Why did the helicopters take so long to get to MFS?

Since its launch, the community of Microsoft flight simulator required endless mechanics and new aircrafts for this simulator. While most of these wishes have been granted over the months, the helicopters have been the most requested surprise by fans. Luckily, this finally came to fruition via the 40th Anniversary Update that arrived a couple of days ago. However, it has not been an easy process, as the CEO of Asobo Studio tells us.

We recently had the opportunity to interview Sebastian Wloch, CEO of Asobo Studio, who told us all about the challenges the team faced when implementing helicopters in the game, as this is not as simple a process as some might think. This is what he commented:

“We had a clear idea of what needed to be done, I think I announced the plan in a question and answer session last year, and we had a clear idea. Honestly, when we released Microsoft Flight Simulator, we didn’t even have time to include helicopters, so we spent six months researching and learning.

Later, we discovered that the fixed-wing aircraft is all about stability. When you fly, there’s not much change. With helicopters, especially older ones, things change very quickly and experience different aerodynamics at different altitudes. Helicopters, more often than not, have turbulence everywhere.

So in the summer of last year we realized that we needed a turbulence simulation, that we combined with our stationary aircraft simulation, it has to work together.

It’s a unique experience. The fact that you can stop and fly anywhere. With an airplane you are on a trajectory, with a helicopter you can do whatever you want. It’s a different experience, just talking about controls. Personally I love flying helicopters, it’s something unique.”

The helicopters are unique and have new controls, as well as aerodynamic mechanics that all fans of this series must take into consideration. Like this, it is clear that the wait was worth it. On related topics, you can learn more about what’s new in this update here. Similarly, this is our hands-on test for the 40th anniversary of Microsoft Flight Simulator.