Vector Sim Shows Off Ambitious Boeing 787-9 Development Spotlight

Vector Sim has released a new development spotlight for its upcoming Boeing 787-9, and this one is a big signal flare for Dreamliner fans in the flight simulation world.




In the latest update, the Vector team says development has reached a major milestone, bringing together two key pillars of the project: deep aircraft systems simulation and high-end visual fidelity. According to Vector, the goal from the beginning has been to build the aircraft "the right way," with transparency throughout development and a strong focus on realism.




The team behind the project includes real-world 787 pilots, 737 pilots, 787 mechanics, aerospace engineers, programmers, artists, and longtime simmers. Vector says the aircraft was researched extensively before coding began, including access to real Boeing 787 aircraft from multiple airlines around the world. That research has shaped everything from cockpit logic and aircraft systems to visual modeling and flight behavior.




One of the biggest talking points from the spotlight is the aircraft's schematic-level systems simulation. Rather than simply creating surface-level system behavior, Vector says its 787-9 is being built so systems interact with one another more like the real aircraft. Fuel, hydraulics, electrical systems, flight controls, environmental systems, navigation, avionics, cabin systems, and aircraft health monitoring are all part of the wider simulation environment.




Vector gave the example of the fuel system, explaining that fuel is not just represented as a number in the background. Instead, it is modeled as moving through virtual pipes, valves, and pumps. If a valve is closed or engines are shut down, the system reacts accordingly. Similar detail is being applied to other aircraft systems, including pressures, temperatures, automation, sensors, and failures.




The avionics package is also being built from scratch. Vector says the CDU, EFIS, MCP, FMC, TCAS, CPDLC, and other flight deck systems have been recreated at a deep level. The autopilot system, including LNAV and VNAV, has also been developed from the ground up and is currently undergoing tuning to match the behavior of the real Boeing 787.




The FMC will include real-world-style limitations, including the 149 waypoint route limit. Exceed that, and the aircraft will respond with a "ROUTE FULL" message, just as pilots would expect.




The aircraft's Boeing-style integrated EFB is also receiving a high level of attention, with airport charts, enroute monitoring, performance tools, calculators, conversions, stopwatch functions, and other pilot utilities included. Vector is also developing a separate quality-of-life tablet called the Vpad, which will handle simulator-focused features such as SimBrief integration, Navigraph charts, accelerated refueling, accelerated IRS alignment, doors, lighting, ground services, loading states, and more.




The checklist system is another major feature, with Vector saying it contains around 700 pages. The team says real-world 787 pilots involved in the project have described the level of detail as strong enough to be useful as a training-style reference.




Visually, the 787-9 is being built with the same obsessive attention to detail. Vector highlighted the Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 D-ABPA in the spotlight, showing off the aircraft's exterior model, cockpit displays, landing gear, engines, tail, wing flex, and environmental wear. The team says the flight model has been built from scratch to capture the weight and feel of a modern long-haul widebody, especially during taxi, takeoff, flight, and landing.




One major promise from Vector stands out: the team says everything shown in the spotlight already exists, is developed, and is working. They specifically state that the aircraft will not release with placeholder features or systems planned for later.




The spotlight also walks through a sample ferry flight from Miami to New York JFK, with Boston set as the alternate. The scenario demonstrates live flight deck data, LNAV and VNAV behavior, EFB chart use, route management, weather considerations, and diversion planning using Route 2 in the FMC.




Vector says the coming months will bring more spotlight updates focusing on additional systems, technology, and areas of the aircraft. The team is currently targeting a release during 2026, toward the end of the year, with development reportedly progressing according to plan.




For 787 fans, this is shaping up to be one of the more ambitious widebody projects currently in development. Between the schematic-level systems, real-world research, integrated avionics, custom flight model, and detailed visual modeling, Vector's Dreamliner may be one to keep parked firmly on your radar.




Stay tuned to Sky Blue Radio for more flight simulation news, updates, and long-haul goodness from across the virtual skies.



via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/29/vector-sim-shows-off-ambitious-boeing-787-9-development-spotlight/