Sim enthusiasts get a glimpse of the complex systems behind the highly anticipated 757, as Bluebird Simulations reveals intricate details of its development process.

In a recent video update, Bluebird Simulations offered a comprehensive look at the progress of their highly anticipated 757 for flight simulators. The video showcased the intricate systems being developed, including the APU, hydraulics, fuel, and cabin pressurization, giving sim enthusiasts a taste of the deep simulation planned for this aircraft.
While a firm release date remains elusive, Bluebird confirmed that an early beta phase is expected within the next few months. Over 60 beta testers, including the Bluebird team, will be involved in three distinct testing stages. The developers emphasized their commitment to quality, stating that a release date will only be announced when they are 2-6 weeks away from absolute certainty. They did, however, rule out a release in the first quarter of this year.
The initial release will focus on the 757-200 with both Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney engine options, with the 757-300 following shortly after as a free update. The video highlighted the meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the complex logic behind systems like the APU’s fuel management and the intricacies of the hydraulic system. Developers even demonstrated the cabin pressurization system, including the functionality of the outflow valve and negative pressure relief valves, promising a realistic experience for virtual pilots.
Dave, a member of the Bluebird team, provided a demonstration of the flight management computer (FMC), highlighting its capabilities for route planning, departure and arrival procedures, and waypoint management. The video also touched upon the ongoing development of the autopilot and flight management system, which is being coded entirely from scratch, a significant undertaking that includes LNAV, VNAV, and a custom autoland feature.
The development team acknowledged the presence of bugs and anomalies, emphasizing that this is still an early alpha stage. They assured the community that these issues are being addressed and that the next video update will showcase a more polished and complete aircraft.
Beyond the systems showcase, the update also provided glimpses into the virtual cockpit, which is reportedly around 95% complete, and the ongoing texturing of the landing gear. Bluebird also teased the development of a highly detailed ram air turbine model and confirmed that the virtual cabin is currently undergoing texturing.
In a move that is sure to excite the community, Bluebird revealed that a cargo version of the 757 is in development as a paid expansion. However, they clarified that enhancements developed for the cargo version will also be included for free in the passenger version, demonstrating their commitment to providing value to their customers.
While the 767 project, announced two years ago, is progressing at a slower pace due to team size, Bluebird emphasized that the codebase being developed for the 757 will significantly accelerate future projects. They acknowledged the community’s patience and support, promising regular updates on social media platforms, even teasing occasional posts on LinkedIn. The development team’s dedication to creating a deeply simulated and authentic 757 experience is clear, and the anticipation within the flight simulation community continues to build.