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Payware Black Square Velocity XL is needed. This repaint shows Velocity XL N96KP based at EDKB Bonn-Hangelar/Germany wearing Elite tiles. Included are less tinted windows. This allows you to see more even in poor conditions. Installation Unzip and move it to your MSFS Community folder. Enjoy! Legal This repaint is freeware; you may use and modify it as you wish for your own use. It may not be used or sold for commercial purposes, nor published on any website that charges for downloading either directly or through a membership fee. If you want to publish repaints based on it, you need written permission from the author. Thomas Roehl November 2023 -
/images/notams/notams22/vsk0910.jpgThe VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': Rutan Model-158 Project for X-Plane byLaminar Research introduces a plausible aircraft variant, based on theoriginal "Pond-Racer" aircraft. Initial project's objective was toexplore the Rutan Pond-Racer aircraft design features, estimatedperformance and flight envelope using X-Plane flight simulator as anadvanced flight simulation lab. The second objective was to design aplausible variant that extends the Pond Racer usability as a racingaircraft, to an all weather, cross-country sport plane. The VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 variant is an advanced flightsimulation model of a high-performance turboprop aircraft, capable offlying approximately 1.5 flight hours up to ~30,000 feet whilecruising and can cover more than 500 nautical miles in a singleflight. As with all VSKYLABS projects, actual and relevant real-lifepilot-experience had a major part in the design, development and testflights process. In this specific project, several aspects of theaircraft had to be addressed or to be designed from scratch, to allowall required systems simulation and integrations. Simulation aspects covers a fully equipped aircraft with deepsystems simulation (electrical, lighting and warning systems,comprehensive fuel system, fire protection, bleed air and pneumaticsystems, ice protection systems, pressurization system, landing gearssystem, flight control, oxygen system, canopy system, auto-featheringand auto-ignition systems and more). A 50-pages, comprehensive, illustrated Pilot Operations Manual,including checklists is also included! The core of the project is a highly defined flight dynamics andPT-6A propulsion model which was built and refined to simulate theModel-158 variant in the most plausible and accurate way. In VSKYLABSperspective, this project reflects the basic concept of X-Plane flightsimulator, where fictional aircraft concepts can be challenged andtested in the most advanced flight simulation environmentnowadays. Although it is a *fictional* variant of the Model-158, it isNOT a "science fiction" project. It is a highly defined conceptdemonstrator. Development notice: The VSKYLABS development of the Rutan Model-158project for X-Plane flight simulator was acknowledged and approved byMr. Burt Rutan. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project whichis not related, affiliated and/or endorsed with/by Mr. Burt Rutan. Source
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/images/notams/notams21/vsky0317/rutan158-1.jpgThe VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Rutan Model-158 Project for X-Plane byLaminar Research was just RELEASED! The project include a thorough 50 pages, illustrated PilotOperations Manual booklet, with detailed information regarding theproject, the Pond-Racer aircraft and the VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158PT6A-28 variant, X-Plane setup instructions and more. /images/notams/notams21/vsky0317/rutan158-2.jpg /images/notams/notams21/vsky0317/rutan158-3.jpgThis fascinating research-based educational project was developedbased on extensive real-world flying and experience with twin-PT6Aaircraft, as well as high performance jets. The project is introducingkey systems and elements which were developed and tailoredspecifically to the Pond-Racer's original air-frame and designfeatures, extending its usability from a stick-and-throttle racer toan all-weather cross country commuter. /images/notams/notams21/vsky0317/rutan158-4.jpgThe detailed yet easy-to-read manual will allow the virtual-pilotto learn how turboprop engines and other peripheral systemsarchitectures and modes of operations are being operated in anaircraft capable of cruising at above 30,000 feet. An easy to paint paint-kit, as well as three liveries are included aswell. Source VSKYLABS Robinson R22 Development News Flash
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/images/notams/notams21/vsky0303.jpgThe VSKYLABS Test Pilot Rutan Model-158 ("Pond-Racer") for X-Planeby Laminar Research - Coming (REALLY) Soon! The project is being wrapped up with everything needed for your firsttest flight. Reminder: The VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 is not a simple"Stick and Throttle" aircraft. It is a fully equipped twin PT-6engines aircraft, pressurized, all-weather cross country Experimental"X-Plane" that will challenge any pilot. Stay tuned, as release isexpected in a week or so, if all goes as expected! Source VSKYLABS Robinson R22 Development News Flash VSKYLABS Offers Details on Rutan Model 158 Project
