Start here
A few places to begin, from the aircraft’s story to the people who fly it.
Meet the aircraft
Bob Pond commissioned Burt Rutan's Model 158 Pond Racer, built by Scaled Composites as an alternative to racing restored warbirds. The twin-boom composite aircraft used automobile-derived piston engines and appeared at Reno in 1991.
Aircraft background
VSKYLABS · Read more ↗The hypothetical PT6A-powered racer
This released simulation is a hypothetical turboprop development of the original piston-powered Pond Racer. VSKYLABS uses PT6A engines and a broader cross-country role; these are simulator modifications.
Model 158 PT6A concept · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12
VSKYLABS · Read more ↗Into the cockpit
YouTube Aircraft Adventures · 4 min ·
Pond Racer: The first, and last Reno thoroughbred racer
A historical account of the Pond Racer project and its Reno racing ambitions.
Real aircraft · Scaled Composites Pond Racer
Watch on YouTube ↗Preview images are served by AirframeDB. Videos open on YouTube only when you choose to watch.
Meet Scaled Composites Pond Racer
Bob Pond commissioned Burt Rutan's Model 158 Pond Racer, built by Scaled Composites as an alternative to racing restored warbirds. The twin-boom composite aircraft used automobile-derived piston engines and appeared at Reno in 1991.
VSKYLABS' simulator product imagines a PT6A-powered development with a wider cross-country role. Its equipment and performance describe that hypothetical variant.
Scaled Composites Pond Racer
Scaled Composites → · Explore the family →
Scaled Composites Pond Racer
VSKYLABS · VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': Rutan Model-158 ↗Model 158 hypothetical PT6A conversion
VSKYLABS · VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': Rutan Model-158 ↗VSKYLABS · X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12 →Aircraft type designators
A model-specific ICAO or FAA designator has not been confirmed in the references reviewed for this aircraft.
History & design
A proposed alternative to racing warbirds
Bob Pond commissioned Burt Rutan and Scaled Composites to create a modern racer for Reno. The composite twin-boom aircraft appeared there in 1991 with automobile-derived engines. The original programme ended after a fatal crash in 1993.
VSKYLABS · VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': Rutan Model-158 ↗Original Pond Racer versus VSKYLABS Model-158 concept
The simulator takes a different propulsion path
VSKYLABS began its Model-158 project in 2021. It substitutes PT6A turboprops and expands the concept toward cross-country operation. This is an explicitly hypothetical derivative of the Pond Racer, not the powerplant configuration of N221BP.
VSKYLABS · VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': Rutan Model-158 ↗Original Pond Racer versus VSKYLABS Model-158 concept
Systems & details
Systems for the fictional derivative
The turboprop interpretation includes pressurization, icing protection, oxygen, fuel-management and engine-protection systems. Those systems explain the add-on’s broader operating concept. Their presence and the developer’s virtual performance figures should not be presented as equipment or achievements of the original racing aircraft.
In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12Model 158 PT6A concept
VSKYLABS · Released
Model 158 PT6A concept
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
The hypothetical PT6A-powered racerModel 158 PT6A concept · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12
This released simulation is a hypothetical turboprop development of the original piston-powered Pond Racer. VSKYLABS uses PT6A engines and a broader cross-country role; these are simulator modifications.
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 'Test-Pilot': Rutan Model-158VSKYLABS · Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14 VSKYLABS Test-Pilot: Rutan Model-158. A highly engineered PT6A Pond-Racer variant add-on for X-Plane Flight Simulator.VSKYLABS · Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14Built-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 Rutan Model-158 PT6A
VSKYLABS · Free and Pro · Revision 3 · Inherited starting point
X-Plane 12
VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 PT6A: Mechanical linkage motivates speed-dependent stick resistance.
VSKYLABS Model 158 Pond Racer (turbine)
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
X-Plane 12 · X-Plane 11
VSKYLABS Model 158 Pond Racer (turbine): Mechanical linkage motivates speed-dependent stick resistance.
VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 PT6A
VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 PT6A: Mechanical linkage motivates speed-dependent stick resistance.
Aircraft and simulator scope
- VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 PT6A · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 12 · Add-on starting point
The simulator model and controls
Bob Pond commissioned Burt Rutan's Model 158 Pond Racer, built by Scaled Composites as an alternative to racing restored warbirds. The twin-boom composite aircraft used automobile-derived piston engines and appeared at Reno in 1991.
