Research aircraft and systems

Ford 4AT Trimotor ↗Pilot account

Missing Engine

Joe Kimm · Contrails 172, November 2009, PDF p.14

Ford 5-AT Trimotor

The Ford 5-AT is the larger Trimotor configuration powered by three Wasp radial engines. It has fixed landing gear and no wing flaps. Ted Cook's X-Plane 12 package provides optional portable G430 navigation and a copilot fuel-and-gauge popup.

Ford 5-AT Trimotor

Fouga CM.170 Magister ↗Research-based aircraft background

Fouga CM.170 Magister

The Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace records deliveries of the Magister to the French Air Force from 1956. Its collection entry follows production through Fouga, Air Fouga, Potez Air Fouga and Sud Aviation.

Fouga CM.170 Magister

Fouga CM.175 Zephyr

The CM.175 Zéphyr combines Marboré II jet propulsion with retractable gear, flaps and a carrier hook. A former naval instructor's account describes unassisted controls, differing from the boosted ailerons of Patrouille de France Magisters.

Fouga CM.175 Zephyr

Fox2 Standard

Parallel 42's family includes FreedomFox and Fox2 Standard at 141 hp, Fox2 Stage 1 at 200 hp and Stage 2/Competition at 242 hp. Fixed bush wheels and flaperons are shared features. Modern and analog panel options are available.

Fox2 Standard

Got Friends Gee Bee R3 Special · Got Friends · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024

Trim, speed brakes and smoke

The manual identifies elevator trim and pneumatic speed brakes. The simulator's flap increase/decrease assignments select smoke colours; they do not extend wing flaps. Optional PMS50 GTN750 support uses a separate replacement package.

Gee Bee R3 manual v2.0.1; PDF pp.2–3 Introduction, History and Specifications; controls and smoke tables

Got Friends Gee Bee R3 Special · Got Friends · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024

The fictional propulsion installation

Got Friends describes its custom engine as producing 1,000 hp at a constant 2,700 RPM, with nitrous injection adding a temporary boost. Those values are specifications of the virtual R3.

Gee Bee R3 manual v2.0.1; PDF pp.2–3 Introduction, History and Specifications; controls and smoke tables

Gee Bee R3 Special

The Gee Bee R3 is a modern racing-aircraft concept that did not become a full-size real aircraft, although the design circulated in the RC community. Got Friends developed it as the team's first payware aircraft.

Its simulation uses a fictional Jimmy Doolittle Turbo NOS engine described as delivering 1,000 hp to a three-bladed propeller at 2,700 RPM. Elevator trim and pneumatic speed brakes accompany configurable smoke effects.

Gee Bee R3 Special

GippsAero GA8 Airvan

The GA8 Airvan combines a single piston engine with fixed tricycle gear and wing flaps. Passenger and cargo arrangements support its utility role.

GippsAero GA8 Airvan

Globe Swift GC-1A

The GC-1A Swift brought an all-metal airframe and retractable undercarriage to a compact two-seat sport aircraft. The Smithsonian records its first prototype flight in January 1945 and distinguishes the 85 hp GC-1A from the later, more powerful GC-1B.

Globe Swift GC-1A; Smithsonian N80518

Got Friends Astro ONE · Got Friends · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024

Custom modes and input assignments

The manual documents terrain tracking, hover, sport and boost modes. Elevator-trim input supplies a forward-flight bias, while the propeller axis controls terrain tracking. Those simulator assignments operate the Astro's custom systems.

Astro ONE manual; PDF p.2 Chapter 1 Introduction; flight modes and keybinding tables

Got Friends Astro ONE

The Astro ONE is Got Friends' creative electric-VTOL design inspired by the Jetson ONE. Its manual describes an independent custom physics engine and a race-focused cockpit with terrain tracking, hover, sport and boost modes.

The developer takes liberties with the real design, including its avionics, guards, lighting and assistance features. Emerald Scenery Design and community contributors supplied racetracks for the package.

Got Friends Astro ONE · Got Friends Astro ONE manual; virtual aircraft figures