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/images/notams/notams21/vsky0712.jpgThe VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri Project was just updated to versionv2.0e! The new version includes changes in interactions with theover-head Mixture and Rotor Brake levers. The mixture and rotor brake levers are now allowing interaction viaJoystick axes (side by side with the straightforward on-screen / VRinteraction), allowing home-cockpit-builders to assign these levers toactual Joystick axis-hardware, to maximize the operationalauthenticity. The update was already injected into the project, and the includedPOH / Essential PDF files were updated with the new assignment mapaccordingly. Source
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Review: VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2By Paul Mort /images/reviews/cabrig2/t/image1.jpgHello and welcome to another X-Plane aircraft review for FlightSim.Com. Having recently acquired the Guimbal Cabri G2 from VSKYLABS, Idecided it would be a good idea to evaluate it for anyone thinkingabout purchasing this helicopter. Before continuing however, I must stress, that the points made inthis review are my own personal interpretations. Hopefully though,they will be good enough to provide an insight to how this littleflyer looks and performs. IntroductionThe Guimbal Cabri G2, is a two-seat light helicopter produced byHelicopteres Guimbal. It was designed by Bruno Guimbal, a formerEurocopter engineer. The Cabri employs a side-by-side seatingarrangement for a pilot and passenger, which is also ideal fortraining purposes. The Cabri is powered by a single 180 hp (134 kW)Lycoming O-360 piston engine, which has been rated to 145 hp (108 kW)max continuous power and 160 hp (119 kW) 5-minute power. On the 19thof September 2008, the first production aircraft was officiallydelivered to iXAir, a French training operator. In early 2015,Guimbal stated that the Cabri was in service with 32 operatorsworldwide, and that the firm presently had orders for another 100aircraft. --Wikipedia ExteriorAs always, one of the first things I like to do, is take a look atthe outside detailing. Here I found the build of the G2 to be verygood indeed, and was particularly impressed with the accuracy of thepaint textures; although I was slightly disappointed with the numberof liveries provided (a few more would be perfect). /images/reviews/cabrig2/t/image2.jpgEven though the selection was a bit limited, one aspect I reallyliked about the liveries, was the fact that the textures used werevery easy to manipulate. This meant that making additional liveriesis not going to be as painstaking as some other models. So for anyoneconsidering making their first repaint, the G2 would make a goodstarter model. /images/reviews/cabrig2/t/image3.jpgTexturing doesn't come much easier than this, and for the moreadventurous of you out there, a 'normals' texture set is alsoprovided. Another exterior detail I especially liked, was the pilot figure.Aircraft cockpits are too often spoiled by unconvincing pilot models,but luckily not here. The pilot modelled by VSKYLABS, looked asconvincing as any I'd seen, and had animated arms, which weresynchronised to my joystick movements. Other animated features included cockpit doors, which were openedby clicking on the handles. /images/reviews/cabrig2/t/image3-5.jpgInteriorThe cockpit of the G2 was equally as impressive as the exterior,with crisp clear texturing used throughout. Visibility wasexceptional (thanks to the large glass area), and all dials andswitches were very easy to use and read. Each one of the switchesalso gave off a very satisfying and positive 'click' sound, which wasa nice touch. /images/reviews/cabrig2/t/image4.jpgAs well as the standard set of instruments found in the cockpit,there is also a Garmin 430, and a rudimentary autopilot, the VSL-AP-1.This handy little aid is usually hidden, but becomes visible when theaircraft compass dial is clicked. It is simple, but does includefunctions such as altitude hold, and left / right turn buttons. /images/reviews/cabrig2/image5.jpgThe autopilot worked well with its system of lights, and combinedwith the Garmin 430, they make for a good team! Inspection concluded, it was time to see how the G2 performs. Aircraft HandlingOn the ground, the G2 had no adverse yaw, unlike some helicopters Ihave experienced in the past. A certain amount of right rudder wasrequired to keep it from rotating, but once in forward movement, theG2 flew very straight and level (even without the autopilot).VSKYLABS have produced an extremely stable flight system here and onethat allows the G2 to hover almost without pilot input. One nice feature which very nearly escaped me however, was thebeeping sound coming from the main panel. I eventually worked outthat I was over revving and applying too much power. Once aware ofthis feature, the trick is to try to keep the white power needle belowthe blue one (something which can really help new pilots). /images/reviews/cabrig2/t/image6.jpgWith a gentle forward angle, the G2 picked up speed nicely to amaximum of 120 knots. /images/reviews/cabrig2/t/image7.jpg /images/reviews/cabrig2/t/image8.jpgThe throttle response was very precise, making descents both smoothand easy to control. SoundsThe sounds samples included with the model did their job extremelywell, and sounded entirely authentic. There was a nice audible rangebetween RPM's, and no presence of samples looping (which I could hearanyway). UpdaterAt this point, I have to mention the exceptionally useful autoupdater which comes packaged with this add-on, and is the same versionwhich was included with theAT-11 KansanI reviewed earlier. In my opinion, this is something which should beadopted by every developer, as one of my biggest bugbears is chasingeither scenery or aircraft updates! This method makes updating theaircraft an extremely simple affair. CostThe VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 is available directly from theVSKYLABS web site: https://www.vskylabs.com/search?q=Guimbal At the time of writing, the purchase price of this wonderful littleflyer was US $29.00 (UK £22.27, AUS $40.16). In my opinion, the purchase price represents fantastic value,especially considering the amount of enjoyment it provides. To put itinto perspective, I've purchased aircraft costing twice the price, andwhich have only given me a fraction of the enjoyment. This is a great model for novice rotary flyers, particularly withits good stability and exceptional visibility. This comes into itsown when landing, as the lower glass fuselage panels provide a goodview of the ground below the aircraft. ConclusionIn my book, VSKYLABS have produced a real winner here in the shapeof the Guimbal Cabri G2. It's a helicopter that not only looks good,but feels right in the air too (perfect for beginners). Having flown the aircraft for some time, it's obvious that gettingit to this stage, took a great deal of hard work, and I applaud thedeveloper in getting it just right. For a helicopter fan such as myself, it doesn't get much betterthan this. /images/reviews/cabrig2/image9.pngPaul Mort Purchase VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2