A few days ago, FlightFX sent the flight simulation community a cryptic message in the form of a single, silhouetted image, accompanied only by the remark, “We know what you’re thinking. Nope. And Nope.” While initial speculation revolved around their previously announced ERJ 145 or Challenger 350 projects, FlightFX was actually hiding an unannounced aircraft that has been kept completely under wraps until it was within hours of release. Today, FlightFX has pulled back the curtain to reveal the Hawker 800XP for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
The Hawker 800XP traces its storied lineage back to 1962 and the de Havilland DH.125 “Jet Dragon”. Evolving through British Aerospace (BAe) and Raytheon acquisition, the Hawker 800XP emerged in 1995 equipped with upgraded Honeywell TFE731-5BR turbofans, enhanced payload capacity, and modernized avionics, quickly establishing itself as a rugged and reliable option in charter and corporate fleets worldwide.
FlightFX is positioning the Hawker 800XP alongside its growing lineup of high-fidelity business aviation add-ons, but this one looks to be the most detailed yet. The 800XP’s flight deck uses a customized version of Working Title’s Pro Line 21 suite, adding Hawker-specific control logic, custom FMC pages, functional weather radar, along-track offsets, and integrated Navigraph/LIDO chart support. Systems modeling includes:
- Digital Engine Control (DEEC): Accurately simulated Honeywell TFE731-5BR turbofans with realistic spool logic and overspeed / overtemperature protection.
- Pneumatic & Climate System: Physics-based air conditioning and cabin pressurization modeling with real-time air-cycle-machine valve movements.
- Electrical: All nine real-world supply configurations fully modeled, complete with triple-inverter logic and frequency-wild AC alternator simulation.
- Hydraulics: Custom pressure physics for reservoirs, pumps, actuators, and their fluid and pressure demands, along with accumulator charging, isolation, depletion, and recovery simulation.
- Persisted Airframe States: State persistence tracks over 1,300 parameters per airframe—from switch positions to consumables like TKS and hydraulic fluids. State restoration for cold-and-dark starts without imposing that state on runway or airborne starts.
Complementing the flight deck is FlightFX’s updated VAMS 3.0 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). The EFB introduces live synoptic pages derived directly from original engineering schematics, giving pilots real-time visual tracking of fuel, hydraulic, and electrical flows. The EFB also offers full SimBrief integration and the ability to load animated cabin passengers, serve in-flight meals, connect ground equipment, and even control the appearance of airframe dirt and bug splatters. Outside the aircraft, MSFS 2024’s interactive walkaround mode is also fully supported.
In the cabin, virtual passengers will enjoy FlightFX Enroute, which displays real-time trip information via an elegant, passenger-focused display designed to keep tabs on the progress of the flight from departure to arrival.
For the Hawker 800XP’s soundscape, FlightFX partnered with Boris Audio Works to capture the iconic howl of the TFE731 geared turbofans. Meanwhile, a custom Inertial Immersion System delivers six-axis seat/body motion dynamics simulating rattles, shakes, vibration, turbulence, windshear, touchdown forces, stall buffet, ground roll, dirty air, and high-G maneuvers.
In an industry where add-ons are often announced months, if not years, in advance, FlightFX is taking a refreshing approach, revealing that the Hawker 800XP is scheduled for release tomorrow, September 8th, 2026. It will be available for $36.99 on the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Marketplace.
Be sure to stay tuned to FSElite for our upcoming ‘first look’ article as soon as the jet hits the virtual skies.
