Black Square has unveiled major updates to its Professional Series lineup for Microsoft Flight Simulator, with more details about bringing two more aircraft into the fold: the Baron Professional and Bonanza Professional. These new additions follow the Caravan Professional and continue Black Square’s effort to modernize and refine its previous Steam Gauge Overhaul aircraft using the latest in simulation technology.
The announcement also included updates on the highly anticipated Beechcraft Starship, confirming its planned release before FlightSimExpo 2025.
Baron Professional and Bonanza Professional
As explained by Nick Cyganski on the latest development update, both aircraft represent a major evolution from their predecessors, with three distinct airframes per model, improved systems, more avionics options, and high-fidelity sound sets developed in collaboration with Boris Audio Works. As with the Black Square Dukes, these new aircraft feature significantly enhanced engine and flight dynamics, improved interior and exterior modeling, and the tablet interface that debuted in previous Black Square releases.
Bonanza Professional: three configurations in one
- 2000s A36: The classic, normally aspirated version.
- A36TC: An aftermarket turbo-normalized variant.
- A36TP: A powerful PT6A turboprop conversion.
The Bonanza Professional benefits from physics-driven reciprocating engine simulation, allowing pilots to feel individual cylinder compression, realistic oil circulation, and cold-weather start behaviors. Notably, the Turbine Bonanza shares much of its systems design with the Turbine Duke, offering a refined single-engine turboprop experience. Black Square has also introduced “ten unique upholstery packages and all-new panel designs” across the three versions.
Baron Professional: bringing the ‘P-Baron’ to life
- 2000s B58: The standard model with normally aspirated engines.
- 1984 58TC: A turbocharged version.
- 1985 58P: The pressurized ‘P-Baron’.
This marks the first time Black Square has accurately modeled the B58P’s exterior, including its smaller cabin entry door and turbocharged nacelles. The Baron Professional features significantly improved pressurization and environmental control systems, with expanded functionality in cockpit controls that were previously limited.
Both aircraft incorporate:
- A fully interactive pre-flight experience with pitot covers, chocks, engine covers, and a propane pre-heater that must be removed before flight.
- New failures and maintenance considerations, including engine damage tied to cold starts and fuel system issues like vapor lock and fouling.
- Expanded avionics options, featuring support for the GTNxi 750/650, KLN-90B, and improved autopilot compatibility.
Black Square also improved gyroscope physics, allowing for realistic precession and stiction—a detail where analog instrument needles can stick when cold, requiring a tap on the glass to free them.
Starship cleared for MSFS 2024
Black Square confirmed that the highly anticipated Beechcraft Starship will be released on both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 before FlightSimExpo 2025. A technical roadblock in MSFS 2024 that could have delayed its release has now been resolved with the help of Matt Nischan and the Working Title team. While the team is still waiting to record authentic sounds from the real aircraft, the Starship is already performing well in testing, with its cockpit benefiting from ray-traced shadows and material enhancements.
Expanding MSFS 2024 Compatibility
Black Square is preparing MSFS 2024 compatibility updates for its fleet. While the Steam Gauge Overhaul aircraft will not be ported to the new simulator, the Professional Series aircraft are already working well in testing. Future updates will introduce interactive exterior elements to enhance the pre-flight experience, including functional pitot covers, chocks, doors, and other ground equipment.
Black Square is clearly keen on continuing to push the limits of general aviation realism in MSFS, blending high-detail modeling with real-world physics simulations. With the Baron Professional and Bonanza Professional now joining the lineup, the Professional Series is shaping up to be the most comprehensive collection of complex GA aircraft for the platform. And with the Starship on the horizon, Black Square is set to deliver one of the most unique aircraft in flight simulation. Very exciting times for GA simmers!
For more images and lists of all the new and improved features in all three of Black Square’s Professional Series aircraft, check out these ‘What’s New’ documents provided by Black Square:
- Caravan Professional: What’s New Since the Analog Caravan
- Bonanza Professional: What’s New Since the Analog Bonanza
- Baron Professional: What’s New Since the Analog Baron
The official product pages for these new aircraft, along with feature lists and draft manuals, are expected soon.
