As we are getting closer to release of VSKYLABS RC-Elements Vol.1 - I want to highlight several fundamental aspects of the project/product.
Most X-Plane pilots come from the world of full-scale aviation: Cockpits, avionics, procedures, navigation systems, checklists and full scale aircraft operations are at the core of the experience. RC flying is fundamentally different. In many ways, it is far more direct, physical and unforgiving.
From years of experience in RC flying (real-world and RC sims), in RC simulation, the flying itself is everything. Energy management, orientation, precision, aircraft handling and feel and pure aerodynamic response become the entire experience.
This is the point where VSKYLABS RC Elements begins, and if you are not familiar with the RC hobby and RC Flight Simulation, or if you overlooked it, the following may become a fascinating, mind-blowing acknowledgment:
- VSKYLABS RC-Elements is NOT aimed at mainstream flight simulation audiences or traditional X-Plane pilots. It is aimed at RC Pilots, Giant-Scale Pilots, RC jet enthusiasts, RC Simulator users. This product may not be what you are looking for, unless you are RC Pilot, or have real interest in joining this fascinating hobby.
- The X-Plane community is not the natural habitat of the RC world. That includes VSKYLABS RC-Elements. However, since VSKYLABS RC-Elements is deeply rooted within the X-Plane engine and flight model environment, X-Plane.org (the mothership of all things X-Plane) remains its natural home. Furthermore, a new, dedicated VSL RC-Club was established to allow a more oriented place for discussions.
- VSKYLABS RC-Elements is NOT a low-cost casual payware package. It is a comprehensive RC simulation layer that features 24 highly defined Giant-Scale RC models, covering almost any form and shape of aerodynamics and propulsion diversity, featuring multiple propulsion concepts and highly engineered based on real-world specs of the references models. All tuned by real-world RC Pilots and specialists. It is a practical training tool for RC Pilots (experts and beginners). On top of this, it features a sophisticated and dynamic RC G-REF Camera plugin, comprehensive TX hardware assignment layer for multi-channel TX controllers, realistic RC control modes, RC-Oriented flight initiations, and it is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Flying RC models with desktop gear is useless (unless done intentionally by RC Pilot who know what he is doing). The VSL RCE is designed for real RC TX controllers, or the USB TX type controllers (the cheap ones, which are very good and reliable, includes up to 8 channels and have other advantages). Flying RC models without 'RC intent' and compatible equipment can be compared to flying a full-scale study level helicopter simulation model with the keyboard. It's a huge no-go.
- The delta between simulation and reality is lower in RC compared to full-scale aircraft. For this reason, the level of realism in how the aircraft responds and handles must be very accurate in RC model simulation. The development challenges in RC simulation are not cockpits and systems. It is wrapping up the micro-physics engineering, controls and precise airframe design which are then translated into the RC Pilot Thumbs. RC Pilot in a simulator holds the actual controls that he would hold at the field, and the aircraft response should be exactly as-is compared to real RC-Flying. Non-realistic model behavior is useless for actual RC flight training.
- Advanced RC models in X-Plane are not generic arcade models. X-Plane doesn't care the size of the aircraft. RC models in X-Plane must have proper control modes due their extended flight envelopes. They stall, they stress under load, they are affected (heavily) by prop-wash, induced drag, they experience all propeller effects, they use real elevators, flaps, canards, ailerons, speed-brakes, spoilers, retractable gears, tail-wheels, they require correct taxi in crosswind, they are flown without airspeed indicator and the pilot must sense the aircraft energy to keep all within the envelope, they run out of fuel, electricity, they require spatial orientation, reverse control inputs when flown head-on to the pilot, they experience prop-strikes, brakes failure, ground loops, low power at high elevation, spins, they act differently on paved runways vs grass or dirt, they can do aerobatics, knife-edges, tail-hovering, if it is a helicopter it has a collective and governor, turbo-shaft engine, rotor transmission, anti-torque tail-rotor. Retarding blade stall, settling with power and all other phenomenons are covers.
If it's a gyro than it has autorotation physics as if it was the R44 or R66 or the Cabri in autorotation...If it is sea-plane..then it must follow the rules of water physics in X-Plane. It can feature glider tow, sling loads. It can be used for atmospheric and propulsion research...and much, much more.
X-Plane doesn't care the scale of the aircraft, and like in the full-scale aircraft (in practice even more) the aero-engineering must be top-notch, otherwise the RC model is useless. Flying and flight behavior is all what there is in RC simulation. It can't be masked with nice cockpits or be balanced with deep avionics.
- VSKYLABS takes RC Simulation very serious and side by side with the full-scale fleet, the professional RC fleet will grow exponentially during the upcoming months, covering as many categories as possible.
Interested in purchasing VSKYLABS RC-Elements Vol.1? It will be available soon!
Before purchasing, it is highly recommended to visit RC.VSKYLABS.COM - and explore the 24 RC models in RCE Vol.1; Each RC model has a dedicated page with it's full RC specs, and a reference video of the real-world RC model of its type.
Stay Tuned!
Huss
VSKYLABS
