Concorde - May Update

[Andrew Wilson]

We have been incredibly busy since the beginning of the year, dedicated to completing our highly anticipated Concorde title. Initially, it will be released on the Prepar3D platform and later made available on MSFS. The development of the new virtual cockpit has been an arduous process. As you may know, the flight deck of Concorde is renowned for its complexity among commercial jet airliners. Consequently, remodeling it has presented a significant challenge, particularly within the limitations of the Prepar3D environment. However, we are pleased to inform you that we are nearing the end of this process, with just a few final touches remaining. We expect the title to enter the Beta testing phase next week.

To provide you with a sneak peek, we would like to share a few screenshots from our current alpha build. These images were captured earlier this morning as the virtual flight crew prepared for the "Double O One" service to New York.

 

Our team has utilised the development of the new Concorde title as an opportunity to explore and implement cutting-edge technologies for generating and rendering materials. One such example, shown here, is where we have simulated the unique characteristics of the instrument glass. Despite being specially coated to minimise reflections, it posed significant challenges for the flight crews.

To enhance these effects, we've built upon our dynamic lighting technology within Prepar3D to mimic the ambient lighting properties of the individual panels. You'll find at 50,000ft, the window blinds will often need to be extended in an effort to see the instruments more clearly. 

In this shot, the Virtual First Officer is conducting a light test on the Master Warning System. Notice how the illumination from the 40 warning lamps casts a vibrant glow on the underside of the electronic flight channel unit positioned above. Our upcoming Concorde title boasts an enhanced flight control system, featuring an early fly-by-wire model that enables precise and accurate flying. With the assistance of the Auto-Stabilisation computers, you will find executing flying procedures such as the Canarsie Climb out of Kennedy or a Compton departure off Heathrow's 09R significantly more manageable and streamlined.

The Virtual Flight Engineer is seen here conducting a light test on their workstation. Each switch, warning lamp, and dial has been intricately coded to faithfully replicate its real-world counterpart. As an integral part of the preflight checks, the Virtual Flight Engineer meticulously follows the exact procedures to ensure the aircraft is configured for engine start. Personally, I find this process to be one of the highlights of this new title, as it involves comprehensive testing and configuration of various systems in preparation for departure. Observing this preparation truly showcases the dedication to realism and attention to detail that we've poured into our simulation.

One aspect of this simulation that I find particularly captivating is the fact that Concorde operated as an analog aircraft. There were no moving maps, electronic flight bags, or guiding magenta lines. When I transitioned my focus from our Airbus series to Concorde, which, at that time, was represented by our previous title Concorde-X, I felt a sense of trepidation about flying to New York with nothing more than a printed Navigation Log and an INS (Inertial Navigation System).

However, after engaging in conversations with several Concorde pilots, I discovered that they actually had access to nearly all the same information that modern-day crews have at their fingertips through electronic flight bags. The only difference was that the information was all in paper format. And so, from the outset, it has been our goal to accurately simulate this aspect of the Concorde experience.

We have therefore strived to faithfully recreate the reliance on paper-based materials in our simulation. Our aim is to provide users with an authentic depiction of the resources and tools available to Concorde pilots during that era. By faithfully simulating this aspect of the aircraft's operations, we hope to capture the essence of what it was like to fly Concorde and transport users back in time to experience the thrill of navigating with traditional, yet precise, means.

The Concorde chart showcased in the image above is a product of our simulation, created using computer rendering techniques. It encompasses a comprehensive global map, highlighting Concorde's scheduled routes, Navigation Aids, Warning Areas, VHF and HF Volmet frequencies (we are anxious to share videos of this exciting feature!), as well as acceleration and deceleration points. Furthermore, our simulation faithfully replicates the various charts that were utilised throughout the years.

The presented chart represents the one employed by flight crews at British Airways in 2003. Additionally, we accurately simulate the charts used by British Airways crews during the late 70s and early 80s. Furthermore, we have included the charts used by Air France crews, as depicted below, to ensure an authentic experience on the flight deck.