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/images/notams/notams21/vsky0216/vskylabs-1.jpgThe VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 Project for X-Plane by LaminarResearch (coming soon!). Since the VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 is poweredby two PT-6A engines, a few structural modifications had to beimplemented into the original design. In the attached screen shots,you can identify the new PT-6 intake design, which was modeled intrue-scale into the original structure. Landing gear bays in the original Model-158 are positioned in away that allows a full PT-6 intake design to fit in, along with aplausible Ice-vanes systems which separates heavier ice particles outof the engine nacelle. This system is fully modeled in the VSKYLABSRutan Model-158! Of course, both left and right engines will includethe PT-6 intake system. /images/notams/notams21/vsky0216/vskylabs-2.jpgAnother fascinating insight from the thorough test flying phase isthat although the Model-158 airframe design is deriving a ratherlower fuel-tanks capacity, a plausible fuel tank design may allow morethan 1.5 hours of Long-Range-Cruise flight at true airspeed of morethan 300 knots / 25,000 feet! Added to this performance aspect is thephenomenal high rate of climb which is similar, if not greater thanmost light turbojet military trainers, and you get a very useful crosscountry sport aircraft which can cover a LOT of ground from oneairport to another. This usability "extension" (extending the usability from a simple"stick and throttle" racing aircraft to a fully featured cross-countryaircraft) derived the need to design necessary equipment and system,such as anti and de-icing systems for the airframe and engines,pressurization and Oxygen systems, a robust fuel system withcross-feed capability and other considerations...and so forth... This project would have been a "science fiction" experiment outsideX-Plane 11. However...it fits exactly into X-Plane's "DNA", where theScience and Fiction are being fused together in its sophisticatedsystems and flight dynamics simulation. When this fusion is engineeredand constructed professionally, a plausible result in X-Plane 11 willmirror plausible insights regarding the real-world aspects, and thisis THE MOST EXCITING PART when you decide to enter X-Plane'sworld. Source VSKYLABS Update On Pond Racer And A22-LS VSKYLABS Shares Cockpit For Aeroprakt A22-LS
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/images/notams/notams21/vsky0208/vsky0208.jpgVSKYLABS development NEWS FLASH! The VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 ("Pond Racer") Project for X-Plane byLaminar Research: As noted in previous posts, the VSKYLABS RutanModel-158 Project is introducing an enhanced yet plausible version ofthe Model-158 which is incorporating a highly defined and robust PT6-ATurbojet propulsion simulation and other enhancements/modificationsthat are aimed to extend the aircraft usability in addition the basic"Stick and Throttle" Racing aircraft usage. Enhancements are including the PT6-A propulsion implementation,pressurized cockpit, on-board Oxygen system, navigation aids,auto-pilot, Anti-icing and De-icing systems and more. /images/notams/notams21/vsky0208/pond-racer.jpgIn order to stay truthful to the original design, all enhancementsare being built around the SOLID CORE of the original Model-158design, and with true-to-life, plausible integrations to theaircraft. A lot of thinking and effort is being made to include the"Rutan design approach spirit" as well. Based on the original Model-158 general cockpit layout, theinterior is designed with a "Sporty" 90's look-and-feel! The VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS Project will soon be showcased deeperand closer, as development is reaching its goals for initial releaseversion v1.0. These two projects are under development for quite a long time now(long months, and more than a year). This is quite normal, althoughthe wait can get a bit "painful" to some...This is the nature of suchprojects development process that involves a delicate multi-aspectdesign, engineering and development effort. If all goes as expected,BOTH project are SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE during February and March2021(!!!) This is quite close and approaching fast! So Stay tuned! Source VSKYLABS Shares Cockpit For Aeroprakt A22-LS VSKYLABS Update on ATV for X-Plane
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/images/notams/notams21/vsky0201.jpgThe VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 Project for X-Plane by LaminarResearch...NEWS FLASH! Fascinating development: The VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 project isbeing developed in two separate versions: One version is replicatingthe real 'Pond-Racer' configuration which included two automotiveNissan VG-30 V-6 engines (600 hp each, with modifications to exceed1000 hp). The second version is a fictional, yet a plausible configuration,equipped with two PT-6A 600-700 hp engines (Work-In-Progress screenshot is attached). Implementing PT-6 engines into the Model-158 is quite plausible interms of structural design and engine compartments volumes. In fact,it is a much more efficient, reliable and economical propulsion systemwhich is "tailored" for the Model-158. Simulating the Model-158 with arobust turboprop engines simulation is a perfect choice, in termsof...everything! The VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 PT-6A version will introduce a highlydefined and authentic PT-6A engine simulation, along with the full"PT-6 set" of cockpit engine-instrumentation, to allow a true-to-lifeoperation and handling of the PT-6A engines. The VSKYLABS Model-158 will also include enhanced avionics andsystems to extend its usability. It is not only an experimental racingaircraft, but also decent GA/Sport aircraft. Source VSKYLABS Shares Cockpit For Aeroprakt A22-LS VSKYLABS - 2021 Development News Flash VSKYLABS Update on ATV for X-Plane
