
6893-413: The engine and the aircraft becomes more relevant." In 2012, with the Boeing 737 MAX in development and the 787-10 launch in preparation, Boeing decided to slow 777X development to reduce the risk with introduction still forecast for 2019. On May 1, 2013, Boeing's board of directors approved selling the 353-seat 777-8LX to replace the 777-300ER from 2021, after the larger 406-seat -9X. The design work
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#17327873824527006-616: The entire Microsoft Flight Simulator team had been laid off. Microsoft confirmed the closure of the Aces Game Studio on January 26, 2009, in a post on the official FSInsider Web site. stating "This difficult decision was made to align Microsoft's resources with our strategic priorities. Microsoft Flight Simulator X will remain available at retail stores and Web retailers, the Flight Sim community will continue to learn from and encourage one another, and we remain committed to
7119-416: The expected first delivery of the aircraft had slipped to 2026, following development challenges and workplace strikes at the company. Emirates cast doubt on this forecast, noting that Boeing had no clear timeline for resuming certification flights. The 777X has a longer composite wing with folding wingtips. Due to this, the 777X is the first aircraft to have 'Wingtip Controls' inside the cockpit. Based on
7232-469: The first PMDG products for Lockheed Martin's Prepar3D as well as Flight Simulator X. On January 6, 2016, PMDG released the Douglas DC-6 simulation, marking the first aircraft by the company for the X-Plane series of flight simulators. On February 24, 2019, PMDG announced that they would develop no new products for 32-bit platforms (not precluding updates to existing products). On November 8, 2019,
7345-598: The first aircraft to be delivered in 2026. In 2011, Boeing refined its response to the revamped Airbus A350 XWB with three 777X models, targeting a firm configuration in 2015, flying in late 2017 or 2018, and entering service by 2019. The then-proposed, 407–passenger 777-9X stretched the 777-300ER by four frames to 250 ft 11 in (76.48 m) in length, for a 759,000 lb (344 t) maximum take-off weight (MTOW). It would have been powered by 99,500 lbf (443 kN) engines, targeting per-seat 21% better fuel burn and 16% better operating cost. Early designs of
7458-413: The first had explored the flight envelope for nearly 100 hours. After the first delivery was pushed back from 2021 to 2022, the third aircraft made its maiden flight on August 3; it is slated for avionics systems, APU, flight loads and propulsion performance tests. In January 2021, Boeing expected to add two more 777-9s to the test program, aiming for certification in 2021. In early 2021, first delivery
7571-711: The first prototype began low-speed taxi tests. On July 24, Boeing announced that the GE9X engine issue would delay the maiden flight until 2020. The company continued to target first deliveries in 2020, though it intends to boost production of current-generation 777 freighters in 2020. GE Aviation in Ohio is recalling four GE9X turbofans from Boeing in Washington state in Antonov An-124 freighters from Volga-Dnepr Airlines , mounted in 26 x 14 x 13 ft (8 x 4 x 4 m), 36,000 lb (16.3 t) stands. On September 5, in
7684-463: The flight simulator, particularly outside the United States, although a variety of websites offer scenery add-ons to remedy this. The three latest versions incorporate sophisticated weather simulation, along with the ability to download real-world weather data (first available with Flight Simulator 2000 ). Additional features in these newer versions include air traffic environments with interactive air traffic control functions, new aircraft models from
7797-616: The folding wingtip actuation system made by Liebherr Aerospace . The mechanism was demonstrated for Aviation Week at the Boeing Everett Factory in October 2016; the folding movement should be complete in 20 seconds and be locked in place at the end. Specific alerts and procedures are needed to handle a malfunction. As existing regulations do not cover the folding wingtips, the FAA issued special conditions, including proving their load-carrying limits, demonstrating their handling qualities in
7910-657: The foundation for the company's expected future programs: the New Midsize Airplane (NMA) and later the New Small Airplane to replace the 737. In February 2018, Subaru (ex–Fuji Heavy Industries) completed the first aluminum and titanium center wingbox integrated with main landing gear wheel wells at its Handa factory. The factory was completed in April 2016 and started operation in 2017. It has 125,000 square feet (11,600 m ) of floor space and
8023-413: The free update would be released on October 30, 2023, and would feature Navigraph/SimBrief integration and performance calculations. The update was notable for releasing much later than anticipated. PMDG had initially quoted a six month timeline, and Randazzo later stated they expected the development to last for "a couple of months". However, the update was ultimately released one year and three months after