This profile selects VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 PT6A for X-Plane 12.
How this profile feels
Mechanical linkage motivates speed-dependent stick resistance. Spring resistance builds with the selected airspeed response. A separate aerodynamic term adds speed-dependent control load.
Electrical pitch and roll trim provide separate pressure-relief mechanisms. Valid trim provides the configured pressure relief. Autopilot following is off.
Controls and trim
The developer’s Pond Racer derivative uses two PT6A-28 turbines, mechanical controls and electrical three-axis trim with mechanical override. It omits flaps and speedbrakes. This turbine development is separately described from the historical piston-powered racer.
The selected implementation
This Model158 uses hypothetical PT6 propulsion and no flaps/speedbrakes, separate from the historical piston Pond Racer.
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.
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
InheritedThis profile selects VSKYLABS Rutan Model-158 PT6A for X-Plane 12.
Flight controls
InheritedThe developer’s Pond Racer derivative uses two PT6A-28 turbines, mechanical controls and electrical three-axis trim with mechanical override. It omits flaps and speedbrakes. This turbine development is separately described from the historical piston-powered racer.
Trim
InheritedElectrical pitch and roll trim provide separate pressure-relief mechanisms. Pitch authority 0.3 provides load relief and permitted centre movement; roll authority is 0.14.
Autopilot and stability
InheritedAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel.
Equipment
InheritedThis Model158 uses hypothetical PT6 propulsion and no flaps/speedbrakes, separate from the historical piston Pond Racer.
Speeds and limits
InheritedThe indicated-speed references set the profile response scale; they are separate from aircraft operating limits.
Simulator integration
InheritedThe profile targets xplane12. Add-on-specific controls use only the supported references configured by this profile.
Force-feedback settings
InheritedThe 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 value0.74 | What it controls and whyMechanical linkage motivates speed-dependent stick resistance. The baseline spring is 0.74. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 45 KIAS. |
| 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 value0.68 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.68 with an indicated-speed reference of 250 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value250 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 value45 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 value0.72 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.72 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1.0 | 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 valueEnabled | 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 value0.74 | What it controls and whyMechanical linkage motivates speed-dependent stick resistance. The baseline spring is 0.74. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 45 KIAS. |
| Spring deadband | Starting value0.04 | What it controls and whySets travel around the centre before the baseline spring resists. Smaller values engage it sooner. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.68 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.68 with an indicated-speed reference of 250 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 valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows baseline spring strength to rise with indicated airspeed where the control law permits it. |
| QSpring Minimum Factor | Starting value0.55 | 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 value10 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 value45 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 value250 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 value0.1 | What it controls and whyThe high-speed spring-stiffening gain is 0.1. It strengthens the permitted spring response above 45 KIAS, with the squared-speed ratio capped at 5. |
| 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 value0.72 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.72 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1.0 | 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 valueEnabled | 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 whyElectrical pitch and roll trim provide separate pressure-relief mechanisms. Pitch authority 0.3 provides load relief and permitted centre movement; roll authority is 0.14. |
| Aileron Authority | Starting value0.14 | 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 valueEnabled | 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 value0.1 | 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 value0.28 | 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 value3 | What it controls and whySets the final flap index for detent normalization. UP plus three detents uses maximum index3. |
| Minimum flap index | Starting value2 | 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 value0.42 | What it controls and whySets rolling texture strength, modified by speed, surface and undercarriage configuration. |
| Gain | Starting value0.32 | What it controls and whySets gear-bump texture during ground motion, separate from touchdown impact. |
| Gain | Starting value0.82 | 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 value0.06 | 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 value0.12 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed gear movement, separate from aerodynamic and touchdown effects. |
Limits and open questions
- Developer derivative is not the historical piston-powered racer. Gear operating limit180KIAS;250KIAS is an estimated feel reference. S-TEC55-like AP requires servo switch and pitch trim disconnects it, but servo-follow signals are unqualified.
- Physical and installed-aircraft acceptance deferred. Force values and indicated-speed reference are estimates.
- No unqualified AP following, dynamic configuration recognition, trim-actuator demand or add-on failure integration.
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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