Black Square’s highly anticipated Duke series for Microsoft Flight Simulator has just released with the piston and turbine variants available separately or in a bundle package. Here’s what you need to know about the latest release!

Choose your Duke, or get both!

Black Square have been developing a reputation for high quality general aviation aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator with a focus on deep systems simulation and realistic simulated failures of components. Their latest release, focused on the Beechcraft Duke, looks to be upping the ante.

This aircraft includes 130 possible failures, 12-hot swappable panel configurations, three interior schemes, six exterior schemes, and a detailed EFB that includes visualization of systems including the engine and fuel systems. It also has what is reportedly one of the most advanced pressurization and cabin temperature simulations in MSFS.

The panel configurations include versions of the aircraft with no GPS system onboard so you can practice the older methods of navigation. There is an available weather radar and support for the Garmin GTN 750 from PMS50 or TDS.

Both packages include the “Grand Duke” performance upgrade as an option which adds winglets, vortex generators, strakes, extra fuel, increased speeds and increased maximum gross takeoff weight.

The aircraft also comes with a 160-page manual and a series of 500 checklist items for everything from your typical start-up and takeoff procedures to emergency procedures too.

Single or package deal

Black Square are selling the Dukes separately or in a package deal. You can choose to pick the Turbine Duke fitted with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines or the Piston Duke with the Lycoming TIO-541 engines. If you buy them together the price is $69.99 USD while the individual pricing is $47.99 USD. The bundle of obviously cheaper but it’s also more expensive so you’ll have to make that call if you’re interested in the aircraft.

You should also note that Black Square have decided to stop waiting for Sim Update 15 and release the aircraft now. If you fly it now you’ll have to do without the GNS530/430 and you’ll have to make due without the new advanced tire modeling that Asobo have put into SU15. Eventually, of course, Sim Update 15 will be out and everything will be back to normal. If you have the Sim Update 15 beta you can of course take advantage of the new features. It’s even more complex than I’ve just written there so do check out their statement here.

The bundle is available here, the Piston Duke version is sold here, and the Turbine Duke is available here.