VSKYLABS Phoenix Air U15 S-LSA Project

The VSKYLABS Phoenix Air U15 Phoenix project

JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2023 All Rights Reserved.

The development of the VSKYLABS Phoenix Air U-15 Project for X-Plane was approved by Phoenix Air. Although acknowledged by Phoenix Air, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated with and/or endorsed by Phoenix Air.

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.

Phoenix Air Phoenix background and history

The Phoenix Air Phoenix is a Czech low-wing, two-seat motor glider, designed and manufactured by Phoenix Air (http://www.phoenixair.cz - developed by Martin Stepanek) and provided as a complete ready-to-fly aircraft. The Phoenix was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules and US light-sport aircraft rules.

The aircraft is certified in the USA as an S-LSA Glider, and imported to the US by Phoenix Air USA (http://www.phoenixairusa.com)

The aircraft features a cantilever wing, a T-tail, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration, enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy, fixed conventional landing gear and a 100 hp Rotax engine.

It is built from composites. Its 15 m span wing can be converted to 11 m by removing the wing tips and installing shorter ones for faster cruise speed when flown as a microlight aircraft. An electric powered version (D-14) is under development.

The Phoenix can be flown for hundreds or thousands of miles with either sets of wings. It is a super-versatile, state of the art light sport aircraft.

Project Highlights

• VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' Project: designed for use with X-Plane cutting edge flight model environment, features superb flight dynamics with authentic performance and flight handling characteristics.
• Built for VR: development was tailored specifically for VR, and optimized for 2D usage.
• Engineered and designed as a default X-Plane aircraft (Like all VSKYLABS projects). The VSKYLABS projects are practically show-casing X-Plane, as they are stretching X-Plane default features, systems and flight model to its limits...delivering a very robust simulation model, having maximum compatibility with the ever evolving X-Plane flight simulator.
• Two versions of wings included: The U15 S-LSA aircraft is featuring replaceable wing-tips: ‘Extended’, 15m and short, 11m span. These may be replaced easily in real life, allowing the U15 to be flown as a motor-glider or as a ‘cruiser’ Light Sport Aircraft (a bit faster, higher roll-rate, more maneuverable aircraft). This feature is included in the VSKYLABS U15 Project, which is having two different sets of wing flight-model.
• Built-in Avitab Plugin Compatibility (AviTab plugin is not included).
• 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 VSKYLABS support forums: Professional discussions which results in incorporating users feedback into the on-going scheduled development plan. Real-pilots inputs (as well as sim-pilots feedback) are always welcome, and in practice sets the the VSKYLABS projects within solid, professional margins over time.

Useful External links and Documents

Please refer the following documents (Pilot Operating Handbook) of the real Phoenix aircraft as the operation manual of the VSKYLABS Phoenix for use in X-Plane flight simulator, in terms of flying characteristics, handling, techniques etc...

*The following links, websites and other entities are not affiliated and/or related with VSKYLABS. They are presented *as is* and VSKYLABS is not responsible for its content.

Phoenix Air (main website):
http://www.phoenixair.cz

Phoenix Air USA:
http://www.phoenixairusa.com

AV WEB video overview of the Phoenix:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FrUgIYSGYI

Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer look at the Phoenix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0jrEb70rj0&t=317s

Plane&Pilot - Phoenix Motorglider: Chase The Shouting Wind:
http://www.planeandpilotmag.com/article/phoenix-motorglider-chase-the-shouting-wind/#.WNeIRHWGOIY

Video #1 (electric version):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_298DhhjRc

Video #2 (towing):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjfG5X_P-10

Pilot's Operating Handbook

VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Air Phoenix U15 S-LSA

VSKYLABS Phoenix Air U15 - Quick Guide Video

Update Log

VSKYLABS Phoenix Air U15 Phoenix project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2022 All Rights Reserved.

XP12 - v7.2 (4th December 2022):

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

XP12 - v7.1 (23th November 2022):

• Updater software replaced - from STMA to SkunkCrafts. 

XP12 - v7.0 (September 2022):

• X-Plane 12 - initial version released.

XP11 - v6.0a (31st July 2021):

• Fuel-Tank selector interaction:
  • Fuel tank selector is now "waking up"in the OFF position when the aircraft is
    being initiated in 'Cold and Dark'.

