A quick guide to help you get comfortable with throttle setup.
In general - Throttle management is staright forward, simply 'blip' the throttles fore and aft briefly and shortly to set it inside the CUTOFF detent, or back to IDLE. This can be done with the mouse, VR manipulator or with your Throttle hardware.
Here's a short video showing it in action. Keep reading for a thorough guilde to dig in, if you are using dedicated hardware!
Most people know how fast was the SR-71 Blackbird; a Mach 3+ record holding aircraft!
But here’s the catch! Very few realize how slow it actually was, aerodynamically speaking.
The SR-71 structural airspeed limit was around 500 KEAS (Equivalent Airspeed), meaning that the aircraft could not exceed roughly that indicated airspeed without risking structural limits!
At low altitudes, this means maximum speed of barely supersonic!
In fact, below ~25,000 feet the SR-71 could not go anywhere near to its famous 3+ Mach numbers, as the dense atmosphere at lower altitudes would get the KEAS structural hard-limit too long before Mach 3 was reached.
This created an interesting paradox for the SR-71:
The World’s fastest aircraft was also one of the slowest in equivalent airspeed (in the supersonic Jet-powered category). While Jet Fighters like the F-16, F-15, F-4E and alike could easily exceed 600–700 knots indicated airspeed at sea-level, the SR-71 fell behind, ‘stuck’ at around 500 knots indicated airspeed (which is subsonic at sea-level).
Obviously, it was not due lack of engines thrust, but because of the lower KEAS structural limit.
However - above 50,000–60,000 feet, the ~500 KEAS limit translated to high Mach number, from around Mach 2.0 to way above Mach 3.0 at 70,000+ feet. There, the SR-71 truly ‘came alive’.
So the SR-71 Blackbird ‘speed’ was heavily dependent on altitude and Mach relationship, in the delicate balance between aerodynamic and thermal limits.
VSKYLABS develops an experimental prototype 'VLJ' aircraft for X-Plane 12, which uses the Cessna Citation 510 Mustang systems layout, aircraft flight dynamics & performance figures as the core reference for its design; the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': 510X-VLJ.
Here's an interesting inside look at what was considered as one of the core-challenges of the development effort.
Quite shortly during one of the initial deep testing sessions, it was clear that the stock LR G1000 (MFD/Engine data section and vital peripherals) in its out-of-the-box state, was not capable of providing adequate solution for a faithful comprehensive twin jet engine data monitoring system, pressurization status and other related flight data status.
Here's a photo of the real-world Cessna 510 Mustang, showing the 3-screen configuration, central MFD includes comprehensive aircraft systems monitoring and CAS (Crew Alerting System):
After evaluation - It was decided to split the aircraft development effort into two channels:
Option A (Long-run effort): Dive into a deep, custom rewrite of the LR G1000 engine/systems data using the new XPLMDisplay API. This is a massive, long-term development effort which would stall the project for months.
Option B (The Workaround): Continue pushing the core aircraft development while finding a plausible solution based on extensive real-world experience that provides optimal and realistic simulation experience.
The Workaround: The birth of the 'Hybrid Cockpit':
After choosing Option B, what started as a workaround has now become the aircraft's main strength and leading feature:
G1000 'Brain': The central MFD was temporarily removed and the G1000 was split to PFD (left), MFD (right), with a built-in option to switch the main PFD side.
Analog 'Muscle': The entire central panel was redesigned to host an all-analog twin-jet instrumentation pack.
Old-School CAS: The original 510's digital CAS (Crew Alterting System) was extracted into analog, old-school annunciation panel and complementary physical gauges.
Required digital, non-alert data (like FADEC/IGN status and various systems pointers) was digitally-embedded into the existing G1000 screens.
Here's a screenshot showing the Hybrid Cockpit central panel:
The technical limitation turned into a powerful feature:
For old-school jet pilots, flying with this Hybrid cockpit is very intuitive, comfortable, and "feels right." The initial technical limitation became a powerful feature that fundamentally changes the aircraft's cockpit perception, yet kept the core G1000 navigation , autopilot and peripherals fully modern.
