As the year comes to a close, developers are revealing their plans for 2018. After Orbx gave their insight, we’re now turning our attention to FS2Crew. The popular airline crew simulation products have helped make our jetliner flying experience more realistic. In an email to their users, they said “2017 has been great, but 2018 is shaping up to be even better”. Here’s why they think this is the case:
FS2Crew: PMDG 747 QOTS II Service Pack 1
The team has said that the latest service pack for their PMDG 747 QOTS II virtual crew is going through the final round of testing. They call it a ‘substantial’ update with lots of new voices. One of the most exciting features will be that you can control the PMDG Ground Service vehicles using this set. The team are working towards a release which will be ‘very soon’.
Ultimate Ground Crew X
Probably their most anticipated product is Ultimate Ground Crew X. FS2Crew are still engaged in development of the complex project. No timeframes were given, but they did show us a beta shot of one of the ground crew in his “winter” uniform. I assume this means that we’ll see some kind of seasonal variation in the people modelling.
Pilot Assist Pro for the iPad/iPhone
Although the team had hoped it would be finished by the end of this year, development slipped a little bit. FS2Crew have said that it will be in the Apple Store by the end of January 2018. The shot below sees it being used in a Dash 8. As previously mentioned, it’s designed for real-world pilots, but simmers will be able to enjoy it as well.
FS2Crew: Leonardo MadDogX Reboot
The FlythemaddogX has been in beta for a long time now, but the guys at FS2Crew have had the opportunity to use this time to update the old version to be compatible with the brand new MD80 from Leonardo Software House. The reboot brings it to the latest standards and includes a whole bunch of improvements including on-line map integration, refreshed panel graphics and support for ‘Dial-A-Flap’.
The Voice Control only product will be available for FSX, P3DV3 and P3DV4.
Other Projects / Products
FS2Crew Majestic Dash 8 – Work is on-going with version 3.3.
FS2Crew for the PMDG J41 (P3DV4) – When PMDG port over their J41 to the 64-bit sim, FS2Crew will be joining them with a 64-bit version of the virtual crew product.
FS2Crew for the Aerosoft Airbus (P3D V4) – Once Aerosoft release their version, they can work on building this product.
FS2Crew for the iFly 737 (P3D V4) – Completed, but are awaiting a gap in their release schedule.
Certainly a busy year for another developer. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
