Development status: Active (since 2017)
Above: C-47 of 62d Troop Carrier Squadron, 314th Troop Carrier Group, RAF Saltby, England, 1944Photo: assumed USAAF, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Below: The VSKYLABS C-47B Skytrain
Note: This is the authentic World War II C-47B Skytrain military variant.For enthusiasts interested in modernized variant,
MULTI-ENGINE OPERATIONS - OLD-SCHOOL NAVIGATION - TAILWHEEL - HIGH PILOT SKILL - ICONIC
VSKYLABS WORLD-OF-DC3 KNOWLEDGE CENTER
This Aircraft Has A Dedicated Knowledge Center
The VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 projects are supported by a specialized infrastructure ('Center')
The Center consolidates manuals, development evolution logs,operational notes, and technical documentationstructured for the simulation environment.
Visit World-of-DC3
PROJECT STATUS
Actively maintained and validated for the current X-Plane 12 release.
MANUALS / PROJECT HISTORY
Visit the VSKYLABS World-of-DC3 Center
AVAILABILITY
SUPPORT & DISCUSSION
VSKYLABS Support Forum at X-Plane.org
Project Introduction:
The DC-3/C-47 is a fixed-wing, propeller-driven airliner. With a range of approximately 1,500 miles and speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, its performance revolutionized air transportation in the 1930s and 1940s. This twin-engine, all-metal monoplane could operate from short runways in remote areas, enabling transcontinental and global flights.
These fascinating capabilities of the DC-3/C-47 inspired the creation of the VSKYLABS C-47 Skytrain Flying Performance/Research Lab project for X-Plane - and the follow-up DC-3 projects that came after.
Project Highlights:
- Project is 'VR Ready' for use with X-Plane: VR functionality is part of the project aspects that are constantly under evaluation and development, aiming for a higher level of immersion as VR features and possibilities continue to grow.
- Highly Realistic Handling and Flight Performance DC-3 Simulation: Highly accurate performance and handling simulation of the DC-3. Aircraft performance and handling qualities were designed and tested using a "research-level" approach and went through a validation process involving hundreds of flight tests and evaluations, tested and refined by a real-world C-47 pilot.
- Workhorse for DC-3 pilot skills: Experience authentic flight performance and handling practices (takeoff, landing, single engine operations, flight planning, long-range flights). It is a perfect platform to recreate and fly historic routes using authentic performance.
- Unique look and feel: There is nothing to hide—the VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 projects are a mixture of simplified yet very engaging design.
- Compatible with the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': C-47B Skytrain project liveries!
- Optional GNS530/S-TEC 55.
- Comprehensive systems: All relevant systems are simulated. Here are some of the more unique systems:
- Engines/propeller systems: Highly defined PW-1830-92, 14-cylinder engine simulation, designed with a fully featured, functioning, and authentic DC-3/C-47 propeller feathering system, for highly realistic single engine simulation.
- DC-3 Fire Extinguisher system: Includes fire indication system. The fire extinguisher control panel is located behind the hinged cover on the cockpit floor, between the pilot and co-pilot's seats.
- Damage simulation: Engines are sensitive to rapid spool-up (experimental feature). Engine mishandling will result in severe damage or engine fire. Stressing the airframe will also result in severe damage, with visual representation of the damages. Blown tires are also visualized and simulated.
- Landing gear and flaps simulation: Simulated with a high level of authenticity.
- Anti-Icing/De-Ice systems.
- Skis: Animated, incorporated in the flight dynamics model.
- Weight and balance: Makes use of X-Plane 12's advanced weight and balance system.
- Passenger/Cargo configuration.
- Comprehensive FMOD sounds.
- Built-in AviTab compatibility (AviTab plugin not included).
- Highly responsive VSKYLABS support system (including C-47/DC-3 operational knowledge and support/assistance).
- 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:
Additional Development Notes:
- The VSKYLABS C-47B Skytrain Flying Lab Project is an independent VSKYLABS commercial product which is under continuous development since 2015/2016. The initial development back in 2016 used Emmanuel Baranger's licensed DC-3 3D model as a base reference, with Brett Harrison’s approval to create a matching paint kit based on his general layout. All VSKYLABS copyright and disclaimer terms apply to this product. © 2025 JetManHuss - VSKYLABS.
- The 'Buffalo Airways' and the 'Plane Savers C-DTFT' were added to the VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 projects following approval by the Amazing Buffalo Airways company (Thank you Mikey!).
- The 'Odyssey 86' livery was added to the VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 projects following approval by the 'KF Centre for Excellence' museum permission. The VSKYLABS DC-3/C-47 projects are not affiliated with the 'KF Centre for Excellence' museum.
- The 'Plassid-Lassie' livery was added to the DC-3/C-47 projects following approval by the Tunision Foundation.
- Project version NXG v1.0+ introduces new 3-d mapping and paint-kit with new PBR normal maps which were developed to allow easy painting for non-professional artists. The previous paint-kits and liveries are still compatible, requiring only minor modifications (referring to the older v2.0 paint-kit created by Oleg Tronov, Sochu, Russia, and other 3rd party artists).
- All interior paints previous to the NXG update are incompatible.
ATTENTION:
Customized mixtures setup. Please read the manual!
