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NEWS! - Aircraft Update : ICON-A5 v4.0 by vSkyLabs


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NEWS! - Aircraft Update : ICON-A5 v4.0 by vSkyLabs

 

NEWS! - ICON A5 XP12 by vSkyLabs_News header.jpg

 

This virtually all new version v4.0 is practically a 90% remake of the original aircraft, and the change log is also quite comprehensive. The biggest new unique feature is for bilge water build-up and bilge pump drainage systems which are being simulated here, plus better dynamics, systems and a new sound package FMOD 2.02, it all adds up into a big change on this little amphibian.

 

The Icon A5 is a sleek, light sport aircraft (LSA) designed for adventure flying. It is an amphibious two-seater, meaning it can take off and land on both water and land. The aircraft powered by a Rotax 912 iS engine, offering about 100 horsepower and a cruising speed of approximately 95 knots (109 mph). The Icon A5 is often praised for its intuitive controls and is marketed as an aircraft that makes flying more accessible to those who may not be professional pilots. It’s perfect for those seeking adventure in the skies and on the water.

 

Version 4.0 - October 14th 2024

Major Update

  • Flight Dynamics:
    • Re-validation of all performance and flying handling qualities following real-world ICON-A5 published data.
    • Redesigned fuselage hull to allow more accurate 'step-taxi' and water takeoff performance.
    • Wing design tune-ups to allow higher performance figures accuracy throughout the flight envelope regimes.
    • Airfoils update.
    • Propeller re-design to allow higher accuracy of power gradients and prop-disc drag throughout the engine's power curve and airspeed regimes.
    • AOA indicator calibration.
    • All-around complementary aerodynamic design tuneups.
  •  Systems:
    • Re-make of the entire annunciation system (warning lights, gears lights, trim lights, bilge pump and water rudder light) using the latest X-Plane 12 conventions.
    • Re-make of the entire cockpit lighting systems for the console, instruments, and panels.
    • Re-wiring of the warning lights to reflect systems status more accurately, including 'engine' warning light conditions, which will light when exceeding engine's operational limitations.
    •  Enhanced Altimeter - showing both systems for pressure tune-up, including total altitude (digital display).
    • Electric artificial horizon now shows slip-indication, VSI trend and 'BRAKES' warning light.
    • AOA indicator graphics re-work to provide the updated instrument appearance.
    • Starting switch manipulator enhancement to allow 'holding' the key in 2-d mode for more realistic behavior.
    • Heating knob is now functional (no actual heating will be sensed...).
    • Wing-folding mechanism is now possible for interaction only when the aircraft electrical system is in the OFF position. This allows folding and unfolding the wings without the need to set the power switch to ON.
  • Graphics:
    • Interiors/exterior models PBR enhancements (including various 3-d modeling enhancements).
    • G1000 panel and knobs - remodeled with improved appearance.
    • Pilot and passenger PBR enhancements.
    • Cockpit placards improved existing ones, added new ones.
    • Default paint enhancements.
    • Better animation for fuel-tank selector.
  • Sounds:
    • New FMOD 2.02 sound package.
    • Added bilge-pump sound.
    • Added windshield wind effects (noticeable when flying without the windows installed).

 

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The Icon A5 features also a highly accurate aircraft performance and flight handling qualities which follows the official 'numbers' with high precision, including the A5 unique AOA indicator which is calibrated to allow authentic use during all phases of flight.

Removable windows - but fly without the windows installed you get. the increased drag affecting aircraft performance. And avionics wise - it is equipped with a single-screen/dual display LR G1000 bundle, or a 'VSL LSA Companion' avionics alongside a ready-to-use Avitab display. Autopilot included in both 'modes'.

 

The vSkylab philosophy is that you are purchasing an ongoing project, 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.

 

The ICON-A5 v4.0 by vSkyLabs is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore, if a current owner, then just go to your X-Plane.Org Account and download the latest version v4.

_____________________________________

 

X-Plane Store logo sm.jpg

 

Yes! - the ICON-A5 v4.0 by vSkyLabs is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

 

ICON-A5 v4.0

Retail Price is US$29.00
On sale: $29.00 US$23.20 you Save:$5.80(20%)

 

Requirements

X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11
Windows, Mac or Linux
4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB VRAM Recommended
Download Size: 215 MB
Current Version: 4.0 (October 14th 2024)

___________________________

 

NEWS! by Stephen Dutton

15th October 2024

Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews

 

(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved

 

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