AKD Studio has announced the release of version 2 of its popular GLF550 large-cabin business jet for X-Plane 11 and 12. The culmination of more than 6 months of development, GLF550 “V2” introduces a custom MCDU, an improved flight model, new sounds, upgraded textures, bug fixes, and more features that will be welcome news for business jet fanatics. Based on the popular Gulfstream G550 (but not directly called that by the developer due to legal reasons), the G550 can transport up to 18 passengers and has a range in excess of 6,000 nm. With over 600 airframes produced, the jet is popular with both civilian and military operators around the world.
New Features included in V2 (XP12/XP11):
- Added custom MCDU (FMS)
- Added custom VNAV with custom RNAV approaches
- Added new FMOD sounds by Mango Studios
- Improved textures
- Improvements to 3D Models
- Added NEW Checklist Display Controller page
- Tuned flight model and autopilot
Highlights of version 2 include major customisations to the Flight Management System (FMS) functionality. V1 of the GLF550 was largely based on the default X-Plane FMS, but AKD Studio reports that a huge amount of effort has gone into customising the FMS for V2. This includes departure and arrival procedures (SIDs and STARs), custom LNAV and VNAV. Climb, cruise, and descent management with altitude and speed constraints as well as RNAV approaches. The FMS also allows performance management with complete VNAV profile calculation (including ToC, ToD, and time, fuel, and altitude predictions) as well as takeoff and approach speed management, and DIRECT TO, FLIGHT PLAN, PROGRESS, and PERF pages.
The V2 update is available for free to all current GLF550 V1 customers. Separate installers are available for X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 via the user’s x-plane.org store account. New customers can pick up the GLF550 V2 via the x-plane.org store for $41.95 USD (38.30 EUR).