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Long-EZPublisher: IndiaFoxtEchoReview Author: Michael HaywardSuggested Price: $17.59/images/fsc/wbicons/store-buy-now-button.png /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-01.jpgThe Model 61 Long-EZ is a single-propswept wing general aviation kit plane developed and built by Rutansince the late 1970s. Its peculiar style and aerodynamic body make itstand out when compared to a lot of aircraft in a similar class. IndiaFoxtEcho (Dino Cattaneo), is a long-time developer for flightsimulation and is the latest to jump across to Microsoft FlightSimulator, with the Long-EZ being the first of his aircraft for thenew platform. Today we take a look at this aircraft in close detailand see how it compares to its real life counterpart. Aircraft Specification:Crew: 1 PilotLength: 16 ft 10 in (5.12 m)Wingspan: 26 ft 1 in (7.96 m)Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.40 m)Empty Weight: 710 lb (322 kg)Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1,325 lb (601 kg)Powerplant: Lycoming O-235 /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-02.jpgAircraft Performance:Range: 2,010 mi (3,230 km, 1,750 nm) Rate of Climb: 1,750 ft/min (8.9 m/s)Service Ceiling: 27,000 ft (8,200 m)Max Cruising Speed: 185 mph (298 km/h, 161 km) Exterior ModelThe Long-EZ has a very peculiar shape being swept-wing with ahorizontal stabiliser on the nose. The propeller sits on the rear ofthe aircraft with two vertical stabilisers at the end of eachwing. The aircraft seats two people, the pilot at the front and apassenger in the rear with a single glass canopy that sits on top. The aircraft also features a retractable nose-gear which has to behand-cranked to operate (the two rear wheels are static). A speed brakeis also fitted to the belly of the aircraft and can be used to slowthe aircraft down greatly while in the air. /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-03.jpgUsing the Drone Cam in Microsoft Flight Simulator, you can look upclose at the model and observe the high level of detail that has beenincluded. Each bolt and screw is modelled in 3D and is visible, pluspanel gaps, with some minor miss-alignment, typical of well-loved kitaircraft are also visible. The engine also features an under-bellyintake, as well as exhaust vents underneath the wings. Then there are the 4K resolution textures that are kitted acrossthe aircraft. You get four liveries with the model and these all lookfantastic! Little details such as wear and tear all over the panels,plus spots of dirt (especially on the undercarriage), are proof that alot of care has been put into giving this aircraft life within thesimulator environment. Implementation of the default pilot models in the simulator hasalso been really well-done, sitting both pilots one in front of theother. If you use a custom pilot model in the MSFS settings (as I havedone), you will see the captain and co-pilot (or in this case,passenger) sitting in their respective seats inside the aircraft. /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-07.jpgWhen compared to its real-life counterpart, the Long-EZ looksfantastic and fits in the Microsoft Flight Simulatorscene. IndiaFoxtEcho will have spent a long time modelling everyaspect of this aircraft and making it accurate, and this is somethingthat has definitely paid off. Cockpit And InteriorThe Long-EZ does not have much going for it in terms of systems,given that it is a kit plane, but what systems it does have,IndiaFoxtEcho has included it, and it all works rather well. The cockpit layout follows the standardised design as set out byRutan without any customised setup, for example, the fuel pump switchis between the pilot's legs and not behind your shoulder (which led tothe John Denver incident). /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-05.jpgThe aircraft also features a functioning GPS, which is the defaultMSFS touch screen system that is based on the ProLine Fusionpanels. Out of all the management computers and GPS systems in thissimulator so far, I find this to be the most intuitive andcustomisable (allows you to toggle between the top-down map and thesynthetic version). While perhaps a custom system would be nice, we doneed to realise that the SDK for Microsoft Flight Simulator is stillin the works, and the implementation of this default system has beendone rather well - you certainly won't lose any of the experience whenflying this plane! Like the exterior, the interior makes use of 4K resolution texturesand this makes for a beautiful plane. The weathered and worn mainpanel stands out with small discolorations and scratches dotted allover. Gauges are 3D and pop out of their places, plus each switch islabelled, making it clear and easy to read. This has certainly been awell-loved aircraft and IndiaFoxtEcho has done a fantastic job inshowing this. /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-04.jpg SoundThe Long-EZ comes with a set of custom audio samples which arerecorded to a high resolution and sit you right in the seat of theaircraft. There are numerous samples included of the engine atdifferent speeds and mixtures. When in flight you can also hear lightwind noise, an undertone to the aircraft in cruise. It's a smalldetail, but one that works well. This is certainly enough audio togive you an immersive experience flying