VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project

The VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project.
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2023 All Rights Reserved

The development of the VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project for X-Plane 11 was approved by Hélicoptères Guimbal. Although acknowledged by Hélicoptères Guimbal, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated with and/or endorsed by Hélicoptères Guimbal.

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 Guimbal Cabri G2 Helicopter

The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a two-seat helicopter designed by Bruno Guimbal and produced by Hélicoptères Guimbal (France). The G2 initial demonstrator flew in 1992 and entered commercial service in 2008. It received type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in December 2007. In 2015 it received type certification from the FAA, and began operations in the US.

The Cabri G2 design was implemented also in the Okra 1200 tactical VTOL drone, developed in a joint effort of Guimbal and EADS and initially presented at the Paris Air Show in 2003.

Hélicoptères Guimbal website: http://www.guimbal.com/index.php

Project Highlights

• Highly engineered, robust Cabri G2 helicopter simulation which pushes X-Plane's out-of-the-box features and flight dynamics model to its extent.
• Designed for X-Plane cutting edge flight model.
• Highly detailed visualization of the Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter.
• Engineered as a 'Native X-Plane aircraft': Maximum X-Plane compatibility without the use of 3rd party plugins or external coding dependencies.
• Day/Night VFR instrumentation.
• Electronic Pilot Monitor (EPM) - Simplified yet authentic and effective EPM display.
• FULL-VR mode feature, enables to operate and fly the G2 without physical hardware for the pedals.
• Built in compatibility with the AviTab plugin for 3D and VR AviTab visualization and interaction.
• Optional Experimental/LSA grade autopilot included.
• Perfect for new helicopter pilots and for helicopter conversion for fixed wings aircraft pilots - due to its docile flying characteristics and simple yet effective design features.
• 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).
• Highly responsive support forum.

C-GELP & C-GUTE

The default VSKYLABS Cabri G2 variants are carrying the BC Helicopters Cabri G2 (C-GELP & C-GUTE) code and paint scheme, and other detailing attributes. BC Helicopters are a Canadian helicopter flight training school, operating the Cabri G2 (also the R44 and the R66). They have a very exciting YouTube channel (called 'Pilot Yellow') in which they share their daily routines, flying practices and world wide adventures. They recently broke a world record, participating in the EPIC Global Heli Tour, an around-the-world record breaking adventure.

VSKYLABS recommends visiting their YouTube channel as is a very useful resource for practical information regarding helicopter flying and specifically the Cabri G2.

Please note that VSKYLABS / VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project are not affiliated with BC Helicopters.

BC Helicopters website: https://www.bchelicopters.com/
Pilot Yellow YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/mischagelb
Epic World Tour: https://www.epicworldtour.com/#route

Pilot's Operating Handbook

VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 ESSENTIALS instructions

VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Pilot’s Operating Handbook

Update Log

VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project.
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2022 All Rights Reserved

XP12 - v3.4a (15th January 2023):

• Fix to rain-effect (scaled down raindrops).

XP12 - v3.4 (29th December 2022):

• PBR textures and normals update for the interiors - optimized for X-Plane 12.
• Cockpit gauges lighting optimizations for X-Plane 12.

XP12 - v3.3 (26th December 2022):

• Fuel consumption tuneup.
• Engine readings for CHT, OIL P, OIL T, Fuel P tuneups.

XP12 - v3.2 (4th December 2022):

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

XP12 - v3.1 (23th November 2022):

• Updater software replaced - from STMA to SkunkCrafts. 

XP12 - v3.0 (September 2022):

• X-Plane 12 initial version releaese.

XP11 - v2.0e (11th July 2021):

• Overhead Mixture lever is no longer biased to a Slider, but to the default X-Plane Mixture (engine#1) engine. This allows home-cockpit-builders to assign a Joystick axis to the Mixture.
• Overhead Rotor Brake lever is no longer biased to a Slider, but to an axis. This allows home-cockpit builders to assign a Joystick axis to the Rotor Brake lever. The new axis being used for this task is the default Speed-Brakes axis.
• Manual and Essential PDF files were updated accordingly.

XP11 - v2.0c (23rd March 2021):

• Engine simulation update: Available power gradient was re-tuned.
• Fuel-level indication meter was calibrated, as well as low-fuel warning light at 15L.

