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VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Mini-500 Project

The VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Mini-500 Project.
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2023 All Rights Reserved

 

A High Definition Ultralight Single Seat Helicopter 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 Revolution Mini-500 project for X-Plane flight simulator was approved by its real-world designer, Mr. Dennis Fetters, who also contributed various 1st hand reference materials for this project (Thank you Mr. Fetters!). However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated and/or endorsed with the 'Fetters Aerospace Company' and/or Mr. Dennis Fetters.


Project Introduction

 

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

The Revolution Mini-500 is an American single seat light helicopter, designed and built in the 90's by Dennis Fetters, as a home-built kit. It is a natural VSKYLABS project selection!

VSKYLABS development approach for this project was as if it was a real home-built effort, similar to the process done with the VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project, meaning that it was designed and developed with a practical engineering/experimental approach along with the use of real reference materials and with extensive research behind it. Development and flight testings were carried by real-world, professional helicopter pilots with decades-lasting experience.

The VSKYLABS Revolution Mini-500 simulation is setting up a highly detailed and highly accurate Mini-500 simulation along with full VR compatibility.

The included manual is based on the REAL-WORLD actual Revolution Mini-500 Pilot's Operating Handbook, with an additional section dedicated for preparation and breifing of the 1st test-flight and familiarization phase of a new home-built experimental helicopter by its owner.


Project Highlights

 

  • VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' Project - Professional-grade physics, handling and performance characteristics.
  • Highly defined and engineered flight dynamics model of the Revolution Mini-500, built around the powerful X-Plane flight model. The Mini-500 performance was analyzed by experts. 
  • Fully functional VR (Virtual Reality).
  • Multi-Layer FMOD sound pack, composed with actual recodrings of the Mini-500 helicopter engine and rotor sounds.
  • Unique aspects of the Mini-500 helicopter are simulated and are part of the flying experience by definition: Manual engine/rotor RPM management, low rotor-inertia aspects, in-flight nose tuck during engine-stop, rotor RPM management, retreating blade stall condition (Vne), typical Mast bumping, typical autorotation capability and more.
  • The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': Revolution Mini-500 is designed as if it was a real kit-built helicopter, awaiting for it's first test-flight. Was it built exactly as instructed? Will it fly as expected? wow there is only one way to find out! You will have to get familiar with it step by step...or you might get yourself into serious trouble when mistreating it. Mastering the Mini-500 will sure make you a better helicopter pilot!
  • The original pilot's manual and other 1st hand references contributed by the Mini-500 real-world designer were one of the core-materials during development of this project, and the VSKYLABS Mini-500 pilot's manual includes the actual data and information of the actual Mini-500 manual.
  • 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).
  • The project is under constant development.
  • Highly responsive VSKYLABS support forums.

Recommended reading resources for the Mini-500

Mini 500 Kit Copter Revolution (www.redbackaviation.com):

http://www.redbackaviation.com/mini-500-kit-copter-revolution/

 

Revolution Mini 500 Kit Copter Open Day (www.redbackaviation.com):

http://www.redbackaviation.com/revolution-mini-500-kit-copter/

 

Mini 500 Helicopter – From The Presidents Desk (www.redbackaviation.com):

http://www.redbackaviation.com/mini-500-helicopter-from-presidents-desk/

 

Revolution Helicopters Mini 500 Introduction (www.redbackaviation.com):

http://www.redbackaviation.com/revolution-helicopters-mini-500-introduction/

 

Mini 500 Helicopter Flight Test (www.redbackaviation.com):

http://www.redbackaviation.com/mini-500-helicopter-flight-test/

 

Revolution Helicopter Mini 500 Public Debut (www.redbackaviation.com):

http://www.redbackaviation.com/revolution-helicopter-mini-500-public-debut/

 

Gyrocopter King Moves To Mini 500 Helicopter (www.redbackaviation.com):

http://www.redbackaviation.com/gyrocopter-king-moves-to-mini-500-helicopter/


Pilot's Operating Handbook

 

Based on the Revolution Mini-500 POH – Originally written and published by RHCI
Modified for flight simulation usage by
VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations
(Permission was granted)

 

(online version will be available soon)


Update Log

VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Mini-500 Project.
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2023 All Rights Reserved

 

XP12 - v3.0h (25th April 2023):

  • On the ground - wind threshold for doors shut-close was increased from 5-6 knots to 15+ knots.
  • When flying - the wind will force the doors into the closed position. Removing the doors is still an option!

