Fenix Simulations Updates A320 Family for MSFS

Fenix Simulations recently issued a new update to its A320 family lineup for Microsoft Flight Simulator, which includes performance optimization improvements, new ATSU features, and more.

Update 2.2.0.403 features a substantial amount of changes on the systems front, with a new source of GPS ephemeris data, ILS autotune improvements, multiple MCDU fixes and tweaks, the addition of AOC FREE TEXT and AOC ATIS request via VATSIM and IVAO, cargo distribution on loadsheet, along with weight and balance code changes to support sharklets and ACTs in the future.

Furthermore, art fixes were rolled out to address a safety card mishap (the A319 and A321 safety cards showed up on the A320), flap rod fixes on the A319 and A320, overhead bin improvements, and more.

The EFB has also seen minor improvements, such as better cargo distribution to target an optimal CG setting, better take-off performance figures based on airport elevation, and a bug fix that prevents the EFB from starting blank if it had been in sleep mode during the previous session.

The Flight and engine Models had also undergone improvements, with a fully reworked FADEC providing accurate FLX data and wholly mitigating the discrepancy between its assigned trust rating and what was, in fact, displayed. The changes also make it so that the FADEC rating will subtly change during the take-off roll, as the system is continuously computing the appropriate thrust output, thus causing variation on the EPR/N1. IAEs are still going to see further tweaks.

The official changelog for the update follows below:

 Avionics and Systems
  • Optimised internal scheduling of display rendering
  • Added cargo distribution to loadsheet
  • Added AOC FREE TEXT
  • Added AOC ATIS request via VATSIM and IVAO
  • Added new source of GPS ephemeris data - updated NAVSTAR tracking algorithm with more current data, fully prepared for full GNSS constellation (Galileo/Beidou/etc) when the real A320 is able
  • Improved internal W&B code to better support sharklets and ACTs
  • Improved conditions for auto-tuning ILS
  • Fixed approach transition altitude not being based on the entered QNH
  • Fixed values like 0.11 being rounded in the RNP field
  • Fixed STAR not being reloaded or cleared after changing runway
  • Fixed aircraft freezing during rare circumstances when using the ACARS printer
  • Fixed S speed being impossibly low at around 45 T gross weight
  • Fixed SayIntentions ACARS not connecting if a Hoppie code wasn’t entered
  • Fixed CLOSEST AIRPORTS not showing an EFOB
  • Fixed “HUNDRED ABOVE” and “MINIMUMS” playing when an MDA/BARO was entered on the ground
  • Fixed ACARS client not correctly respecting “invalid login code” responses
  • Fixed ALPHA FLOOR engaging on approach when below 100 ft RA
  • Fixed SPD LIM not showing with a dual SFCC failure
  • Fixed certain speeds showing when they shouldn’t with a dual SFCC failure
  • Fixed cross track error not showing on the ground
  • Fixed ECP ALL button logic (it shouldn’t “remember” the last selected page)
  • Fixed formatting issues of the ATC unit on DCDU
  • Fixed FUEL X FEED OPEN light appearing when the valve isn’t fully open
  • Fixed tailstrike protection chevron not being amber
  • Fixed physical BARO MODE switch becoming out of sync when linked
  • Fixed COM3 playing at 100% volume
  • Fixed HF2 transmit indicator lighting up when HF1 was active
  • Removed MAX FLT TIME limitation on yellow hydraulic low level (HYD RSVR ISOL VALVE INS)
Art and Sound
  • Fixed A319 & A321 safety card showing A320
  • Fixed flap rods in A319 and A320
  • Fixed overhead bin missing polys on high density cabin
  • Fixed odd coloured paint on the wing of the A319
  • Fixed ATC model not being said correctly in-game (incorrect localisation key)
EFB
  • Improved cargo distribution to target an optimal CG
  • Improved takeoff performance based on airport elevation
  • Fixed EFB being blank on start-up if the previous session was quit with the EFB “sleeping”
Flight and Engine Models 
Here we did a bit of work to the FADEC when it comes to FLX computations, some may have noticed a discrepency between the FADEC’s assigned thrust rating and what was actually achieved before - this has now been resolved by a thorough rework of the FADEC, but also it’s associated data sources. Additional to this, as a bonus of giving something a rework - you get to improve certain other aspects too. You may now observe the FADEC rating subtly changing as you roll down the runway during takeoff, this is normal - the FADEC is continously computing the appropriate thrust output and therefore slighty varying EPR/N1 - this is now reflected across the range, but we’re still tweaking the IAEs a little. 

The A320 Family is available on their website for roughly $104.81.

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