It’s been a few weeks now since the release of MSFS’ 40th Anniversary Update that put iniBuilds A310 in the hands of everyone using the sim. The team is committed to supporting the aircraft and fixing bugs as they are found, and they are currently working on a lights rework, such as the taxi and nav lights, and making sure the in-sim ATC comms work correctly with the A310. The team is also looking at several bug reports.
Furthermore, performance improvements remain an important item for iniBuilds. People already using the latest beta, which is available by opting in to this, have noticed a FPS improvement with the plane, but optimisations on the product will continue.
P-40F WarHawk
Announced for FSWeekend in Lelystad, iniBuilds is finally sharing a little more about their upcoming P-40F WarHawk. In the development update, the iniBuild team lays out the release plans a little bit more.
To start with, iniBuilds is aiming to release the aircraft sometime next week. Upon release, the plane will feature CFD in aspects of the flight, such as the prop, control surfaces and primary flight surfaces. The new fuel mechanics offered by MSFS will also be implemented. The EFB, with features such as maintenance, moving maps, radios and weather will be featured in the plane, but it can be toggled off as well and is not mandatory to use. The plane will also come with some animations to remove the cowlings and show off the powerful Merlin engine driving this plane. A full feature list can be found at the end of this post. The P-40F WarHawk is set to release at £19.99.
After release, the iniBuilds team is already planning several updates to the P-40F. Patch 1, which is set to arrive shortly after release, will fix bugs that may have been found after the initial release. It will also feature “Phase 2” of the EFB, which will integrate basic ‘A to B’ route planning.
Shortly after that, the team is anticipating Patch 2. Patch 2 will be a little more comprehensive, and come with several new features and changes to the systems of the plane. It will include fuel system improvements, including a drop tank. Ground handling will be overhauled in Patch 2 as well, and will specifically focus on simulating a tail dragger. Furthermore the patch will also include system deterioration, and as an example the team used oil changes. If this is not done on a regular basis, this will impact the temperature regulation of your oil. Last but not least, the patch will bring electronic pitch controls to the aircraft.
Roadmap
IniBuilds also shared a little insight into their 2023 roadmap. Although not too much can be shared at this date, the team did confirm that the A300-600F will be coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator. Currently undergoing a new exterior 3D model, the team will share more previews of this plane as it progresses.
P-40F WarHawk Features (Release)
- Utilizing the latest in CFD implementation from Microsoft in aspects of flight including the primary flight surfaces, control surfaces and the propeller
- Authentically modelled Merlin engine, delivering true to life performance, curated with empirical evidence from pilots rated on type.
- Fully modelled and functional fuel system, utilizing the new fuel mechanics offered by Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Fully functional EFB – including maintenance page, moving map, radios and weather information. This is an optional feature, for those wishing to have a more authentic experience (EFB can be toggled off)
- Removable cowlings exposing our detailed Rolls Royce Merlin Model, in addition to removable gun bay covers or baggage compartments depending on the variant you wish to fly
- Authentic real world sound set from an operational P-40F
- Fully functional lighting both inside and out, including UV glow in the dark gauges and needles, allowing you to fly in all types of weather!
- Seven 4K liveries using the latest industry techniques, whilst maintaining an authentic style of the aircraft
