Update Review: PAC CT/4E Airtrainer XP12 by VSKYLABS

[Dominic Smith]

 

Update Review: PAC CT/4E Airtrainer XP12 by vSkyLabs

 

By DrishalMAC2

Introduction

The VSKYLABS CT/4E Airtrainer for X-Plane brings an iconic training aircraft to the virtual skies with remarkable attention to detail and realism. Renowned for its versatility and fantastic performance, the PAC CT/4E Airtrainer has served military and civilian aviation training programs worldwide since its first flight in 1972. In this updated review, we will delve into the various aspects of this add-on, taking a look at its visual fidelity, flight dynamics, system accuracy, and overall user experience in X-Plane 12.

X-Plane 12 Update
Stephen originally reviewed the VSKYLABS PAC CT/4E Airtrainer back in 2021, and as mentioned, it has since been updated for X-Plane 12. If you're seeking a comprehensive review of the aircraft, I strongly advise you to check out Stephen’s original review, which covers the aircraft in far more detail. This review serves more as a follow-up on how the aircraft has been adapted and performs within X-Plane 12. The updates and changes are noteworthy, featuring a “Major Update Release”. The flight dynamics now include simulation of the inverted flight fuel-tank, allowing a maximum of 10 seconds of inverted flight or negative g. The AEIO-540-L1B5 engine has received several tune-ups, including power adjustments and a recalibrated fuel consumption curve to enhance cruise performance, along with an airfoils update. In terms of graphics, there’s a PBR setup for both interior and exterior models to align with the latest X-Plane 12 visuals, various 3D modelling enhancements for the interiors, and an updated paint kit. System updates include the addition of a 3D HUD as an optional feature. Additionally, the aircraft now features a new FMOD 2 sound pack, so all told, some nice updates. 

Installation
Installing this aircraft is very straightforward. Once purchased from the X-Plane store, simply download the appropriate version (XP11 or XP12). The download is around 243MB, and when extracted, just over 400, which is quite reasonable for an aircraft of this size. After the download is complete, extract the file from the zip folder using the default Windows extraction tool or your tool of choice. Then, place the aircraft folder into your X-Plane\Aircraft folder. You can even create a folder called VSKYLABS within your Aircraft folder and place it there to keep your Aircraft folder organized. The file path would then be something like "X-Plane 12\Aircraft\VSKYLABS\XP12-VSL CT4E Airtrainer AU v3.0.1".

Documentation
Plenty of documentation is provided, including instructions on how to install, how to update, plus the “VSKYLABS CT4E POH” (Pilot’s Operating Handbook). There is also the “VSL CT4E Airtrainer Essentials”, an update log, and the license. The " How to UPDATE your VSKYLABS aircraft" PDF, in particular, explains the fantastic integration with the Skunkcraft Updater, making updating this aircraft an absolute breeze.

 

 

Liveries & External Texturing
The aircraft comes with four liveries, including: Default, RAAF Trainer, RNZAF Red Checkers, and RTAF CT4AB. There’s also an included paint kit, should you wish to create your own custom livery. This feature is very much appreciated. The paint kit provides .PNG and .XCF files for both the propeller and fuselage textures. .PNG bump textures are also included for more experienced painters. All liveries are exceptionally high quality and look fantastic. One suggestion from me would be to incorporate a bit more dirt and general wear on some of the liveries and external textures. In my opinion, this would further enhance the already impressive level of immersion.

 

 

Modelling
Both the external and internal modelling of the aircraft have been executed to a very high level of detail, with features such as the external rivets and various struts and wires inside the cockpit being visible. Particular attention has been paid to the control surfaces, each of which boasts a ridged texture. This detail is particularly striking when viewed from the canopy, looking out at the wings.

 

 

Inside the cockpit, switches, levers, and control column, are all faithfully recreated with smooth edges, and with no noticeable low-poly models on show. The seatbelts are modelled particularly well, reflecting the quality expected from a VSKYLABS add-on.

 

 

Internal Texturing
The texturing inside the cockpit is absolutely stunning, featuring noticeable wear and tear that adds to its realism. All textures are of very high quality and are remarkably sharp, even often-neglected areas, such as the footwell. The main panel is particularly well-textured, and again features plenty of weathering, which enhances its authentic appearance.

 

 

The optional 3D HUD is optimized for both VR and 2D modes and provides essential flight data and accurate velocity-vector references. To activate the HUD within the sim, simply interact with the artificial horizon zone using either your mouse or touch controller. Alternatively, you can use the X-Plane default "HUD toggle power" assignment for ease of use. For the purpose of this review, I opted not to use it. 

 

 

Flight Model & Aircraft Performance
The flight model of this add-on is excellent and reacts exactly as one would expect. Although I have not flown this exact aircraft before, my regular flying experiences with a Cessna 152 in the real world give me a good reference point for how a general aviation aircraft should handle, despite the differences between the C152 and the PAC CT/4E. 

