Quite a bit of activity going on with SimWorks Studios with new updates either out or on the way for the majority of their products. Their in-development Airvan is also getting some status update information this week. Let’s break down some of the key details!
Kodiak and PC-12 updates
Let’s go by plane and we start with the Kodiak 100. A February 10 release of the aircraft has brought with it some new features with new Engine Indicating System (EIS) with Engine, Fuel and System pages now available for display with correct layout and symbology from the real Kodiak. A full set of integrated checklists are now available on the MFD display.
The engine is another area that has seen updates with SWS using what they learned with the PC-12 and bringing that technology to the Kodiak. Here’s part of what SWS had to say about the changes.
The engine has received a significant rework, with tech from the PC-12 replacing the smoke-and-mirrors tricks and allowing a much better simulation of it. The plane now features a custom ITT simulation that matches the real plane better. As you climb, ITT will increase and the aircraft will become ITT limited at 12-14000ft, depending on the weather. A new bit of information for us was that the Kodiak’s power control lever is mechanically limited, and this has been implemented as well. What this means is that you can no longer firewall the PCL, as the engine will restrict its forward travel based on certain restrictions. While this will help in maintaining torque limits, it does not mean that they cannot be exceeded. Also, it is your responsibility to maintain the ITT and NG limits, as the Kodiak still features a damage model.
I was fortunate enough to talk with Alex at SWS about the updates and get a sneak peek and I’m impressed with what they’ve been able to do. The Kodiak flies better than it did (though I was always a fan of how lively it was) and they have enhanced the realism of the systems and the engine.
I’ve also tested the update in MSFS 2024 and there are a few known issues, they should be solved in SU1.
That’s all about the Kodiak but the PC-12 is also due for an update which appears to be coming any day now. The team were hoping to have it out but a few last minute bugs are requiring a bit of a fix. The PC-12 has been the one that I’ve been most hoping to see achieve some greatness because SWS have had some challenges with it. I once again got a chance to fly a preview of the latest update and I am happy to report that it’s flying great. I will have a flight journal along about it before long!
GA-8 Airvan update
The SWS Airvan is approaching completion and the company reports that they are a few days worth of work away from a release candidate and final testing. The aircraft will release with a standard edition as well as with a payware expansion offering failures on the aircraft. Pricing hasn’t been announced just yet.
The company says that the features of the aircraft include a detailed exterior model with and without cargo pod, visual wear and tear that builds up over time, deforming tires, analogue cockpit with instrument vibrations, custom animations and dynamic cockpit lighting. There also are cargo and passenger interiors, GNS and GTN nav options.
The flight model and engine performance have also been verified by GA-8 Airvan pilots.
Here’s a little of what they had to say about the failure system:
With regards to the failure module, we have modelled cumulative wear & tear of multiple mechanical and electrical components. Symptoms of potential problems will manifest organically as components get older and you will have to diagnose them yourself. For example, a clogged oil filter will result in intermittent fluctuations of the oil pressure. If you notice them, you know that the filter is due for a replacement. As the filter get more and more clogged, the oil will freely move through the bypass pipe, but at the risk of a metal chip or other contaminant reaching your engine and stopping it altogether.
They’ve also released a fun YouTube Short featuring the aircraft.
The GA-8 Airvan has reportedly been built to 2024 standards. I’m not quite sure of SWS will release it for 2020 as well but those of you already on the new sim can expect to see it come there.
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