XP11 - v6.0 (28th July 2021):

• Flight Dynamics Model :
  • Complete verification/remake for all flight envelope, performance and
    handling characteristics.
  • Engine power management tuneup.
  • Gliding performance tuneup.
  • Ground handling tuneup for unpaved runways.
• Cockpit Environment- Modeling and Systems:
  • New 3D Front panel element (including PBR textures).
  • Increased resolution for ASI, VSI, RPM, Altimeter and Total Energy
    instruments.
  • New Altimeter with support for dual-system setup.
  • New 3D Slip and Turn indicator.
  • New Ignition and Starter switch.
  • New GNS530 3D model.
  • New cockpit 3D knobs (air/heating/choke/cowling).
  • New 3D Total Energy Instrument.
  • Improved throttle knob 3D modeling and textures.
  • New Placards set for the entire cockpit.
  • New 3D Magnetic Compass.
  • New 3D Rescue System Handle and safety pin.
  • New 3D Braking handle.
  • Improved Air brake/Flaps/Trim panel modeling and textures.
  • Improved PBR textures for the entire cockpit.
  • New seat-belts 3D model.
  • New Pilot visualization (including 1st person for VR operations).
  • New Passenger visualization (integrated to the weight and balance system).
  • Improved Canopy 3D model and textures.
  • Fixed X-iPad magnet position in VR.
• Interaction:
  • Airspeed indicator is now indicating which wingtips are selected by showing
    a built-in U15 aircraft symbol.
  • Fuel Tank Selector is can now be interacted via an axis/rotary knob.
  • Throttle, Air brake, Wheel brakes VR interactions tuneup.
  • VR config now includes GPS knobs.
  • New safety pin for the rescue system.
• Aircraft external modeling:
  • New remapping for the entire aircraft.
  • New 3D tail strobe light.
  • Improved 3D modeling of the entire aircraft.
•  Sound Engineering:
  
  • New FMOD sound package.
• Manual/ POH:
  • Updated manual to rev.002.

XP11 - v5.3 (1st March 2020):

• Flight Dynamics Model :
  
  • Drag tuneup for landing gears, fuselage and propeller.
• Systems:
  
  • Vertical Speed Indicator was calibrated to show accurate readings in values
    between +500 and -500 feet per minute.

XP11 - v5.2 (9th November 2019):

• Flight Dynamics Model :
  • Aircraft tune-up for X-Plane 11.40+ Experimental flight model: Ailerons,
    Elevator, Rudder throws were tuned-up.

XP11 - v5.1 (1st September 2019):

• Flight Dynamics Model - engine/prop:
  
  • Manual feathering system refinement to allow unfeathering of the prop just
    as the aircraft is being loaded in 'cold and dark' mode.\Empty weight reduced back to 727 lb.
• Systems:
  • Navigation lights re-wired correctly to work also when power is set to 'off'
    but while the electrical bus is 'hot' when the engine is running.

XP11 - v5.0 (28th August 2019):

• Flight Dynamics Model refinements, systems:
  • New flight dynamics model designed for X-Plane 11.30+ Experimental Flight
    Model environment (must be enabled in X-Plane's general-settings menu).
  • Complete new performance and handling characteristics tune-up.
  • Choke system is now operational (however,"cold-day" simulation is
    currently not implemented in X-Plane's out of the box features).
• 3D modeling and model design:
  • Completely new internal engineering.
  • Canopy is now operational and animated.
  • PBR implementation.
  • Transponder/Radios re-arrangements, COM1 is integrated into the GNS530,
    and the older transponder was replaced with a new, GTX-327 (simplified
    version).
  • Cockpit instruments lighting.
  • Optimizations for VR usage.
  • AviTab compatibility was added (AviTab plugin is not included, as it is not part
    of the VSKYLABS projects).
• FMOD Sound-pack:
  • Maintenance update.
• STMA Autoupdater plugin was added!

XP11 - v4.7 (2nd November 2018):

• Fix to Joystick throttle command issues with X-Plane 11.30b1+

XP11 - v4.6 (31 January 2018):

• Virtual-Reality compatibility update:
  • Adaptation to VR usability is completed.
  • Improved manipulators layout optimized for VR controllers.

