Five Historic Aircraft Receive Native Upgrades
Aircraft and Avionics Update 6, commonly abbreviated AAU6, concentrates on five aircraft previously released through Microsoft Flight Simulator’s Local Legends and Famous Flyers collections.
The aircraft included in the update are:
- Junkers F 13
- Junkers Ju 52
- Dornier Do X
- Dornier Do J Wal
- Dornier Do 31
Although dramatically different in design and purpose, the five aircraft collectively represent several important periods in German aviation history. The collection ranges from early all-metal passenger aircraft and enormous flying boats to an experimental Cold War transport capable of vertical takeoffs and landings.
Rather than simply making the aircraft load inside the newer simulator, Microsoft has converted them to the native Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 aircraft framework.
Flight Models and Aircraft Systems Improved
Microsoft says AAU6 refines flight performance, control response and ground handling across all five aircraft.
Engine, fuel, electrical and cockpit systems have also been updated where necessary for the MSFS 2024 environment. Preflight activities and exterior aircraft interactions receive additional improvements, allowing pilots to interact with supported components while conducting walkarounds.
The two flying boats—the Dornier Do X and Dornier Do J Wal—receive improved water handling. The update addresses their behavior while taxiing, accelerating for takeoff and returning to the water during landing.
Eligible aircraft configurations have also been updated to support appropriate activities in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s Career Mode.
Junkers Aircraft Receive Individual Improvements
The Junkers F 13 receives refined radial-engine performance and improved tailwheel handling. Its passenger cabin and exterior interactions have also been updated, and the aircraft can now be used for passenger missions in Career Mode.
First flown in 1919, the F 13 is widely recognized as the world’s first all-metal transport aircraft. Its corrugated-metal construction established a visual design language that would remain associated with Junkers aircraft for decades.
The Junkers Ju 52 receives refinements to its three-engine operation, flight performance and ground handling. Microsoft has also improved cockpit interactions and its integration as a passenger aircraft.
Known affectionately as “Tante Ju,” or “Aunt Ju,” the Ju 52 became one of the most recognizable European transport aircraft of its era.
Flying Boats Receive Better Water Operations
The massive Dornier Do X receives improved operation of its 12 engines, along with refinements to its distinctive flying-boat handling. Microsoft has also enhanced its water operations and corrected visual details throughout the aircraft.
The smaller Dornier Do J Wal receives refinements to its unusual push-pull engine configuration and water handling. Its aircraft variants, cockpit interactions and exterior presentation have also been updated.
These changes should be especially welcome for pilots who enjoy operating from coastlines, lakes and other locations where the simulator’s water physics are an important part of the experience.
Dornier Do 31 Gains Refined VTOL Handling
The experimental Dornier Do 31 receives improvements to its lift engines, hover controls and transition between vertical and conventional forward flight.
Microsoft has refined the aircraft’s VTOL systems integration and updated its stability system to provide more realistic handling. Managing the transition from hover to forward flight is one of the Do 31’s defining challenges, making these changes among the most interesting additions in AAU6.
The real Do 31 was developed as an experimental jet-powered vertical-takeoff transport during the Cold War. Although it never entered operational service, it remains a fascinating example of aviation engineering and one of the most unusual aircraft available in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Visual and Performance Improvements
All five aircraft have been converted to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s modular aircraft system. Interior and exterior materials, textures and visual consistency have been improved, while several legacy material and draw-order problems have been addressed.
Microsoft has also optimized aircraft assets and levels of detail to support better performance at different viewing distances.
Existing owners receive the MSFS 2024 upgrades at no additional cost. Pilots who do not already own the aircraft can purchase them individually through the simulator’s Marketplace for $14.99 each.
Microsoft’s complete Aircraft and Avionics Update 6 release notes are available on the official Microsoft Flight Simulator website.
Follow Sky Blue Radio’s Microsoft Flight Simulator coverage for additional aircraft, scenery and simulator updates.