8136-461: The general aviation level, but PMDG sought to revolutionize the modeling of airliner simulations by using FLY! as a base for future product development. PMDG released the FLY! Airliner Series 757-200ER on December 18, 1999, and the product was an instant hit with simulator enthusiasts. Designed to provide a complete airliner experience, the FLY! Airliner Series 757-200ER modelled approximately 90% of
8249-456: The historical Douglas DC-3 to the modern Boeing 777 , interactive lessons, challenges, and aircraft checklists. The two latest versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator have a "kiosk mode", which allows the application to be run in electronic kiosks located in public places like shopping malls. Microsoft Flight Simulator has a wide selection of upgrades and add-ons, both free and commercial, official and fan-made. Microsoft Flight Simulator X
8362-510: The initial -9, a static test airframe , were underway in the purpose-built wing center near Everett, Washington . Four -9s, a fatigue-test airframe, and two -8s were planned for testing. Tests of avionics , power and integrated systems continue in Boeing Field laboratories and were integrated into an "Airplane Zero" in 2017 as 70% detailed design was done by June 2017. The assembly of the first composite wing test example began in Everett in late September 2017 with its top section lowered into
8475-542: The initial version of the 737. Randazzo attributed this delay to issues with the simulator's interface between the tablet component and the custom aircraft logic. Microsoft Flight Simulator Microsoft Flight Simulator is a series of flight simulator programs for MS-DOS , Classic Mac OS , and Microsoft Windows operating systems . It was an early product in the Microsoft application portfolio and differed significantly from Microsoft's other software , which
8588-527: The innovative capabilities of Joby’s electric air taxi in realistic flight scenarios. Developed by Asobo Studio, the game pushes the boundaries of aviation simulation with advanced visuals and sustainable technology. It highlights the future of green aviation within a dynamic gaming environment. The long history and consistent sales of Flight Simulator has encouraged a very large body of add-on packages to be developed as both commercial and volunteer ventures. A formal software development kit and other tools for
8701-505: The internet of freeware add-on files for the simulation package has encouraged the development of a large and diverse virtual community, linked up by design group and enthusiast message boards, online multiplayer flying, and ' virtual airlines '. The internet has also facilitated the distribution of 'payware' add-ons for the simulator, with the option of downloading the files, which reduces distribution costs. PC Magazine in January 1983 called Flight Simulator "extraordinarily realistic ...
8814-427: The larger airliner, the net fuel efficiency gain is projected to be 12 to 13%. Ten-abreast seating instead of nine with a longer fuselage enable a reduction in fuel burn per seat of 20% compared to the 365-seat 777-300ER. The longer-range, 355-seat 777-8 should have a 13% improvement in fuel consumption with 10 fewer seats than the -300ER. Boeing forecast a 33% better cost per seat than the 747-400 and 13% better than
8927-448: The last product in which PMDG used the default autopilot and flight systems display logic included in the stock version of FLY! Recognizing that a higher level of fidelity could be realized with the appropriate skills, PMDG expanded the development staff to include an additional complement of highly skilled developers. On October 25, 2014, it was announced on PMDG's AVSIM forum, that the Boeing 777-200LR base package will be available on
9040-452: The limit load, the aluminum skin ruptured under the center fuselage, aft of the wing, and the damaged structure extended up the fuselage side to a passenger plug door which blew out − and not an outward-hinged cargo door. In October 2019, the JATR board created to review the Boeing 737 MAX certification noted that the FAA would need to assess more thoroughly how modifications interact with
9153-506: The main FAL in the early 2020s. The first -9 roll-out is due in late 2018 and all four -9 prototypes are to join the flight tests by mid-2019, while the two -8 prototypes were to be assembled in 2020 before deliveries. The first wing was completed in May for static tests before the flight test wings. By July 2018, 98% of its engineering had been released. By September, the static test 777X article
9266-415: The network. These networks allow players to enjoy and enhance realism in their game. These networks are for ATC (air traffic control). Some utilities, such as FSUIPC, merely provide useful tweaks for the simulator to overcome design limitations or bugs, or to allow more extensive interfacing with other third-party add-ons. Sometimes certain add-ons require other utility add-ons in order to work correctly with
