Getting Ready for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Yesterday, Robert Randazzo, the founder of PMDG, posted an update on the PMDG forums, providing insights into their ongoing projects for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. He even teased a “new airplane project that we haven’t told you about.”
Project Updates
PMDG was planning to release an update for the Boeing 777-300ER this weekend, focusing primarily on the model with some code adjustments to the aircraft’s navigation data. However, due to issues with the navdata code, the update has been delayed. Despite this setback, we can expect the 777-300ER update to arrive soon.
The Boeing 777F was also scheduled to enter testing this week, but this has been postponed due to the 300ER issues and some internal staffing challenges.
Meanwhile, some members of the 777 team have shifted their focus to the 747 project, which is gaining more attention as it inches closer to an unannounced release date.
Preparations for MSFS 2024
Robert mentioned that PMDG is actively preparing their products for MSFS 2024. One focus area is enhancing the aircraft exteriors for the new walk-around feature in 2024. He shared some screenshots showcasing the high level of detail PMDG is aiming for.
However, it’s unclear which aircraft these screenshots represent. They appear to be from either a wing root or an engine pylon, but after comparing them to existing MSFS aircraft and real-life photos, no match has been found. Could these be from an entirely new aircraft?
New Undisclosed Project
In the same update, Robert briefly mentioned that PMDG is working on a “new airplane project that we haven’t told you about.” The specifics of this aircraft are unknown, sparking speculation.
There are two PMDG aircraft that haven’t yet appeared on the MSFS lineup: the British Aerospace Jetstream 41 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, both previously released for FS2004, FSX, and P3D. However, given that TFDi Design has already released a high-fidelity MD-11, it seems unlikely that PMDG will pursue this aircraft. As for the Jetstream 41, a forum post from a year ago suggested there were no plans for it to appear in MSFS.
There might be another possibility. Back in 2004, PMDG released a Beechcraft B1900D for FS2004, which never made it beyond that version. Could this aircraft be making a comeback after 20 years? Or perhaps PMDG is developing something entirely new that they’ve never tackled before.
Some have even speculated that PMDG might be working on an Airbus project, especially since the original forum post included screenshots titled “BoebusA3797.” Robert playfully responded, “I did that on purpose, because I knew SOMEONE was gonna look there for a clue… BoeBusA3797… So it could be just about anything.”
We can safely rule out the 737NG, 737MAX, 777-300ER, 777F, and the 747, as these aircraft have either been released or confirmed.
Whatever this new and undisclosed PMDG aircraft might be, stay tuned to our website for the latest updates on this intriguing mystery project, as we’ll be monitoring it closely.
