Fenix Simulations has recently released a new update to their A320 for Microsoft Flight Simulator, along with a quick delineation of their next steps, pricing for the upcoming expansion, and more.

The newly released V2.0.0.407 brings angle of attack tweaks in flight control law, external engine performance optimizations, CTD mitigations, GSX integration issues, sound optimizations and fixes, a rework on the LOD (level of detail) system to fix FPS loss, many EFB fixes and improvements, and more. The complete changelog follows below:

V2.0.0.407 (DOWNLOAD NOW)

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Please note: due to art optimisations, please update your liveries in the Livery Manager so they remain compliant with the latest version of software. All liveries in the manager have been updated accordingly.

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[Avionics and Systems]

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Optimised performance of External Engine Model

Optimised performance of internal LVar handling

Added EFIS BARO QNH LVars (B_FCU_EFIS*)

Added TO PERF LVars (N_MISC_PERF_TO_*)

Added ISFD LVars (N_MIP_ISFD_*, B_MIP_ISFD_*)

Added standby XPDR output LVar (i.e. the “displayed” value, N_FREQ_STANDBY_XPDR_SELECTED)

Added more configuration options for default EO ACC, default THR RED

Improved detection of when the aircraft has “loaded in” to the sim

Small AoA tweaks in flight control law

Fixed crash caused by failure to read aircraft.cfg

Fixed cabin announcement logging not being verbose enough

Fixed spoiler arm and disarm events being inverted

Fixed DisarmDoors announcement being cut off by the switch from engine generators

Fixed cabin ready not correctly handling single engine taxi

Fixed incorrect handling of aircraft.cfg comments

Fixed issue that could cause failure to hook or cabin announcements not working for users in some regions (Türkiye in particular)

Fixed incorrect TCAS target altitudes being shown on the ND when flying online

Fixed various other crashes throughout the systems (thank you to people who have the opt-in crash reporting turned on )

Fixed gear being lowered automatically when performing a belly landing

Fixed gear being up when spawning in

GSX settings are now overriden using their new API to automatically set the required GSX settings for the integration to work correctly

Fixed issue when connecting jetway or stairs via GSX

Fixed IDG fuel-based cooling running when engines are shut down

Fixed AOC WEATHER REQ requiring RETURN to be pressed twice

Fixed bypass pin not being correctly synced with GSX during pushback

Removed APU running requirement from DisarmDoors

Fixed some instances of being unable to board with GSX

Adjusted IAE FLX limit behaviour during takeoff, rotation, and THR RED

Fixed ADIRS LVars being rounded

Fixed VLS calculation for IAE engines

Fixed STS page not auto-clearing after 3 seconds when status is normal

Fixed CLB thrust being above FLX thrust

Fixed some MCDU settings not saving - failure scenarios in particular

Fixed missing ignition conditions for IAE engines (FLEX/TOGA thrust or approach idle)

Further improved VLS calculation

[Art and Sound]

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Extensive optimisations to various parts of the art

Improved our custom LOD system, resulting in shorter delays when switching and supporting drone camera

Fixed CFM atd_id not matching the livery

Fixed cockpit dome light always on in external view

Reworked LOD system to fix FPS loss

Fixed small cockpit perf dip

[EFB]

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Fixed various causes of errors throughout the EFB

Fixed race conditions in boarding status, including the way loadsheets are generated and sent

Fixed loadsheets not being generated when not using SimBrief

Fixed mismatching green dot speed between EFB and aircraft

Fixed mismatching SLT RETR and FLP RETR speeds between EFB and aircraft

Fixed THR RED and THR ACC not taking into account the configured acceleration height

Fixed incorrect ADC sent when departure time nears 0000Z

Fixed EFIS BARO CTL setting not saving

Fixed loadsheet error when starting boarding

Fixed issue with empty EOBT

Fixed refuelling in fast/slow mode using the incorrect unit

Fixed loadsheet ACARS messages not being acceptable

[Livery Manager]

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Improved installation speed

They are also happy to report that the A319/A321 package development is progressing nicely, and beta testing should begin “very soon.” In celebratory fashion, the A320 is currently on sale for roughly $49.92 (the same price as the upcoming expansion) until 2200Z on Wednesday (17/04). 

The aforementioned A320 base package includes the CFM and IAE variants of the Airbus A320 and their sharklet counterparts, albeit later in the year (after the release of the A319/A321 expansion). The upcoming expansion will, therefore, include the A319 and A321 with CFM and IAE engines and wingtip fences only at first, with sharklets to follow later in the year. It represents an average of $9.36 per variant!

Based on customer feedback, their short-term plans include changes to the flare behavior and ground effect. While they won’t make significant alterations to keep the consistency at bay, they have identified areas where gentle adjustments can be made, especially regarding ground effect. Although satisfied with the lift/cushion effect, they feel like the drag addictive could be slightly increased, helping the aircraft “settle” on the runway a bit better. 

While Microsoft Flight Simulator’s lift and drag of the ground effect are intrinsically tied to one another, the developers found a way around it with a custom solution that would allow granular control over the drag properties when under said ground effect. 

Complaints about controlling the aircraft when on the ground were also listened to and the ground friction modeling was re-tuned in accordance with SU15 and its new ground friction model. 

Both ground effect and ground modeling tweaks are expected to be rolled out as soon as possible, with the upcoming expansion not being an obstacle whatsoever. 

The add-on is available in their store for roughly $49.99 (until 17.04), under a 20% discount.

Stay tuned to Threshold for more flight simulation news!

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