Concorde - First Look

[Andrew Wilson]

I had promised some previews before the year end – so allow me to share a few details on some of the features you can expect to see:

Here’s a shot of G-BOAA flying in the British Airways Negus livery. We’ve painted all the liveries the aircraft flew in – even the hybrids that operated between livery transitions. Not only that – but each airframe (fourteen production aircraft) has been configured with its retrospective weight and balance properties; resulting in unique handling characteristics. Any of the fourteen airframes can be repainted – and will automatically inherit British or French configurations depending on its MSN. The external model has been reworked using the latest PBR technologies offered in P3Dv5 – which are used extensively to render the correct lighting characteristics around the airframe.

 

This shot of the famous Pepsi livery worn by ‘Sierra Delta’ gives me an opportunity to mention another feature we’ve implemented; this livery was restricted to twenty minutes at Mach 2 – as the darker paint on the fuselage caused the skin to retain more heat (the speed at which Concorde flew would heat the nose to just under 127C). We thought it would be a neat feature to implement this – so our simulation checks the colour of the fuselage/wings and heats the airframe appropriately. Of course, this will then lead to significant consequences – and with the help of ex-Concorde flight and ground crews, we’ve devised a probable chain of failures that will result from exposing the airframe to excess heat. It means that any custom repaint will need to give this careful consideration – just as was done in real life – as it was the primary reason why most of the liveries designed for Concorde in its lifetime were white.

 

Here we have a shot of ‘Alpha Echo’, on what I presume is a 27R departure from London Heathrow given the early left turn with the reheats still lit. As with all of our titles – we include a whole range of special effects – and the reheat system designed for this title utilises our latest technologies. The reheats are completely dynamic, reacting to ambient lighting conditions to vary their appearance. In daylight you’ll see the reheat spray rings and pre-ignition sequence as each reheat lights up in stages. At night – the diamond cone effect extends to illuminate the aircraft and its surroundings, throwing sparks as the aircraft thunders down the runway. The Olympus 593’s MkII’s weren’t the cleanest of engines, so we’ve included various special effects for engine smoke that also varies with atmospheric conditions and engine power.

 

This one is my #BeaconShot – landing in reduced visibility, where our volumetric lighting effects can be seen. As with our other titles, each light carries a whole range of special effects, including volumetric properties that can be seen during inclement weather operations, custom warm-up and cool-down times, in addition to custom lighting properties that integrate with the surrounding ambient conditions. The main landing lights situated at the forward wing root were seldom used in daylight operations due to the buffeting they created – something we have also simulated.

 

Onto our brand-new virtual cockpit, designed from the ground up especially for P3Dv5 and MSFS. Each instrument has been built using high-definition texturing and includes dynamic lighting that reacts to both ambient lighting and any of the various lighting systems on the aircraft. In this shot you’ll note the rather inconsistent instrument lighting – each instrument is rendered with its own individual lighting characteristics. This shot was taken shortly into a supercruise on a Barbados return to London; you can see the aircraft is climbing initially at a healthy rate given the very cold troposphere around the equator and will ‘settle’ into a cruise climb which is simulated so precisely that, for any given weight and ambient temperature, the aircraft is never more than 50ft from the calculated profile.

Most of our efforts with this new virtual cockpit have been on modelling the new flight engineer station. Every single switch, dial, rotary selector is simulated. The task of the flight engineer can be left to our new ‘virtual flight crew system’ and our virtual Flight Engineer (and First Officer) will carry out their duties exactly as per real world procedures. In fact, one of my favourite areas of this simulation is triggering this process on a cold and dark aircraft and then watching the systems come to life and witnessing the various warnings flashing and sounding as the Safety and Cockpit Preparation flows are executed; a process that goes on for a good twenty minutes or more which is enough time to plan your route using our new planning utilities.

