VSKYLABS Flight Design CTLS Project

The VSKYLABS Flight Design CTLS Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2023 All Rights Reserved

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 development of the VSKYLABS Flight Design CTLS Project for X Plane 11 was approved by 'Flight Design GmbH'. Although acknowledged by 'Flight Design GmbH', it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated and/or endorsed with/by 'Flight Design GmbH'.

Project Introduction

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

The CTLS aircraft is produced by Flight Design of Germany. Produced in 2008, it is a part of Flight Design CT series family. It is a high-wing, tricycle, two seat light sport aircraft. The aircraft built mainly from composite materials construction, having an efficient aerodynamics shape and relatively low weight, allowing to carry high useful loads. It is powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine. Thanks to its design efficiency, the CTLS is fast, spacious and capable for cross country flights, with a cruise speed of approximately 115 knots, and maximum range of up to 850 nautical miles. Due to its cantilever wing design, the CTLS has no wing struts to obstruct the outside view. Main landing gears are composite constructed as well, designed to absorb hard landings. The CTLS is equipped with a BRS (Ballistic Recovery System) parachute.

Project Highlights

• VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' Project: designed for use with X-Plane cutting edge flight model environment.
• 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 without any dependencies on complementary plugins or software...delivering a very robust simulation model, having maximum compatibility with the ever evolving X-Plane flight simulator.
• Perfect fit for beginner and expert pilots:  The VSL CTLS is featuring the standard, basic CT VFR + night pack panel. The simple and clear analog gauges layout is perfect for beginner pilots. It is also featuring an enhanced panel, which is including the addition of a notebook-based glass PFD along with a Dynon style AP74 and HS34 (these are incorporated with simplified, yet functional features).
• Equipped with Alpha Systems AOA 'Eagle' indicator replica.
• 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.
• The project is under constant maintenance and development.

Additional Notes

The VSKYLABS CTLS project is under constantly development and evaluation. Differences from the simulated VSKYLABS CTLS aircraft and the real CTLS aircraft may be noticeable:

• Avionics package: The VSL CTLS is equipped with basic cockpit panel and avionics, based on X-Plane's GNS530 and simplified EFIS display. This aspect is still under development with the goal of adding a full glass cockpit variant, based on X-Plane's Garmin g1000 and/or modular EFIS glass cockpit elements to found on the LSA market, and a custom built engine management display. In all cases, future development of avionics will always be based on X-Plane's default features (stretched to its limits).
• Flaps operation: Like in the real CTLS, the VSL CTLS desired flaps setting is selected with the flaps lever switch for these preset positions: -6, 0, 15, 30, 40. However, setting the flaps in between these values by switching the flaps lever switch *below* '0' position or *above* '40' position is not enabled. This is still under development. In addition, the flaps over-load CB (located just right side to the flaps lever switch) is not simulated in v1.0, but it will be fully functional in future updates.
• HS34+AP74: These are not in-depth simulated...only modeled with simplified/basic functionality with the purpose to allow autopilot operation.
• General visualization: The VSL CTLS aircraft was modeled to demonstrate the visuals of the real CTLS. However, various differences from the real aircraft may be noticeable, but should not compromise the overall look and feel of the CTLS.

Pilot's Operating Handbook

(included in the package, online version not available)

Update Log

VSKYLABS Flight Design CTLS Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2022 All Rights Reserved

XP12 - v4.0e (15th May 2023):

• GNS530 no-popup bug fixed

XP12 - v4.0 (28th March 2023):

• FDM - Physics and aircraft performance:
  • Cruise performance tuneups (speeds, drag).
  • Handling characteristics tuneups especially in the low speed regime (including control surfaces responsiveness).
  • Fuel consumption tuneups.
• Systems:
  • New 'Alpha Systems AOA' Eagle AOA indicator.
  • New altimeter (dual system).
  • New gauges lights system.
• 3-d modeling:
  • Various panel and cockpit 3-d modeling and textures enhancement, including in PBR textures.
• VR interaction:
  • Various VR interaction refinements.
• Sounds:
  • New FMOD 2.0 engine sounds.
  • Various refinements.

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 release.

XP11 - v2.0a (4th August 2020):

• New default head position in VR config file was set to match v2.0

XP11 - v2.0 (29th July 2020):

• FMOD Sounds Pack:
  • FMOD Sound pack update to include Rotax 912 authentic sounds.
  • Starter, engine start and shutdown sound interactions were added.
  • Bug fix for quiet sounds in 'VR external' mode.
• Flight dynamics (Phase #1):
  • All round tune-ups Phase #1 (cruise, flaps, overall handling for latest Experimental flight model).
  • Propeller and engine tune-up.
  • Flaps damage (1st stage) speed tuneup.
• Interaction:
  • Brake lever can now be biased to 'Wing Sweep' Joystick axis and be used by a hardware lever.
• Manual/POH:
  • Updated to Rev.002
  • Key assignment table was added to all functions (switches, CB's).
• Liveries added:
  • Two liveries were added. The project is now including 3 liveries.
• Bug Fixes:
  • Analog Vertical Speed Indicator calibrated to show more accurate readings between -1000 to +1000 feet per minute.

XP11 - Update without version change (15th April 2020):

• Paint-kit was added to the project. It is a separate file in the purchase page.

XP11 - v1.15a (9th April 2020):

• Minor tuneup for oil temp and CHT readings.

XP11 - v1.15 (20th January 2020):

• Slip indicator was added, attached to the AH.

XP11 - v1.1 (28th November 2019):

• This is a flight dynamics update, and now the project is tuned and validated to work with X-Plane 11.40+ Experimental flight dynamics model.

XP11 - v1.0 (8th August 2019): Initial Version Release.