iniBuilds Spartan 7W Executive for Microsoft Flight Simulator Released!

[mattY]

Hello!

Today we're excited to bring you the iniBuilds Spartan 7W Executive! An aircraft that has been in development on and off in the background for a while now, finally brought to life and transports us back to the golden era of aviation! This aircraft has a rich history as well as an elegant design, with only 34 ever made - this aircraft was a true symbol of luxury for it's time.

Aircraft Features:

• Multiple variants of the aircraft:
  Classic - with the option of switching to either classic instruments or modern instruments on the EFB with the feel of a classic cabin
  Modern- with full modern cockpit and cabin, Garmin avionics suite and multiple colour selection of night lighting in the cabin from the EFB
  Hybrid- Modern cockpit panel with the classic feel of the cabin.
• Authentic sound suite for cockpit and external curated by Echo 19 Audio Productions
• Multiple liveries available with each aircraft variant
• Modern in-cockpit EFB to control external and internal elements
• External GSE such as rain covers, chocks, oil drip tray and multiple safety flags and pins controlled by the EFB
• For FS24, comprehensive external pre-flight walk-around
• Enhanced PBR textures for FS24
• Navigation instruments, autopilot and radio comms integrated into the various classic and modern cockpits

You can purchase this piece of history from the iniBuilds Store now for just £14.99*, click the link below to find out more!
Purchase Link: https://inibuilds.com/products/inibuilds-spartan-7w-executive-msfs
* Price excludes VAT

The late 1930s were a period of fast innovation and change in aviation. With the threat of another war looming, aircraft manufacturers were pushing the limits of what airplanes could do, from the engineering methods to the performance and of course, the designs. The Spartan aircraft company, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma took to the challenge and produced the stunning Spartan 7W Executive. Produced between 1937 and 1941, the Spartan was built for the elite of its time, serving businessmen and corporations alike. Of the 34 made, only 20 remain today, whilst less than half are still airworthy, the rest can be found in museums, restoration projects or in storage.

What truly sets the Spartan 7W apart from its competitors is not just the rarity or luxury - rather the way it is the epitome of an entire era of aviation. The late 1930s was a time when air travel was just beginning to enter the realm of public functionality and access. For the wealthy few who could afford it, owning a plane like the Spartan meant being on the forefront of both technology and culture. The aircraft was and is a design that is viewed to be ahead of its time, setting the standard for what an executive aircraft could be, it went on to influence designs for years to come. Even today, it remains one of the most sought-after vintage aircraft for collectors and aviation enthusiasts alike.

One of these enthusiasts is the proud owner and operator of Spartan NC 17634, Jim Savage. For nearly 18 years, Jim has cared for this incredible aircraft, ensuring it remains a living, flying testament to the craftsmanship of the Spartan Aircraft Company.

Jim’s Spartan has been featured in aviation magazines and at major aviation events, becoming a symbol of his dedication to preserving the legacy of these remarkable machines. His insights were invaluable in the development of the iniBuilds Spartan 7W, ensuring every detail, from the design to the sound, remains faithful to the real thing.

Jim has been a huge help in allowing this aircraft to come to life within the simulator, allowing us to conduct an extensive site visit to his hangar, capturing every last detail of his Spartan. 

Every inch of Jim’s aircraft was carefully documented, from the curves of the wings, to the craftsmanship of the interior. We knew that to capture the true spirit of this iconic aircraft, every detail had to be accurate. Therefore the team carefully studied the aircraft’s components, noting the unique combination of polished metals, vintage woodwork and beyond. However, visuals are only part of this aircraft, a large part of the Spartan 7W’s character comes from the roar of that radial engine, a marvel in its own right. To ensure authenticity, we used top-tier audio equipment to capture the raw, visceral sounds of the engine firing up, revving and beyond.

Every sound and detail you see in sim is accurate to what we saw in real life, we’re extremely proud of the final product and are grateful to be given the opportunity to gather these references. 

Going deeper into the details, with Jim’s guidance, we were able to document the original instrumentation, allowing us to recreate both the authentic cockpit layout, as well as our own interpretation of a modern day retro-fitted cockpit and interior.

Jim was able to share some invaluable insights into how the Spartan 7W handles in different flight conditions. His firsthand experience flying this rare machine helped us ensure that the flight model truly reflects the feel of the real thing. 

Our time at Jim’s hangar gave us a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and history of this incredible aircraft. It was more than just gathering data—it was about immersing ourselves in the world of the Spartan 7W. Every element we recorded, from its design to its sound, was carefully translated into the simulator, ensuring that when you fly it, you’re not just piloting a plane, you’re stepping into a living piece of aviation history.

To make the Spartan 7W feel as real as possible, we teamed up with the experts at Echo 19 Audio Production. These guys are incredible at capturing the true sounds of real aircraft and bringing them into the world of flight simulation. With their help, we were able to record the raw, powerful roar of the Spartan’s Pratt & Whitney radial engine, from the startup to the steady hum of the propeller in flight.
Echo 19’s attention to detail is unmatched—they went out of their way to make sure every sound you hear in the sim feels just like it would if you were standing next to the real thing. Whether it’s the engine firing up or the subtle whine as you cruise, everything has been captured with care and precision. We’re so lucky to have worked with them to bring this level of realism to the Spartan, letting you truly experience the sights and sounds of this classic aircraft as if you were right there in the cockpit.

In addition to its authentic 1930s design, we’ve added some exciting modern touches - such as multiple cockpit variants and a luxurious cabin that fuses the 1930s with 2024. Want to customize your experience? The included iniBuilds EFB allows you to fine-tune your flight settings and tailor the aircraft to your style.

Thanks to Jim Savage’s passion and expertise, Echo 19 Audio Production and the dedication from our team, we are proud to bring the Spartan 7W Executive to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, preserving this iconic aircraft for years to come.

iniBuilds Team ❤️