[VSKYLABS Newsletter] issued 14 October 2024
Water, Wings & Rotor Discs: VSKYLABS ICON A5 and Cabri G2 Updates!!!
Hello VSKYLABS Test-Pilots!
We are excited to share news about two major VSKYLABS product updates that have been released over the past few weeks:
- VSKYLABS ICON-A5
- VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2
Scroll down for a short recap!
The VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 v4.0:
One of the VSKYLABS 'Flagship' products, a comprehensive and highly realistic simulation of the Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter.
The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a two-seat helicopter designed by Bruno Guimbal and produced by Hélicoptères Guimbal (France). The G2 initial demonstrator flew in 1992 and entered commercial service in 2008. It received type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in December 2007. In 2015 it received type certification from the FAA, and began operations in the US.
The Cabri G2 design was implemented also in the Okra 1200 tactical VTOL drone, developed in a joint effort of Guimbal and EADS and initially presented at the Paris Air Show in 2003.
The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a cutting-edge, two-seat light helicopter designed for training and private use. Known for its advanced safety features, such as a fully enclosed Fenestron tail rotor and energy-absorbing seats, the Cabri G2 offers exceptional stability and performance, making it ideal for new pilots and experienced operators alike. Its sleek design, low operating costs, and responsive handling have made it a popular choice in helicopter flight schools worldwide.
The VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project introduces a highly engineered, robust Cabri G2 helicopter simulation which pushes X-Plane's out-of-the-box features and flight dynamics model to its extent, along with full VR compatibility.
For more information, visit the project page at the VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 main project page at the VSKYLABS website.
Also implemented is the new 'VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Heaven' assignments layer, which bundles together all aircraft default and customized interactions, commands, switches and knobs into a straightforward and intuitive assignment system.
Here how it appears in X-Plane 12:
The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': ICON-A5 v4.0:
The VSKYLABS ICON-A5 is a comprehensive ICON-A5 aircraft simulation.
The ICON-A5 is an American light sport aircraft and single-engine amphibious aircraft. It is constructed mostly from composite materials (carbon fiber) and powered by the electronically fuel-injected Rotax 912iS engine.
It was designed to allow a close and intimate interaction with the world in the form of an amphibious aircraft with folding wings. This combination allows the A5 to be operated to and from almost every spot on the planet, from smooth short runways to dirt or beach strips...parked in a home garage!
The ICON-A5's design concept was to make it accessible and safe for aviation newcomers and beginner pilots, deriving straightforward, car-like cockpit features and displays, along with various safety systems and safety-oriented flying characteristics such as the anti-spin aerodynamic design. The A5 takes advantage of an angle of attack gauge (AoA) that “sums up” the aircraft’s current aerodynamic situation at any speed, load, and maneuver. The A5 is also designed to be a spin-resistant aircraft, which allows continuous control during a stall. The A5 is equipped with a ballistic parachute system.
The project is setting up a highly detailed and highly accurate ICON-A5 simulation, along with full VR compatibility.
Here are a few sample features-highlights:
- Like its real-world brother, the VSKYLABS ICON-A5 is a fully amphibian aircraft capable of full Beaching and water-entry. It is also capable of step-taxiing on water, in the authentic power/speed envelope of the real aircraft.
- It has some unique features such as bilge water build-up and bilge pump drainage systems which are being simulated; Mostly when decelerating on water, during landing and also during takeoff, water that climbs up the nose, goes into the aircraft bilge through a special intake. Sensors in the bilge alerts when it is filled with at least 1 gallon of water. Draining the bilge water is done via the bilge-pump. Obviously, bilge water build-up affects the weight and balance characteristics of the aircraft.
- It features also a highly accurate aircraft performance and flight handling qualities which follows the official 'numbers' with high precision, including the A5 unique AOA indicator which is calibrated to allow authentic use during all phases of flight.
- Removable windows - without the windows installed - the increased drag is affecting aircraft performance.
- Avionics wise - it is equipped with a single-screen/dual display LR G1000 bundle, or a 'VSL LSA Companion' avionics alongside a ready-to-use Avitab display. Autopilot included in both 'modes'.
- And much more!...
Also implemented is the new 'VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Heaven' assignments layer, which bundles together all aircraft default and customized interactions, commands, switches and knobs into a straightforward and intuitive assignment system.
Here how it appears in X-Plane 12:
For more information, visit the project page at the VSKYLABS ICON-A5 main project page at the VSKYLABS website.
Stay tuned for more exciting VSKYLABS development news!
FLY SAFE!
VSKYLABS