Even JT-8D connoisseurs aren’t safe from the Holiday release frenzy. A few days after removing Fly the Maddog X from Simmarket, developer Leonardo SH published new details on Fly the Maddog: 20th Anniversary edition for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.
Fly the Maddog: 20th Anniversary Edition Features
The first big change is the Load Manager. A brand new manager with a modern interface takes center stage. Pilots will be able to download and manage additional liveries directly in the load manager, simplifying installation and updates.
The second big change is a completely new 3D model and visuals. Both interior and exterior 3D models have been redone and feature high-resolution textures built to current flight simulator standards. Previews included in the announcement are shown in the photo gallery below.
Thirdly, new animations and enhanced interaction are coming to the new Maddog. It is now possible to operate the sun shades and switch passenger lights directly from the relevant view positions.
Improved exterior engine sounds are included in the pack, but the developer specifically warned customers not to expect any miracles. Since the MD-80 has effectively disappeared from European skies, it is no longer practical to carry out new real-world recordings. Instead, Leonardo SH points towards third party developers’ sound packs. The developer acknowledged the situation isn’t ideal, but they preferred to be honest and set realistic expectations instead of overpromising.
Unlike Fly the Maddog X, where only the MD-82 was included and the MD-83/88 were sold as a separate expansion, the 20th Anniversary Edition includes all 3 variants in a single package. Additional features and improvements will be introduced after release, free of charge.
The 20th Anniversary Edition will ship with a Leonardo livery for the MD-82, an American Airlines livery for the MD-83, and a Delta Airlines livery for the MD-88.
Additional downloadable liveries available at launch include 2 Alitalia variants, Meridiana, Scandinavian, Aeromexico, and Spanair. Existing Fly the Maddog X liveries are not compatible with the 20th Anniversary Edition, due to the completely new 3D models and texture system.
The new paint kit is already available for download.
Third Party Compatibility for the 20th Anniversary Edition is as follows: CPDLC supports IVAO, VATSIM, BeyondATC, and SayIntentions. The internal AIRAC database is updatable through the Navigraph Hub. Simbrief OFP uplinks are possible directly into the EFB.
Third party developers including FS2Crew, FSDT (GSX), FSiPanel, and Immersive Audio already have access to the 20th Anniversary Edition to ensure a smooth transition.
Continued Support for Fly the Maddog X
Leonardo SH reaffirmed ongoing support for Fly the Maddog X for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, especially when simulator updates require the developer’s intervention.
Both Fly the Maddog X and the 20th Anniversary Edition can coexist in the same simulator.
Purchasing the upgrade does not replace or remove Fly the Maddog X.
Fly the Maddog: 20th Anniversary Edition Pricing, Upgrades, and Release Date
The 20th Anniversary Edition will be available for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. Compatibility for both simulators is included in a single purchase.
Under the previous pricing model, all variants of the Maddog summed to a total of EUR 100 / GBP 87.55 / USD 117.11.
For new customers, the full package including all 3 variants is priced at EUR 64,99 / GBP 56.90 / USD 76.11 until December 31st, 2025.
From 1st January, 2026 onwards, pricing for new customers will increase to EUR 64,99 / GBP 61.27 / USD 81.97.
For existing customers of Fly the Maddog X, the upgrade will be priced at EUR 22,50 / GBP 19.70 / USD 26.35 until December 31st, 2025.
From 1st January, 2026 onwards, upgrade pricing for existing customers will increase to EUR 24,99 / GBP 21.88 / USD 29.27.
All prices above exclude taxes.
Fly the Maddog: 20th Anniversary Edition will be available for sale exclusively via SimMarket on 20th December, 2025 at 12:00 CET.
Future Projects at Leonardo SH
The developer is planning on creating a dedicated -F freighter version of the Maddog which will be released as a paid expansion.
No plans exist to develop an MD-81, MD-87, MD-90, or fully analog cockpit variant due to development resource constraints.
To read the full announcement on the Fly The Maddog website, click here.
