The TFDi MD-11 is now released

[DEHowie]

One thing i find completely bizarre about the MSFS community is the complete lack of understanding about real aircraft.

There seems an overall feel that all aircraft are the same and somehow by owning a 777 you are getting an identical experience to having an MD-11 or any other widebody.

Just to clarify the MD-11 used some of the best aspects of the Airbus MCDU AND the Boeing one leading to what is even to this day one of the most advanced FMC's ever seen.

Having been fortunate to fly the 717 which uses the same system  its still more advanced in most ways than any Airbus system and also has features not seen in the most advanced Boeing product the 787.

The concept of flight simulation is to be able to get a look at how and why aircraft are different and what makes them different and challenging to operate.

A heavy MD-11 is a truly challenging aircraft to fly with very high approach speeds particularly in emergency situations far higher than any 777/787 or 747.

At higher weights it takes a lot of thought again far more so than the generally very forgiving 777/787 family. The 777W and 787-9 can be a little trick it max weights but nothing approaching the challenge of a max weight mad dog.

Anyone thinking that by buying the MD-11 you are somehow duplicating and will get an identical experience to that of a 777 is very mistaken indeed.

Very high igh approach speeds, challenging handling characteristics, very high initial climb speeds at max weights making SID's and on arrival STARS very tricky to negotiate mean its a far more challenging aircraft to operate.

The MD-11 became an aerodynamic compromise that gave it very challenging handling traits that hopefully TFDI have built in to the addon so fingers crossed its every bit the beast the real aircraft is.

So expand your horizons dont think any addon will be the same as every other addon because just like the real world every aircraft is different some easier to fly ie 777 some far more difficult MD-11.

And its a great looking aircraft..lol..sad to see them go in a few years time as they are so great to photograph and looking at it TFDI has done it justice.

 

[Fiorentoni]

@DEHowie I think people are not saying the MD11 is the same as a 777, it's rather that they are saying "We already have a study level long hauler, why buy another one for the same price which [important part] is likely to be of much lower quality?". People reporting from the beta are delivering nightmarish reports of the state of the aircraft, one here IIIRC said the aircraft starts doing 360s when you hit the APPR button. Compared to that the 777 is essentially bug-free. I'd love to have that iconic aircraft and do cargo ops, but I really see myself being frustrated about the bugs and lack of quality and just go back to the 777 after one or two flights. That's why I won't buy it (unless reviews are much better than I think they will be).

Talking about reviews - is the MD11 out yet?

[El Diablito]

 

[sloppysmusic]

2 hours ago, DEHowie said:

Very high igh approach speeds, challenging handling characteristics, very high initial climb speeds at max weights making SID's and on arrival STARS very tricky to negotiate mean its a far more challenging aircraft to operate.

"challenging" is NOT a selling point in these days of Simbrief/TOGA/Magenta/Autoland. 

🤔😐

I'm very interested. I just reinstalled FSX just so I can dust off the FCOM and practice with the PMDG version. 

You're not kidding with the landing speeds. I recall 155 - 165 being pretty normal. I used to have a lot of fun seeing how short a runway I could put it down on with my FedEx livery. 

[Lucky38i]

13 minutes ago, sloppysmusic said:

"challenging" is NOT a selling point in these days of Simbrief/TOGA/Magenta/Autoland. 

depends on the crowd, JustFlight's aircraft are the only thing I've been interested in lately. Just yesterday I did the cloudbreakaway NDB approach at TVSA in the F28, I messed it up so badly but it was great fun

[Sunshine13]

comparing the md-11 TFDi  to the PMDG 777 talking about 2 different developers.  When you buy a PMDG product, you get the real thing.  When their planes come out, they are basically trouble free, yes sure Mr. R has a lot of stories and knows how to hype the sim market, with all their continuously BS on their updates, but the final outcome, is that u get basically get a quality free jet liner and u will enjoy flying

Paying for about the same prices the MD-11 and 777, I just hope this baby will fly the MD-11.  We shall see!

[regis9]

I’m definitely interested in an MD11 despite also having just bought the 777.  Primarily it’s for the unique systems, being able to fly a three holer, and because it’s still a widely used cargo hauler. 

Looking forward to hearing first reviews to see if it’s at a place where I jump in right away or wait for a bit.

[regis9]

Duplicate.

Edited June 29 by regis9

[B777ER]

I did not buy the 777 because frankly, it's quite a boring Boeing. I saved my money for the MD11. Short-haul freighter ops with this is going to be fun. A very unique aircraft for sure. The only thing from the previews and their Discord that I don't like is the fact that the speeds are not input for any SID/STARs with the release version. They have confirmed that this is a high priority for the first update after release. Hence, I am waiting until that update to purchase it. 

[HighTowers]

Very excited for this. Seems TFDI did a great job all around. B Avgeeks video really showcased the aged worn out well used textures look and the high fidelity of all its quirks, and big mix of airbus and boeing logic makes it so unique but challenging too because of its fighter jet like handling and approach speeds around 160kts haha.  Everybody keep on your toes with this one.  Really brings you back to the FSX PMDG MD-11 days.  

[longhaul747]

Took it up for a quick circuit around SEA and I thought it flew pretty well.  I did not tinker with the systems yet so I can't comment on that.  I thought it was a bit overpowered but I was also very light so probably just that.  The real thing is overpowered at light weights as well! 

During my brief experience with this new release build its finely mostly together.  It was a fairly large train wreck during some of the beta builds but it slowly got better.  This release build is the 1st time it felt together. 

Some automation going on which I will have to figure out?  For example on climb out the auto throttle automatically kicked in but despite the airspeed set at 250 knots it went way past 250 and was pegging 320 knots before I noticed and reduced the throttle manually.  Also at one point even though I never engaged the auto pilot the plane randomly started banking right even though  I never programmed anything.  I think its just a semi automated aircraft and it will take some tinkering to figure out.  I had the same issue early on with the Fenix A320.  

 

[thepilot]

I hope they can bring their 717 to MSFS (2024) some time. Really liked this aircraft in P3D.

[sloppysmusic]

7 hours ago, Lucky38i said:

depends on the crowd,

I'm the choir and you're preaching here but...the CROWD is ALWAYS the mass market. You and me buddy, plus a handful of others will never make a crowd lol!

We're just lucky that some devs are into the same things that we are and make their labours of love AND profit for us to enjoy.

[sloppysmusic]

1 hour ago, longhaul747 said:

Some automation going on which I will have to figure out?

There's FCOMs out there if you look hard for them. I have one for every jet I 'fly' and real life checklists. It's the only way to check if the behaviour is real and what you are SUPPOSED to do with the thing. They make absolutely fascinating reading for all the big birds.

[sd_flyer]

I wonder if release is going to feature WX radar and EGPWS? I haven't seen it in any previews yet