 

Here we have two external devices. The left showing a remote connection to any of the three INS CDU’s which can be used to operate and monitor the INS system throughout the flight. The device on the right is showing a page from the tactical part of the generated flight briefing. In this instance, the Concorde EROPS chart. This chart, rendered and generated automatically for any given route, depicts the diversion commit points. The blue flags signify the viable alternates for a 3-engine diversion and the red flags for a 2-engine diversion. Each point is calculated meticulously using weather and aircraft performance data, accompanied by a two page digital printout of tactical data that formed part of the British Airways crew flight briefing. Any time a flight plan is generated, a tactical plan is calculated and provides all the data required to make a comprehensive decision for a diversion field. You’ll also note the current NAT tracks are rendered on the chart, although Concorde operated above the North Atlantic Track system, the crews needed to be aware of where these were for any given flight over the North Atlantic, in the event of an emergency descent.

 

I hope this has provided a small glimpse of what you can expect from our new Concorde title. I’ve hardly scratched the surface of what’s included – and we’ll be excited to reveal more details in the coming weeks as we progress towards a release.

From all of us at Flight Sim Labs – thank you for your continued support and we wish you a Happy New Year.

[Nihar Modak]

Awesome

[Pablo Prada]

Come on guys. This is crazy. 

[Craig Phillips]

Looks good, but hasn't most of the market moved to MSFS by now?

[Andrew Wilson]

We are also working on a title for MSFS - the P3D version will be released first. 

[Ray Proudfoot]

A man true to his word!  The images look fantastic Andrew, well done. I imagine you have been working extremely hard to get this out before the year end.

I look forward to the P3D release and anticipate a v6 may be available soon after that version is released by LM.

A happy Christmas and successful New Year to everyone at FS Labs.

[Nikola Jovanovic]

This looks amazing. Looking forward to try it.

 

Couple questions: 
You said each frame will have unique mass and balance profile. What about cockpit differences between BA and AF cockpits (Instrument positions, ins equipment, clock…) and boag systems?

 

Possibly the weakest point of ConcordeX virtual flight deck was TLA marker and bug. Any update in that area?

Any chance you include EFB from airbus line (of course as an opion to toggle on-off). I do not think it would be unrealistic given that we will operate the addon in modern airspace.

 

[Scott White]

Looking absolutely amazing! I'm only on MSFS so will be waiting patiently for that version but great to see the work that has been done on her anyway.

[Callum McLoughlin]

14 minutes ago, Andrew Wilson said:

We are also working on a title for MSFS - the P3D version will be released first. 

Excellent. I will admit that when you first asked the question, would we switch over to P3D and commit to buying it I said “yes” - unfortunately time has moved on, but I renew my commitment in my new platform - MSFS :)

[Craig Baillie]

So pretty!

[Guillaume Besnard]

Definitely a day one purchase on my end.

[Andrew Wilson]

@Nikola Jovanovic

Those are planned - we're not sure yet if they will make it into the initial version - but if we can, we will. At the same time, of course, our efforts have to be divided between P3D and MSFS. 

As for the TLA - yes, I'll share some screenshots of the new throttle quadrant next time. However, when using the new virtual crew system - the Flight Engineer has full control over the throttles during any procedure where the TLA bug was used. To elaborate a little; the aircraft is completely integrated with our new planning system, so the virtual crew system knows exactly what procedures you're flying. Whether that be a JFK 31L Canarsie climb, an LHR 09R 2% through HDG 155, or a BGI unrestricted climb. When flying these procedures, the EO and FO are carrying out the exact actions they would have conducted in the real world, meaning all you need to do is focus on flying the procedure. The same logic also applies to the acceleration and deceleration procedures - as the aircraft knows exactly where these are; so the crews run through the correct procedures and callouts (i.e. calling out the time/distance to acceleration). 

It's a very different experience to flying any other Concorde title. 

As for an EFB - I'm very reluctant to add any simulated 'smart devices' to the flight deck. We have, however, worked on something that the crews did have. We'll be sharing details on this as we near release.

[Ray Proudfoot]

Andrew, user designed flights will have their own accel points and points where the aircraft needs to be subsonic. I’m sure all will become clear as more info is released.

My EGCC-LPPT flight doesn’t start the transonic climb until abeam Anglesey heading south. As long as I can mark that position in the planning I’ll be a happy bunny. 

