Retro Flight Simulator 2026 – Update V1.704b

Retro Flight Simulator 2026 – Update V1.704b

This update focuses on smoother performance, improved keyboard accessibility, and more natural route generation.

Performance Improvements

Optimized town/autogen generation to reduce frame drops and stuttering while flying. Improved town streaming behavior so new towns can be generated with less impact on overall game performance.

Compact Keyboard Support

Added alternative keyboard controls for players using laptops, TKL, and compact keyboards without a numeric keypad. Existing controls remain available so current players do not need to relearn their key setup. Added alternative keys for functions including Rudder, Pushback, Landing Gear, Brake, Gate movement, and Drone Mode controls. Improved text-input handling so airport searches can use normal keyboard characters without triggering aircraft controls.

Simplified SID / STAR Route Generation

Added a simplified 4-point SID and STAR system to generated flight routes. SID routing now continues straight ahead after takeoff for an initial climb before smoothly joining the main route. STAR routing now begins the arrival turn earlier and uses wider, smoother curved transitions before aligning with the runway. Final approach includes a stabilized straight-in alignment segment before reaching the runway. Special mountain-airport procedures such as LOWI and VQPR continue to take priority over the automatic STAR system. Existing long-haul routing and special airspace-avoidance logic remain unchanged.

Version: V1.704b