PMDG 777-200ER to release between Apr 29 to May 1

[abrams_tank]

https://forum.pmdg.com/forum/main-forum/general-discussion-news-and-announcements/352817-23apr25-pmdg-777-200er-release-window-update-flight-test-follies-and-a-few-other-bits

Quote

Captains,

PMDG 777-200ER Release Window Updated:
A few moments ago during our team meeting we refined the release window for the PMDG 777-200ER for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. Our current expectation is to release the product to you between Tuesday, 29APR and Thursday 01MAY.

We anticipate that we will give you advance notice the day prior to the release.

The PMDG 777-200ER is a complete package that includes three engine options, along with their complete engine models, sound packages and aircraft performance profiles suitable to the engine selection. The package also includes a number of new features for the PMDG 777 product line, and is the first native MSFS 2024 package created by the team.

Customers purchasing the 200ER will receive access to both the MSFS 2020 and the MSFS 2024 versions via the PMDG Operations Center.

The product will be submitted to MS Marketplace for 2020 and MS Marketplace for 2024 but there is anticipated to be some latency between the PMDG.com release and the MS Marketplace release. The product release via Marketplace will give Xbox users access to the aircraft in both 2020 and 2024 and all PMDG Operations Center liveries will be available for Xbox users via the Marketplace at release time.

PMDG 777F and PMDG 777-300ER Release Windows for MSFS 2024:
Work and testing has been focused entirely on the 777-200ER as our first product release for MSFS 2024, and as work winds down on that project we have shifted resources toward updating the 777F and 777-300ER products to make them fully MSFS 2024 compliant and to bring in the new features we have in store with the 200ER package. There are significant differences between the two platforms and this has resulted in a significant rebuild effort for both the 777F and 300ER. That work is well underway, but it will take a few more weeks to complete and then we'll need some testing time to be sure we didn't break anything in the process.

We are currently projecting the 777F to become available for MSFS 2024 during the second half of May, and the 300ER to follow that release by 10-14 days.

PMDG.com customers who have already purchased the 777F or 777-300ER in MSFS 2020 will automatically receive the new versions that are compatible with MSFS 2024 via the PMDG Operations Center.

We have not yet built any experience with the MSFS Marketplace integration between the two platforms, so I need a few more days before I can accurately describe how that process will work for MS Marketplace Customers, beyond stating that current guidance from Microsoft indicates that PMDG 777 buyers through Marketplace will also be able to receive the 777 in 2024. I want to stress again that we do not set MS policies, nor do we control the final rules enforced by marketplace and the only way to be certain of this guidance is to accomplish the task. We will do so as quickly as possible in order to solidify and confirm the guidance we have been provided.

(Yeah.. that sounds like legalese, doesn't it? Sorry... )

PMDG DC-6 for MSFS 20204:
The DC-6 is nearing completion of it's overhaul for MSFS 2024 compatibility and it is coming together nicely. We are working out some differences between the platforms and have taken the time to do some minor cosmetic improvements in various areas for our 2024 customers to enjoy.

Guidance on availability of this product via PMDG.com and MS Marketplace is identical for the DC-6 as it is for the 777s above. (including the legalese)

We do not yet have a release timeline for this product other than to project it is coming "soon™."

PMDG 777-200ER and the Post Heavy Maintenance Validation Test Flight Profile:
Last weekend, I flew the PMDG 777-200ER through the entire Heavy Maintenance Validation test flight profile and the results were fascinating. I recorded the entire process, which resulted in 90 minutes of preflight systems checks and 4:35 of in flight maneuvers and systems operations validation.

The test flight showed just how in-depth the PMDG 777 is modeled, as I was able to perform nearly every check that is performed on the actual airplane prior to return-to-service from a heavy maintenance check. The tests I was not able to perform are those that required specific maintenance action to enable or disable certain functions buried someplace in the E&E bay of the airplane, and a few that simply wouldn't apply to a simulated airplane, such as cabin function checkouts and intercom validation tests.

From this test flight I developed a half dozen squawks, all of which were handed to the development team for further review. Half of those have been addressed and the other half are still in research.

I am still trying to sort out what to do with 6+hrs of video of this exercise. A post heavy maintenance validation test flight is an extremely aggressive check program and I think it is important to recognize just what a statement it makes about the PMDG 777 that you can perform such a test on the airplane, flying it in real time, over the exact location used in the procedure, following the precise steps provided by the procedure- and you will get the correct results for the airplane.

I am very proud of the work we do at PMDG, and I am proud of our team for creating such a magnificent airplane simulation for you to use and explore the virtual skies. My hat is off to each member of the 777 development team. It is a satisfying moment to pull the airplane to a stop in front of the maintenance facility after 6hrs of a thorough test flight workout, knowing that the PMDG airplane likely completed the flight with fewer squawks than most actual 777s coming back into service from a heavy maintenance visit.

Something to think about next time you hear a conversation about "what does study level mean?"


Okay everybody- speaking of test flight, I have to get back to work on one of those squawks I discovered during my flight... Another 30 pages of schematic diagrams just landed on my desk in furtherance of that effort!

 

[pete_auau]

pop corn at the rdy  🙂

[sloppysmusic]

Is this the first time a major dev has released a 'new' plane for both sims simultaneously? No matter how good the release is I can see every team member working long hours on support for at least a month. 

