It has been confirmed that the FlyByWire Simulations A380X will release on October 31st as an ‘open alpha’. Here is everything we know so far about the plane and its first release, taking place next week. The release date was announced during the ‘Out of the Hangar’ stream, which you can read our re-cap here.
During this open alpha stage, you will be able to use a number of features and capabilities to assist in flying. Expect to be able to use a full custom FMS with fms-v2 implementation. All ARINC424 leg types are supported, including sequencing of waypoints, an accurate MDF F-PLN page and also support for holding.
All displays are enriched with data, including the following: Primary Flight Display (PFD), Navigation Display (ND), Engine and Warning Display (EWD), and System Display (SD) featuring precise MEMOs for numerous systems. There is also an electronic checklist for normal and some abnormal procedures, along with QNH pre-selection in the FCU.
Those hoping for Brake to Vacate (BTV) will be pleased to see it in the alpha release, along with Runway Overrun Warning/Protection (ROW/ROP). There will also be an Onboard Airport Navigation System, implemented GPWS, terrain display, and more with A380-specific animations.
Finally, there will be tilting landing gear with realistic nose wheel steering, body wheel steering and also the implementation of a heading control function (HCF) to assist taxi operations by countering crosswind or slope without any pilot input.
The FlyPadOS v3 will also be part of the release, giving you the ability to calibrate throttle, control payload, and also refuelling the large plane. There will be support for default ground services, and some preliminary support for GSX (it may come just after release).
You will be able to download the FlyByWire Simulations A380X from the installer on the 31st October 2024, and then it will also be made available for anyone to develop, just as they did with the A32NX.
So what will your first flight with the A380 be in Microsoft Flight Simulator?