Microsoft is looking into improving the weather since there are places like New Zealand that have fewer data points to work with. and supplement the predictive model.
2 Likes
So the Local Legend plane released in the next 24-36 hours will be Japanese. Here’s hoping it’s 1) Not an Aeroplane Heaven buggy lack-of-detail creation, and 2) something more unique than the A6M Zero. (Though a Zero from a more competent dev would still be cool).
Japan has an interesting flying boat history…maybe it’s yet another one. 
2 Likes
Looking at a list of pre-1945 Japanese airplanes theres a gobsmack amount of floatplanes and flying boats they could choose from. They’re pretty obscure from the looks of it (or foreign made) and had more…imperialistic uses. Pretty much limits the options if you want to bring historical significance and still generate money. But flight simmers will throw money at anything lol
I think it will be a Zero
I’m guessing you’re right, and a Zero will be most popular, but one can hope for sooo many others.
The post-war NAMC YS-11 airliner, the general aviation-oriented Mitsubishi Mu-2, the Kawasaki P-1 ASW aircraft, the WW2-era Hayabusa, and too many other WW2 types to list that would be grand as well. Alternatively, something off the beaten path like the Kawasaki OH-1 Ninja helicopter too.
I suppose we’ll at least see the announcement within the next 16-18 hours or so (if they announce during the Tokyo Games MS timeslot).
Jorg just DM’d me. It’s the Chūō Shinkansen
An interesting train of thought but I think you’re on the wrong track there, lol!
I hope it isn’t another antique monstrosity personally. It would be a breath of fresh air if we got a Mitsubishi Mu-2 like this:
Fitted with this:
10 Likes
Agreed, Mu-2 would be great addition, but I want it to be done by a 3rd party, full study level.
Very similar to King Air 350, I love this class of airplanes.
6 Likes
I’m almost certain it will be THIS or even the ficitonal craft it’s based on, that is the Möwe from Ghibli’s “Nausicaa”. It would be an interesting homage to Hayao Miyazaki’s love for aviation
2 Likes
Will there be a beta testing period of 2024?
One can only hope…
I’m hoping its the Mu-2!
2 Likes
Well the Microsoft digital broadcast at TGS has ended some time ago yet there was only a single mention of MSFS and no details shared on this new local legend
Today’s “xbox livestream at TGS” had no information about the new MSFS2020 aircraft.
Very sad because I had high hopes for it.
Probably holding off for a big announcement, maybe during the Q&A I expect.
The best announcement would be a link to a detailed, well though out, technically accurate and informative description of what MSFS 2024 has been designed to be.
As opposed to an over excited, PR Hype surprise announcement, that while entertaining, will probably, based on past “Surprise Announcements”, contain minimal information.
But that’s typical “Marketing” and “The Big Sell”.
However, something is better than nothing, and nobody can fault the enthusiasm portrayed in these Q&A.
Fingers Crossed 
4 Likes
Yes, some more meat on the bone is needed for sure. I think one problem is how they attract new people to the hobby, and keep existing ones invested. The ones who have been using it for years, or previous sims, will want to know more technical details, whether ground handling will be improved upon, or turboprop engine behaviour, that kind of thing. That’s trickier to put into an appealing visual presentation, and still have people leaping out of their seats. Some pretty video footage of helicopters rescuing stranded hikers is much more punchy, and easier to present.
One thing will attract a portion of the users, while the others will affect everyone, to some degree or another. But the more visually striking video will win every time when presenting to the larger audience. That’s why I look forward to those Q&A sessions, where they can bang on for 10 minutes or more on how they’ve implemented CFD.
Those presentations which get more into the weeds, as it were, don’t happen often enough.
5 Likes
When I read this, the 1st image that came to mind was this …
At least your “meat on the bone” comment brought a smile to my face — Thanks
2 Likes
Japanese local legend for Japan games fair/conn.
I’m thinking
Porkorosso red Barron
Gundam
Macross
Something from Ace Combat
I hope it’s this one…
Hopefully not as it was a cancelled project, so I wouldn’t call that a “Local Legend”. I suppose we’ll find out in the next 8 hours.