If your hangar’s been feeling a little… too comfortable lately, Orbx just threw a delightful curveball: the Emerald 1500R Sport is out now for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, developed by Emerald Scenery Design.

This is a lightweight, hands-on aircraft built around the kind of flying that keeps you awake in the best way: short takeoffs, steep climbs, and stick-and-rudder discipline instead of “press LNAV and contemplate existence.” Under the cowling is a 40 hp Rotax 447 two-stroke, and the performance numbers are properly spicy: takeoff roll under 100 ft and about 1,000 fpm climb, with a ~200 ft landing roll listed on the product pages.

Built for tight strips and soft fields

The 1500R Sport is happiest when the runway looks more like a suggestion than a guarantee. Orbx notes upgraded 17″ tires for soft-field and paved ops, plus a reminder that the lack of suspension can make unimproved surfaces feel… enthusiastic.

Translation: pick your touchdown spot carefully, and don’t arrive like you’re mad at the planet.

What’s included in the add-on

This package leans into “feedback-rich” flying, with systems that reward good technique and punish the sloppy stuff:

• 2-stroke choke simulation (including flooding) (optional + persistent)
• Breakable prop and engine damage (reset via slew mode)
• Dynamic vibration simulation affecting gauges and parts (tunable + persistent)
• Custom Wwise sounds + “headphone simulation” for extra immersion
• VR motion control support for stick, switches, and levers (great for cockpit interaction)
• 12 hand-crafted liveries, plus fun extras like chocks, pitot cover (yes, it affects airspeed), tinted glass, and a toggleable prop spinner

Where to get it

It’s available now on Orbx Direct (with separate pages for each sim version). Orbx lists the price as $22.17 AUD (with approximate USD/EUR/GBP conversions shown on the store page).

You’ll also need Orbx Central to download/install.

Product pages + video (copy/paste):

MSFS 2020: https://orbxdirect.com/product/emerald-1500r-msfs
MSFS 2024: https://orbxdirect.com/product/emerald-1500r-msfs2024
Video (YouTube): https://youtu.be/kztsg3ZQ8Ro

If you’ve been craving a back-to-basics aircraft that makes every takeoff and landing feel earned, the 1500R Sport might be your new “just one more circuit” machine. Catch the trailer on YouTube, then go find a grass strip and practice being smooth. Your virtual prop will thank you.