The VSKYLABS Scheibe SF-25C Project was developed for X-Plane flight simulator with the acknowledgement/approval of the 'Scheibe Aircraft GMBH’ company. However it is an independent project which is not affiliated with ‘Scheibe Aircraft GMBH’.
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
Project Introduction
This project is part of the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' series, designed specifically for use with X-Plane cutting edge Experimental Flight Model.
The SF-25C Falke is a motor glider with easy handling and good flight behavior. Suitable for experienced pilots (LSA and gliding) but also for the infrequent pilots. The SF 25-C is being used in many flight schools and clubs worldwide, with different engines and landing gears layouts.
The VSKYLABS SF-25C Project is simulating the SF-25C 2000 which is powered by the Limbach 2000L engine, with two optional variants: Belly landing gear and Tail-wheel.
Project Highlights
- VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' Project: designed for use with X-Plane cutting edge flight model environment, featuring a superb flight dynamics with authentic performance and flight handling characteristics.
- Superb Flight dynamics: A highly defined SF-25C flight performance and handling qualities.
- Built for VR: development was tailored specifically for VR, and optimized for 2D usage.
- Perfect fit for beginner and expert pilots: The VSL SF-25C Falke features a standard, basic analog cockpit suitable for easy readings and orientation. With its superb handing qualities and docile behavior, it will serve as a safe training platform for powered flight, as well as for gliding. It is a motor-glider, so it's perfect for thermal-hunting and cross-country flights as well.
- Wonderful FMOD sound package that includes authentic Limbach 2000 engine recordings and an interactive set of dynamic sound layers that will "wrap" your flight perfectly, setting a whole new level of flying experience!
- Built-in Avitab Plugin Compatibility (AviTab plugin is not included).
- Detailed manual is included.
- Highly responsive VSKYLABS support forums: VSKYLABS is offering a continuous professional support from aircraft related aspects (operating and flying) to X-Plane technical support.
The Scheibe SF-25C Falke
The Scheibe SF-25C Falke is a German touring motor-glider which flew for the first time in 1963. The two-place powered sailplane is featuring a low wing configuration, an 80 hp engine and side by side seating. High performance in its operation range, easy handling, robust construction, reliability of both airframe and engine are the main features of the SF-25C Falke.
It has very easy and pleasant flying characteristics and is docile when stalled. The aircraft has good soaring capabilities with either one or two persons aboard. Takeoffs and landings are easily performed, and effective wing spoilers (air brakes) are provided for effective glide angle control. Good ground handling characteristics is provided with a steerable tail wheel, and visibility is excellent through the blown plexiglass canopy. The SF-25C Falke is a classic motor glider and it is well known as a trainer in clubs around the world.
To have some practical idea regarding the aircraft, down below are some performance facts of the Falke, taken from the Schiebe Flugzeugbau GMBH Flight Manual of the SF-25C Falke (May 1990 Edition).
The Falke can taxi unaided and is steered on the ground with the tail wheel (biased to rudder control). The main wheel is featuring a braking system. Minimum airspeed for level flight is 43 knots (50 mph), and the best cruising speed is about 70 knots (81 mph). Maximum cruising speed is 81 knots (93 mph).
The Falke can be landed with the engine either running or stopped. Approach is at 49 knots (56 mph), and the glide path is being controlled by the wing spoilers. With spoilers extended the sink rate at 49 knots is approximately 3.7 m/s (~720 feet per minute). Minimum touchdown speed is 38 knots (44 mph).The Falke has been flight-tested for take-offs and landings in crosswinds up to 13 knots. Landing run is about 300 feet and can be reduced effectively by the main wheel brakes (which is operated by the spoilers control on the last part of its travel when pulled fully back).
Flying as a glider (with the engine stopped): The aircraft handles very well at 43-51 knots (50-59 mph) with a sink rate of about 1.2 m/s (~230 feet per minute) in a straight flight. Flying the aircraft in X-Plane (as in real life) is a rewarding challenge, as it requires a very clean and coordinated flying. With a little practice and accurate flying, very good thermal climbing is achieved.
Range and endurance: with a 55 litre fuel tank (14.5 US gallons), flight duration may exceed 5:15 hours, covering ~680 km (~422 miles). With 80 litres (21.1 US gallons), flight duration could reach 7:30 hours while covering ~975 km (~605 miles).
Cockpit panel layout: The SF-25 panels are very much different from aircraft to aircraft, having the panel itself taller or shorter, with a variety of avionics combinations. You can find a really...really messy front panel, with switches and gauges scattered around without any logical order, but you can also find more ordered and uniformed configurations too. Same goes to avionics - from almost GA standard to almost a minimal glider type configuration. The VSKYLABS SF-25C is equipped a simple yet useful Motor-Glider style cockpit configuration.
Pilot's Operating Handbook
<Included in the package>
DISCLAIMER: The project's Flight Manual and information section is for educational and informational purposes only. The information brought is based on the SF 25 C - FALKE LIMBACH L 2000 EA / EA 1 Flight Manual and Maintenance Manual, June 1990 Edition, which is available online. Parts of the manual were modified to fit the VSKYLABS Scheibe SF-25C virtual variant. DO NOT use it for real-world, real-flight operations.
For any aspect or concern regarding the following section in this manual, please notify us by email to contact@vskylabs.com