By meticulously recreating these historical charts, we aim to immerse users in the specific time periods and provide an accurate representation of the navigational tools and materials available to Concorde pilots throughout its operational history.

The charts presented here offer just a glimpse into the extensive paperwork involved in each Concorde flight. We are excited to provide further insights into our Concorde simulation, particularly highlighting the planning and tactical documentation that is meticulously calculated and generated for every individual flight using our Concorde simulation.

We've gone beyond the surface-level charts and delved into the intricate world of flight planning, where a multitude of factors are taken into account. From fuel calculations and performance data to weather analysis and route optimisation, our simulation faithfully recreates the complex processes involved in preparing for a supersonic Concorde flight.

We are excited to share more details about these aspects of our simulation, as they truly showcase the depth and realism we have achieved. Stay tuned for further updates, as we enter Beta testing and make our new Concorde title ready for release.

I'll leave you with a shot I captured last week of Sierra Delta lighting up for an evening test flight!

[Pablo Prada]

You´ve passed the game! 

 

congrats!

[Julius Haager]

Then one and only. Looking forward to this. 

[Craig Baillie]

Love it!

[Peng Jia]

Money is ready

[Robert Sutherland]

This just looks absolutely insane! Can't wait to see more insights and the final product!

 

[Timm Rehberg]

I am not a fan of the Concorde and never was but you make me become one - one day.
Holy FSL-moly! Outstanding work. Congrats already and I can't wait to find out more about the implemented features. This already shows how incredible good the team at FSL is. THIS IS P3D! Amazing  

[John Price]

Beautiful. This is very, very exciting indeed. 

[San Lin]

The Concorde is the driving force behind my reopening of the P3D for a year later.

[Will Fibich]

Awesome stuff! Definitely keep us posted 

[Pablo Prada]

Andrew,

Wolud you include 2D panels?

I was never a fan of the concorde, but I think now I'm starting to fall in love with it. Just because everything FsLabs does is perfect...

[Trevor Hannant]

Bring it on....!

[Dennis Schmidt]

Can`t wait for it... and after that a330 and 320neo please :-* 

[Stephen Swan]

Cannot wait for this 

[Andrew Wilson]

1 hour ago, Pablo Prada said:

Wolud you include 2D panels?

Hi Pablo, 

We've moved away from including 2D panels - especially as MSFS has no support for them. 

For our P3D Concorde title, we do include various 2D pop out panels, one for each INS CDU, the two weather radars and, something else 

[Vimal Anandharaman]

Wow that’s excellent! I love the charts, looks exactly like a set of paper ones I have for the Concorde!

I really think FSL always innovates and brings something new to the table with every release and this is no exception. Particularly curious about the HF stuff :p 

Cant wait to see more of it in the future. 

[Pablo Prada]

22 minutes ago, Andrew Wilson said:

Hi Pablo, 

We've moved away from including 2D panels - especially as MSFS has no support for them. 

For our P3D Concorde title, we do include various 2D pop out panels, one for each INS CDU, the two weather radars and, something else 

Thanks! Hope to see them in the Airbus line for P3D, as you already have the panels for the CEO version!

[Richard Beaton]

This looks epic. Almost the dream Concorde sim I've been waiting for since I was a kid (which has been a while...)

I wonder if you could add a small, discrete, moving aircraft symbol onto that paper chart on the pull out table. The world's first moving paper map?  

I reckon that would actually be a neat feature, a small paper moving map, and easily turned off for those interested in the most realism possible. 

 

[Timm Rehberg]

2 hours ago, Andrew Wilson said:

Hi Pablo, 

We've moved away from including 2D panels - especially as MSFS has no support for them. 

For our P3D Concorde title, we do include various 2D pop out panels, one for each INS CDU, the two weather radars and, something else 

Hi Andy,

does your statement/answer mean, you are able to port/move/use the existing stuff easier in MSFS too? Which would mean, less development workload, faster progress on cross-plattform support? Would be amazing!  

