Microsoft Flight Simulator continues to expand into more specialized aviation territory, and this July, glider pilots will get one of their most feature-rich aircraft yet. Got Friends is preparing to release the AS 33 Me, a modern electric self-launching glider that brings serious depth to soaring in the sim.
Described by Got Friends as their most ambitious project so far, the AS 33 Me promises to be a deep simulation of a modern soaring machine. The electric motor system is fully simulated, including extension/retraction, braking, energy use, startup/shutdown sequences, and a custom powerplant interface with motor status logs and event history. It’s not just eye candy — it behaves like the real thing and is built natively to MSFS standards.
Pilots can also expect interactive systems such as bug wipers, ballast tanks with controllable fill and release rates, nose weight management, realistic flap and trim behavior, and even performance degradation caused by rain, dirt, and bugs. The physical model reflects not just aircraft design, but the consequences of flying cleanly, or not.
A modern LXNAV experience
A major highlight of the AS 33 Me is its integration of the LXNAV avionics suite, built in collaboration with Ian Lewis (B21). The system includes the LXNAV V8 variometer and LX 9070 navigation computer — both critical for serious gliding. In the sim, these instruments go well beyond basic functionality, offering:
- Multi-map support
- Full flight plan integration
- Customizable dashboards
- FLARM support
- Multiplayer aerotow coordination
- Persistent settings across flights
The avionics have been tailored for realism but also usability, with full compatibility for hardware buttons and rotary dials.
Got Friends worked closely with Stefan Langer, a two-time World Gliding Champion, during the development process. His input shaped the flight model, and his real-world livery will be included with the aircraft.
The aircraft was showcased yesterday in a live stream hosted by our friend TwoToneMurphy, with Jonx from the Got Friends team on hand to walk viewers through the aircraft’s systems, avionics, and overall design philosophy. The stream provided a detailed early look at the AS 33 Me in action and serves as a useful reference for anyone curious about what this glider is truly capable of.
The AS 33 Me will be available in July 2025 for $19.99. It supports both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, on PC and Xbox, and will be sold through the Got Friends website, Contrail, and the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace.
