Leonardo’s Fly the Maddog X for Microsoft Flight Simulator, a highly-authentic simulation of the MD-80 Series, is sprinting towards a release, with the project nearly complete and currently undergoing a well-advanced beta testing period. In a development update posted yesterday by Leonardo’s Stefano Porrà, the developer provided extensive details about the features of this very exciting upcoming airliner for MSFS.
Stefano revealed that the problems that the team has experienced during the development of the Maddog for MSFS are now mostly in the past. Continuous SDK improvements have brought this project to a good state, with the Maddog now flying “wonderfully in MSFS with smooth dynamics”. Check out this previously revealed video showing the aircraft in action in MSFS.
According to the developer, all aircraft systems are now modeled, and even failures are working up to Leonardo’s standards. Despite the fact that no release date has been announced yet, it seems the team already has a pretty clear idea of how the whole package will be sold. The idea will be to first release the Maddog in a “basic package” that aims to satisfy advanced simmers, with feature expansions coming at a later stage, possibly with new variants such as the MD-82/88 and new engines.
If you shivered with the words “basic package”, rest assured that Leonardo is not skimping on features with version 1.0 of the Fly the Maddog X for MSFS. In fact, what is planned is a very comprehensive and detailed set of features that should, as expected, please the most demanding simmers. Take note:
Fly the Maddog X MSFS version 1.0 will include:
– MD82 with -217A engines, PAX Cabin 162Y and Honeywell FMS for NAV/VNAV/ACARS;
– Flight model and engines performances tested and matched against real aircraft performance tables;
– All systems/avionics/tests etc, fully implemented as in the P3D version, including failures/INOPs feature, fully dimmable integral and flood lightning, working TCAS and EGPWS terrain mode;
– New FMS Services page for controlling DOORS/STAIR, External power, fuel loading, etc.;
– Fully integrated with MSFS ecosystem (jetway, catering, baggage loader, etc…);
– Integration with PFPX/SimBrief via Load Manager and retrieval of OFP data via the ACARS system;
– Livery manager, and aircraft settings configurable for different aircrafts;
– Livery-based cockpit color (pink, blue or grey) and main panel variations (including placards and speed bugs);
– Can be installed in the same machine with Fly the Maddog X for P3D;
Configurable options from Load Manager:
– Panel state when starting simulation (Cold & Dark, Ready at Gate, Ready for Takeoff…);
– Weight & Balance and route planner;
– Load Manager units (Kg/mbar or Lbs/InHg);
Aircraft options:
– Cockpit units (Kg/mbar or Lbs/InHg);
– PFD flight director style (cross bar or single cue), rising runway, ND wind arrow, groundspeed and aircraft map symbol, HDG UP or TRK UP option;
– PFD wired to opposite NAV;
– Armed altitude as FL and AutoArm altitude option;
– Gear waring inhibit above 1500ft AGL;
– Always play aural when autopilot disconnects;
– Auto brake system;
– Three VOR instrument versions: VOR/ADF/DME, VOR/ADF and VOR only;
– Two altimeter versions: DUAL/SINGLE knob;
– Optional TAS/SAT indicator;
– Flat or Cone tail;
Simulator options:
– Enable failures;
– Autopilot disconnect when flight controls moved;
– Automatic update of aircraft weight and cg;
– Automatic fuel loading;
– Enable PM calls;
– Sync CM1/CM2;
– FSUIPC compatibility mode;
– Maximum luminosity of all cockpit lights and instruments (flood, integral, LED, LCD and CRT);
– Failures probability, separated for LIGHT, MEDIUM and DANGEROUS;
– INOP systems according to MEL;
Clearly, this has to be one of the most advanced “basic packages” we’ve seen yet in the simulator. Naturally, things are expected to improve with time, with the introduction of the aforementioned expansions, but also as a consequence of increased maturity in the simulator. A glaring example is the weather radar, which will not be functional at launch. As long as Asobo finally decides to allow developers to tap into that system, then we can expect the Maddog to eventually support that feature once it’s implemented.
This is the most information we’ve got so far about Leonardo’s MD-80 for Microsoft Flight Simulator. To go along with it, the team shared some beautiful new images of the aircraft, which perfectly showcase the stunning exterior and interior detail that is being put into this model.
With the imminent arrival of a bunch of exciting airliners for MSFS (the Fenix A320, PMDG 737, and the MD-80 are all currently in beta), big jet simmers have all the reasons to be ecstatic at this time. 2022 really is shaping up to be the year of “study-level” airliners for MSFS!
