Developer and publisher Just Flight recently released a development update highlighting progress on the Avro RJ series of regional aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Avro International Aerospace was formed by British Aerospace (BAe) as a joint venture with Taiwan Aerospace Corporation. The plan was to consolidate domestic production of the BAe-146 jets at a facility at Woodford Aerodrome near Manchester, while opening a second production line in Taiwan. Although efforts to raise funding for the Taiwan facility failed, Avro was able to continue production thanks to cost savings from closing the second production line at Hatfield.
The Avro RJ series came in three variants – 70, 85 and 100, corresponding to the 146-100, 200 and 300 models. The jets featured several significant improvements over the 146 series – including new higher-thrust engines and FADEC, as well as a glass cockpit similar to that of the classic 737 passenger aircraft.
Just Flight originally started the 146 Professional Project for X-Plane, adapted the product to MSFS, and then released a free, major update to the product in April based on positive feedback from the community.
This development update focuses primarily on advancements in the cabin experience.
According to Just Flight, the RJ’s cabin is a stark contrast to that of the BAe-146. Grey leather seats (pictured below) give the cabin a completely different feel to the 146’s 80s-style fabric seats.
The cabin upgrades are more than just skin deep, however. The RJ’s refreshed interior features modernized (for 1990s standards) panel boards, cabin controls, a new handset communications system, and even an “office-grade” coffee machine.
For those who prefer to focus on the flying, Just Flight has introduced the Auto Cabin Crew option, which simulates a typical roster. Pilots hear noises, chimes, and coffee brewing as they fly through a sector. During a flight, you can even peek into the cabin through a window in the cockpit door.
Of course, the cabin can be made completely invisible to increase performance by reducing VRAM usage.
Just Flight concluded the update by noting that the aircraft “actually equipped with all functions” and is beginning the fine-tuning phase. However, no release timelines or pricing information have been provided.
Click the link here to read Just Flight’s full development update.
