[LIST] Got Friends: Development Hangar

R4microds · April 29, 2025, 1:38am

Exciting Early Development News from GotFriends!

Hey everyone!

For those itching for some updates from our team, we’re thrilled to share very early development photos of our Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen — coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024!

This project is a direct collaboration with our Aeroprakt USA contact, Andy Humphrey, and his amazing team at Heavenbound Aviation.
Initially, I had reached out to Andy for reference photos of two older Taylorcraft aircraft (BL65 and BC12D) used for flight training — a project we still have planned for 2025.

But then something special happened:
Andy requested that we bring the A32 Vixxen into the sim to be used as an IFR training aid for his students. Helping train the next generation of pilots using Microsoft Flight Simulator was an opportunity we simply couldn’t pass up.
It’s been a true honor and pleasure working alongside Heavenbound to get this project off the ground!

About the Build:

Attached below are the first in-sim screenshots showing an early build, featuring TwoSeventyInc’s first pass at materials and textures — highlighting both the exterior and interior of the A32.

Key Features:

Powered by a Rotax 912iS
Dual-seat, glass-panel layout
Surprisingly capable for its compact size — especially when fitted with tundra tires and mud guards!
(Yes, we’ll definitely be doing some serious bush flying with her! )

Other Updates:

For those eagerly awaiting the AS33Me Glider — don’t worry!
It’s still our next planned release.
We had a few timeline adjustments because we wanted to make sure our Discus 2C Glider was the first in our fleet to receive a native MSFS 2024 upgrade.

This upgrade includes:

Enhanced LX gliding computer simulation
Refreshed textures
Native electrical FES simulation
Major coding optimizations

We’re committed to ensuring our loyal glider community — who have supported us from day one — gets the best experience possible.

Final Words:

From the entire GotFriends team:
THANK YOU for your incredible support, kind messages across Discord, and emails.
You are truly an amazing community, and we feel so grateful to be a part of it.

Much love,
- The GotFriends Team

Saltash53 · April 29, 2025, 4:39am

Cannot wait for the A32. This is the sort of aircraft you do better than anyone else.

Adriano8851 · April 30, 2025, 5:21pm

This airplane is sexy…is it not?

flexxair · April 30, 2025, 6:33pm

In its unique way, I think it is^^

jjhenry5 · May 1, 2025, 12:13am

The A32 looks like fun. Will it have the ‘cruiser’ options like the larger fuel tanks and spats? Could be a capable X-country machine besides being able to operate off a postage stamp.

While we’re discussing STOL, maybe you could collaborate with Helio Alaska and bring us the Courier next.

DigitalJonx · May 17, 2025, 2:41am

New Partnership!
Read More Below:

MissedOrpheus63 · June 4, 2025, 3:27am

Hello, I was flying on the surface with experimental MXA in the MSFS2024, I had the phenomenon of not being able to take off from the water normally, the speed has been 30 to 40 knots, may I ask where I have a problem with the operation

MissedOrpheus63 · June 6, 2025, 5:59am

R4microds · June 7, 2025, 1:06am

I don’t believe we have tested the MXA Freeware since the launch of MSFS 2024. Initially, it seemed to be working fine as a 2020 backwards compatible aircraft but perhaps we will have to take another look at it to see if needs some work after the recent sim updates. Cheers and thanks for the heads up.

R4microds · June 7, 2025, 1:15am

A little WIP on the BC12D.

As for the Giliders (AS33Me and Discus 2C Native 2024 versions) both are currently different phases of testing for release with our beta team. Discus 2C Native is nearly done testing, AS33Me is about to be sent out to the larger non-internal team likely in the coming days. Just waiting on some changes for our gliding computer avionics simulation.

