The developers at Big Radials have just revealed their latest project is to recapture the glitz and glamour of the 1960s and 1970s by modeling the Lockheed JetStar. It was the world’s first dedicated business jet platform and it helped ferry the likes of various American Presidents, Elvis, the Shah of Iran, Lockheed’s own Kelly Johnson and other movers and shakers. The developers are offering the jet up in an early access format so let’s have a look at what’s on offer.

JetStar to early access

First flying in 1957, Lockheed’s prototype jet was a private venture aimed at potentially collecting on a military contract. The requirement was ultimately withdrawn but Lockheed successfully offered up the aircraft as a VIP transport and the jet would help define a category of business jets that would follow. As mentioned in the introduction, the JetStar was popular with movers and shakers. A specialized variant was used by several US presidents, the Shah of Iran, and Elvis Presley owned two.

The features included in early access include high resolution 4K PBR textures, detailed 3D model inside and out, fully interactive cockpit, an autopilot system (a first for Big Radials who normally do older aircraft without such fancy systems) and several included liveries.

Post launch and during the early access period, Big Radials is intending to refine the sounds, the flight model, complete the overhead panel, the left side panel, right side panel and add a paint kit. They are also intending to offer a custom CIVA INS which is a fairly big undertaking.

The question of MSFS 2020 versus 2024 has come up on the company Facebook page as well with the following answer:

Well we still don’t have access to the 2024 SDK yet so we don’t know. There will however be a 2024 version and a 2020 version and we’ll be working hard to get them both to release ASAP.

Big Radials

Early access and purchase

Because not all features are available, Big Radials are offering a discount applied at checkout to those who purchase now. Updates are intended to come as often as weekly or up to every two weeks until the project is complete. Or, if you’re less inclined to do an early access product, eventually the JetStar will be complete and you’ll be able to pick it up when its done.

Learn more about and purchase the Big Radials JetStar over on the company website. It’s on offer for $38 USD minus the early access discount.