February 15th, 2024 – Development Update

SDK UPDATE

Asobo

• No update this week.

Working Title / MSFS Avionics Framework

• MSFS Avionics Framework
  • In conjunction with SU_15 flighting start, we have updated the avionics framework and documentation to support the launch:
    • Avionics Framework packages (on the framework mirror, link below) have been updated to SU_15 standards (this is beta, subject to change for the final SU_15 release).
    • An NPM package has been released for the new G3X; updated packages for other avionics with SU_15 updates will release with the official launch of SU_15.
    • G3X documentation now available on the Avionics Framework document site (see link below).
  • Find the Avionics Framework Source Code here.
  • Find the latest documentation about the avionics framework here.

G3X FAQ

We’re super excited to have finally been able to get to extensively modeling the Garmin G3X Touch avionics, a great, powerful solution for light sport and experimental category aircraft, as well as add those avionics to a handful of planes in the simulator. It’s been a long road, with many months of work from one of our talented, dedicated teams here, and we’d like to share with you a bit more about these unique units, and answer a few recurring questions that we’ve been getting since these units were announced.

• What is the G3X Touch?

The Garmin G3X Touch is a highly customizable PFD and MFD solution, primarily VFR-only, for light sport and experimental aircraft. It provides these categories of aircraft with advanced features not available in a standard six-pack arrangement, such as a full primary flight instruments display complete with synthetic terrain vision, a GPS moving map, limited flight planning, and more. Pilots can easily interact with it via a touch based user interface, and it offers a large number of engine and system instrument displays for different aircraft configurations as well as a high degree of pilot customization.

• Which versions of the G3X have been modeled?

We have modeled the 10.6” landscape touch versions of the G3X only. While the 7” portrait versions are indeed also sold as a G3X, the layouts and user interface of those units are so different so as to almost be a completely different product. As it would have been multiple thousands of additional person-hours to model these, we felt it made the most sense to take the most popular 10.6” landscape version as far as possible at this time. Time permitting, we may offer the portrait units in the future.

• What are the autopilot capabilities of the G3X? Will all my G3X planes finally have an autopilot menu?

As in real life, the G3X does not contain any kind of autopilot system within the unit itself. When installed and paired with a compatible autopilot, such as the Garmin GFC series or the Garmin Smart Servos, the G3X does offer the ability to control the autopilot via a touchscreen user interface as well as display the autopilot mode annunciator on the top of the PFD. For aircraft that have compatible autopilots modeled, this menu and annunciator will appear.

Aircraft developers will have a number of autopilot options exposed via the panel.xml configuration file to best configure the G3X based on what autopilot functionality they have modeled in their aircraft.

•  Will I be able to fly SIDs, STARs, and approach procedures with the G3X?

The G3X is entirely a VFR-only device on its own, and does not load SIDs, STARs, or approaches. It will only load the final approach fix to missed approach fix leg of published approaches, which is meant to be used as a familiarizing reference only for the pilot during a VFR flight and does not offer nor is certified for any IFR approach operations in this mode.

However, when paired with a compatible external navigator (units like the GNS430W, GNS530W, GTNs) and configured in external flight plan mode, the unit can accept IFR guidance and synchronize IFR flight plans from the external navigator. Aircraft which have these GPS units in the panel along with the G3X can provide IFR capabilities after developers have configured their panel.xml files to properly point the G3X and the GPS navigator unit to each other.

•  Which external navigators will be compatible with the new G3X on release?

The sim default GNS430W and GNS530W (but not the older AS430 and AS530) units will be compatible with the G3X to be used as an external navigator in SU15. Third party developers will be able to make their units compatible by using features of the MSFS Avionics Framework to synchronize the required numerous pieces of data and state between units. We will be offering framework documentation and developer NPM packages during the SU15 beta so developers can get started on these integrations right away, if desired.

•  Will the G3X have VNAV?

When paired with a compatible external navigator that provides coupled VNAV guidance, yes. There is a highly simplified, single waypoint only coupled VNAV solution (coupled VCALC) that exists on the real G3X when the G3X is used on its own but will not be included in this first G3X release. We may add this feature in a later update.

•  Which sim aircraft are being updated to the new G3X Touch?

The CubCrafters NXCub, CubCrafters XCub, and JMB VL-3 have been updated with the new G3X.

• What about the King Air 350i?

Unfortunately, the G3X, as in real life, does not support anything like the King Air. As such, to support this combination in the sim, we would have had to have added features and capabilities that do not exist on the real unit to make it work.

THIRD PARTY UPDATE

With the release of the Dune: Part Two Expansion DLC available for all Microsoft Flight Simulator users now, YouTuber ObsidianAnt was lucky enough to get a sneak preview ahead of launch!

Highlighting some of the activities available, as well as the capabilities of the brand new Ornithopter aircraft, ObsidianAnt delivers a concise and informative video to ensure you’re ready for your first virtual trip to Arrakis.

screenshot challenge

This week’s screenshot challenge: Sandy Dunes

This past week’s Screenshot Challenge was: Lunar Phases (plus bonus Year of the Dragon)

Weekly Screenshot Challenge Winner: @KotetuP (Twitter)

Screenshot by HeKa48 (Forums)

Screenshot by @Johnny_aircargo (Twitter)

Screenshot by JohnStarp (Forums)

Screenshot by AllenCat2333 (Forums)

Screenshot by @ukaka5656 (Twitter)

Screenshot by TidalPompano527 (Forums)

Screenshot by @pommes_l (Twitter)

Screenshot by @2525ARW (Twitter)

Screenshot by Stanty16 (Forums)

Screenshot by Parorng (Forums)

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NEXT DEVELOPMENT BLOG UPDATE – February 22nd, 2024

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team