Leonardo Softhouse has updated its Fly the Maddog X to version 2.0b778 as part of an open beta phase. The freely available update for owners of the 64-bit edition of the aircraft can now use various brand new features such as integrated voice controls, custom events, CPDLC operations and much more.
The first exciting new feature that comes free with this update is exclusive to Prepar3D v5 users. The new update enables you to use voice commands for all operations within the aircraft. This includes the flaps, landing gear, flight guidance and more. All of this is done through the new speech recognition engine included with Prepar3D v5. Whilst this is still an experimental feature, the manual has been updated to include everything you need to know about the new voice controls. In addition, you can also assign various event commands using any of your hardware directly through the Fly the Maddog X manager. You can sync up command in real-time without the need to restart the simulator.
Further to the voice and custom commands assignments, The Fly the Maddog X now includes full CPDLC operations for both IVAO and VATSIM. Using the Hoppic ACARS network, you can now get real-time information send directly to your cockpit, including data such as METAR and ATIS information through a variety of sources.
The final new feature highlighted by Leonardo Softhouse is the missing 2D windows for the CM2 side in the View Manager panel. This includes all the hotspots found in the 3D model, including a zoomed PDF, ND and FMS.
Whilst this is an “open beta” release, the team are still keen to get your feedback before making the official full installers and sending them to simMarket for all customers to get. In the mean time, if you want to try out the new features first, then you can get the incremental installers from the Fly the Maddog X forums.
You can read more about the update on the forums, or check out the changelog down below. The Fly the Maddog X from Leonardo Softhouse was well-reviewed when we checked it out several years ago and it has been continuously improved many, many times since then. They also have their expansion pack available too which adds the MD-83 and MD-88.
Changelog – 64bit edition – P3D v4.4/v4.5
NEW
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
- Rudder axis is limited to 17° for steering if a tiller axis is used;
- Right click on the INT or PA buttons in audio panels/compact radio window will open the corresponding Gsx menu window if Gsx integration is enabled in Simulator Options;
- Added 2D views for CM2 side: PFD/ND/FMS;
- Added 2D compact radio panel;
- Added new 2D CM2 views and compact radio panel in View Manager panel (SHIFT+1);
- Added Vatsim and Ivao to ActiveSky as Data Client for METAR and D-ATIS;
- Added Hoppie acars network support and CPDLC menu in AOC;
- EFB now auto-loads most recent OFP when opening the EFF or WAB apps; “Import OFP” list data sorted by date with most recent on top;
3D MODEL: INTERNAL
- Added hotspots for 2D views for CM2 side: PFD/ND/FMS;
- Added Gsx menu hotspots in audio panels/compact radio 2D window;
LOAD MANAGER
- Added Data Client selection list for Active Sky, Vatsim and Ivao;
- Added Hoppie ACARS logon code field in “additional options”;
- Custom commands can be added while the sim is running (press the Sync button in Load Manager to transfer the new command created);
- When adding a custom command linked to a joystick button, the Load Manager will show the joystick names in the dropdown list, and the selected joystick will match the corresponding P3D joystick;
MISC
- Added latest TrueGlass installer by TFDi;
FIXED
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
- Fixed issue with GSX non updating PAX# if ZFW figure is declared in OFP;
- Fixed duplicated message print if an ACARS SIGMET crew message is received;
3D MODEL: INTERNAL
- Fixed CM2 side EFB animation when opening window;
DOCUMENTS
- OM vol 2 Operational Bulletins revision to include CPDLC operations;
- OM Vol.2 Ch.8 Normal Checklist revision;
- OM Vol.2 Ch.8 Cold Weather Checklist revision;
- Quick Guide and User Manual revision;
- List of Commands revision;
- List of Documents revision.
Changelog – 64bit edition – P3D v5.0/V5.1
NEW
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
- Experimental: added Prepar3D v5 voice recognition;
- Rudder axis is limited to 17° for steering if a tiller axis is used;
- Right click on the INT or PA buttons in audio panels/compact radio window will open the Gsx menu window if Gsx integration is enabled in Simulator Options;
- Added 2D views for CM2 side: PFD/ND/FMS;
- Added 2D compact radio panel;
- Added new 2D CM2 views and compact radio panel in View Manager panel (SHIFT+1);
- Added Vatsim and Ivao to ActiveSky as Data Client for METAR and D-ATIS;
- Added Hoppie acars network support and CPDLC menu in AOC;
- EFB now auto-loads most recent OFP when opening the EFF or WAB apps; “Import OFP” list data sorted by date with most recent on top;
3D MODEL: INTERNAL
- Added hotspots for 2D views for CM2 side: PFD/ND/FMS;
- Added Gsx menu hotspots in audio panels/compact radio 2D window;
LOAD MANAGER
- Added “voice controls” page;
- Added Data Client selection list for Active Sky, Vatsim and Ivao;
- Added Hoppie ACARS logon code field in “additional options”;
- Custom and voice commands can be added while the sim is running (press the Sync button in Load Manager to transfer the new command created);
- When adding a custom command linked to a joystick button, the Load Manager will show the joystick names in the dropdown list, and the selected joystick will match the corresponding P3D joystick;
MISC
- Added latest TrueGlass installer by TFDi;
FIXED
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
- Fixed issue with GSX non updating PAX# if ZFW figure is declared in OFP;
- Fixed duplicated message print if an ACARS SIGMET crew message is received;
3D MODEL: INTERNAL
- Fixed CM2 side EFB animation when opening window;
EFFECTS
- Global revision for better Prepar3D v5.1 compatibility;
DOCUMENTS
- OM vol 2 Operational Bulletins revision to include CPDLC operations;
- OM Vol.2 Ch.8 Normal Checklist revision;
- OM Vol.2 Ch.8 Cold Weather Checklist revision;
- Quick Guide and User Manual revision;
- List of Commands revision;
- List of Documents revision.