TFDi Design has published its end-of-2025 development status, outlining the current state of its long-awaited MD-11 update, progress on smartCARS, and a brief look toward future projects.

MD-11: A Ground-Up Evolution

Over the past year, TFDi confirms that the MD-11 has undergone a comprehensive transformation. According to the team, nearly every aspect of the aircraft has been revisited:

• Completely rebuilt exterior model
• Heavily reworked cabin interiors
• Enhanced sound environment
• Improved cockpit geometry and features
• Hundreds of system fixes, refinements, and additions
• Numerous quality-of-life improvements based on user feedback

Internal testers reportedly describe the aircraft as “feeling like a new product,” aligning it with — or exceeding — current high-end airliner standards.

The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024-native version, along with the major art update, has already been distributed to Collector’s Edition customers. This group is actively testing unfinished builds to help identify issues ahead of public release. While feedback has been largely positive, wider testing revealed remaining problems requiring attention.

Release Timing: After the Holidays

Although TFDi initially targeted a release for mid-December, the studio has decided to delay the public launch until after the holiday period. The stated goal is to ensure stability and consistency across a wide range of hardware configurations and use cases, while also allowing the development team to take a well-earned break.

In the meantime, TFDi encourages users to follow coverage from its official media partners, who are already showcasing the upcoming MD-11 update.

smartCARS Update Incoming

Parallel to aircraft development, the smartCARS team has been working on a significant update focused on reliability and user experience. TFDi expects this update before the end of the year, featuring:

• Improved X-Plane connectivity and tracking reliability
• More accurate landing rate detection
• Enhanced flight logging

As with the MD-11, the current priority is stability rather than feature expansion, though additional enhancements are planned for the future.

Looking Ahead

With MD-11 development nearing completion and smartCARS reaching a more mature state, TFDi confirms that new projects are already being discussed — with more details to come in 2026.

The studio also notes team growth, including new support staff and a returning developer, reinforcing its commitment to long-term product support.

TFDi closed the update by thanking its customers, testers, moderators, and QA teams, wishing the community a Merry Christmas and a successful new year.

For flight simulation enthusiasts awaiting the MD-11, the finish line is clearly in sight — just a little further down the runway.