VSKYLABS Test-Pilot SR-71-TB Project

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VSKYLABS Test-Pilot SR-71-TB Project

The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB (Testbed) Project.

High definition SR-71 Flight simulation for X-Plane 12 Flight Simulator.

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.

This project is part of the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' series, designed specifically for use with X-Plane 12 cutting edge Flight Model.

Special contribution:

During the air-refueling sequence in the simulation, an authentic SR-71 air-refueling radio recording is being initiated, adding immersion and excitement! The audio recording was implemented into the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB following Mr. BC Thomas approval.

Mr. BC Thomas also contributed additional, precious 1st-hand knowledge and information, which have been implemented, delicately and with great care, into the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB Project.

Lt. Col. BC Thomas is the famous, high Time SR-71 Pilot who spent 1,217 hrs and 18 min in the cockpit of the legendary SR-71 (!!!). Other than being a legendary SR-71 pilot, BC is a kind, true Gentleman! a HUGE 'Thank you', BC! 🏆

The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB Project Introduction:

The VSKYLABS SR-71-TB project is an innovative flight simulation add-on for X-Plane 12, designed to deliver a realistic, immersive, and educational experience centered around the legendary SR-71 Blackbird.

The "TB" in the project name refers to the "Test-bed" nature of the aircraft/project, highlighting its role as an experimental, research-focused rendition of the SR-71 within the VSKYLABS universe.

Key aspects of the project include:

Flight Dynamics Realism: The SR-71-TB replicates the unique flight characteristics of the Blackbird, including its high-speed, high-altitude performance envelope, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for advanced flight simulation enthusiasts.
Innovation and Accessibility: The project is engineered to leverage X-Plane's physics-based flight simulation platform, focusing on innovation, authenticity, and educational value, while remaining user-friendly.
Experimental Testbed Focus: Rather than recreating the SR-71 in its operational military form, the SR-71-TB embodies an aircraft tailored for research and exploration—allowing simmers to "test" and experiment with its systems and performance.
Tribute to the Blackbird: It celebrates the legacy of the SR-71 by merging cutting-edge simulation technology with a deep respect for aviation history.

In short, the VSKYLABS SR-71-TB project is not just another aircraft add-on—it’s a high-fidelity experimental journey into the performance and essence of one of aviation's most iconic and fascinating aircraft.

Project main features:

VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' Project - Utilizing X-Plane 12 cutting edge systems and flight dynamics models.
Highly engineered SR-71A flight dynamics and propulsion systems (including spikes and bypasses simulation).
Authentic SR-71A SAS/Autopilot (including all authentic modes of operation, KEAS bleed and with extended usability using on-board FMS as replacement of the SR-71 ANS).
Authentic SR-71A performance and handling characteristics.
Highly accurate climb and cruise profiles.
Air-refueling (including tanker visualization and authentic radio recording of SR-71 during air-refueling session - courtesy of B.C. Thomas!).
Deep systems simulation (including TAB injection and counters, automatic fuel scheduling, nitrogen pressurization of the fuel tanks, surf-limiter, stick shaker/pusher and much more!)
D-21 Mach 3 Drone - A Launchable aerodynamic vehicle, affecting weight and balance, aircraft handling and performance characteristics, includes an authentic (slightly modified) operation and launch panel.
AG-330 Starters simulation for authentic start-up procedure.
Comprehensive FMOD sounds.
Built-In Avitab compatibility.
Designed for VR (optimized for 2-d).
The project is under constant development - future updates are free to all existing customers.
Full Simulation scope and update log are available here: https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/297854-vsl-sr71-tb-simulation-scope-and-update-log/
Highly responsive, professional support in the VSKYLABS SR-71-TB Support forum at the .org: https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/forum/816-sr-71-blackbird/

Development notice:

The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB Project was initiated back in January 2023, following a deepest knowledge, understanding and experience with X-Plane 12 flight dynamics and propulsion environments, systems architectures and X-Plane 12 aircraft development practices.

Project version v3.0-Evo introduces the new VSKYLABS SR-71-TB 'Evo' 3-d model (inside out), which was under development for nearly a year. The new VSKYLABS v3.0-Evo 3-d model replaced the former 3-d model which served as a 'place-holder', following LR approval to further develop their old SR-71 3-d model as a starting point in the development of the commercial VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB add-on product for X-Plane 12.

Project version v3.0-Evo is a Major-Update-Release and a significant milestone in the project development road-map, as it set the engineering infrastructure for implementing the RSO cockpit and additional systems/features.

