In a post on their forums, Mike, the Head of Aircraft Development at iniBuilds, wrote a more technically focused development update on their upcoming A340 Airliner.
Exterior Modelling Progress
In the first A340 development update, iniBuilds showcased how the A340 leverages the MSFS24 exclusive engine “shader” effect to improve the fan blade animations. However, the engines rotated in the wrong direction due to a simulator limitation. That issue has since been resolved, and iniBuilds shared a new video preview of the A340’s CFM56 spinning correctly.
Mike then shared further refinements to the A340’s wingflex effects via a video (shown below). They have increased wing sensitivity while reducing the flex amount on takeoff. That being said, pilots can expect to see differing levels of wing flex based on fuel load, braking action, wind velocity, and gust strength.
Speaking of effects dependent on atmospheric conditions, the team also shared a video preview of the A340’s new rain effects on the windshields and engines.
To end the exterior model preview and segue into the flight dynamics portion of the update, photos of the new deployable illuminated emergency slides were included, along with a computational flight dynamics visualization of the A340 on final approach. The slides are intentionally (and unintentionally) deployable if doors are opened while the system is armed.
iniBuilds A340 Airliner Flight Dynamics
According to the developer, the A340 is designed to make full use of the new aerodynamics tools available in MSFS24, including the new fuselage object implementation. This means that the full profile of the A340, engine pods and all, will be taken into account in the simulator. The result is more authentic crosswind handling, sideslip behavior, and drag modeling.
The A340’s taxi physics are also powered by MSFS 2024’s new ground contact model. Pilots will experience a more direct, weighty feel when maneuvering the A340 on the ground, and overly aggressive steering inputs can cause skids. A video preview of the A340’s taxi behavior was included below.
To capture the nuances of handling the A340 in slats-only configurations, iniBuilds has taken full control of the flap system in MSFS24 by writing directly to the simulator for maximum accuracy. A photo preview of the EICAS indicating a slats-only configuration was included (viewable below).
For the A340, iniBuilds shared that they’ve expanded the engine simulation to cover EGT, fuel flow, FADEC behavior, oil pressure, and oil consumption. Paired with a refined thrust model, the new engine simulation aims to accurately capture the A340-300’s underpowered feel. Pilots can expect close to 40-minute climbs to cruise at max takeoff weights, along with sluggish acceleration compared to more modern Airbuses.
Another thing that sets the A340 apart from its more modern siblings is its handling behavior. Pilots will not only need to flare the A340 more, but they will also need to use the correct rotation technique to avoid a tail strike on takeoff due to the lower thrust available. The developer also reiterated that the A340 will have a heavier, less reactive feel compared to the relatively nimble A320 family. One example is that the sidestick will not “snap” back to level when the sidestick is neutral. Instead, pilots can expect to feel a smoother, more progressive handling response in a roll.
A340 Airliner Cockpit and Systems Previews
In the post, iniBuilds stated they are focused on bringing an uncompromising focus on systems depth and accuracy to the A340-300. Pilots can expect a full suite of functional systems, including a detailed FMS with SIDs/STARs, SEC flight plans, custom LNAV/VNAV, custom hydraulic systems, custom electrical systems, and more. For pilots already familiar with iniBuilds airliners, they can expect to see the usual systems simulations included, along with new ones to explore.
Work continues on the EIS1 cockpit. Refinements have been made to capture the lower-res character of the CRT displays (when compared with EIS2). The team has added degraded edges on the PFD’s attitude and vertical speed indicators, along with a pixelated terrain mask.
The Para-Visual Indicator (PVI) and the gyroscopic standby attitude indicator, both unique features of EIS1, were previewed in the development update.
PVI is a predecessor to modern HUD/localizer symbology. It provides lateral guidance during low-visibility approaches. It will be available to pilots as an option in the EFB. A photo of the PVI is included in the gallery of previews below.
A video preview of the analog standby attitude indicator was included in the post, and you can view it here.
Through various 3rd party integrations, pilots will be able to communicate with controllers over ACARS via the MCDU and DCDU. A preview photo of the DCDU was included, viewable in the photo gallery below.
The team also shared a preview of the new MORA (Minimum Off-Route Altitude) grid coming to the A340’s navigation display, viewable in the photo gallery below.
Differences between EIS1 and EIS2 cockpits extend beyond CRT displays and analog standby instruments. iniBuilds shared another example of how these differences manifest in the navigation display. The EIS1 ND will not display route curves unless a direct-to or hold is inserted. A preview photo was shared showing how the team modelled this quirk into the A340.
In an effort to model cabin realism, iniBuilds incorporated a dynamic temperature system into the simulation of the A340 airliner. Conditions are calculated based on ambient temperature, pack output, and door states. The cabin is split into a series of zones, including the cockpit, forward, mid, and aft cabins. Each will inch towards the set target using recirculation fans and trim air. When on the ground, pilots can expect to see rapid changes in cabin temperature after opening doors. A video preview of this system in action is included below.
For pilots using GSX, iniBuilds has rewritten GSX support for the A340 Airliner. This allows pilots the ability to tailor how GSX interacts with the aircraft, from ground services to passenger flows.
EFB and Cockpit Printer Previews
To close out the development update, iniBuilds shared previews of a refreshed version of the EFB. To improve pilot workflows across flight planning, loading, and navigation, the team significantly updated the EFB interface and logic. While popular sections like Navigraph and LIDO charts remain, layouts have been refined to handle the growing number of pages and third-party integrations. Preview photos of the revised EFB are included below.
Due to popular demand, iniBuilds has incorporated a functional printer into its rendition of the A340. Pilots will be able to print flight plan INITs, takeoff data, and weather reports directly in the sim, and physical printouts will appear on the tray table for easy reference in flight. A preview of the cockpit printouts is included below.
No release timeline for the A340 Airliner was provided in the development update. To read the full development update on the iniBuilds forum, click here.
