NEWS! - Aircraft Update : C-47 Skytrain v6.0b2 by vSkylabs

[Stephen]

NEWS! - Aircraft Update : C-47 Skytrain v6.0b2 by vSkylabs

 

 

Back in December 22 (last Christmas). VskyLabs split the versions of it's DC-3 into three distinctive variants. The original C-47 Skytrain, a new DC-3 Airliner and the forthcoming Tri-Turbo-Three, In context;

 

VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': C-47B Skytrain: Highly defined C-47B simulation of the 30's-50's era; authentic WWII era cockpit, powered by PW1830-90C two speed supercharged engines, Astrodome, cargo loading, operational weights of the C-47's and more. Includes two variants - C-47B and XC-47C (float plane).

 

VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': DC-3 Airliner: (this model) Highly defined DC-3 simulation, a modernized C-47A restoration, with modernized cockpit; 3-display G1000 cockpit, powered by PW1830-92 engines, passengers cabin configuration and loading system. 

 

VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': Tri-Turbo-Three: (Available soon) Highly defined DC-3 turbo-conversion based and inspired by the Conroy Tri-Turbo-Three conversion. 

 

The "DC-3 Airliner" variant had an significant update back at that same date, including; a move to a glass Laminar Research default G1000 three display panel installation, which in my opinion is going away from the original philosophy of a pre-war designed aircraft. It is very good in this guise, but what if you still wanted the original "DAK". Well that is the C-47B Skytrain variant, and here is an update for that aircraft.

 

C-47B is a simulation of the 30's-50's era with still an authentic WWII era cockpit, powered by PW1830-90C two speed supercharged engines, and the aircraft (unlike the DC-3 Airliner) is available for both X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12.

 

The vSkylab philosophy is that you are purchasing an ongoing project, so any aircraft you purchase is not fully completed or is completed to 100%, that is the deal you sign up for to get access to the aircraft, and all the development is free and ongoing throughout the X-Plane 12 version. These projects are under constant development: the development road-map is including flight model refinements, enhanced systems depth, additional liveries and other improvements.

 

This v6.0b2 update is mostly focused on systems and new controls (mixture levers)...

 

• Flight Dynamics and Systems:
  • New mixtures, carburetor system algorithm:Mixture control is now fully differential, and fully automatic, replicating the actual C-47 mixtures and carburetor operations. Mixture levers have detents (steps) for 'cutoff', 'auto-lean', 'auto-rich', emergency. All auto-modes are fully automatic. For more information refer to the included manual.
  • New fuel system:The VSKYLABS fuel system in v6.0b2 allows to feed each engine from any of the four tanks, directly (identical to real-world C-47 operation). (known issue - due to a system architecture restriction in the VSKYLABS C-47 v6.0, when feeding each engine from the Aux tanks (from the same side or opposite sides), the Aux tank with the higher remaining fuel quantity will feed both engines, until both Aux tanks are equal. Then, both tanks will feed both engines.The fuel system is under development and this ‘feature’ will be fixed in future updates.
  • Carburetor heat system - levers are not being operated internally via sliders (for more information refer to the included manual).
  • Vacuum system - vacuum system re-wired. On-board DG are now vacuum-powered.
  • DG sync - Manual sync is now possible with the use of the sync-knob.
• Bug fixes:
  • Fuel level indicator is now equipped with a shifting-plate, showing the designated tank in each mode.
  • Fuel level indicator needle 3-d and animation changed to provide better reading, more accurate.
• Enhancements:
  • Pitch trim wheel re-modeled, re-textured.
  • Carburetor heat levers now showing 'L' / 'R' for better interaction.
  • Various PBR fixes all-around in the cockpit.
• Manual/POH update:
  • Rev 007

 

Although not noted, this aircraft is updated to X-Plane 12 (as long as you pick that version), the Skunkcrafts Updater has also been added into the mix as well.

 

 

This is a project update, not like the DC-Airliner new aircraft version, so it is a free update, via currently the Skuckcrafts Updater or download from the X-Plane.OrgStore.

Project's Highlights:

• Project is 'VR Ready' for use with X-Plane: VR functionality is a part of the project aspects which are constantly under evaluation and development for reaching a higher level of immersion as the VR features and possibilities are growing.
• Highly Realistic Handling and Flight Performance DC-3/C-47 Simulation: Highly accurate performance and handling simulation of the DC-3/C-47, along with a full set of traditional/old school navigation and autopilot systems. Aircraft performance and handling qualities were designed and tested in a "Research level" approach and went through a validation process of hundreds of flight testing and evaluation, tested and refined by a real-world C-47 pilot.
• Workhorse for DC-3/C-47 pilot skills: Experience authentic flight performance and handling practices (takeoff, landing, single engine operations, flight planning, long range flights and old school navigation). It is a perfect platform to recreate and fly historic routes using authentic performance.
• Unique look and feel: There is nothing to hide - the VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 is a mixture of a simplified yet very engaging design.
• Two C-47 variants included: The C-47 and the XC-47C floats-equipped variants.
• Systems: All the relevant systems are being simulated. Here are **some** of the more unique systems:
  • Two speed Supercharger blowers - based on the PW-1830-90C engines model, equipped with lo/hi blowers. The high blower configuration allows high altitude cruise.
  • Oxygen system - including crew dilution/regulator, pressure indicator and functional flow-indicator ("Blinker"). Do not forget to enable hypoxia in X-Plane's general settings menu.
  • Fire Extinguisher system - including fire indication system. The fire extinguisher control panel is located behind the hinged cover on the cockpit floor, between the pilot/co-pilot seats.
  • Damage simulation - engines are sensitive to rapid spool-up. Engine mishandling will result in severe damage to the engine/engine fire. Stressing the airframe will result also in severe damage, following a visual representation of the damages. Blown tires are also being visualized and simulated.
  • Engines/propeller systems - designed with fully featured, functioning and authentic propeller feathering systems, for highly realistic single engine simulation.
  • Landing gears and flaps simulation - are being simulated with a high level of authenticity.
  • Sperry Autopilot - Old school autopilot is configured.
  • Optional modern avionics - dual GNS 530, S-TEC autopilot, AviTab compatibility.
  • Anti-Icing/De-Ice systems - including icing and rain visualization.
  • Skis - Animated, incorporated in the flight dynamics model.
  • Passengers/cargo configurations.
• Comprehensive FMOD sounds.
• AviTab plugin compatibility included (AviTab plugin not included).
• Highly responsive VSKYLABS support system (including C-47/DC-3 operational knowledge and support/assistance).

 

 Images are courtesy of vSkyLabs (X-Plane 12 version)

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The C-47 Skytrain by VSkyLabs Flying Lab Project is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

VSKYLABS C-47 Skytrain

Your Price: US$35.95

Currently on sale for $17.45 or 50% OFF

.

Requirements

X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11

Windows, Mac or Linux

4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended

Current version:  6.02 (September 14th 2023)

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News by Stephen Dutton

15th September 2023

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