iniBuilds has published its final development update of 2025, opening with a recap of the past year before pivoting to the official announcement of the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

The update begins by looking back at a busy, at times challenging, year for the studio. iniBuilds highlights the releases of the A350 Airliner, A340 Airliner, F406 Caravan II, and Spartan 7W Executive, alongside an extended post-launch support cycle, particularly for the A350. 

Much of the retrospective focuses on performance optimisation, WASM stability work, and long-term refinement across its MSFS 2024 fleet, rather than introducing significant new developments.

One forward-looking note does emerge from the recap, however, with iniBuilds confirming that a free VIP variant of the A340 Airliner is scheduled to arrive in January.

With housekeeping out of the way, IniBuilds moves to the main attraction.

That is, the official confirmation of the iniBuilds Lockheed L-1011 TriStar for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. 

iniBuilds says the goal is to deliver the most authentic and immersive TriStar experience yet seen in home simulation, providing a ground-up recreation of the iconic widebody, and designed to take full advantage of MSFS 2024’s new features.

The project will focus primarily on the L-1011-500 “Shortbody” variant, developed using extensive real-aircraft access, hands-on reference sessions, and detailed research. 

Planned features include fully simulated electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and environmental systems, the Automatic Flight Control System, with CAT IIIB autoland, and multiple navigation configurations. These range from analogue radio navigation to the triple Litton INS setup, with optional modern navigation upgrades also available.

A standout inclusion is the TriStar’s Performance Management System, integrated with the AFCS and INS. The system will compute optimal climb, cruise, and descent profiles, based on live aircraft data.

Sound design is being handled by Echo19, who secured access to an operational TriStar at the TriStar Experience in Kansas City, Missouri. 

iniBuilds continues by saying they have travelled internationally to gather extensive reference material, with the aircraft featuring high-fidelity exterior and interior modelling, evolving dynamic weathering, and an optional retrofit lower-deck lounge, a nod to one of the TriStar’s most distinctive design features.

Further deep dives into the RB211 engines, Direct Lift Control, flight engineer systems, and additional features are planned for future development updates.

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