from inside the cockpit. One thing which is missing though, are the sounds for switches andlevers inside the cockpit. Default aircraft in MSFS have sound effectsfor everything from switch manipulation to levers sliding and evensmall rocking sounds for stick and yoke manipulation. The Long-EZhowever, has none of these, which does take away some of theexperience in my opinion, especially when you look at the aircraft andits crank-shaft gear control. It is still early days and IndiaFoxtEchois known for his quality, so perhaps this is something that will beadded at a later date. /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-06.jpgExterior samples are also recorded to a high quality and soundgreat when combined with the wind effects. Together they really helpgive the feeling of power and speed. Overall, some room for improvement, but still convincing in theaudio department. Flight DynamicsFlying the Long-EZ can be a challenge at the start, but it iscertainly rewarding. Its design and rear-facing propeller mean you'llnotice it tends to pitch down. This can easily be countered byadjusting your trim upwards and applying a little force to your stickto keep the aircraft flying stable and level. Takeoffs and landings are also not too difficult to perform, but dorequire some rudder input to keep you in a straight line! You can feelthe prop drift of this aircraft, something IndiaFoxtEcho has expertlyachieved in this model. /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-08.jpgOne thing you will quickly realise is that this aircraft does notfeature any flaps. Initially this may be quite daunting, especiallyduring your first few takeoffs and landings, but the more youpractise, the better you will certainly become. You also miss out onparking brakes, so don't forget to lower your prop pitch when on theground, otherwise you'll have a runaway aircraft! The only slight negative I observed, is that when you arestationary with the engines shut down, you will notice the aircraftstart to wobble. This will stop after a few seconds but just seems alittle strange. MSFS does have a few small quirks with its flightmodel (also being tweaked), so I'm sure this is something that willvery quickly be rectified. Overall, flying the Long-EZ is a very hands-on and rewardingaircraft! You'll be sure to enjoy it both on short circuits andperhaps further afield. Opinion And Closing RemarksOverall I have thoroughly enjoyed flying the Long-EZ and it is anaircraft I will certainly follow the progress of. It looks fantastic,feels great and has reasonably good audio quality. /images/reviews/longez61/t/IndiaFoxtEcho-Long-EZ-09.jpgMSFS has a long road ahead in which to mature (still early days)and as such I am sure improvements will be made to the SDK. Theseundoubtedly will allow developers like IndiaFoxtEcho to update and addfeatures to an already fantastic model. If you're looking for something hands-on and quirky to kick-startyour flying on the all-new Microsoft Flight Simulator, then theLong-EZ by IndiaFoxtEcho is certainly a great start! Review PC Spec:Microsoft Flight SimulatorWindows 10 Professional6th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 6700 Processor16 GB RAMNVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660/images/reviews/longez61/title3.jpg Michael Hayward Purchase IndiaFoxtEcho - Long-EZ for MSFS 2020
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/images/notams/notams20/indi0909.jpgThe Long-EZ project for Microsoft Flight Simulator has reached alevel of quality which I believe it will be satisfactory for mostusers... so I am proceeding with the final stage (documentation andmarketing information submission) for the release process. Just to set the record straight, it is by no means a perfectLong-EZ rendition... for example you can still spin the aircraft and Ihave not implemented the possibility to use rudder as additionalspeedbrake...but I still think it is fun to fly and nice to look atand has performances and handling reasonably close to the realdeal. Source
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/images/notams/notams20/vsky0909/longez-1.jpgComing (really) soon! The VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project v3.0! Upcoming version v3.0 will include exciting new features such asrudder speed-brakes deployment with the use of both hardware pedalsinputs. When the toe-brakes input is exceeding maximum pressure, bothrudders will react. When being used together, they act as aerodynamicspeed-brakes (this is without any relation to the belly-located speedbrake). Another aspect of v3.0 is enhanced 3D modeling and texturing,including a wide-scale re-modeling and re-texturing of projectselements. Update for v3.0 was a perfect opportunity to re-map theproject and to produce an easy to use paint kit, which will be addedto the project. /images/notams/notams20/vsky0909/longez-2.jpgThe already HIGHLY-DEFINED flight model was deeply evaluated,following the scheduled long-term development road-map of the projectand following the on-going real-world LongEZ pilots feedback. Overallhandling and performance aspects were further tuned. Upcoming version v3.0 is going to be a very exciting release! Development notice: The VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project for X-Planewas developed following Mr. Burt Rutan's permission. However, it is anindependent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated and/or endorsedwith/by Mr. Burt Rutan. As with all VSKYLABS projects - Upcoming update v3.0 is a FREEupdate to all owners! Source Product Page