R4microds · June 14, 2025, 1:47am

Quick Dev Update – Gliders, Flight Schools, and Vintage Bush Planes

Happy Friday! Just a quick update for those following along:

Discus 2C has completed beta testing for the release candidate. Dev Jonx is finalizing the new flight manual and preparing the release—starting with the 2020 version. That same package is fully compatible with 2024 and includes all the new features: a completely rebuilt B21 & GotFriends gliding computer simulation, improved textures, updated sound design, new wingflex animations, and enhanced launch options. A native 2024 version will follow in the coming weeks, but we wanted everyone to experience the new features early and get familiar with the gliding computer ahead of the AS33Me release.
AS33Me entered beta testing this week for both 15m and 18m variants. Twenty testers are currently evaluating it across both 2020 and 2024 versions, in VR and non-VR. We’re gradually expanding access as we continue refining it. A beta copy was also sent this morning to our partner and World Gliding Champion, Stefan Langer. Testers have permission to share photos and videos with the community so you might just catch some chatter in our Discord’s gliding channel.
A32 & Heavenbound Aviation—our Aeroprakt flight school collaboration—is now up and running on an early build of the Vixxen, complete with a full RealSimGear suite in MSFS 2024. They’ve already begun initial flight training, and it’s amazing to see it in action! If you attend the flight school in Ohio, you likely have already tried this early build on their MSFS 2024 sim platform long before release!

Last but certainly not least, for our most dedicated backcountry cowboys:

Here’s a sneak peek at this week’s T-Craft model progress. I’m genuinely excited to bring this vintage bush plane to life. Been hammering away at the model for some crazy hours this week, and its been a blast digging through old forums, searching for references and useful data—can’t wait to share more soon.

Happy simming this weekend!
I’ll personally be flying some CAS J3 to get my vintage bush fix in early while the Taylor keeps cooking.

Cheers,
-Dev Mykrode-

DigitalJonx · June 18, 2025, 1:53pm

“Got Friends: Month of Soaring”
Release Plans for the Month of July

Hey everybody! We thought it would be a great idea to share our Release Plans for the Month of July. Information for our upcoming releases and updates have been scattered throughout the forum, so we would like to throw it all under one post.

What’s Happening in July?
We are calling July the “Month of Soaring”. During this month we will be releasing the Discus-2c Premium and Standard Update for MSFS 2020, the new AS 33 Me Glider for MSFS 2020 and 2024, the Discus-2c Premium Upgrade for MSFS 2024 and finally, the Got Friends Towing Expansion for both MSFS 2020 and 2024.

This is a major month full of releases, however, due to the complexity of supporting two simulators, I would like to layout the exact timeline, release dates, prices and platforms for each release. Put simply, here is a list of all the action happening in July with some events even happening in June!

This Weekend:

Discus-2c Premium / Standard Update for MSFS 2020
Price: Free for Existing Owners of both Premium & Standard
Availability: Got Friends Website & Contrail
Marketplace & Xbox Series Upon Approval

Last Week of June:

Got Friends Towing Expansion for MSFS 2020
Price: Freeware
Availability: Got Friends Website & Contrail
No Plans for Marketplace or Xbox Series (Freeware Restrictions)

1st Week of July:

AS 33 Me Release for MSFS 2020
Price: $19.99
Availability: Got Friends Website & Contrail
Marketplace & Xbox Series Upon Approval

2nd Week of July:

AS 33 Me Upgrade for MSFS 2024
Price: Free with Previous 2020 Purchase
Availability: Got Friends Website & Contrail
Marketplace & Xbox Series Upon Approval

3rd Week of July:

Discus-2c Premium Upgrade for MSFS 2024
Price: Free with Previous Premium Purchase
Availability: Got Friends Website & Contrail
Marketplace & Xbox Series Upon Approval

4th Week of July:

Got Friends Towing Expansion for MSFS 2024
Price: Freeware
Availability: Got Friends Website & Contrail
No Plans for Marketplace or Xbox Series (Freeware Restrictions)

Sim Update #4: 1st Party Gliders

Stemme S12-G LX Family Suite Update
Taurus-M LX Family Suite Update

As you can see, we’ve been rather busy and July particularly is going to be packed with new releases scattered throughout the month. This is to ease our transition to MSFS 2024 as well as accurately track all reported bugs and feedback during this heavy period of releases. With that said, let’s talk about the new updates!