Or do you specially develope for a cross-plattform support?

[Will Fibich]

2 hours ago, Andrew Wilson said:

and, something else 

[Markus Burkhard]

5 hours ago, Richard Beaton said:

I wonder if you could add a small, discrete, moving aircraft symbol onto that paper chart on the pull out table. The world's first moving paper map?  

Trust me when I say you won't need that. We'll give you all the information, devices and charts on board the aircraft that the real Concorde pilots had to maintain situational awareness. Some of it you haven't even seen yet. Combine all those and you'll quickly forget about that little airplane symbol showing you what you already know 

[David Porrett]

My biggest turn-off with Concorde X was the VC, however I understand the reasons for it. But this is... quite spectacular.

Happily ready to buy it for both platforms.

[Richard Beaton]

27 minutes ago, Markus Burkhard said:

Trust me when I say you won't need that. We'll give you all the information, devices and charts on board the aircraft that the real Concorde pilots had to maintain situational awareness. Some of it you haven't even seen yet. Combine all those and you'll quickly forget about that little airplane symbol showing you what you already know 

I certainly trust you! It was more of a nice to have statement, rather than a need to have. My real flying career started on aircraft with Doppler, INS, internal radar approaches, manual fuel graphs and even sextants (well, at least for the busy Navigator!), so I fully appreciate the classical suite of situational awareness tools. Was just a suggestion vice a recommendation. Really can't wait for this to be released. Keep up the amazing work FSLabs. 

[Paul Lamy]

I am really looking forward to it   I am likely to settle for the MSFS version in the long term but I  will  not have the patience to wait for it and I will buy the P3D version as soon as it is available  (I am still using P3D for the A320X only) 

I had some experience with the FSX Concorde X,  it was very good and fun but obviously not close that we are going to get and it is time to get ready for for the type rating! .   One good tool is the  ITTV Concorde video mentioned in the Concorde First look thread that I have watched several times.  It provides a very good, detailed and entertaining view of the challenges and complexity of Concorde operations. Highly recommended !.  I also came across recently with a lengthy interview (in French) of a former Air France Concorde Captain which also provide some good insight (https://youtu.be/UfonE4iyXS0)

I am one of the lucky person who had the opportunity to fly on the real thing (JFK-CDG-JFK) in the late 90's at a time where we could still visit the cockpit and it was one of the highlight of my aviation activities.  Both flights were on the F-BVFA which is now on at the National Air and Space Museum in Dulles and I am looking forward to re-enact them with the FSLabs  Concorde

 

[Richard Portier]

Once again FsLabs has raised the level.... and cherry on the cake it will be released for P3D!

Big thank you!

Kind Regards,

Richard.

[Martin Parr]

From FSX to MSFS. Not used FSX since the launch of MSFS. Good to see that Concorde will be back in action again!

 

[Martin Richards]

Looks Beautiful!

Look forward to getting my hands on it!

[Orman Upton]

17 hours ago, Paul Lamy said:

I am really looking forward to it   I am likely to settle for the MSFS version in the long term but I  will  not have the patience to wait for it and I will buy the P3D version as soon as it is available  (I am still using P3D for the A320X only) 

I had some experience with the FSX Concorde X,  it was very good and fun but obviously not close that we are going to get and it is time to get ready for for the type rating! .   One good tool is the  ITTV Concorde video mentioned in the Concorde First look thread that I have watched several times.  It provides a very good, detailed and entertaining view of the challenges and complexity of Concorde operations. Highly recommended !.  I also came across recently with a lengthy interview (in French) of a former Air France Concorde Captain which also provide some good insight (https://youtu.be/UfonE4iyXS0)

I am one of the lucky person who had the opportunity to fly on the real thing (JFK-CDG-JFK) in the late 90's at a time where we could still visit the cockpit and it was one of the highlight of my aviation activities.  Both flights were on the F-BVFA which is now on at the National Air and Space Museum in Dulles and I am looking forward to re-enact them with the FSLabs  Concorde

 

That’s awesome! I have visited the museum at Dulles and seen it.  Really is a beautiful airplane. 

