VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: F-19 Stealth Fighter Project

The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': F-19 Stealth Fighter Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2024 All Rights Reserved
 

High Definition realization of Testor's 80's F-19 Stealth Fighter concept aircraft

MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS FOR X-PLANE 12

Disk Space: 25GB
CPU: Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or i9 CPU with 4 or more cores, or AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7 or 9.
(Those with other CPUs should try the demo before purchasing.)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Video Card: a Vulkan 1.3-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD with at least 2 GB VRAM
Note: Intel GPUs are not supported by X-Plane 12.

DEVELOPMENT NOTICE:
The development of the VSKYLABS F-19 for X-Plane flight simulator is approved by Testors/ITALERI S.p.A. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS development effort which is not endorsed and/or affiliated with/by Testors/ITALERI S.p.A

DISCLAIMERS:
The VSKYLABS F-19 Project is a scientific concept aircraft demonstrator designed for X-Plane 12 by Laminar Research. It is not a combat simulation and not intended to simulate deep weapon system. However, it is equipped with a basic yet fully functional Air to Air and Air to Ground weapon capability that can be operated in X-Plane's environment, allowing to explore and challenge the F-19 concept throughout its 80's suggested missions and flight envelopes.

The main focus of all VSKYLABS projects, including the F-19, has always been (and will continue to be) the joy of flight, the excitement of space and aviation flight, and the fascinating world of aircraft design.

PROJECT INTRODUCTION:

The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': F-19 Stealth Fighter Project is an Educational/Research based development effort that "brings to life" and realizes the hypothetical 80's Testor's F-19 concept in the most advanced flight simulation environment up to date: X-Plane 12 by Laminar Research.

The simulated VSKYLABS F-19 it is not an 'arcade' aircraft...nor a 'generic jet fighter' that only looks like the F-19 externally; Extensive, professional real-world experience and knowledge of jet-fighters design, systems, performance, handling and operation were involved in the making of the VSKYLABS F-19. The result uncovers a scientific, graceful, powerful aircraft that holds a few weaknesses as well...just like any other *real* jet fighter, what makes the flying a true-to-life and fascinating experience, especially when exploring the flight envelope and its performance characteristics.

From a *Realism* perspective, flying the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': F-19 in X-Plane 12 (including systems operations, various weight and payload configurations, takeoffs, landings, handling throughout the altitude, speed and maneuverability range) will contribute to one's real-pilot-skills and knowledge base. It is NOT an arcade aircraft simulation.

Following thorough analysis made by experienced/professional pilots with deep relevant background, the VSKYLABS F-19 was designed from scratch and was engineered as close as possible to an actual, plausible jet-fighter aircraft. The 80's concept did include some general specifications, however the hypothetical aircraft was never fully realized with the use of high fidelity or levels of comprehensive propulsion, control and stability, electrical, hydraulics, pneumatic, aerodynamics, avionics and all the required mission related/peripheral systems that forms together a plausible jet-fighter aircraft simulation.

During the long development and test flights process, several important insights resulted with several modifications to the basic hypothetical 80's concept, and with the implementation of additional systems, the VSKYLABS F-19 became a highly detailed, probable/plausible aircraft simulation.

AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS:

The general aircraft specifications of the VSKYLABS F-19 are based on the original 80's concept that was realized back in the late 80's in MicroProse F-19 Stealth Fighter game/simulator. However it includes the VSKYLABS resulted modifications/additions that were implemented following the design and analysis process.

VSKYLABS F/A-19A Stealth Fighter 

County of Origin: USA.
Type: Single-seat shipboard and shore-based strike stealth aircraft.
Power Plant: Two 11,000 lb st dry and 17,700 lbs st afterburner General Electric F404-GE-100A turbofans.
Dimensions: Span, 31 ft 5.4 in; length, 62 ft 3 in; height, 12 ft, 10 in. 
Performance: (F404-GE-100A) Max speed 750 mph, or Mach 0.99 at sea level ; 655 mph, or Mach 0.99 at 38,000 feet; Max speed Mach 1.2; Service ceiling, 53,000 ft; ferry range (with full internal fuel load, cruise at 28,000 ft, Mach 0.85), 1400 miles. Combat radius (air-to-ground low altitude mission), 550 miles (non-afterburner).
Weights: Operational empty, 24,000 lbs; Maximum internal fuel, 14,000 lbs; Max takeoff, 41,300 lbs. 
Armament: Three internal weapon bays designed specifically to carry two AIM-9X Sidewinder AAMs and a single AGM-158A JASSM low observable standoff air-launched cruise missile. Overall weapon bays carry-weight, 190 lbs*2 + 2150 lbs (max 2600 lbs.).

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• VSKYLABS 'Cockpit-Builders Heaven Layer': Allows assigning all aircraft switches, knobs, levers, and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
• Advanced concept aircraft simulation, including detailed, fully functional 3-d cockpit environment with realistic, working systems.
• Extensive, professional real-world experience and knowledge of jet-fighters design, systems, performance, handling and operation were involved in the making of the VSKYLABS F-19.
• Designed for X-Plane 12 cutting edge flight model environment and presents superb flight dynamics with presumably authentic performance and flight handling characteristics for the hypothetical F-19 aircraft.
• Developed for VR: Development was tailored specifically for VR, and optimized for 2D usage.
• Engineered and designed as a genuine, default X-Plane 12 aircraft. 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.
• Comprehensive FMOD sounds for 'As Real As It Gets' experience!
• Perfect challenge for beginner and expert pilots: Provides a very wide flight envelope with comfortable control from ~140 knots to Mach 1.1.
• Autoupdater based on the Skunkworks autoupdater - 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 offers continuous professional support, from all aircraft related aspects (operating and flying) to X-Plane technical support.
• The project is under constant maintenance and development.