In fact, this hybrid design creates an inviting and familiar cockpit environment for pilots who are stepping up to modern light jets, and finds the all-glass display a bit intimidating. 'Glass dosage' is perfect for a smooth aircraft conversion :)
Important: Although the hybrid block is a fundamental change, all cockpit switches, knobs, CB's, autopilot, and pedestal controls are modeled and positioned as closely as possible to match the 510 reference.
The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': 510X-VLJ is currently a WIP, release is expected in the very near future.
Stay Tuned! ...This may be you 1st Light-Jet-Aircraft in X-Plane!
X-Plane 12.3.0 beta-1 was released last week, introducing a fundamental modification in the X-Plane airspeed-data system.
The effect of this update was a bit unexpected, and it derived an immediate development and calibration of the airspeed data system and all its peripheral aspects in the VSL SR-71-TB (it touches almost any aspect in the flight envelope, including autopilot operation, spikes automation etc...currently causing various issues when flying in X-Plane 12.3.0 Beta-1).
Within a very few days, version v3.2.0 will be released.
Important:
It will still be a X-Plane 12.2.1 stable release aircraft.
The effect of the VSL SR-71-TB airspeed data adjustments will not void any X-Plane 12.2.1 flying performance, but it will allow full operation in 12.3.0 Betas, which is good as many are flying the beta version.
In addition to the modification in the airspeed data, the update will include the expected textures tune-up so that the aircraft will look more refined in external view (XP 12.2.0 introduced fundamental changes in rendering which turned the aircraft into a shiny, wet Black Bird).
Shortly after X-Plane 12.3.0 becomes final (hours to very few days), the VSKYLABS SR-71-TB v3.2.1 will be released. Then, it will be fully-featured X-Plane 12.3.x aircraft, and will include the weather radar update and various handy features that are optional in X-Plane 12.3.0 such as installing/removing the D-21 drone on the fly, eliminating the need of using the GUI.
Once all of the above goes smoothly, the project will get back on it development road-map track, which includes new and improved systems, the RSO cockpit and more!
So, standby for updated and improved action with the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB!
"Why does it take months to release an aircraft add-on when it already looks complete in previews?"
If you’ve ever followed a flight sim project, you’ve probably seen this:
“It looks done… but months go by and it’s still not released!??”
Here is a the truth, at least in VSKYLABS perspective:
Note: The following describes the general development aspects of VSKYLABS aircraft add-on for X-Plane flight simulator. However, the general idea remains the same in most, if not all flight simulator platforms such as MSFS 2020/2024, Aerofly FS and so forth.
So, in comprehensive aircraft add-on development, the early stages involve large, foundational steps of INITIAL modeling, flight dynamics foundations, systems framework...
The progress in these stages may be rapid and visible within a short period of time (short is a relative term as it can take days, weeks or months, depending on the aircraft).
However, as development advances beyond 85-90%, each remaining step becomes more detailed and nuanced, and the development 'gain' become smaller and far more time consuming. It involves multiple integrations, refinements, deep testing and so forth.
Sometimes, the 'hard to crack' and challenging components are intentionally left for this stage, and it takes time to...'crack'...
It's an exhausting phase of Exponential Effort Curve where each percent closer to completion demands exponentially more effort to complete.
To summarize:
In general, getting to ~85% takes 50% of the time. Getting the last 15%... takes the remaining 50% of the estimated time...
Depending on the aircraft and challenges, it can vary; sometimes getting to ~85% takes 20% of the time, and the last 15% takes the remaining 80%...
Down below - are Huss' Commandments for Storm Survival in X-Plane 12!
Many VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 pilots have reached out via email, PM and the VSKYLBS Support forum at the .org, seeking answers after "mysterious" inflight events that led to loss of control, followed by an inevitable crash, when flying in X-Plane 12 with active weather.
