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.
PROJECT STATUS
Actively maintained and validated for the current X-Plane 12 release.
MANUALS
Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
PROJECT HISTORY
AVAILABILITY
SUPPORT & DISCUSSION
VSKYLABS Support Forum at X-Plane.org
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).
- 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 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
Media