9379-539: The next Flight Simulator in the series. Dovetail Games also announced the release of Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition on Steam for late 2014, titled Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition . It was released on December 18, 2014. It is a re-release and includes content that was provided with the original FSX: Gold Edition which includes FSX: Deluxe Edition , the Acceleration expansion pack, and both official Service Packs and repackages them in one bundle and
9492-431: The presence of FAA inspectors, a door blew off on the 777X static test airframe during the ultimate load test, which is conducted with the airplane stressed and pressurized beyond normal operating limits. Depending on the outcome of its root cause investigation, Boeing should have time to modify the failed part and repeat the test during the margin from the existing engine-related delays. At 99% of ultimate load, 1.48 times
9605-514: The same style used in the 747-400PS1 User's Guide, the FS98 Series AOM product line was a departure from the previous PMDG product in that it also included a plug-in flight model that, when used in conjunction with MSFS98 provided the airliner enthusiasts with a highly realistic flight model. The success of the FS98 Series Aircraft Operating Manual product line was based largely on simulator enthusiasts desire for greater fidelity and detail in
9718-484: The series seven world records in the Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008 . These records include "Longest Running Flight Sim Series", "Most Successful Flight Simulator Series", and "Most Expensive Home Flight Simulator Cockpit", which was built by Australian trucking tycoon Matthew Sheil, and cost around $ 200,000 to build. Boeing 777X The Boeing 777X is the latest series of
9831-816: The simulator exist to further facilitate third-party efforts, and some third parties have also learned to 'tweak' the simulator in various ways by trial and error. As for number of add-ons, tweaks, and modifications Flight Simulator can accommodate solely depends on the user's hardware setup. The number is not limited by the simulator, and when multiple computers are linked together with multiple monitors and third-party software and controls, Flight Simulator enthusiasts can build their own realistic home cockpits. Individual attributes of Flight Simulator aircraft that can be customized include; cockpit layout, cockpit image, aircraft model, aircraft model textures, aircraft flight characteristics, scenery models, scenery layouts, and scenery textures, often with simple-to-use programs, or only
9944-402: The simulator. Other add-ons provide navigation tools, simulation of passengers, and cameras that can view aircraft or scenery from any angle, more realistic instrument panels and gauges, and so on. Some software add-ons provide operability with specific hardware, such as game controllers and optical motion sensors. FSDeveloper.com is one website that host a forum style knowledge base aimed at
10057-494: The slip should not change the engine certification schedule or the first flight of the 777X. The flight-test engines were to be shipped later in 2018, before the year-end roll out and first flight expected in February 2019. During the component development, two temporary engines were to be placed on the first flight-test aircraft. Wing assembly is difficult, with the light but strong carbon-fiber material being less forgiving than traditional aluminum, and aircraft systems integration in
10170-509: The smaller 353-seat 777-8X proposed stretching the 777-200ER by ten frames to a length of 228 ft 2 in (69.55 m), with a 694,000 lb (315 t) MTOW and 88,000 lbf (390 kN) turbofans to compete with the A350-900. An 8LX version with the 9X's MTOW would have had a range of 9,480 nmi (17,560 km; 10,910 mi). The current 777-200LR/300ER has a 775,000 lb (352 t) MTOW. The proposals also included
10283-448: The systems, switches and functions in the cockpit of the 757-200, all in accurately modelled 3D space. With hundreds of switches and dozens of complicated systems and procedures to learn, the FLY! Airliner Series 757-200ER included a 160 page operating manual, written in the now classic style of the 747-400 PS1 User's Guide. The FLY! Airliner Series 767-200/300 was the second product in the FLY! Airliner Series product line, and became
10396-560: The ultra-long-range 777-200LR and compete with the Airbus A350-1000 . Production of the -8 was expected to follow the -9 around two years later. It was expected to be the basis of a freighter version which would be available 18 to 24 months after the introduction of the -8. The 777-8 should feature a 13,000 lb (5.9 t) higher MTOW over the 775,000 lb (352 t) of the 777-9, for an improved range from 8,690 to 9,460 nmi (16,090 to 17,520 km). Due to