[Will Fibich]

Wow, come on guys. This is insane! You've really outdone yourselves with the product. I can't wait to see and read more.

 

Thanks for the early Christmas present!

[Nikola Jovanovic]

@Andrew Wilson
Thanks for quick reply.

No worries even if we end up with concordeX flight deck config for all frames. 
 

Regarding EFB, I understand your point, but these devices are designed exactly to be bodged inside all old analog flight decks and are not integral part of aircraft systems anyway (with exception of the newest generation of aircraft). You can see them installed in all range of DC-3, 6, 9, L-1011 and so on. Anyway, again, not a big deal, we will go by your judgement and we all probably use external physical EFBs anyway.

[Ray Proudfoot]

Just now, Nikola Jovanovic said:

and we all probably use external physical EFBs anyway.

I’ve been using the Aivlasoft EFB on Concorde for years. On a separate monitor it’s brilliant. 

[David Porrett]

The virtual cockpit on this will be to die for - hopefully not too far off in FSL terms if they are now giving us previews. Can't wait.

[Maxime Guy]

Oh my ! FSLabs have still got it ! Hopefully not too long to go !

 

Merry Xmas to all. 

[Ben Wright]

4 hours ago, Andrew Wilson said:

We are also working on a title for MSFS - the P3D version will be released first. 

Will those who buy the P3D version first have to buy the MSFS version when it releases? I know it may be undecided or you can't say yet, however I thought I'd be cheeky and ask anyway 

Looks great though, I never got to fly the Concorde in P3D v3 so I'm excited to say the least!

[Eric Dziura]

What a GREAT Christmas present. SOOOOOOOOOOOO glad it will be available for P3DV5.

The features you mentioned are AWESOME.

FSL has been so quiet since May I worried we'd lost you.

Thank you for the update, and Happy Holidays.

[Yuchen Yan]

unbelievable, unbelievable

[Otown]

[Danny Moore]

Looks really good. Can’t wait to see all the Concordes on Vatsim that look like Airbus see there is no proper model matching, LOL
Congrats to all the future Concorde pilots.


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[duartevieira]

Go to love all these saying [ msfs only ] and then when the product releases they will be the first ones buying it 

[Norman Blackburn]

18 minutes ago, Danny Moore said:

Looks really good. Can’t wait to see all the Concordes on Vatsim that look like Airbus see there is no proper model matching,

What you really meant to say is there is no proper model matching that *you* have. 

[Milton Kuser]

Thanks for the sneak peek!  I'm sure that I am adding my name to a long list of individuals that are anxiously waiting for this beauty to be released.

One question out of curiosity.  On Concorde-X we could open the various flight engineer panels in a 2D format and move them onto a second monitor while still staying in virtual mode for the front panel on the main monitor for flying purposes.  This made it immensely easier to perform the flight engineer functions as you flew if you wished to do so instead of using the virtual flight engineer.  Will there be a way to have some of the flight engineer panels open on secondary monitors in some fashion?

 

[Peng Jia]

Dream come true ,thank you.

[Danny Moore]

4 hours ago, Norman Blackburn said:

What you really meant to say is there is no proper model matching that *you* have. 

Then by all means point me and others in the right direction. I’m sure other would be interested in seeing the FSLabs Concorde in the correct AI livery. Some of us are using FLAi, AIG and FSLTL. What better way to showcase the new bird then for others to see it correctly online.


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[Norman Blackburn]

2 minutes ago, Danny Moore said:

Then by all means point me in the right direction.

I’m sure you will see some in screenshots when we are able to share things.

[Danny Moore]

I’m sure you will see some in screenshots when we are able to share things.

I’m taking this to mean there may be some AI Model Matching in the works? I know Ray was trying to get a desent MM for Concorde for some time now.


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[Miles Harrison]

Guys, can I ask were the screenshots done in P3D or MSFS.

 

Many thanks guys

 

Miles

[Seth Goodwin]

9 hours ago, Andrew Wilson said:

We are also working on a title for MSFS - the P3D version will be released first. 

Far be it for me to tell you how to run your business, but good luck...