Huss’ 10 Commandments for Storm Survival - brought here by the experienced real-world pilot behind VSKYLABS. With decades of flying challenging aircraft and weather conditions, Huss translates the operational reality into X-Plane… one hard-earned lesson at a time!
And this isn’t just about the VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47! Flying any aircraft in X-Plane 12, these tips may save your (virtual) flight, and for sure - will make you a better pilot!
X-Plane 12 simulates icing and dynamic weather regardless the aircraft type. Whether you’re flying LSA, General Aviation or larger high-performance aircraft, misjudging or overlooking the weather can end your flight unexpectedly.
The 'commandments' below are based on real-world flying practices, yet it applied to every virtual pilot who fly in active weather in X-Plane 12.
HERE WE GO:
1. NEVER FLY BLIND INTO SEVERE ICING! The DC-3 can’t brute-force through heavy ice. Anti-ice systems help but they don’t make you invincible.
2. ALWAYS WATCH THE OAT (Outside Air Temperature)! That little needle on the OAT gauge? It’s your weather radar!!! Close to 0°C + visible moisture = time to act.
3. TRUST YOUR FLIGHT DATA/INST. NOT JUST YOUR EYES! Ice doesn’t always show. But drop in airspeed + increased power = warning signs.
4. HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN AND USE IT (EARLY!) Climb. Descend. Turn around. Pick one before the aircraft picks for you. A few thousand feet up or down can shift the OAT enough to exit the icing band!
5. CLOUDS AREN’T JUST 'FLUFF'! Even innocent-looking layers can hide moisture and ice. Cumulus, stratus, or anything in between.
6. LOG PERFORMANCE DURING LONG FLIGHTS! Monitor speed, altitude, power, fuel flow, trim, and responsiveness. Subtle shift can be a first sign of icing or a developing issue.
7. SIMULATE LIKE YOU’RE FLYING THE REAL THING! Real pilots avoid storms. They don’t test fate - they plan around it. Want to survive a storm in the Simulation? Act the same!
8. KNOW YOUR ANTI-ICING SYSTEMS AND THEIR LIMITS! Be pro-active in Anti-Icing systems operations. Know each system limit. Some, may not be useful in certain conditions. If you’re toggling everything after symptoms start, it’s too late!
9. STUDY YOUR CLOSE CALLS! You made it out? Great. Now go figure out why it happened. Learn from every 'icy scare'!
10. (Bonus) X-PLANE WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE! This is more than a game. Miss the signs and there’s no turning back - reload the aircraft or restart the flight.
VSKYLABS.
Here's a cool info-graphics created with the assistance of an 'AI artist'.
AI never flown real aircraft in real-world icing conditions.
The 'VSKYLABS World of DC-3' is an evolving flight simulation series built around the legendary DC-3 and its military variant, the C-47 Skytrain. It is a deep, 'living' development journey where realism, history, and modern-day restoration blend together in the cutting edge X-Plane Flight Simulator environment.
At the present, it include two separate products:
The VSKYLABS C-47B Skytrain is the classic WWII military variant, equipped with old-school Sperry A-3 Autopilot, instrumentation and navigational equipment, alongside optional GNS530 and S-TEC 55 Autopilot.
The VSKYLABS DC-3C Airliner is a modernized Civilian variant of the Legendary DC-3 based on C-47A variant, equipped with G1000 avionics.
Both aircraft (X-Plane 12 versions) were just updated with the 'NXG' (Next Generation) update, a result of an extended, in-depth development effort focused on improving accuracy, flight realism, systems fidelity, and user experience, all while staying true to the spirit of each aircraft.
For more information, you are welcome to visit the projects pages at the VSKYLABS website:
“I fly general aviation, LSA, or jetliners in X-Plane. Why should I bother with a DC-3/C-47?”
(Huss from VSKYLABS Answers):
Great question! Because the DC-3/C-47 is where true airmanship lives, and this is being translated into the simulation, with the use of X-Plane 12, with great attention to details and realism. Flying these classics offers a practical challenge that modern or light, and even high-performance aircraft often 'smooth' over.