I wish them luck for the dual product release. 

[UltimateAntic]

7 minutes ago, sloppysmusic said:

Is this the first time a major dev has released a 'new' plane for both sims simultaneously? No matter how good the release is I can see every team member working long hours on support for at least a month. 

I wish them luck for the dual product release. 

IniBuilds?

[Lucky38i]

2 hours ago, UltimateAntic said:

IniBuilds?

TFDI did with P3D and MSFS2020, not the two sims in question but also quite similiar.

[btacon]

3 hours ago, sloppysmusic said:

Is this the first time a major dev has released a 'new' plane for both sims simultaneously? No matter how good the release is I can see every team member working long hours on support for at least a month. 

I wish them luck for the dual product release. 

I too wish PMDG the best, as I own all their products.  You might say I’m “invested”.  That said, I agree with another poster who mentioned iniBuilds.  While they are no where as polished and refined as PMDG in delivery, they most certainly released the a350 in tandem to both platforms.  So PMDG doesn’t earn that first, at least in my opinion.  Looking forward to this release
-B

[lwt1971]

Looking forward to all the reviews, will try to hold out until the -300ER comes out for 2024 🙂 
 

Quote

PMDG 777-200ER and the Post Heavy Maintenance Validation Test Flight Profile:
Last weekend, I flew the PMDG 777-200ER through the entire Heavy Maintenance Validation test flight profile and the results were fascinating. I recorded the entire process, which resulted in 90 minutes of preflight systems checks and 4:35 of in flight maneuvers and systems operations validation.

The test flight showed just how in-depth the PMDG 777 is modeled, as I was able to perform nearly every check that is performed on the actual airplane prior to return-to-service from a heavy maintenance check. The tests I was not able to perform are those that required specific maintenance action to enable or disable certain functions buried someplace in the E&E bay of the airplane, and a few that simply wouldn't apply to a simulated airplane, such as cabin function checkouts and intercom validation tests.
...
I am still trying to sort out what to do with 6+hrs of video of this exercise. A post heavy maintenance validation test flight is an extremely aggressive check program and I think it is important to recognize just what a statement it makes about the PMDG 777 that you can perform such a test on the airplane, flying it in real time, over the exact location used in the procedure, following the precise steps provided by the procedure- and you will get the correct results for the airplane.
 

Sounds very interesting, hope they post a cut-down or full version of this video.
 

[JBDB-MD80]

5 hours ago, pete_auau said:

pop corn at the rdy  🙂

Why exactly?

[BrammyH]

From a pure, "we like money" angle, pushing the -300 MSFS24 compatibility to the end of the cycle is brilliant. If you are in 2024 and want a PAX 777, you can either wait a month and a half, or, just buy the -200.

I am going to get the -200 either way. EAL and their 77 fleet are my go to "I don't have a real route, so let's do a charter" airline. They don't have -300s, and the -200 livery is included in release.

Also, I really hope they release paint kits for the 77f and -300 early. All those liveries need to be updated for 2024. Which, given the slow pace of 2024 liveries on .to, I don't have a lot of faith in it happening expediently anyway.

[fluffyflops]

37 minutes ago, BrammyH said:

From a pure, "we like money" angle, pushing the -300 MSFS24 compatibility to the end of the cycle is brilliant. If you are in 2024 and want a PAX 777, you can either wait a month and a half, or, just buy the -200.

 

just like p3d back in v4 days when they pushed the 747 before the 777 and the 736,737 before the 738 and 739  to drip sell.

[regis9]

I’m looking forward to the -200ER, I never bought the P3D version so this was his will be my first time owning a virtual -200ER.

I also have a Winwing 777 FMS due to arrive around May 2 so the timing should line up nicely.

Edited April 24 by regis9

[jarmstro]

9 hours ago, abrams_tank said:

https://forum.pmdg.com/forum/main-forum/general-discussion-news-and-announcements/352817-23apr25-pmdg-777-200er-release-window-update-flight-test-follies-and-a-few-other-bits

 

Great!! And a nice try at a cash grab when half a days work would make their existing planes compatible with 2024 so there would be no need to buy it.

[Cognita]

I was not really considering the 200ER but then I looked around a little and see how popular that aircraft is and now I am thinking I may pick it up. So, I guess that drip-selling technique, or whatever it is, works. I am really looking for a sound high-fidelity long haul aircraft for 2024, and so far there isn't one so this will meet that need for me. I already have the 300 but the 200 is pretty popular and so it will broaden the routes I will do -- I am one of those who only flies real world routes using appropriate air frames. 

For all the complaints with PMDG--some of them more legitimate than others--I have always been impressed with their completeness and stability on launch and the depth of the system simulation. 

[JBDB-MD80]

29 minutes ago, jarmstro said:

Great!! And a nice try at a cash grab when half a days work would make their existing planes compatible with 2024 so there would be no need to buy it.

Well that is your opinion in which is not a true one. Who knows what developers have to go through to update their addons for a new sim unless you have to deal with it. Its just not a simple copy/paste that MS and Asobo wants us to believe.

Edited April 24 by JBDB-MD80

[Kevin_28]

Well with the current 777 lineup already released, they will be putting in the new 2024 features such as all the LOD enhancements, textures, sounds, systems, etc, so I'm guessing that takes more than half a day.