Vector has recently published a major development update announcing that its Boeing 787-9 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has officially reached the Alpha testing stage.
Reaching Alpha marks a critical milestone for the team, meaning the aircraft is now capable of performing a complete flight, from a cold and dark state through to engine shutdown either manually or using its automated flight guidance systems.
The core systems required for full line operations are now fully functional and integrated, and the systems currently implemented and undergoing active testing include:
- Integrated FMC, LNAV, VNAV, and AFDS/Autopilot logic.
- Fully functional PFD, ND, and EICAS suites alongside Boeing’s built-in EFB and VPAD.
- Integrated electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and engine simulation logic.
- Implementation of original audio recordings taken directly from real-world 787 aircraft, alongside fully integrated cockpit and exterior animations.
Vector 787 Alpha Testing
The Alpha testing team includes real-world Boeing 787 pilots and mechanics, aerospace engineers and software developers. The group is conducting comprehensive, repeated flight testing across a wide range of real-world SIDs, STARs, and operating scenarios to fine-tune system interactions, VNAV/LNAV profiles, and flight dynamics.
Active Development Tracks
Vector outlined three primary tracks that will run concurrently throughout the Alpha phase:
- Alpha Testing, Tuning and Refinement: Continuous bug fixes and performance tuning for flight guidance, engine parameters, and interconnected systems.
- Additional Systems and Features: Implementation of remaining non-critical depth features, such as the custom Airport Moving Map (AMM) with authentic Boeing symbology and the onboard weather radar.
- Art, Sound and Additional Content: Further material look-dev, nose gear bay modelling, cabin detailing, custom fonts, and final visual animations.
Vector also revealed plans for a dedicated Vector Knowledge Centre, designed to provide clear, accessible documentation and operational guides for simmers looking to fly the aircraft to real-world standards.
They also addressed inquiries about video previews, stating that the first official showcase video is targeted for release between September and October 2026, once the visual materials and spatial audio meet the team’s internal presentation standards.
And lastly, final pricing has not yet been announced, though Vector confirmed the aircraft will be priced within the standard range for high-complexity study-level add-ons.
Stay tuned to FSElite for the latest updates.
