Aircraft
PMDG 737NG for MSFS 2024 Enters Final Beta, VNAV Path Descent Rewrite Confirmed
By Jason Chan · · 2 min read
PMDG's Robert Randazzo confirms the 737NG family has entered release candidate testing for MSFS 2024, with a rewritten VNAV path descent algorithm and full SU4 compatibility. The 737-800 remains the launch variant, with the 737-700 and 737-900 to follow.
PMDG has moved its 737NG product line into what Robert Randazzo describes as a "release candidate" phase for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, marking the first major platform transition for the developer's flagship narrowbody. According to the company's forum update, the team has rebuilt the VNAV path descent logic to better handle geometric descent segments on RNP AR approaches, an area that generated sustained criticism in the MSFS 2020 build.
The rewrite affects the FMC's vertical profile computation, particularly the transition from VNAV PTH to VNAV SPD during level-offs and the handling of speed constraints inside the descent path. Beta testers report improved adherence to published altitude restrictions on complex STARs such as the ROBUC3 into KBOS and the RIVER5 into KPHL. The autothrottle logic during VNAV path captures has also been retuned.
MSFS 2024's updated WASM execution and SimConnect throttling changes required PMDG to refactor portions of its external flight model and systems code, though the company says the underlying 737 simulation fidelity is unchanged. The 737-800 will ship first, with the 737-700 and 737-900 following as separate packages. Pricing for existing MSFS 2020 customers is expected to follow PMDG's established loyalty discount structure, though Randazzo has not committed to a figure.
The timing places PMDG in direct competition with Fenix Simulations' A320 family and the continued maturation of iniBuilds' Airbus lineup, both of which have established themselves as benchmarks for MSFS systems depth. For simmers flying North American and European airline routes, a properly functioning 737NG in MSFS 2024 can't arrive soon enough.
Tags: PMDG, Boeing 737NG, MSFS 2024, VNAV, FMC