LX Family Suite Update
Included in Discus-2c, AS 33 Me, Stemme S12-G and Taurus-M Gliders
Universal Avionics System

Throughout our development on these gliders, we have had the pleasure to collaborate with Ian Lewis (B21) to fully update the LX Family Suite, making it one of the most powerful avionic suites available in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Every update will include this Universal System and this updated package will eventually make it way to our 1st Party Gliders in MSFS 2024 in a future Sim Update. Here is a quick glance at some of the most exciting changes:

2.1.8: Added Third Party Maps (Google, National Geographic, Topography, Satellite, Bing)
2.1.8: Added B21 Logger Support for External Flight Plans
2.1.8: Added New Polar, Sink, and Weight for Vario Calculations
2.1.8: Added PLN Change Support to the Navigation Engine
2.1.8: Added Custom Pop-Up Messages
2.1.8. Added Dashboard & Aircraft Settings Pages
2.1.8. Added New Grid Overlay Options
2.1.8. Full Hotkey Support for all Buttons & Knobs with External Hardware

If you are interested in checking out all the new features before release, feel free to look at the New Flight Manual that we are making available to the public:

Discus-2c Premium / Standard Update:
What to Expect

The Discus-2c has gone through a complete overhaul. We did this primarily to keep the Discus-2c up to speed with the current era of flight simulation. The Discus was one of our original projects as Got Friends and it needed a variety of fixes. Here is a quick look at some of the most important fixes going into the Discus-2c Update:

Updated Coding for Entire Project to Modern Standard
Updated 3D Model, Added New Elements and Improved Animations
Added New LX Family Avionics Suite (Latest Version v2.1.8)
Added New WWISE Soundpack with Headphone Mode Support
Added New Flight Model and FES Motor Dynamics
Added New FCU Functionality, Messages and Recharging Systems
Added a New Electrical System with Circuits for Avionics
Added Aircraft Settings Page to Support Customization Options
Added New Yawstring and Animations
Added VR Controller Support
Added New Wing Flex Animations
Added New Tooltips System
Added Multi-Function Tow Release Cable (Native & 3rd-Party Support)
Added Persistence to Customization Options
Added Hangar Chocks, Covers and Pitot Tube Components
Added Yoke Hide Feature with Camera Selection
Added Various Messages to LX Family for Ballast, Tow Cable and Emergency Warnings
Added Hotkey Support to LX Family and Various Aircraft Controls
Added Variometer Smoothing for Real-Time Weather Support

Discus-2c Premium Upgrade:
What to Expect

When the Upgrade is released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, you can expect to see these additional features in addition to those listed in the above update:

Walkaround Preflight
Door & Seatbelt Interactions
Updated Visual Effects
Character Compatibility with Asobo’s Avatar System
Improved Flight Model and FES Motor Dynamics
Custom Registration Colors and Fonts Support for Livery Artists

AS 33 Me for MSFS 2020 & 2024:
What to Expect

The AS 33 Me will be marketed as an Expert Level Glider. We don’t use that term lightly. This is a flagship release for our team and represents a major milestone in our development. The visual fidelity is stunning, and our team has dedicated countless hours to perfecting every detail. System depth is at an all-time high, offering advanced, fully functional, and highly customizable features—everything from circuit breakers to bug wipers. The AS 33 Me pushes the boundaries of Microsoft Flight Simulator and sets a new benchmark for realism. We truly believe this is the most high-fidelity glider ever created for any flight simulation, and we can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself in early July. Some of the features we are most excited about include:

Two Wingspan Variants: 15m and 18m
Official Collaboration with Stefan Langer
Dashboard Customization and Instrument Selection
Fully Simulated Electric Motor with Dedicated Powerplant Interface
Fully Interactive Cockpit including Circuit Breakers, Bug Wipers, Switches and Indicators
Surface Contamination Drag Effects (Bugs, Dirt, Grime and Rain)
Complete Ballast System with Refill Sliders, Discharge Valve Control and Visual Effects
Realistic Soundscape using WWISE, Including Optional Headphone Simulation
Canopy Jettison, Full Hotkey Compatibility and Hardware Integration
Adjustable Settings on-the-fly like Cockpit Additions, Adverse Yaw and Surface Grime
Advanced Soft-Body Animations including Wingflex, Yawstring and Wire Animations
Multiple Liveries including Stefan Langer’s Personal Design
The Full LX Family Suite with Additional Quick Winch Software, FLARM, Multiplayer Towing, Ai Tow Plane Spawning, Third Party Map Support, Dashboard Settings and Aircraft Settings
MSFS 2024 Features including Walk-Around Preflight, Improved Visual Effects, Fine-Tuned Flight & Motor Dynamics as well as Character Compatibility with Asobo’s Avatar System.