A real DC-3/C-47 should always be operated with great respect. Every process, checklist, maneuver, handle movement… should be performed with the right "touch" and specific intent. Furthermore, the pilot who teaches you how to fly a C-47 is a kind of "Yoda"… teaching the use of the "Force": "This aircraft, with great respect, you shall treat!"
…When I'm flying the VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 in X-Plane, there is that overlaying feeling that was probably imprinted in me back when I was a young pilot, when I was learning the use of the DC-3/C-47 "Force" in real life.
It starts with how I grip the hardware yoke, how I hold and manipulate the throttle and propeller levers, down to that familiar takeoff and landing pace, where every landing is a small victory, even though it is already a routine process. This feeling "surrounds" the entire VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 project development process, which was initiated back in 2015-2016 (The VSKYLABS C-47 FLP v1.0 was released in 2017).
There are so many aspects to cover when flying a DC-3/C-47, especially when creating one as a flight simulator project. The VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 is all about "Flying the aircraft": Aircraft handling and performance, single engine operations, damaged aircraft operations, weather flying, fuel planning, mission considerations, and old-school navigation (in the VSKYLABS C-47 Skytrain variant).
There are almost endless cockpit configurations for the real, restored DC-3 (it has been flying now for more than eighty years…). While the VSKYLABS C-47B Skytrain cockpit presents the authentic military WWII configuration, the VSKYLABS DC-3 Airliner cockpit presents the ultimate fusion of old and new: to experience the challenge of operating and flying the DC-3, but with modernized autopilot and navigation equipment (G1000).
Flying the VSKYLABS C-47/DC-3 is challenging in terms of aircraft handling and piloting skills, yet operating the aircraft is not a total "headache" in the simulated environment and it will not require you to become a flight engineer. However, it will turn you into a better pilot.
The 'VSKYLABS World of DC-3' is a personal invitation to a unique DC-3/C-47 flying experience in X-Plane, and it incorporates a lot of my good old memories, as I've flown and operated real DC-3/C-47 in real, back in the late 90's.
Enjoy the ride!
Huss – VSKYLABS
Final words before diving into the cockpit:
Easy to fly... it isn't! The flight dynamics model is built, set up, and tuned to be as authentic as possible, demonstrating how deep the use of the C-47/DC-3 "Force" goes.
The aircraft requires correct use of all pilot inputs, including differential power and braking; one of the most important aspects of taxiing the C-47/DC-3.
Performance and handling are 'on the numbers' (within reasonable margins): the aircraft was designed to perform as close as possible to the real thing, and extensive test flights and calibrations using real aircraft performance charts were conducted.
Single engine operations are authentic. You will not be able to sustain a climb rate unless flying in the proper configuration, and you will have to plan your "moves" ahead in case of an engine failure, exactly as it is done with the real C-47/DC-3. Actually, you will have to plan ahead every piloting "move," even with both engines running, just like in the real C-47/DC-3...
Lots of effort was made to make the aircraft’s landing gear feel as it should when interacting with the ground. It will bounce realistically during rough terrain operations and will demonstrate realistic touchdown behavior and ground handling qualities.
It is a blast to fly!
Real-World Impact: VSKYLABS & the Commemorative Air Force:
The VSKYLABS C-47B Skytrain take part of real-world aviation heritage and training. VSKYLABS proudly contributed its C-47B Skytrain model and provided the required development-support to the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) in establishing their C-47 flight simulator; a professional-grade setup used to train real-world C-47 pilots.
Check out this interesting video:
The major projects highlights are composed in the following 'posters':
VSKYLABS product support is available directly on the http://X-Plane.org forums, where every aircraft has its own active support thread. What sets it apart? The support isn’t just technical, it’s shaped by real-world experience (including the DC-3/C-47!).
