We've got another FA50 development update for you - this time with a focus on where the project currently stands and how that affects our release timing.
Over the past weeks, development has moved into a more advanced and demanding phase. We are now actively testing all phases of flight, supported by real-world pilots, mechanics, and a group of experienced beta testers who provide detailed and constructive feedback. The aircraft is being flown across a wide range of regions, weather conditions, and operational scenarios, helping us validate behavior that only becomes apparent once the aircraft is used extensively.
From a systems perspective, most systems are now implemented. Current work is focused on refinement, resolving edge cases, and addressing issues that emerge as systems interact with each other. A particular area of attention is autopilot tuning, where we are ensuring stable and predictable behavior across all modes and phases of flight.
Autopilot Testing: On our way to capture the ILS Z RWY19 at Jackson Hole
On the visual side, 3D modeling is largely complete, both inside and out. Sound design remains a significant work item, as the sound set still requires further tuning to accurately represent the aircraft in different operating conditions.
Our beta testers have also contributed beyond test flying. Several community liveries have already been created within the beta group, such as this RAF Envoy MK1, which is actually a FA900LX but looks just as good on our FA50 😎
In addition to the aircraft itself, there are still important elements to complete outside of core development. This includes a comprehensive manual and structured tutorials. As this is our first aircraft project, we consider proper documentation and onboarding an essential part of the overall product, not an optional extra.
With this in mind, we want to clarify our release expectations. While a release within this year was communicated as a development target, it was never a promise. At this stage, meeting that target would require compromises we are not willing to make. We prefer to take the necessary time to complete the remaining work to the standard we expect for our first release.
Development continues steadily, and we will keep you informed as the project progresses. More updates to follow.