Pilot's Operating Handbook

At the present, this product includes a partial 'Early Access' version manual. The project is under constant development and it will be updated in the near future to become official version v1.0. 

The complete manual includes an extended-aircraft-conversion that covers all aspects of the F-19 original concept, and all information and data of the VSKYLABS F-19. It is still in-the-making, and will be available soon.

Meanwhile, this Quick Aircraft Orientation and Instructions manual should cover all major aspects of the aircraft and how to operate it so that your 1st flight will go smoothly and without any show-stopping questions. Full normal operation checklist is included.

Update Log

VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': F-19 Stealth Fighter Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2024 All Rights Reserved

XP12 - v1.4 (15th November 2024):

• Major Update Release.
• Flight Dynamics - Flight model 'Block 1.4' update:
  • Design improvements for aircraft canard system and empty CG, to include movable canards for increasing pitch management and precision in the low-mid AOA range. This improves takeoff and landing handling in the pitch axis.
  • Thrust vectoring simulation method has changed, now simulating more accurately the limited-thrust vectoring behavior of the elevator, which is most effective in the elevator-up position, and highly reduced in the elevator-down position (the thrust is positioned above the elevator surface, which results in decreased elevator-down thrust vectoring effect). This is now being simulated more accurately, improving aircraft handling in the pitch axis especially during low-speed/high power setting.
•  VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Heaven was implemented, allows now the assignments of all aircraft switches, knobs, levers, and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen. To use it for key/button assignments, simply type the name of the aircraft in the search bar and select your assignment.
• Systems - Update to Fire Detection and Extinguisher system:
  • When arming the extinguisher system for the selected engine, the fire-warning light will lit (in addition to the 'Ready/Disch'), indicating that the given engine is 'armed'.
  • There is now option to disarm the extinguisher for the selected engine by depressing the 'Fire' warning light.

XP12 - v1.3 (16th January 2024):

• Major Update Release.
• Flight Dynamics:
  • Enhanced chines aerodynamics.
  • Updated drag, SFC, thrust curves.
  • Validated flight envelope for X-Plane 12.0.8+
• Systems:
  • Added drop-tanks (fully functional, droppable).
  • New FMS/FMC (LR default CDU739).
  • Modified autopilot to include GPSS/VNAV capability.
  • Modified autopilot for Mach-hold (instead of IAS hold).
  • Added Radios audio-box.
• Air-Refueling:
  • Functional air-refueling + KC135 visualization (see manual for air-refueling envelope).
• All-around tune-ups:
  • PBR textures enhancements/tuneups for internal and external model.
• Avitab Compatibility:
  • Added avitab compatibility (optional tablet included).

XP12 - v1.21 (30th August 2023):

• Various avionics/electrical system bug fixes (fixed wiring for battery/generator busses for several components).
• Livery added - Black-Ops (all black, operational livery).
• Minor livery fixes (PBR).

XP12 - v1.2 (14th December 2022):

• Tuneups for supersonic flight regime (due X-Plane 12 RC3 flight model update)

XP12 - v1.1 (4th December 2022):

• Interior lighting system reset and retuned to comply with the modified X-Plane 12.00r1+ lighting engine.
• New (adaptive) annunciatior panels and warning lights system.

XP12 - v1.06-EA (30th October 2022):

• Mapping and textures preparations for Paint-Kit implementation (will be available in future update, soon).
• 8K textures refinements for sharper appearance.
• Added livery (fictional): 'Hail Storm 86'.
• Temporary manual update (including assignments table for sliders).
• Visual appearance fix for internal weapon bays (3-d modeling).
• (1.06a) - Added VOR/DME display on EFIS screen.
• (1.06a) - Re-wired ILS loc/gs intenrnally to correct EFIS screen intensity.

XP12 - v1.05-EA (28th October 2022):

• Autopilot - NAV, Approach mode were added to the autopilot.
• ILS capable (manual/autopilot) - added LOC/GS needles (digital display RH MFD).
• EFIS (RH MFD) - Added display modes for app/tacs/fpl/vor/weather.
• EFIS (RH MFD) - Added selected modes designator/index.
• EFIS (RH MFD) - Added Map range display.
• EFIS (RH MFD) - Change to map-mode selection to non-toggle.
• Fix - When engaging VS mode in the autopilot - false altitude arm is disabled.
• Fix - Autopilot heading (seleceted heading display on AP screen) is now magnetic.

XP12 - v1.04-EA (24th October 2022):

• Fixed an electrical power bleed from the APU generator to the electrical system although there are no conditions for power (APU is off, APU rpm is zero)...
• Replaced assignment method for APU ON/OFF switch to Slider[11] (Slider#12 in the assignments screen).

XP12 - v1.03-EA (24th October 2022):

Optimization update for X-Plane 12 (various 8k textures/datarefs related internal mods).

XP12 - v1.0-EA (21st October 2022): Early access initial release.