Today, iniBuilds offered a first in-depth look at their upcoming Tristar for Microsoft Flight Simulator during a live stream on Twitch. European Community Manager Cameron guided viewers through the presentation, joined by developer Mike from the team.
The session began in a cold-and-dark cockpit before moving outside for a detailed walkaround of the aircraft. iniBuilds is modelling the Tristar Dash 5 variant—slightly shorter than its counterparts, but also the most powerful and longest-range version.
Back in the cockpit, the team demonstrated the startup procedure, highlighting the depth of the simulation. Complex systems such as the pneumatic system are fully modelled, and even features like INS drift have been implemented—though this can be disabled if desired. To balance realism with accessibility, routes including SIDs, STARs, and waypoints can be imported directly into the INS. A retrofitted GPS unit on the main panel also brings a touch of modern convenience to the classic airliner.
For those who prefer a more streamlined experience, an “analog EFB” in the form of a clipboard allows the virtual flight engineer to handle startup procedures automatically via an “Autocomplete” function.
Following the setup, the crew departed from JFK for a short test flight, showcasing the aircraft in action.
Overall, the preview suggests that iniBuilds is aiming to deliver a highly detailed yet flexible simulation, catering both to hardcore enthusiasts and more casual simmers alike. If you’re interested in classic widebodies with deep system modelling, the Tristar is definitely one to watch.
