VSKYLABS SR-71-TB Update Log History

Update Log
VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2025 All Rights Reserved

XP12 - Version v3.2.1 (22nd December 2025)

  • D21 Mach-3 drone:
    • New, 'EVO' enhanced 3-d model was implemented, replacing the v1/2 one, alongside new textures and PBR settings.
    • Added option to install/remove the drone via on-screen interaction (interaction zone on the drone and on the aircraft aft area).
  • Graphics update:
    • New PBR setup for all liveries.
  • Paint-kit:
    • Temporarily removed due to complex SR-71 PBR materials, large size (>1 GB), and ongoing X-Plane 12 lighting/PBR updates. The paint-kit will be reconsidered once the rendering pipeline stabilizes.

XP12 - Version v3.2.0 (10th September 2025)

  • Air-Data systems update:
    • Air-data system update to fall in line with the new airspeed/air-data convention in upcoming X-Plane 12.3.0.
  • Aircraft paint and livery textures/PBR update:
    • Update to aircraft paint, liveries and paint-kit to fall in line with latest X-Plane 12 rendering features.
    • Fixes 'wet' and 'shiny' aircraft appearance.

XP12 - Version v3.1 (12th March 2025)

  • Flight model update:
    • Engine inlet performance and envelope tuneups (max temp, KEAS, and Mach gradients).
    • Engine/intake drag characteristics tuneups for subsonic/non-afterburner thrust to drag ratio.

XP12 - Manuals Update (13 Jan 2025 / No version change!!!)

  • New VSKYLABS SR-71-A Abbreviated Checklist Notebook (normal procedures) was added. More information about it can be found in the cover page.
  • New VSKYLABS SR-71-TB Tutorials Notebook was added. The tutorials notebook is in fact the evolving project manual, which will keep grow to provide the BEST SR-71-A reference and instruction manual for the VSKYLABS SR-71-TB aircraft in X-Plane 12.
  • Update to the Read Me.txt file in the 'Instructions-manual-POH' folder.

XP12 - Version v3.0c (28th December 2024)

  • Minor fix - FMOD sound pack- Afterburner Doppler effect tune-up.
  • Flight envelope design limit is 500 KEAS. Now, when crossing the design margin threshold of ~560 KEAS, airframe integrity fails.

XP12 - Version v3.0a (23th December 2024)

  • Minor fix - SAS switches sounds fixed.
  • VSKYLABS SR-71-TB Tutorials-Notebook rev.001 was added to the Instructions/POH folder. The primary reference for operating the SR-71 is the official SR-71-A manual, which provides comprehensive and detailed instructions. However, VSKYLABS offers this fast-guide booklet as a supplementary resource, designed to focus on the basic aspects of operation. It is a Work-In-Progress document, in the process of becoming the official VSKYLABS ‘Test-Pilot’: SR-71-TB Project instructions manual.

XP12 - Version v3.0 (16th December 2024) 

  • Major update release which is focused on graphics.
  • New VSKYLABS SR-71-TB 3-d model, inside out, including new PBR textures. The new VSKYLABS 3-d model introduces a more accurate and detail 3-d model and sets the foundations for RSO cockpit implementation, as well as additional systems and features.
  • Added - canopy animation, locking latch, seal-pressure and 'canopy unsafe' warning light that indicates seal/locking systems integrity.

XP12 - Version v2.0 (29th November 2024) 

  • Major update release.
  • Launchable D-21 Mach-3 drone:
    • VSKYLABS flyable variant of the D-21 Mach 3 launchable drone was implemented.
    • D-21 (slightly) modified version of the authentic operation and launch panel was implemented in the front-seat (the back-seat is currently a WIP, as part of the project development road-map).
  • Flight Dynamics:
    • Interactive configuration setup for M-21/SR-71 configurations. To interchange configuration, load/unload the D-21 'weapon' in X-Plane 12 weapons menu.
  • Graphics:
    • Various cockpit textures improvements.
  • Interaction:
    • Built-in Avitab compatibility was added.
    • Two bat-visors were added to the cockpit.
  • VSKYLABS 'Cockpit-Builders Heaven' assignment layer:
    • Allows assigning all aircraft switches, knobs, levers, and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.

