In a surprise announcement, developers PILOT’S has today confirmed to FSElite that they are working on a brand new aircraft. The de Havilland Canada DHC-7 is unique and offers unmatched
performance for an aircraft its size, allowing it to operate in and out of airports with very short runways. This is a perfect aircraft to pair with the recently released PILOT’S Tioman Island scenery.
The Dash 7 features four turboprop engines and a high-wing design, both of which allow the aircraft to operate as a regional airliner with short take-off and landing (STOL) capability. The Dash 7 had its maiden flight in 1975 and was produced as a passenger and passenger/cargo variant up until 1988. Currently, around 100 Dash 7 aircraft remain in operation worldwide, and PILOT’S will soon allow virtual pilots to fly this aircraft too. All releases will feature full PBR and include two liveries (Tyrolean Airways/Berjaya Air) along with a paint kit.
The Dash 7 by PILOT’S is due to come to a variety of platforms including Prepar3D V4 and X-Plane 11. The team also confirmed that upon the release an SDK from Microsoft, the team will convert the aircraft to the new Flight Simulator. The team say that those who purchase the P3Dv4 version will have their money credited to them for the MSFS release (in a similar fashion to PMDG’s recent NGXu/NG3)
In regards to the Prepar3D V4 version, the team said that there will be two releases. The Initial release will be made available for P3DV4 and is due for an estimated release of Q1 2020. This package will feature the Dash 7 with standard instruments for the “casual simmer” at a “competitve price.” After thatm in Q2 2020, a professional version will be released with “fully authentic cockpit along with customized instruments.” Users who wish to upgrade can do so via an upgrade fee. As for the X-Plane 11 version, it is due for a release in Q2 2020 and an aircraft partner will convert the aircraft to the simulator.
