The Airbus A350 XWB Advanced by FlightFactor has long been a staple for long-haul simmers in X-Plane 10 and 11. While newer versions like v1.6 and v1.7 have introduced major features like SID/STAR support, version 1.4.6 remains a specific historical milestone in the aircraft's development path. Overview of v1.4.6 Features
This version was released to stabilize the transition into X-Plane 11 and address critical flight management issues.
FMGS Stability Fixes: Resolved major issues where the Flight Management and Guidance System (FMGS) could not load flight plans, even those it saved itself.
X-Plane 11 Compatibility: Refined performance specifically for the XP11 environment, though it noted that XFMC was not supported due to native FMS changes.
Chart Loading: Fixed a persistent bug for Windows 10 users where navigation charts failed to load.
Customizable Controls: Added the option to use the F1 key for thrust reverse, catering to different hardware setups. Core Capabilities (Advanced Model)
Even in its earlier versions, the A350 XWB offered high-fidelity systems developed in collaboration with ToLiss:
Fly-By-Wire (FBW): Highly realistic implementation of Airbus "Normal Law" by QPAC, considered one of the best for desktop simulation.
Electronic Flight Bag (OIS): A full Onboard Information System (OIS) for managing ground equipment, cargo loading, and weight distribution.
Interactive Cockpit: Features "touch screen" interfaces with hundreds of functions across the MFD and OIS screens.
Visual Detail: Includes drooped ailerons when hydraulic pressure is lost and detailed external reflections. Known Limitations & Modding
In v1.4.6 and similar early builds, certain features were missing or required community mods: Flight Factor aero Airbus A350XWB - X-Plained
The FlightFactor Airbus A350 XWB Advanced (specifically versions like v1.4.6 and its successors) is a high-fidelity simulation for X-Plane 10 and 11, featuring advanced fly-by-wire logic and an integrated Onboard Information System (OIS)
. While the "Advanced" version is designed to be accessible, it includes deep system modeling such as a custom ECAM monitoring system and full MCDU functionality for flight planning. X-Plane.Org Forum Essential Startup & Cold & Dark Procedures For a successful cold and dark startup , follow this streamlined sequence: Electrical Power xplane 10 11 airbus a350 xwb v146 exclusive
: Turn on all four batteries (BAT 1, BAT EMER 1, BAT EMER 2, BAT 2). If External Power is available, engage EXT PWR 1 and 2 via the overhead panel. Systems Initialization
: Set the ADIRS selectors (1, 2, and 3) to NAV to begin IRS alignment. Turn on Crew Oxygen and primary flight computers (PRIM & SEC).
: Turn the APU Master switch ON, wait for the APU page on the SD, then press APU START. Confirm "APU AVAIL" before turning on APU Bleed for cabin air. Engine Start
: Set the Engine Start selector to START. Engage Engine Master 1, wait for stabilization, then engage Engine Master 2. Key Flight Management Features MCDU & Flight Planning
: Newer updates allow for full SID/STAR implementation using native X-Plane FMS files. You can manually program departures and arrivals or fetch Simbrief plans automatically by entering your ID in the OIS options. OIS (Onboard Information System)
: Use the outer displays (Capt/FO) to manage aircraft options, ground equipment (stairs, loaders, GPUs), and perform takeoff performance calculations Electronic Checklist : The aircraft includes an integrated Airbus electronic checklist system
that guides you through every phase from pre-flight to securing the aircraft. Performance & Handling Tips
FlightFactor Airbus A350 XWB Advanced for X-Plane 10 and 11 (often associated with updates leading to v1.4.6 and later) represents one of the most comprehensive early depictions of the modern long-haul jet. Known for bringing Airbus’s "Extra Wide Body" to the sim world, this product has evolved through significant updates.
Here is an informative look at the evolution and features of this popular Add-on. The Evolution: From Early Access to Advanced Initial Concept:
Released during the early stages of the real-world A350 development, the initial FlightFactor A350 was an "advanced" concept, designed to simulate the aircraft before full, finalized documentation was available to the public. The v1.4.6 Turning Point:
Updates around version 1.4.6 and beyond focused on enhancing the cockpit to match the sleek "Airbus grey" look and increasing the functionality of the FMS (Flight Management System). X-Plane 11 Maturity:
While early versions had basic systems, later updates added better SID/STAR support, improved cockpit textures, and better compatibility with X-Plane 11’s rendering engine. X-Plane.Org Forum Exclusive Features of the A350 XWB Advanced Unique Cabin Experience: Unlike many airliners that focus solely on the cockpit, the FlightFactor A350 includes a fully modeled 3D passenger cabin. Sophisticated Fly-by-Wire:
The modeling includes advanced, custom fly-by-wire flight dynamics, designed to mirror the actual handling of the real Airbus aircraft. Interactive OIS/EFB: The Airbus A350 XWB Advanced by FlightFactor has
The cockpit features functional OIS (Onboard Information System) screens, allowing pilots to manage ground equipment, cargo, and passenger loading directly within the simulation. High-Resolution Detailing:
The exterior features high-resolution textures, including accurate "drooping" ailerons when the aircraft is unpowered. X-Plane.org store The "v1.4.6" Experience (XP10/11)
Users running this version in X-Plane 11 often notice a "best in class" early long-haul experience. While newer, "study-level" planes exist, this model is praised for being enjoyable and efficient, offering a solid "point A to point B" experience with complex ECAM monitoring systems.