Simulating the SR-71 is highly complicated. Since December 2023, hundreds of development hours and test flights (roughly 800-900 as for May 2024) have been invested, to establish a genuine, highly-accurate SR-71 simulation in X-Plane 12. Countless deep-study and research hours of the SR-71 aircraft have been invested (still are...) side by side with the development effort.

The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB is one of the leading VSKYLABS development efforts and it will keep on updating and evolving to cover the aircraft as closely as possible to the real-one.

VSKYLABS goal is to set a highly realistic simulation of the SR-71 as well as a professional SR-71 knowledge portal which will grow side by side with the project development evolution. Portal 'central' is evolving in the VSKYLABS support forums at the .org:
https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/forum/816-sr-71-blackbird/

One of the main technical development references is the official SR-71A-1 Declassified manual, which can serve as a 'General Reference' POH/Manual for the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB aircraft. A 'VSKYLABS Remastered' version of the manual is included in the product package.

Simulation Scope - (v3.0)
VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2024 All Rights Reserved

The following list presents most of the unique SR-71 aircraft systems which are being simulated. In the long-term, the development road-map of the project aims to cover as many aspects and components as possible.

THIS LIST IS EVOLVING CONTINUOUSLY AND BEING UPDATED HERE AND IN THE LOG-HISTORY FOLDER IN THE PRODUCT PACKAGE.

From v3.0+, the project includes the new in-house VSKYLABS SR-71-TB 3-d model, inside out. The new model introduces increased model accuracy and opens the path for RSO cockpit and additional features and systems implementation.

The project includes the VSKYLABS 'Cockpit-Builders Heaven' assignment layer. It allows assigning all aircraft switches, knobs, levers, and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.

Simulated systems and features:

