Start here
A few places to begin, from the aircraft’s story to the people who fly it.
Meet the aircraft
The Bensen B-8M is an open gyroplane design in which the main rotor turns through airflow rather than engine drive. A separate engine and propeller provide forward thrust, while rotor tilt and rudder control the aircraft. VSKYLABS’ VSL B-8M is a modified interpretation of the design, with a longer tail boom and a 45 hp half-Volkswagen engine.
Aircraft background
VSKYLABS · Read more ↗Released product and variants
This Bensen-inspired simulator variant uses a longer tail boom and a 45 hp half-Volkswagen engine. Those alterations are documented features of the VSL B-8M.
VSL B-8M · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12
VSKYLABS · Read more ↗Into the cockpit
YouTube Rex's Hangar · 14 min ·
The Aircraft You Could Build In Your Shed | Bensen B-8M 'Gyrocopter'
A historical introduction to Igor Bensen's B-8M gyroplane.
Real aircraft · Bensen B-8M
Watch on YouTube ↗Preview images are served by AirframeDB. Videos open on YouTube only when you choose to watch.
Meet Bensen B-8M
The Bensen B-8M is an open gyroplane design in which the main rotor turns through airflow rather than engine drive. A separate engine and propeller provide forward thrust, while rotor tilt and rudder control the aircraft.
VSKYLABS’ VSL B-8M is a modified interpretation of the design, with a longer tail boom and a 45 hp half-Volkswagen engine. The longer boom and engine installation belong to VSKYLABS' simulated variant.
Bensen B-8M
Aircraft type designators
A model-specific ICAO or FAA designator has not been confirmed in the references reviewed for this aircraft.
History & design
Private flying with a rotor
Igor Bensen established his company in 1953 to develop light rotorcraft for private owners. The B-8M was the powered development of the B-8 gyroglider, first flown in 1957. Its small open structure and homebuilt format made it a distinctive route into rotary-wing flying.
National Air and Space Museum · Bensen B-8M Gyrocopter ↗Smithsonian B-8M and Spirit of Kittyhawk history
Spirit of Kittyhawk
The prototype recreated the speed, distance and duration of the Wrights’ first powered flight for its sixtieth anniversary. Bensen later used it to establish twelve gyroplane records in 1967 and 1968. The aircraft joined the Smithsonian collection in 1969.
National Air and Space Museum · Bensen B-8M Gyrocopter ↗Smithsonian B-8M and Spirit of Kittyhawk history
Systems & details
The rotor is not the engine-driven propeller
Forward motion supplies airflow through the freely turning rotor. The pusher propeller provides propulsion, while the rotor generates lift by autorotation. Unlike a helicopter, this arrangement does not allow a hover or a vertical takeoff.
In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12VSL B-8M
VSKYLABS · Released
VSL B-8M
VSKYLABS · Released
Manuals & resources
Find your next read
Choose a topic for a short introduction and a link to the original source. Simulator references identify the developer and edition they cover.
Simulator documentation
Released product and variantsVSL B-8M · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12
This Bensen-inspired simulator variant uses a longer tail boom and a 45 hp half-Volkswagen engine. Those alterations are documented features of the VSL B-8M.
Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14
VSKYLABS · Read the source ↗Read the original documentation from the people who created it. Manuals open on their publisher’s website.
Developer documentation
VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS VSL B-8M GyrocopterVSKYLABS · Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14 VSKYLABS B-8M Gyrocopter. Highly Engineered lightweight Gyroplane for X-Plane.VSKYLABS · Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14Aircraft reference
Bensen B-8M GyrocopterNational Air and Space Museum · Smithsonian B-8M and Spirit of Kittyhawk history B-8M GyrocopterMarch Field Air Museum · March Field B-8M reference specification; engine options varyBuilt-in force-feedback profiles
Read the documentary basis, editable starting settings and remaining questions for the aircraft you fly. Each explanation refers to the exact profile revision shown.
Catalogue programme-20261022-v1 · 2 profile choices
VSKYLABS B-8M Gyrocopter
VSKYLABS · Free and Pro · Revision 3 · Inherited starting point
X-Plane 12
VSKYLABS B-8M Gyrocopter: Nominal centering and damping approximate rotor-head control; this revision also retains a selected speed-dependent directed load.
