Redwing’s awesome Super Constellation just got MSFS 2024 support. The developer released a fully reworked, native version of the iconic Lockheed L-1049 on the MSFS 2024 Marketplace, and by the look of it, this appears to be a major step up from the MSFS 2020 version that first launched back in November 2021.
This looks in fact to be quite a step up for the classic propliner. Redwing also made use of the Marketplace’s free one-day trial, which has the potential to entice classic airliner enthusiasts who might otherwise be put off by the pricing, and can try it out with no commitment.
We covered the original release back in 2021, when Redwing launched under an early-access model at a fairly steep price for what was admittedly a work in progress. Since then, the developer has put out update after update. It’s now a completely new experience which gives the PMDG DC-6, which incidentally also got official MSFS 2024 support this week, some nice competition in the historic propliner space.
For those who haven’t flown the Connie before, the aircraft is a four-engine radial-powered airliner from Lockheed, first flown in 1951, and one of the more visually striking aircraft ever to grace the skies, with its distinctive triple tail and curved fuselage. Redwing’s version covers the L-1049G variant and several others, including military Warning Star and MATS configurations, with AI-assisted pilot, copilot, and flight engineer systems to help manage the complexity of a 1950s propliner cockpit.
The feature list is notably deep for a propliner. Beyond the fully functional 3D cockpit covering electric, hydraulic and de-icing systems, the developer says the aircraft includes a fogging and window mist system, a hot and cold sensation mechanic, and an oxygen management system complete with hypoxia modelling. The AI crew handles auto takeoff and landing, fuel management and failure responses, while a damage system covers everything from engine fires to belly landings and water ditching.
There’s also a simplified career mode with achievements and rewards built in, which is an unusual and welcome touch for this type of aircraft. A WWise soundpack for the Wright R-3350 engines rounds things out, along with a clipboard interface to manage the various options and systems.
If you’ve got the trial downloaded, it’s worth starting with those clipboard settings and getting the AI crew sorted before trying to manage everything manually. And if you were a fan of the MSFS 2020 version, this looks like the version the Connie was always meant to be!
The Redwing L-1049 Super Constellation is available now on the MSFS 2024 Marketplace, priced at around $40 USD.
