VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS Maule M-7-235B

Current version: v1.6.1 (21st March 2026)

STOL OPERATIONS - BUSH FLYING - TAILWHEEL HANDLING - HIGH PILOT SKILLS

Development status: Active (since 2022)

The development of the VSKYLABS Maule M-7-235B project for X-Plane flight simulator was approved by Maule Air, Inc. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not related, affiliated and/or endorsed by/with Maule Air, Inc.

ALL AIRCRAFT DATA, FACTS, FIGURES, PROCEDURES AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT REFERS TO THE *VIRTUAL* VSKYLABS MAULE AIRCRAFT. IT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR REAL-WORLD FLYING. FOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND DATA REGARDING THE REAL-WORLD MAULE AIRCRAFT, PLEASE CONTACT MAULE AIRCRAFT INC. OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: https://mauleairinc.com/

The development and implementation of the VSKYLABS 'Alpha Systems AOA' virtual indicators in the VSKYLABS fleet for X-Plane was approved by 'Alpha Systems AOA'. However, it is an independent development effort which is not affiliated with 'Alpha Systems AOA'.

Above: Maule M7-235B (N882JH) takes off at Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire, England. December 2005.

Arpingstone, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Below: The VSKYLABS Maule M-7-235B

AIRCRAFT CARD

Role: Utility / STOL light aircraft

Manufacturer: Maule Air, Inc.

Country of origin: United States

First flight: 1963 (M-7 series)

Engine: Lycoming O-540-B4B5 / IO-540-W1A5 (2000 hr TBO)
Weights: MTOW 2500 lb; empty 1605 lb; useful 895 lb
Takeoff: 250 ft (ground); 600 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Landing: 900 ft (obstacle)
Climb: 1500 ft/min
Ceiling: 15,000 ft
Stall (landing configuration): 40 mph (35 kt IAS)
Cruise: 158 mph (137 kt TAS)
Fuel Consumption: 12 gph @65%

The Maule M-7 is an easy to fly, 4 or 5 seat Taildragger STOL aircraft. Most models can be fitted with floats, skis or bush tires, and there is also a nose-wheel version. The aircraft is agile and versatile, has a large and easy to access cargo area. The Maule M-7 is a favorite bush-plane, and also favorite among commercial operators and private pilots.

The Maule M-7-235B is a taildragger aircraft, equipped with oleo strut, oil and spring suspension main landing gears. It is powered by a 0-540-B4B5, 235 HP Carbureted engine. Its maximum takeoff weight is 2,500 lbs (for the land version) and 2,750 (for the seaplane version).

SIMULATION ENGINEERING NOTES

The VSKYLABS Maule M-7-235B Project includes THREE main variants of the M-7-235B:

Land version - Analog cockpit (VFR/IFR instrumentation), classic gears / 35" Bushwheels.
Land version - G1000 cockpit, classic gears /35" Bushwheels.
Amphibian version - Floats equipped (Analog VFR instrumentation).

The project is engineered and designed as a genuine, default X-Plane 12 aircraft. The VSKYLABS projects are practically show-casing X-Plane, as they are stretching X-Plane default features, systems and flight model to its limits without any dependencies on complementary plugins or software...delivering a very robust simulation model, providing maximum compatibility with the ever evolving X-Plane flight simulator.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

Three aircraft included (land and amphibian, Analog/G1000, Classic gears/35" Bushwheels).
Superb flight dynamics with authentic performance and flight handling characteristics.
Built for VR: development was tailored specifically for VR, and optimized for 2D usage.
Perfect fit for beginner and expert pilots.
Equipped with Alpha Systems AOA 'Eagle' indicator replica.
Built-in Avitab Plugin Compatibility (AviTab plugin is not included).
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.
Highly responsive VSKYLABS support forums: VSKYLABS offers continuous professional support, from all aircraft related aspects (operating and flying) to X-Plane technical support.

LINKS

VSKYLABS Maule M-7-235B