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VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ UPDATE LOG HISTORY

Update Log

VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project

JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2026 All Rights Reserved



XP12 - v5.0.1 (21st March 2026)

  • Updated documentation structure:
    • All project documentation transferred to the Rutan LongEZ section in the VSKYLABS Aircraft Center.
    • Updated included documentation.
  • Removed Skunkcrafts updater:
    • Product updates are no longer supported via Skuncrafts Updater.
    • The most updated version of the product is available via the user-account at the store.

XP12 - v5.0 (29th January 2026):

  • Major Update Release!
  • New 'ER' (Extended-Range) variant was added to the package:
    • Design based on Dick Rutans LongEZ 'Old Blue' N169SH, which circled the world in 1997.
    • ER Revised fuel system: added 2 x conformal slipper tanks on the wings, 1 x ferry bladder tank in the backseat, fully-functional fuel-transfer system.
    • High-Altitude oxygen systems.
    • Engine setup: 180 hp Lycoming IO-360 alongside a new high-performance, high pitch 3-blade propeller.
    • Extended max-takeoff envelope up to 2000 lbs.
  • Graphics:
    • The VSL-LongEZ aircraft 3-d model was remodeled exterior and interior, including the cockpit, with higher mesh level and enhanced detail.
    • Re-texturing of 3-d cockpit environment.
    • Enhanced textures, improved paint-kit.
    • Enhanced Long-EZ stick model.
    • Enhanced 3-d model and animation of the G1000 bezels (G1000 variant).
    • Enhanced 3-d model of the G530.
    • Improved fuel-tank selector animation.
    • Improved LSA/Experimental autopilot panel.
    • Liveries - Textures and PBR rework to all liveries, added 'ER' livery. 
    • New canopy texture and PBR setup.
    • Improved pilot and passenger 3-d figures.
  • Sounds:
    • New dynamic FMOD sound package, enhanced engine sounds, tuned overall.
  • Systems:
    • New and improved lighting system (interior, exterior).
    • Cockpit lights now includes 3 x rheostats (Flood, Instruments, Glass avionics).
    • Weather-radar implementation (G1000 variant).
    • ASI, Fuel level indicators re-calibration.
  • Peripherals/fixes:
    • Whiskey magnetic compass animation fixed.
    • Re-edited LongEZ pdf manual.
    • Added 'ER' complementary pdf manual.
  • Flight dynamics:
    • Flight model re-validation in X-Plane 12.3.x+
    • Improved ground handling for pilots who are using only rudder axis without designated rudder-pedals.
  • Interaction:
    • Improved all cockpit switches/levers manipulator system for better interaction.
    • Improved starter-switch interaction algorithm.
    • VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Heaven implementation - Assign all aircraft switches, knobs, and interactions via a dedicated X-Plane 12 assignment layer.

XP12 - v4.2e (10th July 2023):

  • G1000 variant - (now) disabled the Garmin ESP/USP system (autopilot stability and underspeed protections) which was enabled unintentionally during one of the XP12 default update process.

XP12 - v4.2c (18th February 2023):

  • Paint-Kit was added into the project (PAINT-KIT folder).

XP12 - v4.2 (4th December 2022):

  • Interior lighting system reset and retuned to comply with the modified X-Plane 12.00r1+ lighting engine.
  • Analog cockpit modifications: new artificial horizon, new dual-system altimeter, improved instruments texture and PBR setup.

XP12 - v4.1 (23th November 2022):

  • Updater software replaced - from STMA to SkunkCrafts. 

XP12 v4.0 (September 2022):

  • X-Plane 12 initial version release.

XP11 - v3.0 (15th September 2020):

  • Additional variant was added to the package: A dual 7" G1000 glass cockpit LongEZ.
  • Flight Dynamics: Fine tuning and final adaptation to the latest X-Plane's Experimental flight model.
  • Aerodynamic Rudder-Brakes mod was implemented into the flight model.
  • New Look and Feel: Extensive remodeling, re-texturing, re-mapping and enhancement of the entire project and its visual assets.
  • Enhanced FMOD sound pack: To include high quality sound engineering and interactions from engine vibrations, high Angle of Attack buffeting and overall experience.
  • VR interactivity tuneups.

