FlyByWire Simulations has issued a detailed update on the current progress of its A380X project for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Known for its popular A32NX project, FlyByWire aims to expand its contribution by bringing a detailed Airbus A380 simulation, drawing on experience gained with the A320.
A380X to Launch in Open Alpha
The A380X will initially launch as an open alpha "developer preview", making it accessible to both the general public and developers for testing and contributions. FlyByWire has outlined that the aircraft’s systems will be partially functional, with ongoing development expected to add more features over time. This phased approach mirrors the early development path taken for the A32NX, where functionality was gradually expanded based on user feedback and collaborative contributions.
Key Systems and Features
The A380X open alpha includes several operational systems and features, although not all are fully optimized:
- Flight Management and Navigation: A custom-built Flight Management System (FMS) based on FlyByWire's latest framework, designed to support various flight procedures and precise waypoint sequencing for more realistic navigation.
- Flight Displays and Checklists: Primary Flight Display (PFD), Navigation Display (ND), and other flight instruments are included in the release, along with electronic checklists for normal and some abnormal procedures.
- Aircraft Systems Simulation: Systems such as electrical, pneumatic, and environmental controls are modeled to provide a realistic aircraft environment, with over 140 failure scenarios available via the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB).
- Dynamic Wing Flex and Control Surfaces: The aircraft’s wing flex and control surfaces respond dynamically to factors like fuel load and aerodynamic forces, simulating the distinctive “Valse Des Ailerons” effect unique to the A380.
- Enhanced Awareness Features: The A380X includes features like Brake to Vacate (BTV) and Runway Overrun Protection (ROP), systems designed to assist with braking and landing. An onboard Airport Navigation System (OANS) offers airport moving maps, further supporting situational awareness.
Performance and System Requirements
FlyByWire has provided preliminary system requirements for the open alpha, noting that the A380X’s complexity may result in a performance impact of roughly 25% compared to the A32NX. Requirements range from mid-range specifications for low settings to higher-end hardware for smoother performance:
- Minimum (1080p30 Low Settings): Intel i5-4460 or Ryzen 3 1400, GTX 1060 6GB or RX 480 8GB, 8GB RAM, and 28GB storage.
- Recommended (1440p30 High Settings): Intel i5-8400 or Ryzen 5 3600, RTX 3060 12GB or RX 6600 XT 8GB, 16GB RAM, and 20GB SSD storage.
- High-End (1440p/4K DLSS 60 High/Ultra): Ryzen 7 7800X3D, RTX 4080 Super 16GB or 7900 XTX 24GB, 32GB RAM, and 20GB SSD storage.
Developer Contributions and Project Timeline
FlyByWire welcomes contributions from the developer community and has made the A380X source code available on GitHub for collaboration. The team aims to collect input on system optimizations, bug fixes, and feature enhancements as the project evolves.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Compatibility
In response to inquiries regarding MSFS 2024 compatibility, FlyByWire states that the A380X will be adapted for the new simulator but may experience delays due to optimization and new requirements in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. They confirm that the A380X will not be available on the in-game Marketplace and will rely on alternative distribution methods.
FBW A380X | Out of the Hangar
In the meantime, FlyByWire has announced a special stream which is expected to share even more details and insights on their upcoming project. The stream will be available on October 26th 18:00 UTC.
FlyByWire’s update clarifies that the A380X project is still under active development and will continue to release updates to improve functionality, add systems, and address user feedback. This open alpha however will offer a preview of the ongoing development, with FlyByWire emphasizing a gradual path toward a more complete A380 experience over time.