iniBuilds Aircraft Development Update - December 2025

[mattY]

Hello!
It’s been an incredibly busy year for the team, and looking back, we’ve covered a lot of ground. The headliners were obviously the A350 Airliner and A340 Airliner, but we also managed to squeeze in the F406, Spartan and a host of other updates across the board. It wasn't just about pushing new products out the door, but rather, refining products to ensure their usability remained at a level we can be happy with.

We’d like to extend our thanks to every one of you that made this year so successful. This year has been our strongest yet, and the progress we’ve made across our flagship products have allowed us to finish 2025 on a real high. It’s been a milestone year for us, one we’re genuinely proud of.

A350 Progress Throughout the Year
February saw the release of the long anticipated A350 Airliner. Bringing a project of this complexity to the simulator naturally presented some initial challenges, particularly regarding WASM. Our priority was first and foremost to ensure that customers had the best possible experience with this product. This meant a focus to address issues as soon as they were raised by the community. With this mindset, between the release of the A350 Airliner on the 26th February up to today, we’ve released 22 updates for this product, ranging from smaller hotfixes of certain issues, to major upgrade packages, ensuring the product continues to meet community expectations alongside the feedback being given.

In June, the ULR variant was released within a major update, aimed at boosting performance, as well as flight model and systems fidelity. This update heavily tackled WASM issues, and performance, with a significant focus on improving the overall WASM structure, we had consolidated internal variables and also streamlined the XML hierarchy amongst other things. 

In the proceeding months from July, up to December, the 7 updates that were released were focused on performance gains, WASM stability and quality-of-life features. Still working through those WASM bugs, a huge step was made towards the stability of the aircraft within this period, with the number of WASM reports dropping significantly. Performance has also been a key element that we wanted to ensure was in the right place - update V1.1.7 played a significant role in addressing this.

V1.1.7 saw a clear increase in average framerates, but more importantly, a substantial improvement in 1% and 0.2% low frametimes. These reductions in frame-time variation translate to a much smoother, more stable experience. Stutters were also significantly reduced. In previous builds, fewer than 45% of frames were classified as “smooth” on this setup. In v1.1.7, this figure would now exceed 85% in most cases. Frame-time spikes greater than 4ms were reduced by 90%, resulting in consistent, fluid motion even in demanding environments.

Which brings us to today, a great year with the A350 Airliner, we’re incredibly grateful for the consistent support on this project, from the community, professionals, testers and all the reports that allowed us to directly address bugs that were in need of fixes - your dedication to this project has allowed it to be where it is today.

If you have not tried the A350 Airliner since earlier in the update cycle, we would highly recommend doing so. You will notice an impressive and seamless experience with incredible sounds. 

You can purchase a copy of the A350 Airliner here: https://inibuilds.com/products/inibuilds-a350-airliner-msfs-2024

2025 Recap
This year saw some of our most standout releases to date. With the launches of the A350 Airliner, A340 Airliner, F406 Caravan II and Spartan 7W Executive, each release taught us something new, and we’ve been applying those lessons directly back into our development pipeline.

We also made sure not to leave our existing products behind. Revisiting the A300-600R throughout the year, specifically to ensure appropriate compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This effort continued throughout the year, with the most recent v1.0.5 update.

These updates included fixes aimed at stability and "quality of life" features based on your reports. We’ve addressed the stutters some users experienced with external lighting, fixed various logic issues with the TCAS and autopilot constraints, and restored the functional standby compass. We also integrated LIDO charts and refined the visual experience, from adding glowing hot brake effects to tweaking the gear suspension limits for a more realistic ground stance.

You can purchase a copy of the A300-600R here: https://inibuilds.com/products/inibuilds-a300-600r-airliner-msfs-2024

In October, the A340 Airliner debuted on the Microsoft Flight Simulator In-Game Marketplace. This was the work of thousands of hours across the team, learning from previous projects, implementing features to ensure parity between products at a minimum, but wanting to push the boundaries as well. The release of the A340 Airliner was met with open arms by the community, and for that, we cannot thank you enough! 

Much like with other projects however, we wanted to ensure that the update cycle remained in place, bringing much-needed refinements week to week. Since the release on October 7th, we’ve pushed five substantial updates to the product.

The initial weeks (v1.0.1 and v1.0.2) were heavily focused on stabilising the platform, tightening up VNAV logic, correcting FMGS behavior, and enhancing the sound suite. We also moved quickly to address specific community feedback regarding the visual modeling, specifically revisiting the wing and main landing gear in v1.0.3 to ensure the geometry and behavior matched the real-world aircraft.

The most recent updates focused on deepening system fidelity. v1.0.4 was a significant milestone, introducing a complete rework of the EIS1 display logic and a fully featured ATSU/AOC suite. With v1.0.5, we’ve added offset functionality, better navdata handling and a series of system-wide fixes. It’s been a steady process of not just fixing bugs, but actively expanding the aircraft's capabilities based on how you are flying it.