This means questions about flight behavior, systems or even advanced handling techniques are answered with a blend of simulation knowledge and real-world DC-3/C-47 operations insight.
Support is hands-on, responsive, and grounded in real-world practice. *Huss - Leader of 'VSKYLABS', went through a formal DC-3/C-47 aircraft conversion and flown the real aircraft. In addition - for a year, he took central part in real-world DC-3/C-47 operations, mission and flight planning.
A bold new chapter in the 'Test-Pilot' Series begins…
At VSKYLABS, at any given time and over the years, several projects are racing toward completion, fighting development challenges and time-lines, racing for completion.
From within the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' hangar, a new project is taking a lead, already deep into the flight-testing phase, side by side with continuous development that covers all aircraft aspects, to the finest detail.
Meet the VSL-510X - VSKYLABS first very light jet (VLJ), which brings the 'Test-Pilot' philosophy into the world of pressurized, executive-class, high-subsonic flight!
The VSL-510X is an independent VSKYLABS aircraft design, with an authentic and well-balanced light jet experience; To bring the VSL-510X into the professional margins of VLJ flight simulation, a real-world reference aircraft was essential. The Cessna Citation Mustang (Model 510) was selected as a reference baseline for aerodynamic behavior, systems architecture, and overall performance characteristics.
The VSKYLABS VSL-510X is an independent VSKYLABS development which is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Cessna, Citation, or Textron Aviation.
The VSKYLABS VSL-510X is a fully featured VLJ simulation, currently in development and undergoing testing by real-world jet pilots and high-performance aviation experts.
The project has entered advanced stages of development and is now officially assigned as the next VSKYLABS 'New Aircraft Release'. If all goes as planned, release is just around the corner - Summer 2025!
VSKYLABS is excited to announce the release of the VSKYLABS Hungarocopter HC-02 v2.0 - a big update to the innovative ultralight helicopter project for X-Plane 12.
*The VSKYLABS development of the Hungarocopter HC-02 project for X-Plane flight simulator was approved by 'HungaroCopter Kft.', who also provided relevant information. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated with the 'HungaroCopter Kft.' company.
VSKYLABS Hungarocopter HC-02 v2.0 quick overview:
The VSKYLABS Hungarocopter HC-02 v2.0 incorporates an overhauled Flight Dynamics, following deep feedback from real-world Hungarocopter HC-02 professional test-pilots, to match the latest real-world HC-02 performance and flight handling characteristics.
First-seen-in-helicopter-simulation-model: One of the most exciting new features is the ERS (Emergency Rescue System) - an emergency backup system that kicks in, by pilot demand, if the engine fails. It gives the power-train extra rotor power for a short time (thanks to an onboard electric motor), improving safety in critical situations such as autorotations and in cases that extra power is needed!
The ERS system is a unique Hungarocopter innovation, currently installed in a few real-world HC-02 prototypes, undergoing testing and further development.
The ERS implementation and engineering in the VSKYLABS HC-02 replicates the real-world configuration, with an additional, physics based electrical motor that sits on the main free-wheel: The system is fully battery-independent which provides more than 32 KW of additional power to the rotorcraft propulsion mechanism.
VSKYLABS 'Cockpit-Builders Heaven' assignment layer - was implemented in the model, allowing to assign all aircraft switches, knobs, and interactions via a dedicated X-Plane 12 assignment layer:
Information about the real-world Hungarocopter HC-02:
The Hungarocopter HC-02 is an innovative, two seat ultralight helicopter, powered by Rotax 915iS. It is the first helicopter developed and manufactured in Hungary.
The Hungarocopter HC-02 was designed and manufactured using state-of-the-art technology, with the combined result of excellent handling characteristics, high payload, passenger and crew safety compared to empty weight. These properties and the relatively high power available together place it in a category higher than its size, even when operating under unfavorable air density - altitude conditions. Another significant advantage is the low maintenance requirement.
For more information about the real-world Hungarocopter HC-02, visit the Hungarocopter website:
