[VSKYLABS Dev-Notes] issued 15th February 2026
Project development will soon be fully channeled to completing the F-4E cockpits (forward, aft), and to the completion of deep systems integration, including advanced featured and fail-modes throughout the F-4E operational envelope.
Here is a 'taste' of what's coming up in the development:
Both cockpits are being developed to be fully-functional in the initial release version. When engineering a high-fidelity F-4E simulation in X-Plane, which is above all a cutting edge aerodynamics and physics based flight simulator, 'Flying' the F-4E is 100% of the experience. We have no enemy engagement, no systems/warfare tactics. X-Plane provides a pure 'Test-Pilot' environment, in my perspective.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the above, is that it provides a rare opportunity to experience some of the real-world challenges of the F-4 Phantom II aircraft: flying the aircraft in the flight instructor seat, that is - operating and flying the aircraft from the back-seat. Forward visibility from the back-seat is one of the worst. Coupled with a sluggish, AoA sensitive aircraft - takeoff and landing from the back-seat becomes a true challenge, especially in heavy configurations. The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' F-4E is being developed to provide full back-seat operations which will be deeply evaluated in full VR operations to provide the closest experience compared to the real-thing.
Another major development focus is channeled to 'aircraft (un)forgiveness' in the various phases of flight and operation modes. The F-4 Phantom II is not a forgiving aircraft. It is one of the last iconic, heavy, jet-fighter aircraft still flying, which has a 50's era aero-design and direct control interface to the pilot hands and feet. It has a very 'old' stability augmentation system, which is incomparable to the modern/late fly-by-wire aircraft.
The VSKYLABS F-4E will have this Raw, 'Analog storm' embedded within, thanks to the advanced physics and delta-wing simulation capabilities of X-Plane 12.
In addition to aircraft performance, control handling characteristics and overall systems integration, the VSKYLABS F-4E will include a wide-set of failing modes and self-induced 'emergencies'.
Here are some examples of the simulated modes, to get into perspective:
- Replicating the authentic J79-GE-17 operating envelopes. Exceeding these and expect afterburner light-off, compressor stalls or flame-outs.
- Engines flame-out during abort takeoff in cold weather: In the F-4E, when operated from runways which are covered with excessive water, snow or slush, high-speed aborts may result in engine flame out, due to precipitation ingestion! The probability of such flame-out is highest when the throttles are chopped from full afterburner to IDLE at speeds above 100 knots. In case of double-flame out, normal braking, anti-skid protection and nose-gear steering will be lost. This behavior is fully simulated.
- Departures and Spins (including recovery).
- Authentic F-4E-Specific Zoom Climb - including afterburner blowout and all other relevant characteristics. We don't have active warfare in X-Plane, but we can fight the flight envelope!
- Authentic Single-Engine Performance and handling qualities.
- (intentionally left blank...).
- And much, much more!