10509-404: The use of 3D graphics and graphic hardware acceleration. Microsoft continued to produce newer versions of the flight simulation software, adding features, such as new aircraft types and augmented scenery. The 2000 and 2002 versions were available in "Standard" and "Professional" editions, where the latter included more aircraft, tools and scenery options. The 2004 release (version 9) marked
10622-428: The use of existing Flight Simulator add-ons (including aircraft, objects, and photographic scenery). The game was " pay to play ", as only the single island of Hawai'i and one aircraft was available without buying downloadable content. On July 26, 2012, Microsoft cancelled further development of Flight . On June 9, 2019, as part of their E3 conference announcements Microsoft revealed that they would be bringing back
10735-411: The wing assembly. At this time, 93–95% of the design was released: complete for structures and in progress for systems and engine installation before interiors. Fuselage subassemblies started shipping on February 7: aft fuselage panels from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, center and forward fuselage panels from Kawasaki Heavy Industries and the 11/45 center wingbox from Subaru. In March, fuselage assembly
10848-652: The world's most popular aircraft from different categories, such as the Mooney Bravo and Beechcraft Baron 58, which fall into the general aviation category; the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737, which fall into the civil jets category; the Robinson R22, which falls into the helicopter category; the Air Scheffel 738, which falls into the general aviation category again; and many other planes commonly used around
10961-409: The world. Not being limited to using the default aircraft, add-on planes can be downloaded from many sources for free or purchased, which can then be installed into Microsoft Flight Simulator . The Beechcraft 1900D pictured above, is an add-on aircraft. Similarly, add-on repaints can be added to default aircraft; these repaints are usually downloaded for free. A growing add-on category for the series
11074-1004: The world. Some types of scenery add-on replace or add structures to the simulator. Both freeware and payware scenery add-ons are very widely available. Airport enhancements, for example, range from simple add-ons that update runways or taxiways to very elaborate packages that reproduce every lamp, pavement marking, and structure at an airport with near-total accuracy, including animated effects such as baggage cars or marshalling agents. Wide-area scenery enhancements may use detailed satellite photos and 3-D structures to closely reproduce real-world regions, particularly those including large cities, landmarks, or spectacular natural wonders. Virtual flight networks such as IVAO , VATSIM , and Pilot Edge as well as Virtual Skies, and Mindstar Aviation's AirspaceVR use special, small add-on modules for Flight Simulator to enable connection to their proprietary networks in multiplayer mode, and to allow for voice and text communication with other virtual pilots and controllers over
11187-419: Was completed, lacking engines and various systems, ahead of its structural testing on ground. The first join on the static-test aircraft was done in 16 days instead of the planned 20 and lessons learned from the 787 wing-body join led to a single defect instead of the hundreds usual in new models. The final body join of the first flight test aircraft was completed by November, before an early 2019 rollout and
11300-425: Was delayed while the engines are modified to a final certifiable configuration. As of 17 June 2019 , GE expressed confidence that the engine would receive certification during the fall and that the first flight of the 777X would still occur in 2019. The 777X test plan was later revised as several months are required to develop and test fixes to the GE9X, and first flight slipped to October–November. By June,
11413-514: Was developed and quietly tested in Anacortes, Washington , 40 miles north of the 777 Everett assembly plant. A major leap in automated production , it drills the tens of thousands of holes in the fuselage more quickly, accurately, and safely. The wings are the first produced by Boeing in composite and not out-sourced like for the 787, and production is largely automated as well. The specifically built billion-dollar factory has excess capacity, laying
11526-486: Was expected to be completed in 2017 as avionics, power and other systems are ready for ground tests. Aircraft Numbers 1 and 6 were planned to be used for ground tests; four 777-9s (No. 2 to 5) were slated for the flight test and certification campaign, with two 777-8s to come later. Final assembly was planned to start in 2018 before roll-out the same year. The 777X production techniques were expected to be major cost-cutters. The Fuselage Automated Upright Build (FAUB) system