XP11 - v2.0 (20th December 2020):

• NEW User Manual/POH folder was added to the project, containing detailed setup instructions and POH in .pdf files.
  • Systems:
    • New throttle/governor system, replacing the old "on/off governor" system. Now the throttle is controlled via the "wing sweep" axis, allowing manual throttling up/down and governor taking over accordingly. Once the governor is enabled (switched on), it will kick in around ~2000 RPM when throttling up manually.
    • Plasma warning system added.
  • BARC modes (normal/backup) enhancements:
    • High NR alarm added.
    • High NR alarm light is now blinking.
    • Backup mode green light configured.
  • Carburetor heat system:
    • Custom built automatic mode - now governing the carburetor heat valve to adjust required heating according to carburetor air temperature.
    • Four bricks are reflecting actual heating in auto mode.
    • 3-position switch (cold/auto/hot) is now replacing the previous two-position switch (cold/hot).
  • Power-train:
    • Rotor brake system tune-up.
  • Lighting system:
    • New instruments lighting system was added to allow clear night-flying capability.
    • Overhead light switch is now controlling flood and instruments lights.
  • Electrical system:
    • Circuit Breaker panel is working with most CB's (wired via custom datarefs).
  • Interaction:
    • Mixture lever: Two-position interaction (toggle mechanism) replaced the older click-and drag interaction. Mixture lever is now smoothly animated.
    • Rotor brake: New two-position interaction (toggle mechanism) with smooth animation.
    • New Dual-System high-res altimeter replaced the old switchable altimeters.
  • 3D modeling/PBR/Textures:
    • Cockpit PBR complete tune-up.
    • Gauges glass is now "cleaner".
    • Various fixes to modeling, texturing and normal maps.
  • Flight Dynamics:
    • Complete flight dynamic validation and tuneup for X-Plane 11.50+ / Experimental flight model environment.
  • Paint-Kit is now part of the project, can be found in a dedicated folder.

XP11 - v1.7c (21st April 2020):

• Minor-Fix update - Starter engagement is now NOT affecting mixture level.

XP11 - v1.7a (12th March 2020):

• Drive-train-to-EPM-tuneup:
  • EPM is now showing more accurate readings in the 2500-2750 arc range.
  • Nominal RPM range for the engine (with governor on) tuneup.

XP11 - v1.7 (11th March 2020):

• MAJOR flight dynamics model update and bug fixes (Phase 2 of 2):
  • Overall control, stability and responsiveness tuneup.
  • Ground interaction improved.
  • Autorotation validated for v1.7: Tendency for aircraft breakup during aggressive collective down action upon autorotation initiation was tuned.
• General aspects:
  • Update to the normal maps of the default liveries.

XP11 - v1.6 (8th December 2019):

• MAJOR flight dynamics model update and bug fixes (Phase 1 of 2):
  • Rated power output (max/continuous) was tuned with higher precision.
• Handling tuneup:
  • Overall control and stability refinements.
  • Rotor disc performance.
  • Fenestron (tail rotor) performance.
• G2 flight envelope - higher speed regime performance tuneup - max level speed, rotor disc performance in high forward flight speed.

XP11 - v1.5 (10th November 2019):

• Flight Dynamics Model update for X-Plane 11.40+ Experimental flight model environment.

XP11 - v1.4a (19th September 2019)

• Minor fix - instrument panel is now casting shadow as it should be.

XP11 - v1.4 (10th April 2019)

• Flight Model and Systems:
  • Engine power output was increased during heavy load performance tune-up.
  • Hovering ceiling at max weight (IGE) tuned.
  • Electrical system refinements. Alternator is now charging the battery more effectively and realistically.
  • Rotor braking ratio was tuned for a more realistic behavior. The lever is still having a 0/100% operation state (will be addressed in the future), but when applied to 100% it will act on the rotor gradually.
• 3D modeling/interaction:
  • Altimeter setup knob sensitivity tuned for maximum precision.
  • Added an addition Altimeter plate with mbar/inHg setup system. This alternate Altimeter can be toggled by clicking on the Altimeter protective glass. The current additional Altimeter is a temporary solution, as a higher resolution plate is still being developed.
  • GPS textures fixed (minor bug fix).
  • Pilot's head position when loading the aircraft was tuned (experimental feature, will be further tuned in the future).
• Cockpit Switches 'pre-flight' state:
  • Igniters are now in the 'OFF' state when starting cold and dark.
  • Fuel valve is now in the 'OFF' state when starting cold and dark.
  • Clutch guard is now closed automatically when starting with engines running.
  • Landing and taxi lights are now in the 'OFF' position, unless activated.