To close out this section on the A340 Airliner, we have one last exciting piece of news to share. We are excited to announce that a new free variant will be added soon: the VIP variant will officially be arriving in January. We look forward to starting the new year by offering you a new way to fly the A340 Airliner in Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Tristar Project
Moving on with today's main topic, iniBuilds proud to announce the legendary iniBuilds TriStar Airliner for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Developed from the ground up exclusively for the new platform - supported by extensive real-aircraft access and reference sessions - this recreation fully leverages MSFS2024’s latest physics, environmental modelling, and advanced systems framework. Our goal is to deliver the most authentic and immersive TriStar, or ‘El-Ten-Eleven’, experience ever brought to home simulation. Our main variant will be based off of the L1011-500 variant. 

Today's update will an introduction to the project, cover the journey to date, highlight some key features of the product as well as some WIP areas of the aircraft – live in sim.

Product Highlights

Given the numerous variants, configurations and options that were available for this aircraft, let’s start with covering some of the key system features of the product. 

• Detailed systems simulation covering electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and environmental logic
• A fully featured AFCS and CAT IIIB autoland system
• Accurate flight dynamics driven by MSFS 2024 aerodynamics and real-world performance manual data
• High-fidelity exterior and interior modelling including cockpit, cabin, and full S-duct tail engine geometry
• Fully modelled triple Litton INS system with era-accurate navigation workflows as well as easy import options and Simbrief integration
• A faithful reproduction of the Performance Management System (PMS) integrated directly with the AFCS and INS
• Period authentic EFB – the iniBuilds Paper Flight Bag 
• Flight Engineers panel with manual and automatic modes
• Multiple navigation layouts to suit every style of flying:
  – Classic analogue radio-navigation
  – Authentic triple-INS long-range setup
  – INS combined with PMS for full TriStar automation
  – Modern GNS 530 upgrade option

Flight Model and Aircraft Systems
There’s a lot to explore in this aircraft, and through these development updates, we will take you on the journey through different parts of the aircraft and the key details captured. 

Today’s focus is on the multiple navigation layouts designed to suit every style of flying. Options include classic analogue radio navigation, an authentic triple-INS long-range setup, INS combined with the Performance Management System for full TriStar automation, and an optional modern GNS 530 upgrade.

Triple Litton INS System
The TriStar’s triple INS suite is simulated in full. Each unit features correct DC standby and AC essential power logic, including realistic standby warm-up behaviour. Position entry and classic alignment are fully simulated, with the traditional 90-to-01 sequence taking roughly 17 minutes to complete. The system supports up to nine waypoints with proper RMT cross-sync, along with accurate intercept, direct-to, and leg-tracking logic. Cross-track and offset navigation are modelled exactly as in the real aircraft. An ATT REF gyro-only mode is included, requiring full re-alignment once the aircraft is back in stable conditions. Distance and time computations follow the authentic A–B, 0–X, and X–0 logic used by the Litton INS units.

Performance Management System (PMS)
A defining feature of the L-1011 is the Performance Management System. Fully recreated in depth, the PMS computes optimal climb, cruise, and descent speeds from simulation weight, altitude, and engine data and integrates directly with the auto-throttle and AFCS vertical modes for each phase of flight. It supports long-range, fuel-efficient flight planning with accurate predictive performance and crew feedback, reflecting the system’s role as the heart of the TriStar’s automated efficiency.

 
In our next development update we will go into much further detail about some of the features of the RB211 engine simulation and unique aerodynamic features such as Direct Lift Control (DLC); all of which will be available on the aircraft. We will also provide details on the core aircraft systems (hydraulic, fuel etc), the AFCS – automatic flight control system along with a walkthrough of the flight engineer system and the new period authentic EFB – the iniBuilds Paper Flight Bag.

Sound Pack
Equally important as other development workstreams is the sound suite; without it, the aircraft would simply feel empty and lifeless.
Our partners Echo19 secured behind-the-scenes access to the TriStar Experience based in Kansas City, Missouri to record real-time audio. This one-of-a-kind organisation uses an operational Lockheed L-1011 TriStar to inspire students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through aviation education and immersive hands-on experiences.

Echo19 have captured authentic sounds straight from this rare aircraft so that we can bring you a genuinely immersive TriStar experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator. From engine nuances to ambient systems, Echo19 have documented every detail that helps tell the story of this aviation icon.
We’re proud to work alongside groups who are preserving aviation heritage and encouraging young people to dive deeper into aerospace and engineering.
We are excited to continue developing this project and to share a truly authentic TriStar soundscape with the MSFS community as we honor this rare jet and the amazing people who keep its legacy alive.

Check out Tylers video!

