5 March 2024
Here's the latest update on the forthcoming MSFS Black Square Piston Duke and Turbine Duke for MSFS, direct from the developer, Nick Cyganski...
Since the last update, the beta testers have been busy providing feedback for the Dukes. While their minor bug reports are greatly appreciated, it's the feature requests that bring me the most joy to implement.
When asked if I had any plans to implement engine preheating, I responded, "This was not something I had planned, but I will probably convince myself otherwise by the end of the week." In fact, I could not resist the temptation, and began work that evening. The engine preheaters included in the Dukes go far beyond just a visual model. I decided to embrace cold weather operations and made temperature affect almost every part of aircraft operation. For example, with the new instrument needle stiction and friction in the Dukes, I was able to make the needles behave differently depending on cabin temperature. The needles become increasingly sticky in frigid temperatures, sometimes requiring a tap on the instrument's glass to free the needle. Even the speed and sound of electric motors and gyroscopes throughout the aircraft are affected by temperature.
The engine preheater is necessary for healthy reciprocating engine starts. Users can watch the oil warm up on the new tablet interface, and feel the difference with how easily the starter motor turns over the engine. While preheating is generally not required for turbine engines, battery temperature has a considerable impact on the voltage drop experienced by the starter motor. To combat this, users can deploy the external power cart to keep voltages high while starting in low temperatures.
I also received requests for more panel options to accompany the different upholstery packages from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Each has a different level of cleanliness to match your custom paint schemes. Some of the beta testers have also been making their own spectacular liveries, which will be available on flightsim.to on the day of release. The exterior of the aircraft now also includes removable pitot-static and engine covers with 'Remove Before Flight' streamers that blow in the wind, making them a suitable replacement for a nearby windsock.
It might be a small feature for some, but I am happy to announce that the Dukes will see the introduction of autopilot control for the KNS-81 RNAV Navigator. This was made possible by a lucky discovery while troubleshooting a bug in the KLN-90B GPS, which is also a new addition to the Black Square fleet. The Dukes will surely prove an exciting vintage flying experience for those who remember the early days of GPS fondly.
Lastly, I've also been making improvements to the turbine engine simulation that debuted in the Black Square TBM 850. The simulation now accounts for the operation of the PT6A's P2.5 bleed valves, which also enables yet more engine failure modes. This brings the total number of possible failures in both aircraft to over 250. Failures are controlled by the new tablet interface and can always be disabled if you don't want to have your perfect flight interrupted. Propeller beta range operation should also now be easier to identify and program with better audiovisual feedback from the power levers, thanks to suggestions from the beta testers.
Both versions of the Dukes are now scheduled for release once Asobo releases Sim Update 15, and will be sold separately as well as together in a generously discounted bundle.