[VSKYLABS Newsletter] issued 21 October 2024
Hello VSKYLABS Test-Pilots!
A couple of days ago, the VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS v3.1 was released for X-Plane 12. Like its real-world brother, it is one of the most versatile and exciting LSA aircraft to fly (in the real world and in X-Plane!).
It is a great opportunity to introduce the Aeroprakt A22-LS!
*The development of the VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS Project for X Plane was approved by 'Aeroprakt Aircraft'. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated with 'Aeroprakt Aircraft'.
Let's meet the Aeroprakt A22-LS!
The Aeroprakt A22-LS, often referred to as the "Foxbat", stands out in the light sport aircraft (LSA) category due to its unique design and construction aimed at maximizing versatility, visibility, and ease of operation.
The Aeroprakt A22-LS is a versatile and modern light sport aircraft that offers exceptional performance and capabilities. Manufactured by Aeroprakt, a leading Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer, the A22-LS is designed for pilots who seek a reliable and efficient aircraft for recreational flying, flight training, and aerial photography.
The A22-LS features a high-wing configuration, tricycle landing gear, and a spacious cockpit that provides excellent visibility. It is powered by a Rotax 912 ULS/iS engine, known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, and offers a comfortable cruising speed and a range that makes it suitable for cross-country flights.
One of the most defining features of the A22-LS is its nearly all-glass doors and a large windshield, offering "helicopter-like views". This design feature is unmatched in most other LSA aircraft, making it particularly appealing for sightseeing and recreational flying. The cockpit is designed a huge amount of room and big luggage container.
In terms of design and construction, the A22-LS is built of a combination of aluminum for the airframe and UV protected fabric for the control surfaces and underwing surfaces. It is a lightweight, robust aircraft.
The Aeroprakt A22-LS is equipped with full-span flaperons, which provide excellent low-speed control and stability.
The A22-LS is highly adaptable for off-airport operations. The real-world aircraft is offered with options such as tundra tires, skis, or floats, enabling the aircraft to operate in a variety of terrains and conditions. Its rugged design, particularly the reinforced landing gear with spring aluminum legs, makes it highly durable for rough field landings.
* The VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS in its current version, does not feature skis not floats.
The Aeroprakt A22-LS offers a versatile speed range, from ~31 mph to a cruising speed of ~100 mph. It has a short takeoff roll of around 140 feet, with similar landing capabilities. Thanks to full flaps and its ability to perform an aggressive slip, the aircraft can safely approach at a very slow speed and steep descent over obstacles. Outfitted with tundra tires and mud guards, the A22-LS is ideal for off-airport operations, making it highly suitable for rugged environments.
Here is a short general-specs-summary of the A22-LS:
*reference - Aeroprakt USA.
- Engine: Rotax 912 ULS / Rotax-912 iS
- Power: 100 HP / 73,5 kW at 5800 RPM
- VNE never exceed speed: 143 mph
- Top level speed: 114 mph
- Cruise speed at 4650 RPM: 93 mph
- VA max. maneuvering speed: 105 mph
- VFE max. flap extended speed: 91 mph
- VS1 stall speed, flaps retracted: 48 mph
- VS0 stall speed full flaps: 37 mph
- Fuel consumption at 93 mph (at 4650 RPM): 4.0 US gph
- Total fuel capacity (optional tanks): 24 (30) US gal
- Range with 2×12 US gal. tanks, 30 min. reserve at 1000 ft, ISA conditions, 4000 RPM (with wheels landing gear): 529 nm
- Crosswind limit: 16 mph
- Max. load factors: 4 / -2
- Maximum weight: 1323 lbs
- Empty weight: 639 – 761 lbs
- Take off run at MTOW & ISA: 344 ft
- Landing run at MTOW & ISA: 607 ft
- Take off distance over a 50 ft obstacle (MTOW & ISA): 1099 ft
- Landing distance from 50 ft obstacle (MTOW & ISA): 1444 ft
*Performance figures may vary due the aircraft configurations, landing gears type, fuel-tanks layout etc...
The A22-LS is an excellent flight training aircraft, very capable and easy to fly.
Here's an interesting video (non-VSKYLABS), where the REAL-WORLD Aeroprakt A22-LS is being showcased by the 'Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer' YouTube channel:
'VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Heaven':
The VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS v3.1 includes various enhancements, but the most significant new 'feature' is the implementation of the new 'VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Heaven' assignment systems which allows assigning all aircraft switches, knobs, levers, and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
The 'VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Heaven' is becoming a VSKYLABS 'standard' feature, being implemented gradually in all of the products.
This feature is particularly useful for cockpit builders or users with custom setups who want precise control over their in-simulator interactions without dealing with a cluttered or confusing interface.
Here is a screenshot showing how it looks in the X-Plane 12 interface:
Additional details, screenshots and other information are available in the project main page at the VSKYLABS website: https://www.vskylabs.com/p/vskylabs-aeroprakt-a22-ls/
Reminder: VSKYLABS Professional on-going support is available for you in the VSKYLABS Support Forums at the X-Plane.org
We hope that you had an interesting reading/watching!
Stay tuned for more VSKYLABS development news!
Fly safe!
VSKYLABS