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.
VSKYLABS 902eX-NTR
VSKYLABS 902eX-NTR: The spring and damping supply supported testbed-cyclic resistance.
Aircraft and simulator scope
- VSKYLABS 902eX-NTR · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 12 · Add-on starting point
The simulator model and controls
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.
This starting point selects VSKYLABS 902eX-NTR. Its aircraft-level settings do not select a particular developer’s custom systems.
How this profile feels
The spring and damping supply supported testbed-cyclic resistance. The spring stays independent of airspeed. Directed aerodynamic loading is omitted. Cyclic damping adds resistance to hardware motion.
The documented trim actuators remain separate from a generic airplane-trim centre. Local force trim is off. Autopilot following is off.
Controls and trim
The 902X is a five-blade helicopter testbed with electromechanical cyclic-trim actuators. Its NTR propulsion is a developer jet-fan implementation, while the 902eX is another configuration. Main rotor and fan/engine rotation are separately described systems.
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 starting point selects VSKYLABS 902eX-NTR. Its aircraft-level settings do not select a particular developer’s custom systems.
Flight controls
InheritedThe 902X is a five-blade helicopter testbed with electromechanical cyclic-trim actuators. Its NTR propulsion is a developer jet-fan implementation, while the 902eX is another configuration. Main rotor and fan/engine rotation are separately described systems.
Trim
InheritedThe documented trim actuators remain separate from a generic airplane-trim centre. Local force trim is off. Autopilot following is off.
Autopilot and stability
InheritedAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel.
Equipment
InheritedGear, flap and ground cues follow the selected settings and available simulator-reported states.
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 value0.1 | What it controls and whyThe spring and damping supply supported testbed-cyclic resistance. The baseline spring is 0.1. Low-speed spring blending is off. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.65 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyThe 0 gain omits sustained directed airspeed loading. Spring resistance remains independent. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value120 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 value1 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 1 and 1, respectively. These stored weights do not create directed aerodynamic loading while that term is inactive. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1 | 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 value0.1 | What it controls and whyThe spring and damping supply supported testbed-cyclic resistance. The baseline spring is 0.1. 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 | What it controls and whyThe 0 gain omits sustained directed airspeed loading. Spring resistance remains independent. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.65 | 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 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 value120 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 whyAdds permitted spring resistance above the full-blend speed. Zero removes this high-speed increase. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening limit | Starting value2 | 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 value1 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 1 and 1, respectively. These stored weights do not create directed aerodynamic loading while that term is inactive. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1 | 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 | What it controls and whyScales supported pitch-trim relief and permitted centre movement. Zero removes pitch response. |
| Aileron Authority | Starting value0 | 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 whyThe documented trim actuators remain separate from a generic airplane-trim centre. Local force trim is off. The stored latch parameters are inactive; the profile does not supply a local hold-where-left neutral. |
| 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 valueDisabled | 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 | 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 value0.2 | 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 | 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
- NTR uses a two-spool jet-fan implementation, not real MD902 variable-pitch fan. VSCS includes low-speed pedals; no yaw-to-cyclic force. Manual throttle and hydraulic test are incomplete. Fan/engine RPM never substitutes for main-rotor telemetry.
- Physical and installed-aircraft acceptance deferred. Gains, damping, frequency envelopes and airspeed references are estimates.
- No unqualified AP following, trim actuator demand, failure behavior or dynamic equipment detection.
- Rotor rumble uses actual rotor state only. Enabled forward-flight n/rev retains the runtime engine-combustion presence and governed-nominal frequency fallback when rotor telemetry is missing; it is not measured rotor loading. ETL/VRS are generic airspeed/descent heuristics, not add-on vortex-state 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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