VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Dorand D20

VSKYLABS Dorand G.20

(VSKYLABS XP-Native Freeware Project)

A fascinating French coaxial helicopter prototype , brought to life in X-Plane 12.

Designed by René Dorand for the Société Française du Gyroplane, the G.20 was an ambitious late 1930s French helicopter project originally commissioned by the French Navy. Construction survived the interruption of WWII, and the sole prototype was eventually completed in 1947 and subjected to ground testing. In practice, it never flew.

The G.20 featured an unusual three-bladed coaxial contra-rotating rotor system, driven by two Renault 6Q engines. To accommodate the very small vertical separation between the rotor systems, the upper and lower rotors had different diameters: 15.4 m and 13.0 m respectively.

The VSKYLABS Project

The VSKYLABS Dorand G.20 is a freeware 'XP-Native Project for X-Plane 12', developed as a functional interpretation of this remarkable aircraft, with the focus placed on its unusual configuration, flight dynamics, and hands-on flying experience.

Since the real G.20 never progressed beyond ground testing, its actual flight characteristics were never established. The VSKYLABS implementation therefore represents a validated conceptual flight-dynamics interpretation of how the aircraft could have behaved in flight.

Fully interactive • VR capable • XP-Native • Freeware

What is the VSKYLABS XP-Native Projects line?

VSKYLABS XP-Native Projects are lean and efficient aircraft  developed specifically for X-Plane 12, making use of X-Plane's native aircraft-development capabilities and default features.

The focus is on validated conceptual flight dynamics and aircraft characteristics. Each aircraft is fully interactive and flyable within its intended scope, although some systems, instruments, or features may be implemented at a basic level.

The VSKYLABS XP-Native Projects are provided as-is, allowing VSKYLABS to explore unusual, experimental, historical, and fascinating aircraft concepts without the development scope of a full-scale VSKYLABS payware project.

Some of the VSKYLABS XP-Native Projects may evolve into deeper payware projects in the future.

VSKYLABS Freeware Products

• Certain VSKYLABS products may be provided as freeware at no cost.
• Freeware status refers only to the price of the product and does not grant redistribution or additional usage rights.
• VSKYLABS freeware may be obtained only through official VSKYLABS distribution channels.
• Re-uploading, re-hosting, mirroring, sharing, or otherwise redistributing the product or its files is prohibited.