A few hours ago, PMDG released the first trailer for its long-awaited 777 for Microsoft Flight Simulator. This trailer was followed by a 45-minute Q&A session with PMDG CEO and Founder, Robert Randazzo, in which he answered a range of questions and provided insight into the release schedule for the 777.
PMDG 777-300ER Releasing First
The first detail shared about the 777 for Microsoft Flight Simulator was the fact the first variant to release will be the 777-300ER. This is the longer version of the 777 from Boeing and is a popular choice amongst airline operators thanks to its payload abilities and range. It opens up a lot of possibilities within the simulator and paves the way for some new long-haul destinations.
We saw in the 2-minute trailer plenty of shots of the exterior views and cockpit, which we saw the onboard EFB (Universal Flight Tablet), some of the exhaust effects and overall texturing/modelling work. It’s good to note that this is still a work in progress, as per the video’s description.
PMDG 777-300ER Release Date and Price
During the Q&A session, Robert revealed that PMDG is anticipating the release to happen between 2 weeks and 2 months, providing everything goes as planned. Robert emphasised they are working on 3 things before it can be released, but did not divulge exactly what those details were. However, he did comment that CPDLC will be functioning at release and will connect to the HOPPIE network.
As for the price, Robert didn’t say exactly how much it would cost, but he did say it would be “roughly in line” with the 737 series for Microsoft Flight Simulator. One of the variants will, like the 737-600, be cheaper than the others, but didn’t confirm which one.
PMDG 777 Features and Functionality
Whilst the trailer gave visual insight, it lacked any detail on what features and functions would be brought to the aircraft. However, Robert did answer a number of questions to give us some answers. He said that we can expect this to be a high-fidelity aircraft that builds on the 737 for MSFS and adds new features such as an expansion of the maintenance tracking. GSX integration is in development for the plane, along with load management through the universal flight tablet. There will be a fully explorable virtual cabin, and yes, the cockpit door will open. Automatic step climbs will also be modelled.
There are some items on their agenda that are also in the works. RF Legs is being targeted for a day-one release, but this may slip into releasing with the variant of 777 that follows. No cabin announcements will come initially, nor will the HUD for the 777. However, a HUD is a very rare feature on a 777 and the team doesn’t have the data to replicate this yet.
Sadly, due to restraints presented by Microsoft Flight Simulator [2020], a taxi camera won’t be present.
Other 777 Variants
It is confirmed that there will be a 777-200ER, 777-200LR and a 777F joining the 777-300ER in the future. The release order wasn’t disclosed at this time.
737MAX Release Update
During the Q&A session, Robert announced that the 737MAX series of planes would be released between 777 variants. This is a surprising move as PMDG usually focuses on one aircraft type before then moving onto a release cycle of another.
This is perhaps due to the fact that the PMDG team has grown significantly in the past 14 months and enables them to work on multiple projects at the same time.
PMDG ‘Secret Project’
It was asked in the live Q&A several times what the secret project is, but PMDG did not give any indication on what it could be. They did rule out a 727 and 737 Classic, but did touch on the next aeroplane without giving away any details. They were also asked about a 787 which wasn’t denied when asked directly (nor was it confirmed, so take that as you will).
PMDG 777X
The question was asked and Robert simply said that they are having conversations with Boeing about the aircraft in a flight simulator.
Future PMDG 737 for MSFS Updates
Robert confirmed that the tablet device is now working for Xbox users and will be released just as soon as possible through the in-sim Marketplace. He also said that any improvements that the 777 line of products see will be brought back to the 737 series.
==
That covers most of the major points of conversation from the Q&A session, but you are able to watch the video for yourself over on YouTube.
Thanks to Spencer on our team for assisting with the information from the video for this post.
