[VSKYLABS Newsletter] issued 1st October 2025
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):
Photo: Glass cockpit of a Cessna Citation Mustang aircraft.
H. Michael Miley - Flickr: Cockpit of the Cessna Mustang
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!