Bensen B-8M
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
X-Plane 12 · X-Plane 11
Bensen B-8M: Nominal centering and damping approximate rotor-head control; this revision also retains a selected speed-dependent directed load.
Bensen B-8M
Bensen B-8M: Nominal centering and damping approximate rotor-head control; this revision also retains a selected speed-dependent directed load.
Aircraft and simulator scope
- Bensen B-8M · X-Plane 12 · family starting point
- Bensen B-8M · X-Plane 11 · family starting point
VSKYLABS B8M/X-25A-inspired modified gyroplane, with separate native XP11/XP12 packages; it is not an exact original Bensen configuration. · Selected choice: Bensen B-8M. Documentary scope does not establish every variant, add-on revision or simulator binding.
The simulator model and controls
The Bensen B-8M is an open gyroplane design in which the main rotor turns through airflow rather than engine drive. A separate engine and propeller provide forward thrust, while rotor tilt and rudder control the aircraft.
This starting point selects Bensen B-8M. Its aircraft-level settings do not select a particular developer’s custom systems.
How this profile feels
The spring stays independent of airspeed. A separate aerodynamic term adds speed-dependent control load.
Pitch-trim relief is off. Autopilot following is off.
Controls and trim
VSKYLABS describes a modified Bensen-inspired gyroplane with a 45-hp half-VW engine and mechanical rotor-head tilt. The engine drives the pusher propeller; the rotor freely autorotates, apart from clutch-driven prerotation. Engine and free-rotor speeds are independent. Its short instructions establish no trim actuator or autopilot, so its spring and damping are nominal hardware feel. This revision also retains speed-dependent directed loading, whose relationship to rotor-head effort is unresolved.
About the values
The gains are normalized profile settings. They describe the chosen effect balance; hand force depends on the device and its output limits. IAS references are tuning values rather than operating limits. Physical acceptance of this revision remains pending.
What the documentation establishes
VSKYLABS describes a modified B8M/X-25A-inspired gyroplane, including a longer tail boom.
The rotor autorotates without engine drive; stick, pedal and throttle inputs are described.
The modified configuration and engine/rotor arrangement are described; they must not be silently treated as exact original B8M hardware.
Documentary review and sources
These decisions describe the documentary basis and remaining gaps for this revision. Aircraft documentation and a starting setting describe different kinds of evidence.
Aircraft and variant
ReviewedThis starting point selects Bensen B-8M. Its aircraft-level settings do not select a particular developer’s custom systems.
Flight controls
ReviewedVSKYLABS describes a modified Bensen-inspired gyroplane with a 45-hp half-VW engine and mechanical rotor-head tilt. The engine drives the pusher propeller; the rotor freely autorotates, apart from clutch-driven prerotation. Engine and free-rotor speeds are independent. Its short instructions establish no trim actuator or autopilot, so its spring and damping are nominal hardware feel. This revision also retains speed-dependent directed loading, whose relationship to rotor-head effort is unresolved.
Trim
Not yet reviewedHardware trim displacement is omitted because the selected instructions do not establish an adjustable trim mechanism. Pitch relief is off, with stored authority 0.3; roll authority is 0.3.
Autopilot and stability
Not yet reviewedAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel.
Equipment
ReviewedGear, flap and ground cues follow the selected settings and available simulator-reported states.
Speeds and limits
Not yet reviewedThe indicated-speed references set the profile response scale; they are separate from aircraft operating limits.
Simulator integration
ReviewedThe profile targets xplane12, xplane11. Add-on-specific controls use only the supported references configured by this profile.