 

[Markus Burkhard]

1 hour ago, Miles Harrison said:

Guys, can I ask were the screenshots done in P3D or MSFS.

P3D.

[Vladyslav Kostiukov]

FSLABS you are the best! Can't wait for the release!

[Søren Dissing]

14 hours ago, Andrew Wilson said:

Onto our brand-new virtual cockpit, designed from the ground up especially for P3Dv5 and MSFS

Brilliant stuff Andrew, the bolded part is what really made my day 
The performance that I now enjoy in MSFS with DLSS3 Frame Generation will make me patiently wait 

[Palle H. Jensen]

Greetings Andrew

Excellent new. Thanks for sharing.

Palle

[Mahad Md. Mirza]

Goodness Gracious……

For a second I thought those screenshots were taken in MSFS. I’m one of those guys who haven’t bought MSFS yet (my pc can’t handle it ) so seeing that there’s still some light being shed on P3D makes me happy. If this is FSLabs’ standard in P3D for concorde (with an MSFS version coming out soon ) I honestly cannot wait for the future Airbus stuff. Especially the A320neo’s and A330’s.

[Trevor Hannant]

Andrew, thanks for this - looking and sounding fab!

With you working on both P3D and MSFS in parallel, how far behind the P3D version do you envision the MSFS one will release? Or is that something you just don’t have a answer to/won’t commit to at this time?

[Ray Proudfoot]

Just something for those wanting it for MSFS. That sim gives you one set of weather. You must keep the instrument clock on Zulu time otherwise the sim weather will not match the real world conditions.

Especially important when departing airports on the other side of the world and you want to fly in your daytime. 

No problem for Active Sky users in P3D of course as it has an historical weather option.

[Daniel Jaffe]

2 hours ago, Mahad Md. Mirza said: I’m one of those guys who haven’t bought MSFS yet (my pc can’t handle it ) so seeing that there’s still some light being shed on P3D makes me happy. 

Off topic - but if your PC can run P3D v5, it will be fine with MSFS. 
 

And the Concorde looks great. Looking forward to seeing it in action. 

[Adrian Forsbom]

1 hour ago, Daniel Jaffe said:

Off topic - but if your PC can run P3D v5, it will be fine with MSFS. 

I don't see wher you are gong her...... do you mean that the preformanc is going to be the same?

[Tim Smith]

3 hours ago, Mahad Md. Mirza said:

Goodness Gracious……

For a second I thought those screenshots were taken in MSFS. I’m one of those guys who haven’t bought MSFS yet (my pc can’t handle it ) so seeing that there’s still some light being shed on P3D makes me happy. If this is FSLabs’ standard in P3D for concorde (with an MSFS version coming out soon ) I honestly cannot wait for the future Airbus stuff. Especially the A320neo’s and A330’s.

Not to stray too far off topic from this stunning looking Concorde, but MSFS runs better than P3D, so if you can run P3D you can run MSFS

[Craig Baillie]

2 hours ago, Ray Proudfoot said:

Just something for those wanting it for MSFS. That sim gives you one set of weather. You must keep the instrument clock on Zulu time otherwise the sim weather will not match the real world conditions.

Especially important when departing airports on the other side of the world and you want to fly in your daytime. 

No problem for Active Sky users in P3D of course as it has an historical weather option.

In its current state even the MSFS live weather won’t give accurate conditions in the upper air. Clearly this will have an impact on Concorde’s flight envelope that those striving for realism will notice; unless FSL have found away around that.

 

[Trevor Hannant]

4 hours ago, Mahad Md. Mirza said:

Goodness Gracious……

For a second I thought those screenshots were taken in MSFS. I’m one of those guys who haven’t bought MSFS yet (my pc can’t handle it ) so seeing that there’s still some light being shed on P3D makes me happy. If this is FSLabs’ standard in P3D for concorde (with an MSFS version coming out soon ) I honestly cannot wait for the future Airbus stuff. Especially the A320neo’s and A330’s.

What are your system specs?

[Jose Rodrigues]

Oh God, these MSFS people...