For a long time, the best option for flying a complex Cessna 208 in Microsoft Flight Simulator involved upgrading the default Asobo model with new gauges. That is about to end, as Black Square is getting ready to launch the Caravan Professional, which is expected to be a massive leap for high-fidelity turboprops. It abandons the dependency on default assets to deliver a completely standalone aircraft.
It’s a release that matters for the flight sim community because it brings a beloved utility plane up to the rigorous systems depth seen in recent top-tier releases.
Following up on a recent tease, Black Square’s Nick Cyganski shared extensive details about the project. The developer says the new product involves over 1,000 hours of development and doubles the code complexity compared to their previous Analog Caravan.
Instead of a single purchase, Black Square split the release into two distinct titles. Pilots can choose the Passenger edition, which includes the standard airframe with and without a cargo pod. Alternatively, the Amphibian & Cargo edition caters to bush pilots and freight haulers. A discounted bundle will also be available for those who want the entire fleet and, existing owners of the Analog Caravan will receive discount codes.
The original Analog Caravan was an excellent entry point, but it suffered from the limitations of the default exterior model and flight dynamics. The Professional version addresses those limitations directly. The developer states that the new flight model uses the latest voxel CFD aerodynamics and flexible tire physics. Furthermore, Black Square partnered with Boris Audio Works to create a custom sound environment recorded from a real aircraft.
If we look at the extensive feature list, three major additions stand out from the legacy version:
- Complete independence: The aircraft no longer relies on default assets. It features custom exterior models and improved materials for each specific variant.
- Advanced turbine and failure simulation: The systems simulation introduces deep turboprop dynamics. The developer notes the inclusion of hot starts, compressor stalls, and foreign object debris damage based on surface types.
- Modern tablet: Black Square has also integrated their comprehensive tablet interface on the Grand Caravan. This lets users manage payloads, monitor electrical schematics, and configure up to 12 hot-swappable radio layouts, among many other capabilities.
For pilots who want to get a head start on their training, Black Square published the massive 145-page preview manual on their newly launched product pages. This gives the community a chance to learn the intricate new systems and study the performance tables before the aircraft even hits the market.
Cyganski also left us with a enticing hint about the future. While explaining that the Caravan’s delay came down to sourcing the correct vintage airframe for audio and reference photos, he noted that his time was not wasted. He stated that an update on his other ongoing projects is coming soon, alongside the reveal of a completely unannounced aircraft!
We will keep a close watch on Black Square’s progress and bring you the latest details as soon as the Caravan Professional is ready for launch.