Early Access v1.0.5c (9th July 2024)

  • Minor fix to engine compressor area (due X-Plane 12.1.0).

Early Access v1.0.5a (10th January 2024)

  • Autopilot adjustment for more stable attitude interception in the pitch axis.

Early Access v1.0.5 (2nd January 2024)

  • Paint-mapping is now locked:
    • Various default paint/PBR fixes.
    • Package includes now 3 default liveries.
    • Package includes 'PAINT-KIT' folder with 3 'blank' liveries to be used as templates.
  • Cockpit modeling/texturing:
    • Added ball/needle in main ADI display.
    • All warning lights textures/PBR tuneups.
    • Aviation/flood light elements lowered to cockpit sidewall.
  • Bug fixes:
    • Fix to various lights remains lit after shutdown.
    • Fix to night light control of autopilot and FMS panels.
  • 3-D modeling:
    • D-21 Drone: 'Under the hood' preparations for being launchable in future versions.
    • Nacelle aft bypass section - remodeled.
    • Main landing gears doors animation sequence was fixed.

Early Access v1.0.4c (26th December 2023)

  • v1.0.4c (26th December 2023) - Autothrottle hard-off was set to allow FMS/VNAV without issues (goes back to X-Plane's default when aircraft unloads).
  • v1.0.4a (26th December 2023) - Minor fix to manual aft-transfer switch (spring loaded in the off position, pushing down for manual transfer)
  • v1.0.4 (25th December 2023) -NEW, fully functional SR-71A SAS/Autopilot system.
  • Various PBR (3-d modeling) tuneups for cockpit textures.
  • Night-lights for FMS panel.

Early Access v1.0.3c (17th December 2023)

  • v1.0.3c (18th December 2023) - minor fix release:
    • Fix(patch) for fuel system - engine starving midflight.
  • Major update to the fuel-system which allows full-operation:
    • Fully functional SR-71 Fuel system controls and indications.
    • Automatic fuel consumption scheduling, with manual boost pump operation (on top the automatic scheduling).
    • Manual FWD/AFT transfer.
    • Cross-feed.
    • Fuel-tank indicator selector was added (for monitoring each tank individually).
    • Nitrogen consumption rates tune-ups.
    • Fuel dump guard switch added.
    • Note: Manual fuel transfer rates are slightly increased - will be refined in future update.
  • Update of flight dynamics to 'Block-2':
    • Flight model update to X-Plane 12.0.8.
    • Supersonic drag tuneups.
    • Supersonic thrust tuneups.
    • SAS handling tuneups.
    • Aircraft radii of gyration update for an even more authentic handling characteristics of the aircraft, especially in the roll axis.
  • Bug fixes:
    • Fix to fuel quantity and CG initiation 'jumps' unintentionally upon auto-start.
    • Autopilot roll/pitch refinements (thorough update to autopilot will be released soon).
  • Sounds:
    • Doppler sound physics tune-ups (sound-waves piles up into a shock-wave when supersonic, sound cannot exceed beyond the speed of sound).

Early Access v1.0.2c (14th December 2023)

  • Surface limiter further tuneup (v1.0.2c).
  • bug fixes (v1.0.2a):
    • Surf-Limiter system recalibrated.
  • Systems:
    • (Internal architecture): preparations for additional systems integration.
    • Gear handle: added downlock mechanism.
    • Engines RPM indication: Showing now RPM reading (with redline marking), not percentage.
    • Emergency gears 'T' handle implemented.
  • Interaction:
    • Various fixes to touch-manipulators.
    • Drag chute 'T' handle animation fixed.

Early Access v1.0.1 (10th December 2023)

  • Minor fixes release:
    • Electrical system minor fix (disabled all power sources 'bleed' when all aircraft power sources are set to off).
    • CDU 739 brightness knob now functioninig propely.
    • Autopilot VVI indicator show 'minus' when in negative values.
    • Various instrument brightness and LIT tuneups (night lighting).

Early Access v1.0 (8th December 2023):
Early Access version released.

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