XP11 - v4.5 (14th January 2018):

• Virtual-Reality compatibility update:
  
  • Both control sticks, all levers, knobs, switches, handles are defined for VR
    operations.
• FMOD sound pack included.

XP11 - v4.4 (21th November 2017):

• Maintenance update for future X-Plane 11.10 compatibility:
  • This update was triggered to encounter some engine issues which were
    detected in X-Plane 11.10 beta versions. It is a minor update in terms of
    features, but a major update in terms of internal engineering and preparation
    for the upcoming updates.
• Compatibility maintenance:
  • The aircraft is X-Plane 11.05 model, but with the needed fixes to it's engine's
    simulation model for X-Plane 11.10 compatibility.
• Interactivity:
  • Improved cockpit manipulators layout.
• Flight Dynamics Model refinements:
  • Wing spoiler/brakes efficiency tuned.
• X-Plane 10.51 support ended:
  • The package is no longer including and supporting X-Plane 10.

XP11 - v4.3 (2nd June 2017):

• 3D Modeling - (the main focus ofthis update):
  • Model internal architecture refinements.
  • Normal maps and glass (canopy) are nicer and shines perfectly.
  • I've switched between the 'Default white' and the 'Red stripes' liveries. Now
    the default livery is 'Default white'.
• GNS 530 minor fix:
  
  • 'CLR' switch is now clickable when operating from the 3D Garmin itself.
• Flight Dynamics Model refinements:
  • Minor adjustment to overall drag of the Phoenix so it is slightly less "floaty"
    on landings. This specific performance aspect is still under evaluation and
    further updates are to be expected.

XP11 - v4.2 (25th May 2017):

• GNS 530 is now 'clickable':
  • It can be operated with and without using the pop-up.
  • Frequency and page/chapter knobs has mouse manipulators so you can
    switch frequencies with the use of the mouse wheel or click-and-drag. The
    click-zones layout is experimental, and will be tuned up soon.
  • COMM2 + transponder are also using mouse manipulators:
  • same as in the GNS 530 - layout is experimental and changes are to be
    expected.
  • COMM2 is now COMM2 (this radio is redundant and will soon to be
    replaced with other instrument/navigation aid).
  • Cockpit camera can't go through cockpit canopy/walls.
  • 2-D HUD view shows only HUD, without the cockpit.
  • Propeller disc is now volumetric (not seen from the side as a "thin paper", but with
    volume).

XP11 - v4.1 (18th April 2017):

• Flight model refinement: Minor engine (internal flight model) fix.

XP11 - v4.0 (4th April 2017):

• This is a MAJOR UPDATE RELEASE.
• The aircraftis now capable of switching between short and extended wingtips:
• To switch between wingtips, just 'look' at one of the wingtips, from cockpit
  3D view, point the mouse on the wingtip region and click on it!
• When changing from Extended to Short wingtips, the flight dynamics model
  is changing as well (flight dynamics model and 3D model are biased, so it is
  switching the wings practically between 36 and 49 feet span).

XP11 - v3.0 (2nd April 2017):

• 3D Modeling - 'Interactive':
  • Wing-flex animation added.
• Experimental feature added: Aircraft is vibrating when the engine is running
  (external and internal). This is an experimental feature that I'm testing in
  v003. It may be removed in future updates (according to users experience
  feedback).
• 3D Modeling - Aircraft painting:
  • Default livery improved.
  • Added an 'all white' livery.
  • Canopy is now featuring a tinted coating.

XP11 - v2.1 (30th Marth 2017):

• Flight Dynamics - aircraft ground behavior Phase#1 tuning (cross-winds) - this aspect is
  scheduled for a Phase#2 tuning in the near future.
• Propeller disc update (visuals).
• Added Yaw-String...I've taped it with a silver Duct-Tape ;)
• Modeling:
  
  • Emergency Feather lever angle when activated is set to a new value.
  • Minor 3D model fixes.

XP11 - v2.0 (27th March 2017):

• This was an update FIX to improve frame rate in 50%-70%

XP11 - v1.0 (27th March 2017): Initial version release v001.