VSKYLABS 3-d-Evo model:
- From v3.0, the project includes the new VSKYLABS v3.0-Evo 3-d model, which replaces the entire v1.0/v2.0 3-d model, inside out.
- v3.0 Evo 3-d model includes only the front pilot cockpit. The RSO cockpit is a Work-In-Progress and will be implemented in future updates.
- The project includes a whole new and improved paint-kit.
Fully VR compatible / comprehensive FMOD sounds / Free future updates to existing customers / Highly responsive support and knowledge base for the SR-71 aircraft.
VSKYLABS SR-71 Flight Dynamic Model:
- Highly detailed, comprehensive SR-71 performance and handling characteristics.
- The simulation follows the SR-71A performance charts and climbing/cruise charts with high accuracy (speeds, power settings, time-of-climb, distance and a LOT more!).
- Project version v2.0+ includes flight model version 'VSL-SR-71-Block-3'. This will keep on updated and tuned side by side with flight testings and X-Plane 12 future evolution. To know which update block you are flying, see the included update log.
- Authentic SR-71 flight and handling characteristics are being simulated: Chines and delta wings lift, CG movement through flight and fuel loading, high AOA tendencies of the SR-71, takeoff and landing handling and performance and more.
- Authentic climb schedule.
- Supersonic drag profiles.
Launchable D-21 Mach-3 drone:
- VSKYLABS Physics-based D-21 Mach-3 launchable drone is included. The D-21 affects weight, balance and overall drag characteristics of the carrying aircraft, resulting with authentic aircraft handling and performance characteristics.
- Interactive/interchangeable SR-71A / M-21 aircraft weight and balance configuration. Version 2.0 introduced a launchable D-21 Mach-3 drone. Originally it was carried and launched from the M-21 which was a variant of the A-12 aircraft. Version v2.0 recognizes the aircraft configuration (if loaded with the D-21 as a 'weapon' or if not), and sets the overall weight and balance characteristics accordingly. If the aircraft is set to carry the D-21, it automatically sets itself to M-21 configuration, which will last until the D-21 is launched. Then, weight and balance configuration will set back to SR-71A mode.
- The VSKYLABS SR-71-TB cockpit includes a modified replica of the authentic D-21 startup and launching panel, which was slightly modified to be integrated in the front cockpit (originally it was located in the back seat of the M-21, which was a modified variant of the A-12).
- The modified panel in the VSKYLABS SR-71-TB is fully functional, allowing to power the drone, set the fuel pumps, ignite the ram-jet, which spools up to launch-thrust threshold (equipped with a PSIA gauge), going through its FCU tests, then having the 'GO' approval for launch.
- Launching the D-21 requires exceeding (or nearly exceeding) the Mach-3 envelope (above Mach 2.7), therefore completing a full climbing profile. Failing to do so will prevent the D-21 from starting up, and the 'NO-GO' light will illuminate.
- The release sequence includes an initial pitch-up moment, for clearing the M-21. After the D-21 clears the M-21 vertical stabilizer area, its ram-jet engine spooled up and the initial pitch attitude translated to climb/cruise attitude. This is being simulated in the VSKYLABS D-21.
Engines and Afterburner:
- Advanced Engines flight dynamics simulation ('VSL-SR-71-Block-2' in project version v1.0.3+).
- Ram-Jet aspects of the SR-71 propulsion system are being simulated: comes into practice at high supersonic speeds and power settings (thrust, fuel consumption and so forth).
- Throttles: simulated 'cutoff' and 'burner' regimes, to allow 'conventional' operation where fully aft is 'cut off'.
- Chemical Ignition (TEB) System: Simulated authentically, including TEB counters when the throttles are advanced from 'cutoff' to 'idle' and from full dry to afterburner regime. Afterburner ignition is not possible when the TEB counter hits 'zero'. Same for ground startup.
- TEB ignition visualization (the green flash): simulated.
- Exhaust Nozzle & Ejector: Variable-area iris-type afterburner nozzles are visualized, including ENP (Exhaust Nozzle Position) indicators.
- External Starters: Two AG-330 starter units are simulated, visualized.
Air Inlet System:
- Spikes: Spikes algorithm is simulated, authentically, for both automatic and manual modes (spikes ratio due mach, altitude etc..). Spikes animation included.
- Spikes restart switches are functioning.
- Engine unstart: Infrastructure for future implementation exists. Due to the 'unexpected' triggering of real engine unstart in real-life conditions (such as spikes failure and other reasons), this feature is currently partially disabled. You can unstart the engines when manually positioning the spikes in the wrong position during high-supersonic flight. But it will not occur spontaneously. This is still a WIP element.
- Aft Bypass: Aft bypass doors are animated according to the actual conditions.
Fuel system:
- Authentic Fuel-tanks system layout: simulated authentically, including realistic shift in CG due fuel consumption in the various phases of flight.
- Fuel feeding and sequencing: Automatic fuel scheduling with manual fuel-tank boost pumps operation (automatic transfer to maintain CG within limits while it shifts). Manual FWD/AFT transfer is simulated as well.
- Air Refueling System: simulated, including tanker visualization and authentic SR-71 air-refueling radio recording (contributed by Mr. BC Thomas, high Time SR-71 Pilot with 1,217 hrs and 18 min).
- Nitrogen tanks pressurization: Simulated authentically. Fuel fumes will exceed flash-point and will be ignited in the tanks unless the inert-gas-pressurization cycle was established (by completing an air refueling session up to full-tanks).
- Fuel dump.
Electrical system:
- Version v1.0+ includes an authentic yet simplified electrical system. This is scheduled to evolve in the future.
Hydraulic system:
- Version v1.0+ includes an authentic yet simplified hydraulic system. This is scheduled to evolve in the future.
Landing Gear System:
- Comprehensive landing gear system simulation.
- Manual Gear Release Handle: currently not functional, will be implemented in the future.
- Landing gears position lights, handle, warning light and Audible warning: Simulated authentically.
- Nose-wheel Steering System: Simulated authentically, including engagement lights. Works as in the real SR-71, with a toggle push button located on the stick. 1st push engages the system, 2nd push disconnects it. Require authentic taxi and takeoff nose-wheel steering practices.
- Wheel Brake System: Simulated authentically with ANTI-SKID/Wet-Dry switch. In Wet mode, brake anti-skid sensitivity is increased.
- Drag Chute System: Simulated and physically-accurate, including lights etc.. (version v1.0 includes default drag chute visualization. This will be replaced in the future with an authentic one).
Primary Flight Controls:
- Control stick throws (physical movement of the stick): Simulated authentically (both visually and physically).
- Elevons Control System: Simulated authentically (inboard, outboard, mixer).
- Rudder Control System: Simulated, authentically.
- Surface Limiter System: Simulated authentically. Including the SURF-LIMITER T-handle operations and indication light. Authentic throws and conditions (speed dependent). Lateral (roll) control stick travel and rudder displacement are restricted by the surface limiter system.
- Pitch, Roll and Yaw trim: Simulated authentically, including operation and indication.
- SAS Control: Simulated authentically, with high accuracy in all flight regimes.
- Autopilot: Authentic SR-71A SAS/Autopilot with all modes:
  - Speed hold (KEAS/Mach No.).
  - Auto-Nav (capable of following FMS flightplan in ANS mode, including GPSS/VNAV).
  - Heading-Hold.
  - KEAS bleed (interception 450 KEAS/Mach 2.6), including authentic bleed ratio (10 kts for each Mach 0.1).
  - CSC/CWS function embedded.
- Automatic High Angle of Attack Warning Systems - APW shaker and pusher: Simulated authentically via the various conditions of operations and flight envelope regimes. Two separate modes are simulated authentically: Shaker and Shaker+Pusher.
- Aural AOA indication and warning system: Did not exist in the real SR-71, however, it was implemented in the VSKYLABS SR-71-TB aircraft, to allow better AOA monitoring during flight (which is needed when flying without 'sensing' then real aircraft and real control stick forces..g forces and so forth).
Flight & Navigation Instruments:
- Fully functional LR CDU 739 along with a fully functional EFIS/MAP display: covering 2*com, 2*nav, 2*adf, transponder.
Windshield:
- Deicing System: Simulated.
Lighting Equipment:
- Exterior lighting: Simulated.
- Interior lighting: Simulated.
Environmental Control Systems:
- Pressurization schedules: Current version this is simulated but with automatic mode only. Manual control will be implemented in the future.
Life Support Systems, pressurization:
- Oxygen System: Current version this is simulated but with automatic mode only. Manual control will be implemented in the future.
- Pressure suite support systems: Not simulated. Listed for future implementation.
- Canopies: in v3.0 only the pilot's canopy is animated (RSO cockpit is a WIP). Front canopy includes animated canopy, operational cockpit locking-latch handle, operational cockpit seal pressure lever, operational 'Canopy unsafe' warning indication which illuminates when the seal or locking mechanism are compromised.
Emergency Warning Equipment:
- Master Warning System: All active-systems warning, caution and condition lights indications are operational.
- Indicators and warning lights test button: Simulated.