XP12 - v3.0f (8th/10th March 2023):

  • v3.0f - throttle governor is now set to OFF in cold and dark start, and to ON is start 'with engine running'.
  • Flight dynamics latest tuneup to fall in line with the latest X-Plane 12 related helicopter simulation physics.
  • Sounds - new sounds (FMOD 2.0).
  • 3-d external - skids flex animation was added.
  • 3-d external - tail-vibration animation was added.
  • 3-d external - (experimental) damage due mast-bumping visualization was added.
  • 3-d external - rotor-blades flex animation was added.
  • 3-d external - rotor-disc visualization refinements.
  • 3-d int - new PBR textures for most cockpit elements.
  • 3-d int - new higher resolution airspeed indicator plate.
  • 3-d int - new higher resolution VSI indicator plate.
  • 3-d int - new Altimeter with dual pressure system.
  • 3-d int - improved VSL autopilot LED system.
  • 3-d int - new built-in avitab support.
  • 3-d int - new ignition switch.
  • 3-d int - fixes to yaw-string.
  • 3-d int - new hour-meter.
  • 3-d int - added better animation to fuel-tank selector.
  • 3-d int - new high resolution mapping for canopy pieces (in and out).
  • Avionics - new GNS 430.
  • Avionics - new Transponder.
  • Avionics - autopilot, gps, radios are wired via 'avionics' switch.
  • VR interaction - new/improved VR interaction for the entire cockpit.
  • Manual/POH - new manual (please read before flight).
  • All-around refinements and optimizations.

XP12 - v2.3 (28th February 2023):

  • Collective interation for VR / mouse interaction now includes two interaction zones; forward and aft, to allow separate collective and throttle control.

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 (September 2022):

  • X-Plane 12 - initial version release.

XP11 - v1.6 (28th February 2023):

  • Collective interation for VR / mouse interaction now includes two interaction zones; forward and aft, to allow separate collective and throttle control.

XP11 - v1.5 (18th April 2020):

  • Throttle governor was re-designed. Now there are no power drops when it is exceeding its envelope (minor drops were observed in several flight situations).
  • Engine Alternator is now set with a better working conditions, and will kick in above idle RPM.
  • Drive system automatic clutch operation tuneup - will allow smoother starting of the engine, as it is not being pre-engaged.

XP11 - v1.4 (10th November 2019):

  • Flight Dynamics Model was updated to X-Plane 11.40+ Experimental flight model.

XP11 - v1.3 (18th September 2019):

  • STMA Autoupdater was added.
  • Minor fix to fuselage PBR normal maps.

XP11 - v1.27 (26th June 2019):

  • Radio is now COM1+NAV1 (instead of COM2+NAV2).

XP11 - v1.2 (24th March 2019):

  • Vertical card compass was moved from up front to the right-side of the front panel to allow clearer field-of-view (especially in VR).
  • Flight dynamics model tuneup: slightly increased cyclic responsiveness.

XP11 - v1.1 (3rd February 2019):

  • Engine available Horse-power tuneup (following X-Plane 11.31 update) to match the authentic POH performance chart.
  • Airfoils updated to latest X-Plane 11.31.

XP11 - v1.05 (24 January 2019):

  • Coolant system/temperature tune-up to allow reasonable operations at high temperature weather conditions (45 degrees Celsius).
  • At OAT of 45 degrees Celsius the cooling system will allow ground operation of 1 minute of max RPM until reaching the Coolant temperature yellow arc. This will limit also hovering time in these extreme conditions. For cooling down on the ground, do not idle the engine. Instead, throttle it up (with the governor switched of OFF) so rotor RPM will get stable at about 80%-90%.

XP11 - v1.02 (22 January 2019):

  • Fix to the FMOD sound pack for eliminating repetitive harmony in the transmission sound layer and in the rotor slap sounds in certain RPM's and in certain FPS.
  • Minor 3D modeling refinements.
  • Autopilot system - eliminating altitude call-outs.

XP11 - v1.0 (January 2019): Initial Version Release.

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