If you’re an X-Plane user, you’ll surely agree that 2018 has started off with a bang, and now you can add the release of the JARDesign A330 v3 Beta 1 to that list of reasons.

In a post on their forum, JAR spruik new features of their aircraft, and listing improvements such as a new FMGS which moves away from the SASL system that is common across most payware airliners for their gauges and FMS. The new system is a C++ implementation, along with some basic X-Plane features.

The new features that are included, they say, are a new MCDU function allowing interaction with aircraft doors, loads, tow and ground handling, pop-out MCDU and ND, the ability to set a takeoff with heading, saving of coRoute flight plans, smoother following of speed constraints, and re-worked ND & MCDU indications and functions.

Sadly though, there are no new engine types for this bird just yet despite the community hoping for it, but it is an early beta, leaving some time for this still to happen.

As with anything in beta, JAR expect this aircraft to ruin your day if you encounter any bugs, so they do not recommend installing this plane for your flying enjoyment just yet – stick with the stable v2.x. Though if you’re like me, and love to play with something new, you can head to this JARDesign Forum thread and follow the instructions for installation.

Please note that you must already own a previous version of the JARDesign A330 to be able to use this new beta.

Are you planning on checking out this new refresh of an old favourite? Join the FSElite Discord and share your screenshots and thoughts!

Changelog (as posted to the JARDesign forum):

Main improvement – new FMGS, based on C++ (instead of SASL + basic X-Plane FMS) new features:

+ compatible with GHDeluxe v.040118

+ new MCDU MENU functions (you can operate with Ground Handling, Doors, Loading, Tow)

+ separate Ground Handling operation (MCDU MENU -> Handling, next – select neeeded cars and click Drive Up)

+ MCDU movable widget (click on 3D MCDU or use Command jd/fmgs/CommandShowMcdu)

+ ND non-movable widget (click on ND)

+ Save coRoute flightplan using MCDU DATA -> Click right Arrow -> Pilots ROUTES, enter name and click SAVE

+ takeoff with heading preset

+ ND && MCDU indication and functions reworked

+ follow Speed Constraints

Thanks to miniwebbs for the tip-off.