3D Modeling for Flight Simulators: A Practical Guide for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024

3D modeling for flight simulators turns aircraft drawings, cockpit photos and airport data into real-time assets that run smoothly inside a simulator. If you are a developer, training provider or add-on studio in the United States looking for a production partner, this guide covers what gets modeled and how the work differs between MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. It also covers what we need from you and what drives cost and schedule.

What Is 3D Modeling for Flight Simulators?

It is the creation of optimized 3D assets that a simulator engine can render in real time. Unlike a film render, every asset has a performance budget. Polygon counts, texture sizes and material complexity all have to stay within limits so frame rates hold steady, especially in VR.

A good simulator model balances three things:

• Accuracy: correct proportions, panel lines, control surfaces and instrument layouts
• Performance: sensible geometry, efficient textures and proper levels of detail (LODs)
• Function: animated parts, interactive switches and correct integration with the simulator’s systems

What We Can Model: Aircraft, Cockpits, Airports and Props

Most projects fall into a few categories:

• Aircraft exteriors: airliners, general aviation, business jets, helicopters and military types, including control surface and landing gear animation
• Cockpits and cabins: instrument panels, switches, glass displays and interior detail
• Airports and scenery: terminals, hangars, runways, ground vehicles and custom landmarks
• Passive aircraft and props: static aircraft for ramps and parking areas, plus ground support equipment
• Liveries and texture sets: paint schemes built on a correctly prepared model

If you need something not listed here, send us the brief and we will tell you whether it fits the workflow.

3D Modeling for Simulation MSFS 2020: What Matters

For 3D modeling for simulation MSFS 2020, the main ideas are a glTF-based pipeline, physically based rendering (PBR) materials and well-planned LODs. Models are typically built in a DCC tool such as Blender and exported through the simulator’s plugin for packaging with the SDK. Cockpit gauges and instruments are handled separately from the mesh, so we plan the model and the instrument logic together.

Practical priorities include:

• Clean, quad-friendly topology that deforms and shades well
• Correct PBR texture sets (base color, normal, and metallic and roughness data)
• LODs planned from the start so the aircraft holds up at distance
• Named parts and pivots set up for animation

3D Modeling for Simulation MSFS 2024: What Is Different

For 3D modeling for simulation MSFS 2024, the official SDK documentation describes its own glTF format page. It also describes modeling guidance for aircraft, passive aircraft, liveries, and cockpit and cabin work. The Blender exporter creates the glTF, bin and XML files a MSFS 2024 package needs, and exports a separate glTF for each LOD. An Auto LOD option can generate additional LODs with the Simplygon SDK, but it requires a licensed copy of that SDK. flightsimulatorflightsimulator

Developers have also reported that the 2024 LOD system is stricter than 2020’s. One developer converting a 2020 aircraft found that a single-LOD model kept disappearing at distance. That is why we plan the full LOD chain up front instead of adding it at the end. If you have an existing 2020 aircraft, expect the move to 2024 to involve rebuilding against the newer SDK, not just re-exporting. Always check the current SDK release notes, because the platform keeps changing.

Our Production Process, Step by Step

1. Brief and scoping: target simulator, intended use, quality level and deliverables are agreed in writing.
2. Reference review: we check your drawings, photos and data for gaps before modeling starts.
3. Blockout and approval: a rough model confirms proportions and scale before detail work begins.
4. High-detail modeling and texturing: panel lines, materials, wear and markings are added.
5. Optimization: geometry, textures and LODs are tuned to your performance target.
6. Integration and testing: assets are exported, loaded in the simulator and checked for visual and functional issues.
7. Revisions and delivery: feedback rounds are handled and final source and export files are handed over.

Preview checkpoints at the blockout and texturing stages keep your team involved and prevent expensive late changes.

What We Need From You to Start

Good input is the biggest factor in model accuracy. Where possible, send:

• Manuals, three-view drawings or CAD data, and the rights to use them
• Photos of the exterior, cockpit, cabin and landing gear from multiple angles
• The exact variant, year and livery references
• Your target simulator (MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024, or both) and any platform limits
• Your polygon, texture and frame rate targets, if you have them
• Licensing details, especially for real-world brands, logos and airline liveries

If you do not have everything, tell us what is missing and we will flag the risks before work begins. Third-party and trademarked designs may need permission from their owners, so confirm your rights early.

VR Flight Simulator Models: Extra Performance Requirements

VR raises the bar. Frame rate stability matters more, close-up detail is scrutinized, and cockpit scale has to feel correct. For VR work we focus on:

• Interior detail that holds up at close range without wasting polygons
• Texture resolution targeted where the user actually looks
• Accurate control placement and switch sizing for comfortable reach
• Careful use of transparency and reflections, which can be costly

Tell us your target headset and minimum frame rate so we can optimize against a real goal.

What Affects Cost and Timeline

We do not publish fixed prices because every project is different. The main drivers are:

• Aircraft complexity: a light single-engine aircraft is far simpler than a wide-body airliner
• Interior depth: a simple cockpit differs greatly from a fully interactive one with working systems
• Reference quality: thin source material means more research and revision
• Target simulator and quality level: more platforms and tighter performance budgets add work
• Animation and functionality: moving parts and custom behaviors need extra setup and testing
• Revision rounds: clear feedback early keeps schedules predictable

After reviewing your brief, we give a scoped quote and timeline instead of a guess.

How to Choose a Flight Simulator 3D Modeling Partner

When comparing vendors, ask for:

• Work samples that match your aircraft type and target simulator
• A clear explanation of how they handle LODs, textures and performance testing
• Defined approval checkpoints and revision terms
• File ownership and licensing terms in writing
• Honest communication about what is and is not possible

Be cautious of any vendor who promises specific frame rates, certification outcomes or marketplace approval without seeing your project.

Ready to Start Your Flight Simulator Project?

Share your aircraft, target simulator and source material, and we will review your requirements and recommend the right approach. Contact us to discuss your project.