11639-501: Was expecting its first deliveries in 2026. As of September 2024, its estimate has been revised to an entry into service by early 2027. In August 2024, routine inspection following a test flight in Hawaii led to Boeing grounding its 777X test fleet. A structural link between the engine and wing was found to be damaged, while cracks were found in the same component on other aircraft in the fleet. On October 11, 2024, Boeing confirmed that
11752-404: Was going to be loaded in early December. To position wings and fuselage sections, automated guided vehicles are replacing overhead cranes and "monuments" - large, permanent tooling fixtures . The primary systems were installed by December and its second GE9X engine were to be hung in early 2019. Engines were installed by early January 2019. The first 777-9 body join happened in February for
11865-530: Was in an early stage. In mid-June 2021, all products for X-Plane and FSX were retired ahead of the release of their first product for the new Microsoft Flight Simulator. On August 24, 2023, the PMDG 737-800 was released for Microsoft Flight Simulator. On October 21, 2023, PMDG announced the release of the EFB update for their Boeing 737 product for Microsoft Flight Simulator. In a forum post, Robert S. Randazzo stated that
11978-539: Was interested in creating a "definitive game" that would graphically demonstrate the difference between older 8-bit computers, such as the Apple II, and the new 16-bit computers, such as the IBM PC, still in development. In 1982, Artwick's company licensed a version of Flight Simulator for the IBM PC to Microsoft, which marketed it as Microsoft Flight Simulator . In 2009, Microsoft closed down Aces Game Studio , which
12091-441: Was largely business-oriented. Microsoft Flight Simulator is Microsoft's longest-running software product line, predating Windows 1.0 by three years, and is one of the longest-running video game series of all time. Bruce Artwick began the development of Flight Simulator in 1977. His company, Sublogic , initially distributed it for various personal computers. In 1981, Artwick was approached by Microsoft's Alan M. Boyd who
12204-490: Was pushed to late 2023. The delay was due to updated type certification requirements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation , costing a $ 6.5 billion charge. On June 27, 2021, The Seattle Times reported on an FAA letter to Boeing dated May 13 delaying type certification until mid to late 2023, pushing deliveries to 2024. The FAA cited a serious test flight incident involving an "uncommanded pitch event" and
12317-586: Was released in April 2011, with a retail license cost of US$ 499. A developer license is also available for a monthly fee of US$ 9.95. In March 2012, along with the release of version 1.3, the pricing strategy was revised. The Professional edition is now available for US$ 199, with an Academic License available for US$ 59.95. Often touted as 'FSX on steroids', P3D has so far had 5 versions, with the latest launched on April 14, 2020. Version 5 features 41 aircraft and over 23000 airports. Before that, version 2, 3 and 4 saw releases in 2013, 2015, and 2017 respectively. Due to
12430-515: Was released on July 27, 2021. The newest entry, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 , was released on November 19, 2024. Microsoft Flight Simulator began as a set of articles written by Bruce Artwick in 1976 about a 3D computer graphics program. When the magazine editor said that subscribers wanted to buy the program, Artwick set to work to create it and incorporated a company called Sublogic Corporation in 1977. The company began selling flight simulators for several computer platforms, including
12543-503: Was reviewed in 2006 by GameSpot . The reviewer gave the game an 8.4 out of 10 and commented on how it was realistic enough to be used for real-life flight training. By June 1999, the series had sold 21 million units worldwide, for which it was awarded the Guinness World Record for best-selling flight simulator series. The success of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series has led to Guinness World Records awarding
12656-488: Was the department responsible for creating and maintaining the Flight Simulator series. In 2014, Dovetail Games were granted the rights by Microsoft to port the Gold Edition of Microsoft's Flight Simulator X to Steam and publish Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition . Microsoft announced a new installment at E3 in 2019, simply titled Microsoft Flight Simulator , to be released initially on PC and ported over to
12769-473: Was to begin in Everett at a temporary production line between the current 747-8 and 777 assembly lines to avoid disrupting the 777-300ER production. The static airframe and the first flight-test aircraft bodies were to be joined in the second quarter of 2018 and in June–July, respectively. Scheduled for the start of 2018, the GE9X first flight has been delayed by the variable stator vane actuator arms redesign but
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