 

Taking off with a rotate speed of around 55 knots, the power of the 300hp Lycoming engine becomes very noticeable once in the climb. At full climb power, the aircraft has no problem climbing at a rate of well over 2000 feet per minute at 65 knots. Oh, how I wish we had this kind of performance in my little C152!

 

 

Once at a cruise altitude of around 3000 feet, I levelled off and brought the power back to around 2300 rpm, which gave a cruise speed of 110 knots, which is very comfortable indeed. Next, I attempted a power-off clean stall; the aircraft stalled at around 50 knots with a very pronounced right wingtip dip. The aircraft handled absolutely beautifully and really blew me away with its level of performance.

 

 

The aircraft is incredibly nimble and aerobatic, making it incredibly fun to fly. It is also fairly stable, as one would expect from an aircraft primarily used for training. Overall, the Airtrainer handled beautifully and really blew me away with its level of performance.

 

 

Night Lighting
The internal night lighting of this aircraft has been executed very well, ensuring that even at night, the cockpit looks fantastic. The lighting strikes the perfect balance in brightness, creating an authentic night flying experience. The exterior night lighting is also quite impressive; however, the lighting flares from the navigation and landing lights can appear quite strange from certain angles. Additionally, if you are not looking at the landing lights directly head-on, they can appear to be off.

 

 

Sounds
In general, the sounds on this aircraft are satisfactory, though there is room for improvement. The switch sound, while pleasant, is used repetitively for almost every switch in the cockpit; some variation here would be greatly appreciated. This lack of variety also affects the sounds of the buttons on the Garmin devices. Furthermore, sounds for opening and closing the canopy are missing, I would expect at least a noticeable clunk when closing the canopy. The sound of the rotary dials for the Garmin navigation devices is another missing element. Another minor issue I've observed is that clicking a button on your flight sim hardware that is not assigned to any action (e.g., “Do Nothing”) still triggers a button press sound. While this is a small detail, it can be confusing if you accidentally press a button on your hardware and think you have changed something within the aircraft. The engine sounds, however, are quite good, and the effect of air hitting the canopy at different speeds has been exceptionally well done, adding greatly to the realism.

 

Performance
VSKYLABS have done a great job at optimizing the aircraft, as on my system (specs at the bottom of the review), I am achieving approximately the same frames per second (FPS) as I do with the default C172 at EGNX. Additionally, I have not noticed any stuttering attributable to this aircraft.

Conclusion
In summing up, the VSKYLABS PAC CT/4E Airtrainer for X-Plane 12 offers a highly immersive and detailed flight simulation experience. The installation process is straightforward, and the extensive documentation facilitates smooth updates and customization options, including a paint kit for creating custom liveries. 

 

The high-quality modelling and texturing, both inside and outside the cockpit, significantly enhance the aircraft's realism. The flight model is responsive and accurately reflects the characteristics expected from a nimble and aerobatic training aircraft, providing an engaging flying experience. Although the external night lighting and sounds could benefit from some improvements, especially in terms of variety and completeness, the overall performance of the aircraft is commendable, with stable FPS and smooth operation.

 

 

When you factor in the competitive pricing, the VSKYLABS CT/4E Airtrainer stands out as a well-modelled add-on that is sure to delight both novice and seasoned pilots alike.

 

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The PAC CT/4E Airtrainer by VSKYLABS is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here:

 

PAC CT/4E Airtrainer

Priced at $32.95

 

Project Highlights:

• VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' Project: designed for use with X-Plane cutting edge flight model environment, featuring superb flight dynamics with authentic performance and flight handling characteristics.
• Built for VR: development was tailored specifically for VR and optimized for 2D usage.
• Engineered and designed as a default X-Plane aircraft (Like all VSKYLABS projects). The VSKYLABS projects are practically show-casing X-Plane, as they are stretching X-Plane default features, systems and flight model to its limits without any dependencies on complementary plugins or software...delivering a very robust simulation model, having maximum compatibility with the ever evolving X-Plane flight simulator.
• Perfect fit for beginner and expert pilots, including aerobatics.
• Optional 3-d HUD (optimized for VR and 2-d environments).
• Built-in Avitab Plugin Compatibility (AviTab plugin is not included).
• Autoupdater based on the SkunkCrafts autoupdater (XP12 only) - all updates are being pushed smoothly without the need to re-download the entire base package (base package will be updated every once in a while to minimize the gap).
• Highly responsive VSKYLABS support forums: VSKYLABS is offering continuous professional support from aircraft related aspects (operating and flying) to X-Plane technical support.
• The project is under constant maintenance and development.

Requirements

X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11
Windows, Mac, or Linux
8 GB+ VRAM Recommended 
Current version: 3.0.1 (May 13 2024)

 

Review System Specifications

Windows 11, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 32GB DDR5 RAM, RTX 3070Ti 

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Aircraft Review by DrishalMAC2

30th July 2024

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