Got Friends Towing Expansion for MSFS 2020 & 2024:
What to Expect

Throughout testing, we unfortunately noticed the lackluster behavior and lack of variety when it came to Towing in Microsoft Flight Simulator. We are releasing a Freeware Expansion that will add a variety of tow vehicles to the simulator as well as enable various Asobo aircraft for aerotowing. This Freeware Add-on will include the following vehicles on release:

Wilga 35A (Got Friends)
Ford F-150 Winch Truck (Got Friends)
CyberWinch Truck (Got Friends)
Cessna 172 Improvements (Asobo)
Robin DR-400 Remorqueur (Asobo)
Savage Cub (Asobo)
CubCrafter XCub (Asobo)

It’s worth noting that the Wilga 35A Towplane Variant and Ford F-150 will be removed from the Wilga Series and Discus-2c in favor of this standalone add-on. This will reduce file size requirements considerably as well as alleviate conflictions between products. It also allows us to expand this add-on in the future with more vehicle types.

As we head into July, I just want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who’s been along for this wild ride. Developing this many updates and new releases at once has honestly been one of the toughest challenges we’ve faced as a team—but it’s also been the most rewarding. Every feature, fix, and detail you see here is the result of countless hours, late nights, and genuine passion from everyone at Got Friends.

This “Month of Soaring” isn’t just about new aircraft or updates. It’s about pushing boundaries, listening to your feedback, and creating something that gliding fans can be truly excited about. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and can’t wait to share it all with you.

Thanks for your support, your ideas, and your patience. We’re looking forward to seeing you in the skies and hearing what you think as these new projects go live. Here’s to a packed month, smooth flights, and an awesome journey ahead.

The Got Friends Team

hkreso · June 18, 2025, 4:57pm

Really, wonderful news.
I’m interested, as a DIY cockpit builder, if a 3D model of the LX9000 can be found somewhere, as well as for the engine control, for the AS 33

zaelu1702 · June 18, 2025, 5:03pm

Sounds awesome!
Is it correct Sim Update #4 for MSFS2024 gliders updates? SU3 is still in beta afaik. That mans t will take more time?

Maxuss1579 · June 18, 2025, 5:10pm

XBOXER here. Towing expansion excluded from xbox is SO SO UNFAIR and shallowly justified, especially when you are “affiliates” of msobo.

DigitalJonx · June 18, 2025, 5:40pm

The update for the Stemme and Taurus-M won’t make it to SU3, planned for SU4.

Theflyinglad · June 18, 2025, 7:07pm

That’s all great but I need my labrador back in the plane with me!

auspoundy · June 18, 2025, 9:52pm

“shallowly justified” ? Hmm. There’s a clear stance that the marketplace does not cater for freeware, that’s been in place at least since 2020 came out. I’m sure GotFriends have lobbied hard for that to be included, but the best they were able to manage was a paid version of the Discus into Marketplace.

I’m sorry to hear your disappointment, but the focus shouldn’t be on the MS/Asobo limitations - it should be on the plethora of other benefits you WILL be able to take advantage of.

DigitalJonx · June 18, 2025, 10:59pm

AS 33 Me | Official Trailer | MSFS
Releasing July 2025!

We’re excited to announce that the AS 33 Me is soaring your way this July!
Catch the official trailer by AviationLads and get ready for release on MSFS 2020 in early July—with a free MSFS 2024 upgrade following just a couple of weeks later.

Price: $19.99 (USD)
Storefronts: Got Friends Website, Contrail, and the Official Marketplace (PC & Xbox Series)

We can’t wait for you to experience our most advanced glider yet. Stay tuned, and happy soaring!

Maxuss1579 · June 19, 2025, 6:25am

This MP limitation itself is shallowly justified and tbh there is just NO GOOD WILL within MS to solve it. Anyway what is the problem to release these free addons with symbolic price? . PMDG livery although not so symbolic did it.