Force-feedback settings
Not yet reviewedThe settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
Starting settings and their rationale
These configured values are starting estimates. The explanations describe what each setting controls; physical validation appears separately below.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0.22 | What it controls and whyNominal centering and damping approximate rotor-head control; this revision also retains a selected speed-dependent directed load. The baseline spring is 0.22. Low-speed spring blending is off. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.35 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.35 with an indicated-speed reference of 60 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value60.0 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value30.0 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value0.22 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.22 and 0.22, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value0.22 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
All 44 starting settings and their rationale
The settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0.22 | What it controls and whyNominal centering and damping approximate rotor-head control; this revision also retains a selected speed-dependent directed load. The baseline spring is 0.22. Low-speed spring blending is off. |
| Spring deadband | Starting value0.02 | What it controls and whySets travel around the centre before the baseline spring resists. Smaller values engage it sooner. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.35 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.35 with an indicated-speed reference of 60 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| QBlend Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows baseline spring strength to rise with indicated airspeed where the control law permits it. |
| QSpring Minimum Factor | Starting value1 | What it controls and whySets low-speed spring strength as a fraction of baseline when blending is enabled. One keeps full strength. |
| QSpring Start Knots | Starting value8.4 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed spring blend starts rising. This is a feel threshold, not a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value30.0 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value60.0 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyThe high-speed spring-stiffening gain is 0. No additional speed-driven stiffening is added; this does not disable independent aerodynamic loading. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening limit | Starting value5 | What it controls and whyLimits the squared airspeed ratio used for high-speed spring stiffening; it is not a device-force cap. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value0.22 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.22 and 0.22, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value0.22 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Elevator Authority | Starting value0.3 | What it controls and whyHardware trim displacement is omitted because the selected instructions do not establish an adjustable trim mechanism. Pitch relief is off, with stored authority 0.3; roll authority is 0.3. |
| Aileron Authority | Starting value0.3 | What it controls and whyScales supported roll-trim relief and permitted centre movement. Zero removes roll response. |
| Force Trim Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyEnables local force trim, separate from aircraft-owned trim and add-on integration qualification. |
| GLoad Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows load-factor changes to modify permitted spring laws. Passive fly-by-wire feel can suppress it. |
| Rate Damping Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables rate damping with the configured coefficients and control law. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot follow authority | Starting value0.05 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP-follow gain, not a percentage of travel. Runtime ownership and input limits still apply. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Autopilot neutral hold strength | Starting value0.6 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP neutral-hold strength; inactive while neutral hold is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables aerodynamic cues; each still needs nonzero strength and its simulator conditions. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets stall-buffet strength. Zero removes the cue without changing simulator stalls or warnings. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets high-Mach buffet strength; onset and full-strength thresholds are separate. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets flap buffet at the configured position and speed gates. Flap movement texture is separate. |
| Maximum flap index | Starting value1 | What it controls and whySets the final flap index for detent normalization. UP plus three detents uses maximum index3. |
| Minimum flap index | Starting value1 | What it controls and whySets the first flap detent that admits buffet; this is a handle index, not degrees. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets gear aerodynamic buffet; movement and ground-contact cues are separate. |
| Shaker Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits shaker at supported warning conditions; the switch does not establish aircraft equipment. |
| Stick shaker amplitude | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets triggered shaker strength; inactive while the shaker feature is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables ground effects; each still needs its own strength and contact or motion telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.15 | What it controls and whySets rolling texture strength, modified by speed, surface and undercarriage configuration. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets gear-bump texture during ground motion, separate from touchdown impact. |
| Gain | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets landing-impact strength; landing telemetry and response shape determine the pulse. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets reverse-thrust vibration with valid reverser and engine conditions. Zero removes the cue. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables engine cues with nonzero settings and valid running-engine telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.12 | What it controls and whySets estimated engine vibration using configured telemetry and response, not measured cockpit vibration. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables accessory cues with configured strengths and observed accessory movement. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed flap movement; a command without movement does not establish the cue. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed gear movement, separate from aerodynamic and touchdown effects. |
Limits and open questions
- The gyroplane control description does not establish a force-trim latch or conventional helicopter collective trim.
- No gyroplane autopilot or cyclic servo-following interface is documented in the examined feature text.
- Forward indicated speed is not the autorotating rotor's blade-relative airflow; the preset's reference lacks a source-derived load mapping.
- Autorotation and control-input descriptions do not calibrate cyclic force, pitch-to-roll ratio or vibration amplitude.
Physical validation
No physical force validation is recorded in this public catalogue for this revision. Documentary review and software checks do not establish how a particular device feels.
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