THIS LIST IS EVOLVING CONTINUOUSLY AND BEING UPDATED HERE AND IN THE LOG-HISTORY FOLDER IN THE PRODUCT PACKAGE.

Pilot's Operating Handbook
<Included the product package>

Early Access version does not include a dedicated manual, this will be added in the near future! Meanwhile - the Declassified SR-71A manual can be a very good reference for flight planning! It is includded in the product and also avaialble as a free-download!

Update Log
VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2024 All Rights Reserved

XP12 - Version v3.1 (12th March 2025)

Flight model update:
- Engine inlet performance and envelope tuneups (max temp, KEAS, and Mach gradients).
- Engine/intake drag characteristics tuneups for subsonic/non-afterburner thrust to drag ratio.

XP12 - Manuals Update (13 Jan 2025 / No version change!!!)

New VSKYLABS SR-71-A Abbreviated Checklist Notebook (normal procedures) was added. More information about it can be found in the cover page.
New VSKYLABS SR-71-TB Tutorials Notebook was added. The tutorials notebook is in fact the evolving project manual, which will keep grow to provide the BEST SR-71-A reference and instruction manual for the VSKYLABS SR-71-TB aircraft in X-Plane 12.
Update to the Read Me.txt file in the 'Instructions-manual-POH' folder.

XP12 - Version v3.0c (28th December 2024)

Minor fix - FMOD sound pack- Afterburner Doppler effect tune-up.
Flight envelope design limit is 500 KEAS. Now, when crossing the design margin threshold of ~560 KEAS, airframe integrity fails.

XP12 - Version v3.0a (23th December 2024)

Minor fix - SAS switches sounds fixed.
VSKYLABS SR-71-TB Tutorials-Notebook rev.001 was added to the Instructions/POH folder. The primary reference for operating the SR-71 is the official SR-71-A manual, which provides comprehensive and detailed instructions. However, VSKYLABS offers this fast-guide booklet as a supplementary resource, designed to focus on the basic aspects of operation. It is a Work-In-Progress document, in the process of becoming the official VSKYLABS ‘Test-Pilot’: SR-71-TB Project instructions manual.

XP12 - Version v3.0 (16th December 2024)

Major update release which is focused on graphics.
New VSKYLABS SR-71-TB 3-d model, inside out, including new PBR textures. The new VSKYLABS 3-d model introduces a more accurate and detail 3-d model and sets the foundations for RSO cockpit implementation, as well as additional systems and features.
Added - canopy animation, locking latch, seal-pressure and 'canopy unsafe' warning light that indicates seal/locking systems integrity.

