The early era of jet travel in Microsoft Flight Simulator just became a little more accessible. While FlightSim Studio (FSS) has spent much of the last year refining the larger 200-series and its modern Super 27 counterpart, a major piece of the puzzle remained missing for short-field enthusiasts. That gap is now closed with the official release of the Boeing 727-100, the aircraft that defined the versatility of the trijet layout.
This release also marks an important shift in how the developer interacts with its audience. After the community expressed frustration over the modular “building block” sales strategy used for previous versions, FSS has opted for a much cleaner approach this time around, adopting a traditional “all-in-one” package. For a single price, you get the Passenger, Freighter, and the re-engined Super 27-100 variants.
The original short-field specialist
The 727-100 was one of the aircraft that truly democratized jet travel in the 1960s. While the larger 707 required long runways, the 100-series was built with a sophisticated high-lift wing system that allowed it to operate out of smaller, secondary airports.
FlightSim Studio says their rendition captures this specific operational profile. The developer notes that the cockpit is make to the unique specifications of the 100-series, which differs from the later 200-series in subtle but important ways. For those who enjoy the “hands-on” nature of old-school flying, the 727-100 remains a complex beast that requires attention to the Flight Engineer station, though the developer includes an EFB to help manage those tasks.
Bridging the gap between eras
One of the most interesting aspects of this release is the variety of navigation options. FSS admits that different simmers have different comfort levels with “steam gauge” flying. You can fly the 727-100 as it was in 1964 using the CIVA INS, or you can opt for more modern setups including the GNS-XLS FMC and GTN750 integration.
The package also includes the Super 27-100, a variant the developer says focuses on improved climb performance and more modern engine sets.
Availability
The developer has confirmed that while the aircraft is built for MSFS 2020, it is fully compatible with MSFS 2024. The 727-100 is currently available through the Aerosoft Store and Contrail, with other retailers like SimMarket expected to stock it shortly.
For those who already own the 727-200 series (Freighter, Passenger, or Super 27), there is good news. Both Aerosoft and Contrail are offering a 20% upgrade discount, rewarding users who have followed the development of the FSS trijet fleet from the start.
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