XP11 - v1.32 (6rd February 2019):

• Flight Model Tune-up:
  • Helicopter performance tuneup - hovering ceiling at max weight (IGE).
  • Stability and handling tuneup.
  • Fenestron Tail-rotor performance tuneup.
• FMOD sounds:
  • Rotor-slap sounds tuneup.

XP11 - v1.31 (3rd February 2019)

• Flight Model Tune-up:
  • Engine's available Horse-power was tuned.
  • Fenestron Tail-rotor performance tuneup.
  • Stability and handling tuneup.

XP11 - v1.30b (23th November 2018):

• FMOD fix phase#2:
  • FMOD version cut v1.30b for fixing possible FMOD errors on some PC/X-Plane configurations.

XP11 - v1.30a (21th November 2018):

• FMOD fix phase#1:
  • FMOD sound bank replaced. Restarting X-Plane / Reinstalling the package may be required.

XP11 - v1.30 (11th October 2018):

• Flight Dynamics:
  • Flight dynamics tune-up for tail-rotor performance and responsiveness, especially in high-torque flight conditions (elevated terrain etc...).
  • Weight and balance - pilot weight was added to the base weight (this is not an unmanned drone and by doing so the G2 will be ready to fly with pilot + low-weight payload weight (adding payload to exceed 70kg will bring the passenger to appear in external view).
• FMOD sounds:
  • FMOD project maintenance - no errors are shown in the log.txt file.
• STMA AutoUpdater:
  • Automatic updates and notifications (see details below).
  • Fly the most recent version of the project.
  • Each time the aircraft is being loaded - it will auto-check if an update is available.
  • If there is an available update - it will download it and right after will prompt you to reload the aircraft.
  • After reloading the aircraft, you should see a text message confirming that you are using an updated version.
  • After each update - a window will be opened, showing important update notices. Note that this window will show up only ONCE after a new update. A text file with its details will be available in the 'Important_Docs_and_Files' folder within the aircraft folder.
  • To disable the automatic update - edit the settings.txt file with 'allowUpdates:No'

XP11 - v1.2b1 (27th September 2018):

• Flight Dynamics:
  • Performance tune-up for cruise.
  • Propulsion system tune-up for power.
  • Autorotation rotor behavior tune-up.
  • Handling and stability tune-up.
• VR Experience:
  • VRconfig.txt file added (realistic yoke and hot-spots defined for both seats - enabling the right seat realistic yoke requires a minor edit in the VRconfig.txt file).
  • Grip-zone for the throttle in non-full-VR collective mode was added to allow more comfortable operation of the collective, as it is lacking of real-life-friction, making it hard to maintain desired throttle setting.
  • VR X-Plane's iPad is now squeezed between the left seat and the mid-pedestal-panel (magnet point defined).
• 3D modeling:
  • Emergency inflatable floats were removed until the system is fully operational (future update).
  • Paint-kit mapping update: now it is possible to paint underneath the Cabri as well.
  • Added VSKYLABS livery.
• FMOD Sounds:
  • Rotor blades sounds layers were added (experimental).
  • 3D surround sound adjustments for head movement.

XP11 - v1.1b1 (14th September 2018):

• Flight dynamics model:
  • Propulsion system envelope expansion.
  • Autorotation envelope expansion.
  • Fenestron anti-torque authority tuneup.
  • Stability/Sensitivity: Got a notch into the more sensitive zone but will remain for now within reasonably and realistically pilot work-loads requirements. Make sure that you fly the Cabri with X-Plane's realism bars all the way to "maximum realism".
  • Manual throttle responsiveness tuned.
• FMOD package:
  • A few tuneups all around.
  • Sliding sounds on replay: Fixed
• Systems:
  • External lights and switches refinements.
  • Strobe light on the tail is controlled by the Strobe switch.
  • Nav lights (red,green and white) are controlled by the Nav lights switch and are non-flashing.
• Visualization:
  • Passenger figure appears (external view) only when payload exceeds pilot + passenger weight.

XP11 - v1.0b5 (September 12th 2018): Initial version release.