Fenix Simulations has recently issued a new update to their rendition of the Airbus A320 for Microsoft Flight Simulator, which includes bug fixes, improvements, and a new installer.
A brand new installer has been developed to speed up their release and update process. It breaks files into smaller parts and only fetches the parts that have been altered, significantly speeding up the whole process. They have gathered comparison data, and the difference is astounding: from 2 minutes and 14 seconds total (download and installation) to 35 seconds (fastest result). They also reiterate that the figures may vary depending on hardware specs and storage speed.
The sounds have also seen a rework, with binaural microphone recordings straight from a captain’s headset during a full flight, with cross-referenced ADS-B data to ensure the audio matches the correct phases of the flight. The result, balanced and adjusted accordingly, is much closer to the real thing.
They have also improved the over- and behind-wing experience with new N1 bearing recordings, airflow, N2, and behind-intake buzzsaw on the CFM56s. They also have done further sound balancing on IAEs, with new airflow recordings, buzzsaw improvements, and a new window vibration/rattle on both at high power settings.
The atmospheric sound model also received its fair share of refinement. Different ambient conditions influence the engine sounds, as demonstrated in the video below, which showcases the difference between a takeoff in the cold and dry versus hot and humid.
Last but not least, still regarding sound improvements, Fenix added two hydraulic pump options: Vickers and Parker, as per the real thing (it can be fitted with either), and their subtly different sounds.
The systems and flight model were not massively improved due to their strong focus on the upcoming expansion (A319 and A321). Still, they have improved the ADIRU wind simulation, so the airplane gathers wind data through its sensors rather than fetching it through the simulator. The fly-by-wire was made slightly smoother in pitch while retaining precision, and the ground-to-air blend was made creamier. The full changelog follows below:
Avionics and Systems
- Added rudder trim dashed LVar (B_FC_RUDDER_TRIM_DASHED)
- Added electrical bus state LVars (B_ELEC_BUS_POWER_*)
- Added configuration for the presence of Tire Pressure Indicating System (TPIS). fnx_tpis_enabled in livery cfg’s
- Reworked ADIRU 2/3 standby power supply
- Changed FMGC EPE and NAVAID tuning during IRS ATT mode
- GSX passenger count LVAR is no longer reset when a GSX restart is detected
- Updated default navdata to 2303
- Improved robustness of displays and Display Sync
- Improved ADIRU wind simulation
- Improved FBW C* feed forward gain
- Improved FBW pitch during takeoff
- Fixed scratchpad clearing if error message received
- Fixed sound playback not playing the higher priority alert
- Fixed CLB activating during a single engine go around
- Fixed EXPED not disconnecting when speed is pulled
- Fixed smoke detector fault after engine shutdown
- Fixed POS DISAGREE when in ATT mode
- Fixed heading info not showing in ND modes when IRS is in ATT mode and heading is available
- Fixed a potential crash when playing aural warnings
- Tweaked elevator authority during ground law
- Fixed aural warnings replaying continuously
- Fixed A/THR not disengaging when both thrust levers are above A/THR threshold
- Fixed any thrust lever being above MCT not being considered as above the A/THR threshold
- Fixed constraint circles not appearing on the ND when CSTR option is disabled
- Fixed several race conditions, improving stability
- Fixed CRZ ALT allowing inputs above max certified altitude
- Fixed LD ND display for non-tuned ILS
- Fixed ILS display for non-tuned radio
- Fixed spurious centre tank low pressure ECAM messages during engine start
- Fixed missing R AVIONICS DOOR ECAM
- Fixed autoland flashing below 200 ft RA when autopilot was manually disengaged
Art and Sound
- Added new recordings of Vickers and Parker elec hyd. pump selectable via aircraft.cfg for now (fnx_electric_hydraulic_pump_type=0 Vickers, 1 for Parker)
- Added N2 caution decal on wing
- Added click and hold support to knobs
- Improved CFM soundset
- Improved IAE soundset
- Improved reverse thrust sounds and associated logic
- Improvements to general soundscape
- Improved FCU underside not being reflective enough
- Improved LCD simulation, allowing for extended brightness range for better readability during daytime flying
- Improvements to flap animation, positions and wing details
- Fixed cabin visibility toggle not working
- Fixed cabin lights not appearing on the external
- Fixed flap lever position not being settable via mouse wheel
- Fixed sunshade clipping EFB
- Fixed reflection mask on windows throughout all aircraft
- Fixed stitching on FO seat not moving when the seat is moved
- Fixed parking light not retracting when the gear is retracted
- Fixed retard callout loop still being partially broken
- Fixed grey GPU cable
- Fixed misc art bugs in cargo bay
- Fixed ice detection light not behaving properly
- Fixed CFM N1 fan backface being invisible
- Fixed FWD Cargo Smoke AGENT 2 guard and switch unable to be operated
- Fixed EFB flashing from exterior view
- Fixed missing TCAS callouts
- Fixed missing cab fans in IAE cabin
- Fixed THS ACTR ELSD breaker decal
- Fixed cargo door lock indicators not displaying properly
- Fixed EMER ELEC PWR MAN ON guard doesn’t open/close
EFB
- Added support for separate departure and arrival ATIS
- Added ability to toggle the remote MCDU keys by tapping on the screen
- Improved support for remote MCDU on older devices
- Improved contrast of location arrow
- Improved error message when trying to set the background to a non-supported image type
- Improved flap selection in certain conditions
- Fixed loadsheets showing months in other languages
- Fixed GPU auto-connecting on arrival when the option is disabled
- Fixed minimum Vspeeds not being applied in WET conditions
- Fixed back button on charts page being too small
- Fixed Navigraph map showing aircraft pointing in the wrong direction when first loading in
- Fixed performance drop when updating planned weights
- Fixed performance drop when on mass and balance page
- Fixed “CABIN READY” option not saving
- Fixed incorrect preliminary loadsheet weights when using LBS
- Fixed fast and real-time loading with 0 cargo not working
- Removed ‘Memo’ cabin ready option as it requires further work on the systems side
The Fenix A320 is available on their website for roughly $64.33.
Stay tuned to Threshold for more flight simulation news!