Art
The TriStar is one of the most visually distinctive wide bodies ever built, and our art team has recreated every aspect of its engineering and character with exceptional fidelity that reflects what is expected with modern MSFS 2024 detail standards and to the bar we’ve set for ourselves.
Members of our art and QA teams have travelled around the world to study real TriStars up close. We gathered extensive reference material, including high-resolution photography, video, measurements, detailed notes, and sectioned 3D scans, to aid with our detail and accuracy goals. From an aviation museum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to an L-1011 cockpit in a shipping container in California, United States, we’ve visited multiple examples of the aircraft, including variants beyond the L-1011-500, to understand their intricacies and the differences between models at a one-to-one level.

As with all iniBuilds airliner releases, the TriStar is created to include the full suite of visual features simmers expect from our newest generation of aircraft. This includes high resolution materials, accurate surface imperfections, fully realised cabin spaces, and a wide range of small touches that enhance immersion without compromising performance – and performance is key here.
Being exclusive for MSFS 2024, takes advantage of the visual improvements and techniques available to us in MSFS 2024. Let’s get into some of the core visual features and extras the art team has spent time on developing the TriStar.

Exterior Modelling
The exterior model has been crafted using high accuracy reference material gathered from our international aircraft visits. Every major structural component reflects real references and data gathered.

Our rendition features several interactive elements that contribute to overall realism. These include animated GPU hatch, potable water, waste systems, cargo door handles, cargo doors, entry doors, and as usual: engine cowling doors.

And as standard, there will be an era-appropriate ground handling equipment set, alongside the usual engine covers and remove before flight tags where necessary. We hope to showcase these to you in more detail in our upcoming development updates along with a walkthrough of external animations (showcasing systems such as DLC in action).



Exterior - Dynamic Dirt and Weathering
The TriStar is an old aircraft, and our visual recreation reflects this age and service life with the most extensive weathering package we have ever applied. A layer of dirt pre-exists on the base textures which cannot be disabled for authenticity, but we have gone beyond this with an enhanced dynamic weathering implementation.

Oil streaking, hydraulic fluid residue, chipped paint, oxidised metal, soot patterns, and panel discoloration have all been crafted inspired by real-world examples, not only observed on the TriStar, but other in-service aircraft which have been through some heavy operations.

Dynamic dirt and weathering behaviour works by increasing the intensity the more you fly, with persistence in mind between liveries, giving the aircraft a believable sense of operational history.

Subtle material roughness changes, variation in reflectivity, and dirt accumulation around seams and rivets create a realistic appearance that reflects decades of service life.

Stairs and Lounge Feature
Although the L-1011-500 variant did not operate with the lower lounge feature, the concept is so iconic that we created our own retrofit for simmers to enjoy. This will be available as an optional preset configuration of the aircraft within MSFS.

The optional lounge includes a fully modelled lower deck with a bar area, seating and relaxation spaces, and a spiral staircase that connects the lower lounge to the main cabin.

Most notably, the exterior boarding stairs lead directly into the lounge from the outside of the aircraft, giving the unique experience of a private jet style boarding flow for a widebody airliner.

We have also included the distinctive lower forward lobe on the aircraft belly. Only TriStars equipped with the lounge had this structure. It was designed to protect passengers in the lounge area in the event of a heavy landing that could compromise the nose gear. This additional detail is recreated accurately in our retrofit version and represents a unique identifying feature of lounge-equipped TriStars. We hope to showcase the cockpit, interior and additional features in our next development update.

Optimisation and Performance
Visual quality is balanced with careful optimisation principles learned from our most recent product cycles. We use a mix of shared texture sheets, strict texture resolution rules, and smart LOD transitions that reduce VRAM memory usage without visible losses in quality.

Complex areas such as the Flight Engineer station, the cabin, and the landing gear assemblies have been built with performance in mind. These regions feature multi-stage LODs that retain visual accuracy close-up but scale down gracefully at distance.

The TriStar benefits from the mentioned techniques and more we refined on aircraft like the A350 and A340, for which we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback in recent performance updates for. This ensures stable frame rates and high image quality on both PC and console platforms.

You can expect the full iniBuilds package with excellent night lighting, liveries and videos as we move forward with development and can’t wait to share more information in our next development update. 

Final Words
As we wrap up this update and look back at an incredible year, we want to circle back to where we started: with a huge "Thank You."

2025 has been a milestone year for iniBuilds. From the depth and excitement of the A350 Airliner to the grit and hands-on experience of the F406, and now looking ahead to the TriStar, none of this would be possible without you. Your support, your feedback, and even your bug reports have been the driving force behind every update we pushed. You have helped us refine our products and set new standards for what we can achieve together.

From everyone here at iniBuilds, we wish you a happy holiday season and blue skies. Here’s to an incredible 2026! 🎆🎄

iniBuilds Team ❤️