This week’s update is about our turboprops, but also some things happening behind the scenes at SWS. First, the PC-12 update is finally done, and our intention is to release it next week. The update for the Amphibian Kodiak will be live within the day on SWS. It has been sent to all vendors and if it isn’t live already, it will be live in the coming days. The Kodiak 100 Amphibian update features the same changes as the wheeled variant: a flight model rework and systems improvements across the board. There is a small visual niggle with the TAWS inhibit label, which is present when using the “side-by-side” installation. The issue stems from the wheeled Kodiak and would be patched today, if there wasn’t another update coming within this month.
Speaking of the next Kodiak update, it is mostly finished. The plane now comes with a proper Engine Indicating System that contains all three pages -Engine, Fuel and System-with their correct layout and symbology, which also works in reversionary mode. It also comes with a full set of integrated checklists that can be ran through the MFD. We tried making the PFDs independent, but found out that in that setup all the warnings are duplicated and turning off one PFD will remove ADC data from both, rendering the setup useless. We were informed that this is a limitation of the NXi, so we will remain with a mirrored PFD setup.
The engine has received a significant rework, with tech from the PC-12 replacing the smoke-and-mirrors tricks and allowing a much better simulation of it. The plane now features a custom ITT simulation that matches the real plane better. As you climb, ITT will increase and the aircraft will become ITT limited at 12-14000ft, depending on the weather. A new bit of information for us was that the Kodiak’s power control lever is mechanically limited, and this has been implemented as well. What this means is that you can no longer firewall the PCL, as the engine will restrict its forward travel based on certain restrictions. While this will help in maintaining torque limits, it does not mean that they cannot be exceeded. Also, it is your responsibility to maintain the ITT and NG limits, as the Kodiak still features a damage model. Lastly, some more tweaking has taken place with the engine torque, allowing us to get better torque/fuel flow relationship than before.
When that update gets released, most of our team will be able to switch to finishing the Airvan (soon) and the FS2024 conversions!
Next item on this week’s update is our website. Work on our new webpage has begun and it is anticipated to be completed in roughly 3 months’ time. The new website will feature a more to-the-point design, removing things that were considered useless. Product versions will be visible, access to the products will be easier and aircraft manuals will also be published on the website so that they can be easily accessed by everyone. We are also bringing some much requested features such as gift cards.
We are also putting a good amount of time and effort on the customer support area. We are going for a three-pronged approach:
— A knowledge-base: support issues will be documented in a searchable knowledge base, that will be accessible from our website. The knowledge base will be updated by an AI assistant and ourselves.
— An AI chatbot: This will be used to address documented issues as well as undocumented but known ones. It will also be documenting issues in the knowledge base. There is a chance that we might do away with this piece if it doesn’t perform up to the desired standards.
— A ticketing system: if a solution has not been found with the other two method, this is the last line of defense. By submitting a ticket, you will be getting in touch with one of the team members, and we will address the problem.
We are also working on a better system for installing our add-ons, so that you don’t have to download 20 GB every time we change a small file. While online installers are common nowadays, we are taking a careful approach to the subject as the biggest challenge is not getting you the file, but ensuring that this is done securely.
That is all for the day. Next week we will show the new Kodiak update on TwoTone Murphy’s stream, and also share more previews of the Airvan!
