Robert Randazzo at PMDG has shared further details regarding the development of their 737NG for MSFS. As the team makes more progress on the aircraft, the aircrafts is approaching beta testing stage.
Today’s update, posted on the PMDG Forums, shared a general status update regarding development as well as delving into the details on upcoming testing processes in the upcoming beta testing, and smaller requirements such as implementing key binds correctly.
Major Updates
The 737 now contains the ability to be flown on “complete” flights which allows the developers to test for bugs and other broken aspects of the plane. Randazzo claims the system’s logic has been developed and is currently in testing. Overall, the software is stable and usable, which has led PMDG to focus on MSFS interfacing, like ensuring that keyboard shortcuts and MSFS commands are compatible with the plane.
Since the 737 is in a flyable and usable state, the developers are now focusing on refining their product rather than focusing on the implementation of features. An example of this shift of focus is the refinement of the auto flight system control laws. Complementing this focus shift is PMDG’s embedding of new capabilities available to MSFS.
Beta Testing Approaching
As the 737 finds itself becoming more complete, PMDG has set an internal beta testing date. Randazzo ensures that their “confidence in hitting that beta date is very high”, and that they are also projecting a release date. Unfortunately, these dates haven’t been publicly announced yet, but the time is approaching to reveal more information regarding the 737’s relatively imminent release.
As development starts to come to a focus on ironing out of issues, rather than adding new features, we’ll likely see an increase of images and teasers being shared by PMDG and other aircraft testers.
Take a look at our previous article on the development of the NG3, where the above image of the testing tail cone was originally shared.
Keep an eye out on Threshold to stay up to date with the latest PMDG news.