As the addons list for MSFS continues to grow, it has been refreshing to see a utility product amongst all the scenery and aircraft hype. With TDS Sim’s flagship product, it’s a simulated fourth generation Garmin GTNXI: an answer to the complaints and concerns over MSFS native navigation systems that have, according to the community, long been one the simulators short falls - its latest update is certainly arriving with much anticipation. Recently, TDS Sim announced that their product for MSFS can now be experienced through Virtual Cockpits with added VC and VR support. 

Now armed with these new capabilities and an expanding list of compatible aircraft, the product's future developments appear promising. The aircraft that will initially support this added VR and VC ability will be the Just Flight PA28 collection, followed by the upcoming SimWorks Studios RV-14, as well as the FlySimWare C414. Integration of the product and the added functionality will be dependent on external aircraft developers and their willingness to adopt TDS Sim’s SDK. 

In true Garmin fashion, the GTNXi is packed with some really impressive features that will give the pilots who utilize it the upper hand. This experience is now heightened with the recently added capabilities; if you are not a current user of the GTNXi, and are a VR user or simply someone who prefers complete VC integration, then maybe the prospect of this product now working for you may spark some interest. Luckily we’re here to give you a quick insight on what this product entails.

It is evident that the team has really gone to great lengths to ensure no function has been forgotten. What we have seen from the team recently proves their willingness to constantly build on their existing products, meaning we can be sure to see future updates. Take a look at some of their more interesting features amongst many, that we thought are worth highlighting:

• Improved and higher resolution and faster graphics
• Modern interface look, faster startup time
• Glide range ring, autopilot altitude arc
• Ultra-high-resolution mapping, terrain information, mapping features: water bodies, political borders, roads, cities
• All the navigation data that you are used to: airports, waypoints, VOR/NDBs
• Airport’s diagram including taxiways
• Geo-referenced charts (North America only) to assist in perfectly flying that navigation procedure (approach, arrival, departure)
  

Some noteworthy mentions: the product contains both the 650Xi and the 750Xi so there’s no need to purchase them individually. Should you decide to go ahead and purchase the product, the team has expressed their focus in keeping the product optimized so that performance of the flight simulator remains unimpacted, we know this is important. The installation of similar products in the past have always notoriously been tricky, however TDS claims their installation process is as simple as running a standalone exe file.

Should you require further information check out the product page for an extensive breakdown, potential users can expect all the usual Garmin functions and much more. The product is currently on sale at 39.95 EUR, typically costing 49.95 EUR and can be purchased on TDS Sim’s website.