Start here
A few places to begin, from the aircraft’s story to the people who fly it.
Meet the aircraft
VSKYLABS' 902X-NTR is a simulator testbed inspired by the MD 902 Explorer's no-tail-rotor configuration. Its cockpit and systems differ from the MD 902.
Aircraft background
VSKYLABS · Read more ↗Follow the model’s own systems guide
The 902X handbook separates the simulator implementation from its MD 902 reference. Its throttle description identifies automatic operation as implemented and manual throttle operation as unavailable in the current model. The add-on's systems belong to the 902X design.
VSKYLABS 902X / 902eX · X-Plane 12
VSKYLABS · Read more ↗Into the cockpit
YouTube VSKYLABS · 2 min ·
[Archive-2025] VSKYLABS 902X-NTR No-Tail-Rotor Real-Physics simulation demo Breathe! X-Plane 12
An archived developer clip shows the 902X in X-Plane 12, including its animated crew.
Simulator · VSKYLABS 902X · X-Plane 12 (2025 footage)
Watch on YouTube ↗Preview images are served by AirframeDB. Videos open on YouTube only when you choose to watch.
Meet VSKYLABS 902X-NTR
VSKYLABS' 902X-NTR is a simulator testbed inspired by the MD 902 Explorer's no-tail-rotor configuration. Its cockpit and systems differ from the MD 902.
The X-Plane 12 product includes the standard 902X and the extended-range 902eX with external fuel tanks. Both variants belong to the VSKYLABS design.
VSKYLABS 902X-NTR
VSKYLABS concepts → · Explore the family →
VSKYLABS 902X-NTR
VSKYLABS · VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': 902X-NTR ↗902X-NTR standard
VSKYLABS · VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': 902X-NTR ↗VSKYLABS · X-Plane 12 →902eX-NTR extended range
VSKYLABS · VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': 902X-NTR ↗VSKYLABS · 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
An MD-902-inspired test bed
The 902X explores a no-tail-rotor helicopter using the MD-902 as an architectural reference. VSKYLABS explicitly distinguishes its independent experimental model from an exact or official MD-902 simulation. Differences in systems and performance are part of that design.
VSKYLABS · 902X-NTR Pilot Operating Handbook ↗VSKYLABS 902X-NTR / 902eX-NTR simulation
The extended-range branch
902eX retains the same propulsion and anti-torque simulation while adding pressurized external tanks. Separate transfer controls and an equalization valve introduce fuel-management tasks absent from the standard internal-tank configuration.
VSKYLABS · 902X-NTR Pilot Operating Handbook ↗VSKYLABS 902X-NTR / 902eX-NTR simulation
Systems & details
How the virtual tail makes thrust
The model represents the tail fan with an integrated two-spool jet-engine simulation. Fan speed responds to torque and pedal demand, while a vectoring nozzle supplies directional thrust. This differs from the reference helicopter’s variable-pitch fan mechanism, so the simulator implementation needs to be understood on its own terms.
In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
X-Plane 12902X-NTR / 902eX-NTR
VSKYLABS · Released
902X-NTR / 902eX-NTR
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
A no-tail-rotor concept with its own identityVSKYLABS 902X-NTR · X-Plane 12
VSKYLABS describes this project as an independent interpretation inspired by the MD 902, rather than an exact or official replica. Its simulation includes fan-driven directional control and a simplified integrated instrument display. The model’s own handbook is the appropriate starting point for its systems.
Aircraft description and system features
VSKYLABS · Read the source ↗The external tanks feed the internal systemVSKYLABS 902eX extended-range variant · X-Plane 12
The extended-range 902eX carries additional external tanks. The handbook explains that they transfer fuel into the internal system rather than feeding the engines directly, and describes individual or parallel tank pressurization. The standard 902X has a different fuel arrangement.
Fuel system · external tanks
VSKYLABS · Read the source ↗Follow the model’s own systems guideVSKYLABS 902X / 902eX · X-Plane 12
The 902X handbook separates the simulator implementation from its MD 902 reference. Its throttle description identifies automatic operation as implemented and manual throttle operation as unavailable in the current model. The add-on's systems belong to the 902X design.
Engine throttle and operational notes
VSKYLABS · Read the source ↗902X and 902eX testbeds902X-NTR / 902eX-NTR · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 12
The product includes standard and extended-range testbed variants. The 902eX adds external fuel tanks; both are independent simulated designs inspired by the MD 902 Explorer.
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': 902X-NTRVSKYLABS · Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14 VSKYLABS 902X-NTR: Real-Physics No Tail Rotor Helicopter for X-Plane.VSKYLABS · Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14 902X-NTR Pilot Operating HandbookVSKYLABS · Developer reference checked 15 September 2026; applies to the named simulator product.Built-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 902X-NTR
VSKYLABS · Free and Pro · Revision 3 · Inherited starting point
X-Plane 12
VSKYLABS 902X-NTR: The spring and damping supply supported testbed-cyclic resistance.
VSKYLABS 902eX-NTR
VSKYLABS · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
X-Plane 12
VSKYLABS 902eX-NTR: The spring and damping supply supported testbed-cyclic resistance.
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