It’s been a year since we last heard about Just Flight’s ambitious Airbus A300B4 project for Microsoft Flight Simulator, so you may have wondered about its progress. While iniBuilds’ A300 has been making waves since its release and has since gotten even better, today is the time to shift our focus back to Just Flight’s upcoming rendition of the earlier B4 model, which is still in development but showing remarkable promise.
Just Flight has now broken their silence with an update that once again showcases the incredible detail and authenticity they’re bringing to this classic airliner. Let’s check it out!
As Just Flight explains on its official development page dedicated to this project, over the past few months, its lead artist has been hard at work recreating the remaining sections of the A300B4’s complex cockpit. This task is nothing short of monumental, considering the sheer number of individual gauges and needles in this 1970s mechanical marvel.
What sets this recreation apart is the attention to detail in creating an authentic, lived-in feel. Each panel, knob, and screw has been given its own individual level of weathering and discoloration, faithfully replicating the look of the real-world reference aircraft.
A Tour of the Center Pedestal
Just Flight has begun sharing their progress through a series of in-development updates, starting with a detailed look at the center pedestal. Here are some highlights:
- Navigation Systems: The forward section features an authentic recreation of the Carousel IV Inertial Navigation System’s (INS) Control Display Unit (CDU) on either side. For those preferring a more modern touch, Just Flight will offer the option to swap these for the UNS-1 FMS, mirroring real-world A300 retrofits.
- Flight Controls: The pedestal includes conventional stabilizer trim wheels, a large speedbrake lever, and a combined flap/slat lever with 5 positions. True to the A300’s era, it features proper throttle levers rather than the gated “Thrust Levers” found in later Airbus families.
- Communication Suite: The heart of the A300’s communications is meticulously modeled, including VHF control units, a transponder unit, audio selector panels, and weather radar controls. The mechanical rotating drums on these units have also been individually modeled for maximum authenticity.
- Navigation Radios: Behind the audio selectors, you’ll find ADF navigation radios, complete with rotating mechanical displays.
- Lighting and Trim Controls: The pedestal also includes various lighting controls and knobs for rudder and aileron trims.
The level of wear and tear modeled on different components really stands out in Just Flight’s update. The visuals in these preview screenshots are absolutely striking! This attention to detail reflects the aircraft’s long service life, with some units showing more use than others, just as you’d expect in a real A300B4.
More updates coming soon
Just Flight has promised more updates, with the next focusing on the forward panel and autopilot. Given the level of detail we’ve seen so far, these future reveals are sure to be equally impressive!
While the release date remains unannounced, it’s clear that Just Flight is pouring tremendous effort into making this A300B4 a standout addition to the Microsoft Flight Simulator ecosystem. As always, we’ll bring all the latest details as Just Flight continues to bring this iconic aircraft to life in our favorite simulator!