Disclaimer: This story is based on the development of the FlightFactor A350. As of 2026, many users have transitioned to X-Plane 12 versions, but the v1.4.6+ update established the groundwork for its current success. Flight Factor Airbus A350 for X-Plane 12 | LFPG-EHAM
The Airbus A350 XWB Advanced by FlightFactor version 1.4.6 represents a legacy milestone for this add-on, bridging the gap between X-Plane 10 and X-Plane 11. While later versions (v1.6+) added more comprehensive SID/STAR support and VNAV improvements, v1.4.6 solidified the aircraft's foundation in the X-Plane ecosystem. Core Version Features (v1.4.6)
Dual-Sim Compatibility: Version 1.4.6 was specifically designed to support both X-Plane 10 and the then-emerging X-Plane 11, including specialized .acf files for each. FMGS & Navigation: Fixed critical Windows 10 chart loading issues.
Updated the FMGS for X-Plane 11, though it notably removed support for X-FMC due to core simulator changes.
Basic SID/STAR implementation was present, but fully functional integrated procedures were more refined in later overhaul versions. Performance & Control: Introduction of optional thrust reverse via the F1 key.
Includes a Take-Off (TO) performance calculator integrated into the OIS and backup MCDU.
Advanced Fly-By-Wire (FBW) implementation of Airbus "Normal Law" by QPAC. Systems & Simulation Depth
Interactive Cockpit: Features a high-resolution 3D virtual cockpit with scroll wheel support for switches and unique A350/A380 "touch screen" style interfaces.
Custom Systems: Fully simulated electrics, hydraulics, air conditioning, and ADIRU.
Electronic Checklist: Includes a fully functional interactive Airbus electronic checklist system to guide users through all phases of flight. Performance & Optimization
OIS (Onboard Information System): A central screen for controlling ground equipment (stairs, loaders, GPUs), managing fuel/cargo loading, and accessing the user manual. Visuals and Audio v1.4.6 - A350 by FlightFactor - X-Plane.Org Forum
| Problem | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| Engines won't start | Check APU bleed & packs – use CTRL+SHIFT+E for quick start |
| No sound in XP11 | Download the sound pack from FlightFactor support (free) |
| Autopilot oscillates | Reduce flight model cycles per frame in XP settings to 2 |
| FMS crashes | Delete plugins/FF_A350U/data/fms_plan.bin |
Do not confuse v1.4.6 with the newer v1.7+ – later versions add native XP11 support, better sounds, improved FMS, and the OIS screens. If you're on XP11, consider updating to v1.7.x if possible.
The A350 is a machine of quiet competence. In the real world, it is Airbus’s answer to the Boeing 787—a composite fuselage, whisper-quiet Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, and a flight deck that feels like the future.
Capturing this in a simulator circa 2015-2018 was a nightmare of physics and code. The "v146" designation is significant because it marks the point where FlightFactor (and the developer ramzzess) finally tamed the beast. Earlier versions were plagued by flight model quirks—unwanted dutch rolls, erratic autothrottle, and systems that would ghost in and out. V146 was the "stable release," the version that stayed on hard drives for years.
It wasn't "study level" in the modern, microscopic sense defined by developers like Fenix or PMDG today. You could break it. The Flight Management and Guidance Computer (FMGC) was a simplified interpretation of the real Thales avionics. But for X-Plane 10 and 11, it was a revelation. It had a functional ACARS, a working Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) that was revolutionary for its time, and a sound set that could shake the subwoofer on a high-bypass climb.
Flying the A350 v146 Exclusive from gate to gate is a multi-hour commitment that demands discipline. A typical cold-and-dark start involves powering up the external GPU, programming the FMS with a route and performance data, initializing the IRS (Inertial Reference System), and configuring the overhead panel—a process that takes roughly 15 minutes for a proficient user. Pushback, engine start, and taxi are aided by custom ground-handling physics. Takeoff requires monitoring of flight modes (SRS, CLB, NAV), and the FBW system ensures a smooth rotation. Cruise is stable and fuel-efficient, with the autopilot faithfully following altitude and speed constraints. The most demanding phase is the descent and approach, where the pilot must manage energy, configure flaps sequentially, and ultimately disconnect the autopilot for a manual landing. The aircraft rewards proper technique with a satisfying touchdown, while abrupt control inputs can trigger “Alpha Floor” protections or destabilize the approach.
Because the "XPlane 10 11 Airbus A350 XWB v146 Exclusive" is a community release (not found on the .org store officially), installation requires attention to detail.
Step 1: The Base Package
Ensure you have the original A350 base model (usually version 1.3) installed in your X-Plane 11/Aircraft/Heavy Metal/ folder.
Step 2: Backup and Merge
Download the v146 Exclusive patch (usually a 500MB ZIP). Do not simply drag and drop older files. Delete the old fmod and objects folders from your base A350. Copy the new v146 Exclusive files into the directory. Overwrite when prompted.
Step 3: Plugin Management
The v146 requires the SASL v2.0 plugin (or later). If you see a "Black Screens" error, check your X-Plane/resources/plugins for conflicts with FlyWithLua. The v146 Exclusive works best with a clean plugin list.
Step 4: The "Exclusive" Activation
Unlike payware, there is no serial key. However, to ensure you have the "Exclusive" features, check the version.txt file inside the aircraft folder. It should read: Version: 1.46 Exclusive | Build: FINAL_A350_XWB.