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Development Update 01/31/2026

Empennage, wings, and engine assemblies overhauled, plus major display suite progress.

Jan 31, 2026

Category:

737 MAX Development

Head-on view of the AFL 737 MAX on a wet runway at sunset

Here's the latest development update for our 737 MAX for X-Plane 12. This one focuses heavily on exterior modeling refinements, animation systems for future failures implementation, and significant progress on the display suite. As always, we're keeping it practical and pilot-focused.

Airfoillabs Team

AFL 737 MAX empennage close-up showing the horizontal stabilizer, elevator, and orange tail

Empennage & Tail Section

We've completed work on the rudder and horizontal stabilizer assemblies:

Full animation systems implemented for both surfaces
New textures and PBR materials applied
Vibration effects added to bring the tail section to life during flight

Rear view of the AFL 737 MAX on a wet runway with flight spoilers and flaps deployed

Main Wings

Extensive work has gone into the main wing assemblies. This was a significant undertaking:

Mesh corrections and geometry cleanup throughout the wing structure
Complete re-UV mapping for optimal texture resolution
Manual texture creation with proper PBR material setup
Each separate component (slats, flaps, spoilers, ailerons) now animated individually - this groundwork enables realistic failure scenarios down the line

AFL 737 MAX winglet and wing close-up with the orange tail in the background

Wing Animations Preview

Engine Assembly

The CFM LEAP-1B powerplants received a thorough overhaul:

Mesh enhancements and object hierarchy reorganization
Complete re-UV mapping for improved texture detail
Detailed operational animations including vibration effects during spool-up and running
Thrust reverser deployment animations implemented
Engine cowling and cover animations complete
All exterior components are now UV-prepared to enable community custom liveries

AFL 737 MAX navigation display beside engine indications showing N1 readouts and the flaps dial

Display Systems Progress

We've been making solid progress on the display systems for the 737 MAX. Here's a quick overview of what's been completed recently:

Primary Flight Display (PFD):

Implemented ALT DISAGREE and IAS DISAGREE warnings
Added Airspeed Caution functionality
Preselected Vertical Speed magenta pointer now working
Fixed graphics proportions for airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed tapes

EFIS Control Panel:

Full baro and MINS functionality
FPV, MTRS, and VSD switches operational
Complete control panel logic implementation

Navigation Display (ND):

SYS and INFO pages now available
Expanded and Centered map views implemented
Various ND Map EFIS switches functional

Engine Indications:

All primary engine parameters working: N1, N2, EGT, vibration, oil temperature and pressure
Proper exceedance coloring for oil temp and pressure
Correct element hiding when engines are off
Detailed parameter display logic complete
Display colors control system implemented
Dataref access for eyebrow annunciators

What's Next

We'll continue pushing forward on exterior model and animations, and in parallel, avionics features. Stay tuned for the next update!

Thank you for your continued support and patience.

Clear skies,
Juraj, Airfoillabs

AFL 737 MAX is an independently developed add-on for X-Plane, not affiliated with or endorsed by any aircraft manufacturer. Full disclaimer