XP11 - v2.0c (8th April 2020):

  • Flight Dynamics:
    • Engine oil temp and CHT temps tuneup with the focus on prolonged climbing.
    • Differential braking is a bit less sensitive now (more rudder input is needed in case of using a twist/rudder joystick).

XP11 - v2.0 (30th March 2020):

  • Flight Dynamics:
    • Extensive flight dynamics tuneup for the Aeromatic propeller simulation.
    • Performance and handling characteristics tuneup.
    • External luggage pods are now affecting overall drag when placed/removed.
    • External luggage pods may placed empty, or being loaded via the weight and balance setup. Weight and drag are differential, meaning that the pods may be installed while empty. This will add their drag to the overall drag without relation to their weight.
    • Nosewheel castor limit was set to 65 degrees.
  • 3D modeling improvements:
    • Cockpit front panel remodeled with flushed-gauges and improved appearance.
    • Old Bendix Transponder replaced with new custom GTX 330.
    • Old GNS530 Remodeled and replaced with a new one.
    • Interior composite structure remodeled, re-textured with higher resolution.
    • Interior canopy element repainted.
    • Aux Fuel Pump light bulb was replaced with a new one (3D modeled, LIT).
    • Passenger is now visible from 1st person pilot view (can be removed by reducing it's weight via the payload setup).
    • Pilot hands are on the controls, animated (visible from external view only)
  • Systems, operation and interactions:
    • Vertical Speed Indicator was re-calibrated.
    • External luggage pods interaction is now different: Pods are visible by default, and by that are affecting drag. To remove/install them, simply click on the upper wing area in front of the fuel tank caps, or, assign Custom Slider#11 in X-Plane's assignments setup.
    • New instrument gauges lighting for night-flying capability.
    • Fuel tank selector is now switched to 'OFF' in cold and dark start.
  • Weight and balance:
    • The aircraft is now being loaded with two persons on board, and empty wing pods. to change these before flight, simply set the aircraft payload in X-Plane menu.
  • General stuff:
    • 'VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ ESSENTIALS' instructions were added to the POH folder.
    • The Red/White N79RA livery is now the default one. The Plain White paint was added as a separate livery. 

XP11 - v1.6 (10th November 2019):

  • Flight Dynamics Model was updated to X-Plane 11.40+ Experimental flight model.

XP11 - v1.5 (19th October 2019):

  • STMA Autoupdater plugin was added as preparations for future updates.

XP11 - v1.4 (26th November 2018):

  • Luggage pods are now removed, and will be added and visible only when the payload is set to exceed ~360 pounds (to include pilot/pilots and luggage), in the weight and balance settings in X-Plane.
  • Engine power tuneups.
  • High Angle of Attack handling tuneups.
  • 3D modeling refinements.

XP11 - v1.3 (2nd November 2018):

  • Fix to Joystick command issues with X-Plane 11.30b1+

XP11 - v1.2a (30th July 2018):

  • Flight Dynamics model fix for engine exhaust point

XP11 - v1.2 (4th June 2018):

  • Nose gear horn refinements and additional 100 knots IAS threshold limit.
  • Turn and slip indicator adjustment.
  • Magnetic compass - a fixed index needle was added.
  • Aircraft category fixed to 'Experimental' only.

XP11 - v1.1 (10th May 2018):

  • 3D Modeling - general:
    • Cockpit floor rework (modeling and texture).
    • Rudder pedals installation.
    • Animated canopy strut.
  • FMOD Sounds:
    • Installation of the canopy-unlocked buzzer (warning when canopy is unlocked and throttle up to 90%).
    • Touchdown sounds refinement and enhancement.
    • Landing gears ride vibration effect.
  • Liveries:
    • Additional livery included.
  • Virtual Reality:
    • Refinements of some of the clickable visible green areas for more aesthetic appearance.

XP11 - v1.0 (May 8th 2018) - Initial Version Release.