Synaptic Simulations has released a comprehensive update on the development status of the A220 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. Originally announced as an open-source project, the Synaptic A220 is now being developed as payware under the guidance of iniBuilds. The project aims to deliver a highly detailed and authentic A220 experience, with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, and performance.

Key Highlights from the Update:

• Partnership with iniBuilds: Synaptic Simulations is working closely with iniBuilds to ensure that all aspects of the A220 exceed community expectations. iniBuilds brings its expertise in areas such as 3D asset integration, texturing, flight modeling, sound design, and EFB development.
• Visual Overhaul: The A220 model has been rebuilt from the ground up, using high-resolution 3D scans, extensive reference data, and state-of-the-art development techniques. The result is a true-to-life model with accurate textures, realistic materials, and subtle nuances.
• System Depth: The Synaptic A220 features a detailed simulation of the aircraft’s internal architecture. So far, 646 components have been modeled, including electrical and data buses, as well as major systems such as avionics computers and generators. The electrical system has been completely overhauled to simulate real-world voltage and current flow.
• Emergent Behavior & Failures: The development team models the physical structure of the system in code to simulate complex behaviors and scenarios. This approach makes it possible to realistically model many non-normal states without having to explicitly account for them.
• Custom Flight Control System: The A220’s flight control system has been implemented from scratch, applying the principles of “emergent behavior” and established control theory paradigms.
• Navigation Data: The project supports both Navigraph and default navigation data. Switching between data sources is intended to be done realistically via the aircraft’s maintenance pages.
• Multifunction Keyboard Panel (MKP): The MKP, the primary method of data entry for the avionics, has been recreated in detail.
• Crew Alerting System (CAS): The EICAS system has been revised and is based on the principles of “emergent behavior”.
• Plug n’ Play Checklists: The electronic checklists are designed to be user-friendly and can be easily customized by the community.
• Release Plan: The Synaptic A220 is scheduled to be available on both the iniBuilds Store and the Microsoft Marketplace. First, the A220-300 base package will be released, followed by the A220-100 as a free update. A more detailed timeline is expected to be announced in May.

While the Synaptic A220 project has transitioned from an open-source endeavor to a commercial product under the care of iniBuilds, the goal remains unchanged: to create an A220 experience of unprecedented depth and authenticity for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The partnership with iniBuilds promises to combine the expertise of both teams and deliver a product that is both visually stunning and sets new standards in terms of system depth. Simmers can look forward to an aircraft that faithfully reflects the complexity and subtle quirks of the A220, while providing an immersive and realistic flying experience. We eagerly await the unveiling of the detailed release plan in May and look forward to taking our place in the virtual cockpit of the Synaptic A220 soon.