Following the first iteration on the major v1.3.0 update released in May, X-Crafts have issued a second patch for their fleet of five Embraer Regional Jets (ERJs) for X-Plane 11, titled version 1.3.20.
The list of changes covers five major categories, ‘General’, ‘Avionics’, ‘FMS/Autopilot’, ‘Aircraft/Objects’ and ‘FMOD’.
Beginning with general changes, the developer has taken the time to convert all of the aircraft’s script-based plugins from SASL2 to SASL3, alongside a number of quality-of-life improvements. These include tweaks to the VR configuration allowing for more precise selection of altitudes, changes to file structure for ease of access and new pop-ups for the FMS and checklists.
Joining the above features, here’s the full list:
- Converted all script based plugins from SASL2 to SASL3.
- FMS and Checklist now pop out.
- Current version checking added. The installed version is shown on the settings menu and a popup is presented when the aircraft loads so that users are aware of available updates.
- Altered AviTablet access so that it is always available, even if the AviTab plugin is not installed. This permits access to the radio selection and volume controls.
- Restored full height detection zone for side popup tabs to correct an access issue caused by resizing the X-Plane window. The tabs will disappear if the user mouses to the left of the X-Plane window.
- VR configuration files tweaked, added “hundreds” functionality to VR autopilot altitude setting knob. Other adjustments for sensitivity. Engine and APU starter knobs not quite right just yet – known issue and in work.
- Revised locations of our manuals and demo flight. These are now in the Manuals and Demo Flight folders – to make them a bit easier to find.
- Re-introduced tail.txt files for liveries so that the FMS would have the right call sign.
In comparison, the avionics section is much shorter, comprising of only three lines. These address chronometer logic, which will now function more realistically. Ground Speed, Time to Go and Elapsed Time are now visible on the PFD, in addition to a tweak to the standby attitude and compass indicators.
A number of changes were also made to the flight management system and autopilot:
- Fixed vertical mode changes from FLC to SPD or VS so that the functions now work correctly when changed.
- Fixed FLC mode so that descents are possible once again.
- Fixed reselection of the arrival airport and/or procedures so that this functions as intended. This was broken in a recent revision.
- Fixed CTD when certain waypoints were used to enter airway selection.
- When an X-Plane 11 formatted FMS flight plan file is loaded, if there are airport waypoints at each end, they are automatically removed. This permits use of SimBrief flight plans more easily as long as the X-Plane 11 format is used.
- Revised PAYLOAD data entry. Entry of payload weight on PERF1 now reflects the total payload weight added – including passenger weight. The passenger count can still be entered, but no longer affects calculations.
- Payload and fuel weight revised as well so that they can now be entered and limited correctly to prevent overloading the aircraft.
- Warning messages added to TOD display (top of descent) on PROGRESS 1 to ensure sufficient flight plan data has been entered to support TOD calculation. INOP-NO DEP, INOP-NO ARR and INOP-DEP/ARR.
- Fixed V-speeds on PERF1. The Flaps 22 setting will now consistently present slower V-speeds than Flaps 9 setting when applicable.
- Fixed wind calculations on PERF2.
- Fixed “Recommended VS” popup.
In terms of the aircraft’s exterior model, the main drawcards here are fixes to the lighting systems in order to prevent beams from shining through the geometry of the aircraft and yoke movements when under autopilot now being enabled. The Ottopilot Easter egg has also been restored.
Here’s the full list of model changes:
- Fixed all external lights so that they have a more focused beam of light and that they don’t shine through the geometry of the plane.
- Fixed overlapping manipulators for ALT knob on the AP panel.
- The radios, clocks, MSTR Buttons, and the X-Plane FMS are now dependent on bus voltage instead of battery switch position.
- Changed “Terrain Radar Not Installed” alert messaging so that users can choose to not install the Terrain Radar. These warnings are now present only if the plugin is not installed and the user selects either TERR or VSD on the DCU.
- APU on EICAS is now correctly showing OFF in green text when the APU is off.
- Added a rotation animation to the alternate radio frequency knob at the back of the pedestal.
- Fixed the copilot’s CRS2 knob so that it functions with the currently selected NAV guidance source, just like the pilot’s side.
- Restored “Ottopilot” Easter egg.
- The yoke will now move in response to autopilot/stability inputs while engaged.
Finally, we come to FMOD changes. Despite it’s short, three line nature, the changes made are actually quite major. All aural warnings have been changed, along with the addition of cabin PA announcements, which can be adjusted in the aircraft’s menu. Lastly, cockpit rattle has been reduced for a more realistic effect.
That concludes this wide-reaching update from X-Crafts, which is available now from the store of purchase.
If you’re interested in purchasing the product, you can get the family of five aircraft for $89.95 USD from the X-Plane.org Store. Alternatively, single aircraft of the family can be had for $49.95 USD each.