Aircraft
PMDG 737NG3 for MSFS 2024 Enters Beta, UFT and VNAV Path Improvements Detailed
By Trevor Bair · · 2 min read
PMDG has released the first beta build of its 737NG3 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, introducing a rebuilt UFT and refined VNAV path logic. The update also adds new engine FADEC modeling and improved LNAV intercept behavior.
PMDG has announced that its long-awaited 737NG3 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has entered closed beta, with the first build now in the hands of selected testers. According to a post on the PMDG forums, the team has focused on integrating the aircraft with MSFS 2024's new atmospheric and avionics APIs, resulting in more accurate engine start sequences and refined FADEC behavior during thrust reverser deployment.
The most significant change is the rebuilt Universal Flight Tablet (UFT), which now supports SimBrief flight plan import, performance calculations for the 737-800's CFM56-7B engines, and real-time weather uplink. PMDG also reports that the VNAV path algorithm has been reworked to better handle complex RNAV (RNP) approaches, particularly those with RF legs. LNAV intercept logic has been tuned to reduce overshoot during large course changes, a common complaint in the previous MSFS 2020 version.
The beta is currently limited to the 737-800, with the 737-700 and 737-900 variants to follow. PMDG expects a public release before the end of Q4 2026, though no firm date has been set. Existing owners of the MSFS 2020 version will be eligible for a discounted upgrade, though PMDG has not yet detailed the pricing structure.
For serious simmers, this represents a major step forward in fidelity for the 737 family. The combination of improved VNAV and FADEC modeling should make the aircraft far more satisfying on complex European and North American routes, where precise vertical navigation is essential.
Tags: PMDG, 737NG3, MSFS 2024, VNAV, FADEC