[Rob Ainscough]

Brilliant, given the need for a 3 person flight deck crew, are you planning to include shared cockpit functionality?  In addition, any support for damage/maintenance ... my understanding is the Concorde required about 50+ hours of maintenance for every 1 hour of flight.  Would love to see aircraft aging/maintenance similar to what A2A have for their fleet of products.

Cheers, Rob.

[Peng Jia]

May I ask if the fuel system can be manually controlled? which is the most interesting part of concorde X.

[Ben Mathon]

Hi Andrew, would it be possible to get an estimated delay between P3D and MSFS version, or is it still top secret right now?

[Craig Baillie]

20 hours ago, Peng Jia said:

May I ask if the fuel system can be manually controlled? which is the most interesting part of concorde X.

I believe the answer to that is yes.

If I recall correctly we’ll be able to take any of the roles onboard and the the simulation will take care of the other roles. 

[Rob Ainscough]

4 hours ago, Ben Mathon said:

estimated delay

delay?  interesting choice of words ... FSLabs have not provided any release date for the MSFS version nor the P3D version for that matter ... if that's what you're asking?

[Andrew Wilson]

12 minutes ago, Craig Baillie said:

If I recall correctly we’ll be able to take any of the roles onboard and the the simulation will take care of the other roles. 

The Virtual Crew System (VCS) enhances the simulation experience by focusing on the First Officer/Engineer Officer roles, while allowing the user to assume the position of Captain. While it is possible to disable the VCS, I strongly believe the majority of customers will leave the system enabled. 

Our new Concorde title takes a different approach to the VFE feature that customers of Concorde-X were familiar with. By utilising the VCS, which now provides a more authentic representation of crew responsibilities and interactions, users can fully immerse themselves in their primary role while relying on the virtual crew for assistance with other crucial tasks.

I'll be sharing some videos going forward, illustrating how the Virtual Crew System works.

 

[Will Fibich]

The VCS is something I've been so excited to see in action since you first told us about its implementation in the new title, Andrew. A truly authentic experience in these older aircraft is being surrounded by your other crew members.

When are you looking to start getting the videos rolled out?

[Ryan Argue]

Great update, the features look amazing guys...  I can't wait to see this in MSFS!

[Kevin Finch]

Really looking forward to this on MSFS; I'm not doing much on P3D right now.

While I understand why there might not be an upgrade path from FSX (pure speculation on my part, FSL hasn't said anything about upgrades as far as I know), I would be tempted to buy Concorde-P3D if there was a free or low-cost upgrade from P3D to MSFS. Any such FSL policy, speculating again, would likely depend on the amount of time between a P3D Concorde release and an MSFS Concorde release, whenever those launches may occur.

Regardless, definitely on my "buy" list.

[Kevin Finch]

Well, it looks like waiting for the MSFS version is my only option since I'm on P3Dv4.5...   

https://forums.flightsimlabs.com/topic/32656-resolved-concorde-for-p3d-v45/

 

Edited May 23 by Kevin Finch
inserted code instead of a link

[Alex Lund]

I have P3D v4.5 and I will buy P3D v5 when Concorde is released.

[Rudy Fidao]

Where is the bouncing frog emoji when you need it?

[Christopher Bull]

Just got my bonus from work this month Will be saving a chunk of it for this! 

[david proserpio]

  very happy to see it will come to msfs.......do you have a time schedule   many thanks :)???

[Aidan Rogers]

Now that next week is coming to an end - any chance we could get confirmation of whether it's now in beta?

[John BONNIN]

wonderful news but why p3d first ..  
can you show some pictures in msfs ?

[Maxime Guy]

On 5/27/2023 at 9:02 PM, Aidan Rogers said:

Now that next week is coming to an end - any chance we could get confirmation of whether it's now in beta?

I think that's a "no" mate