XP12 - Version v2.0 (29th November 2024)

Major update release.
Launchable D-21 Mach-3 drone:
- VSKYLABS flyable variant of the D-21 Mach 3 launchable drone was implemented.
- D-21 (slightly) modified version of the authentic operation and launch panel was implemented in the front-seat (the back-seat is currently a WIP, as part of the project development road-map).
Flight Dynamics:
- Interactive configuration setup for M-21/SR-71 configurations. To interchange configuration, load/unload the D-21 'weapon' in X-Plane 12 weapons menu.
Graphics:
- Various cockpit textures improvements.
Interaction:
- Built-in Avitab compatibility was added.
- Two bat-visors were added to the cockpit.
VSKYLABS 'Cockpit-Builders Heaven' assignment layer:
- Allows assigning all aircraft switches, knobs, levers, and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.

Early Access v1.0.5c (9th July 2024)

Minor fix to engine compressor area (due X-Plane 12.1.0).

Early Access v1.0.5a (10th January 2024)

Autopilot adjustment for more stable attitude interception in the pitch axis.

Early Access v1.0.5 (2nd January 2024)

Paint-mapping is now locked:
- Various default paint/PBR fixes.
- Package includes now 3 default liveries.
- Package includes 'PAINT-KIT' folder with 3 'blank' liveries to be used as templates.
Cockpit modeling/texturing:
- Added ball/needle in main ADI display.
- All warning lights textures/PBR tuneups.
- Aviation/flood light elements lowered to cockpit sidewall.
Bug fixes:
- Fix to various lights remains lit after shutdown.
- Fix to night light control of autopilot and FMS panels.
3-D modeling:
- D-21 Drone: 'Under the hood' preparations for being launchable in future versions.
- Nacelle aft bypass section - remodeled.
- Main landing gears doors animation sequence was fixed.

Early Access v1.0.4c (26th December 2023)

v1.0.4c (26th December 2023) - Autothrottle hard-off was set to allow FMS/VNAV without issues (goes back to X-Plane's default when aircraft unloads).
v1.0.4a (26th December 2023) - Minor fix to manual aft-transfer switch (spring loaded in the off position, pushing down for manual transfer)
v1.0.4 (25th December 2023) -NEW, fully functional SR-71A SAS/Autopilot system.
Various PBR (3-d modeling) tuneups for cockpit textures.
Night-lights for FMS panel.

Early Access v1.0.3c (17th December 2023)

v1.0.3c (18th December 2023) - minor fix release:
- Fix(patch) for fuel system - engine starving midflight.
Major update to the fuel-system which allows full-operation:
- Fully functional SR-71 Fuel system controls and indications.
- Automatic fuel consumption scheduling, with manual boost pump operation (on top the automatic scheduling).
- Manual FWD/AFT transfer.
- Cross-feed.
- Fuel-tank indicator selector was added (for monitoring each tank individually).
- Nitrogen consumption rates tune-ups.
- Fuel dump guard switch added.
- Note: Manual fuel transfer rates are slightly increased - will be refined in future update.
Update of flight dynamics to 'Block-2':
- Flight model update to X-Plane 12.0.8.
- Supersonic drag tuneups.
- Supersonic thrust tuneups.
- SAS handling tuneups.
- Aircraft radii of gyration update for an even more authentic handling characteristics of the aircraft, especially in the roll axis.
Bug fixes:
- Fix to fuel quantity and CG initiation 'jumps' unintentionally upon auto-start.
- Autopilot roll/pitch refinements (thorough update to autopilot will be released soon).
Sounds:
- Doppler sound physics tune-ups (sound-waves piles up into a shock-wave when supersonic, sound cannot exceed beyond the speed of sound).

Early Access v1.0.2c (14th December 2023)

Surface limiter further tuneup (v1.0.2c).
bug fixes (v1.0.2a):
- Surf-Limiter system recalibrated.
Systems:
- (Internal architecture): preparations for additional systems integration.
- Gear handle: added downlock mechanism.
- Engines RPM indication: Showing now RPM reading (with redline marking), not percentage.
- Emergency gears 'T' handle implemented.
Interaction:
- Various fixes to touch-manipulators.
- Drag chute 'T' handle animation fixed.

Early Access v1.0.1 (10th December 2023)

Minor fixes release:
- Electrical system minor fix (disabled all power sources 'bleed' when all aircraft power sources are set to off).
- CDU 739 brightness knob now functioninig propely.
- Autopilot VVI indicator show 'minus' when in negative values.
- Various instrument brightness and LIT tuneups (night lighting).

Early Access v1.0 (8th December 2023):
Early Access version released.