SIMULATION SCOPE

 Simulation Scope (v3.0+)

VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB Project
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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 (note - Paint-kit was temporarily removed in v3.2.1 due to complex SR-71 PBR materials, large size (>1 GB), and ongoing X-Plane lighting/PBR updates. The paint-kit will be reconsidered once the rendering pipeline stabilizes).
  • 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.

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