VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Rutan Model-158 Project

The VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Rutan Model-158 Project

JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2024 All Rights Reserved

A High Definition Twin-engine PT6A Aircraft Simulation

Separate native products for X-PLANE 12 and X-PLANE 11, for your selection.

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.

The VSKYLABS development of the Rutan Model-158 project for X-Plane flight simulator was acknowledged/approved by Mr. Burt Rutan. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not related and/or affiliated with Mr. Burt Rutan.

Project Introduction

The Rutan Model-158 was a twin-engine racing aircraft, developed by Burt Rutan (at his company 'Scaled Composites'), for Bob Pond (1924-2007), a honorable aviator and inventor, to be flown at the Reno Air Races back in the early 90's.

Bob Pond envisioned modern aircraft racers competing at Reno, replacing the use of warbirds. The "Pond-Racer" was a twin-boom all-composite (graphite) aircraft, which was powered by two Electramotive automobile engines capable of 1,000 hp each.

The Pond Racer's made its first public appearance at the Reno Air Races in 1991, but dropped out due to mechanical problems. On September 14th 1993, during qualifying, the Pond Racer, which was piloted by Rick Bricket, has crashed following engine failure, killing the pilot. The crash of the Pond-Racer ended its development.

The VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Rutan Model-158 Project introduces a plausible aircraft variant, based on the original "Pond-Racer" aircraft. Initial project's objective was to explore the Rutan Pond-Racer aircraft design features, estimated performance and flight envelope using X-Plane flight simulator as an advanced flight simulation lab. The second objective was to design a plausible variant that extends the Pond Racer usability as a racing aircraft, to an all weather, cross-country sport plane.

The VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 variant is an advanced flight simulation model of a high-performance turboprop aircraft, capable of flying approximately 1.5 flight hours up to ~30,000 feet while cruising and can cover more than 500 nautical miles in a single flight.

As with all VSKYLABS projects, actual and relevant real-life pilot-experience had a major part in the design, development and test flights process. In this specific project, several aspects of the aircraft had to be addressed or to be designed from scratch, to allow all required systems simulation and integrations.

The core of the project is a highly defined flight dynamics and PT-6A propulsion model which was built and refined to simulate the Model-158 variant in the most plausible and accurate way. In VSKYLABS perspective, this project reflects the basic concept of X-Plane flight simulator, where fictional aircraft concepts can be challenged and tested in the most advanced flight simulation environment nowadays. Although it is a *fictional* variant of the Model-158, it is NOT a "science fiction" project. It is a highly defined concept demonstrator.

Project's Highlights

• VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' project.
• Highly defined flight dynamics model of the Model-158.
• Highly defined PT6 turboprop engine simulation (PT6A-28) including its associated peripheral systems.
• Built around the powerful, native X-Plane's Flight Model environment.
• In-depth systems simulation: Fully equipped aircraft with deep systems simulation (electrical, lighting and warning systems, comprehensive fuel system, fire protection, bleed air and pneumatic systems, ice protection systems, pressurization system, landing gears system, flight control, oxygen system, canopy system, auto-feathering and auto-ignition systems and more).
• VR (Virtual Reality) Ready.
• Multi-Layer FMOD sound pack.
• 50-pages, comprehensive, illustrated Pilot Operations Manual, including checklists.
• 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).
• Included Paint-Kit.
• Highly responsive VSKYLABS support forums.

Pilot's Operating Handbook

The project includes a comprehensive 50 page Pilot Operating Handbook booklet. The booklet features comprehensive information, checklists and instructions.

The VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Rutan Model-158 Project POH is located inside the POH-Manual, to be found in the project's main folder.

Update Log

VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Rutan Model-158
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2024 All Rights Reserved

XP12 - v3.0 (25th January 2024):

• Deep flight dynamics engineering:
  • PT6A-28 tune-ups to include the latest X-Plane 12.0.8+ turbo-prop engine simulation features and calibration variables (including propellers and power gradients).
  • Overall aerodynamics tuneups to fall in line with the latest X-Plane 12.0.8+ features and calibration variables.
• Systems:
  • New 3-d Heads-Up-Display.
  • Cockpit night lighting systems re-engineering.
• Graphics and modeling:
  • Remodeled cockpit compartment to include engineering improvements (lower floor, improved rudder pedals).
  • Extensive PBR tuneups for the cockpit to fall in line with the latest X-Plane 12 lighting physics.
  • Textures enhancements in and out.

XP12 - v2.3 (27th December 2022):

• Faulty canopy-unlocked red warning light removed, replaced with 'blank' place holder.
• GNS530 display yellow-frame removed.

XP12 - v2.2 (4th December 2022):

• Interior lighting system reset and retuned to comply with the modified X-Plane 12.00r1+ lighting engine.

XP12 - v2.1 (23th November 2022):

• Updater software replaced - from STMA to SkunkCrafts. 

XP12 - v2.0 (beta) (Sept 2022):

• X-Plane 12 initial version release.

XP11 - v1.0e (31st March 2021):

• Mirrored Mach No. label on airspeed indicator was fixed.

XP11 - v1.0c (21st March 2021):

• Update is fine-tuning to oil-pressure thresholds for low-oil pressure indications, allowing better propeller feathering process with loss of oil-pressure.

XP11 - v1.0 (14th March 2021) - Initial Version Release.