This week’s development update from the Microsoft Flight Simulator team covered a few items that were particularly noteworthy. Whilst we eagerly await the Xbox Series X|S release in just over a week, as well as the hotly-anticipated Sim Update V, this week saw the introduction of the Orbis International aircraft being added to the simulator.
Microsoft has partnered with Orbis International to bring their extremely unique aircraft to the simulator as free downloadable content. Orbis has converted an old MD-10 cargo aircraft into a flying hospital that is equipped with a state-of-the-art operating room, laser treatment room, classrooms and AV suite. In the field, the aircraft is used to teach and train people around the world to help prevent blindness and moderate-to-severe vision loss. For those that download the free aircraft to your simulator, whilst you won’t be able to fly it, you will be able to explore and look around the detailed cabin that faithfully recreates the one-of-a-kind interior.
The rest of the development update remains somewhat familiar to what we’ve seen before. The development roadmap remains unchanged, with the next world update still focusing on Germany/Austria/Switzerland. Looking forward to September, Sim Update VI is pencilled in for the middle of the month, but no information on what that will bring at this time. Finally, Microsoft has confirmed that several new add-ons have been added to the in-sim Marketplace, including Captain Sim’s questionable 777-200ER.
In the meantime, you can read about how the next Sim Update will boost the performance of the sim by up to 70% in some scenarios. You can also read how the Xbox version of the simulator will run at 30FPS and offer cross-save functionality.
