Find aircraft background, systems descriptions and manuals for the aircraft you are researching. Each note keeps its source and version context close by.
Simulator manuals describe the developer’s implementation. Aircraft background is research-based; pilot accounts describe an individual’s experience. Coverage here is limited to the selected notes and linked resources, not the full contents of every manual.
Lockheed P-38L Lightning
The P-38 developed as a twin-engine interceptor and later served escort, reconnaissance and attack roles. The L was the final production version, with deliveries beginning in June 1944.
FlyingIron's P-38L has hydraulically boosted ailerons, pitch and rudder trim, Fowler flaps and separate dive-recovery flaps. Its release history includes later work on compressibility and control response.
Lockheed P-38L Lightning
Lockheed SR-71 · Laminar Research · X-Plane 11
X-Plane 11 Desktop Manual
Lockheed SR-71 · Laminar Research · X-Plane 11
X-Plane aircraft and avionics manuals
XR-71-TB testbed · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 12
Released product and variants
The current XR-71-TB is an experimental simulation inspired by the SR-71, with Mach 3 propulsion and inlet systems. The developer explicitly describes it as a research testbed rather than the operational military aircraft.
Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14
Lockheed SR-71
Lockheed developed the SR-71 for strategic reconnaissance at very high altitude and sustained supersonic speed. Long chines blend into the fuselage and wing; two large nacelles house the engines and carry inward-canted fins. The airframe reflects the thermal and aerodynamic demands of that mission.
The operational SR-71A and two-seat SR-71B trainer differ visibly: the trainer has a raised rear cockpit. Simulator systems are documented for the particular model represented.
Aircraft / family
Brian Shul on watches and spy planes
Cole Pennington interviews Brian Shul · 21 July 2021
Interview with a Blackbird pilot
Bubba Wolford interviews Richard Graham · 30 December 1997; archive page created 2005
Coming in hot
Michael Hankins · 20 March 2024
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star · iniBuilds · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
Ground equipment and display effects are selectable
The product lists covers, chocks, an entry ladder, engine plugs and pitot covers, plus smoke and flare effects. It separately labels wing-mounted drop bombs as an iniStore-only feature.
iniBuilds T-33 product description · gathered September 2026; store-specific feature distinction
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star · iniBuilds · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
Flap readings use different units in the two cockpits
The guide distinguishes the G3X display’s flap angle in degrees from the classic gauge’s percentage of full travel. Comparing the numbers directly would mix two different scales.
MSFS 2024 manual · PDF p.11 visually checked; attachment labelled 1.0.4, preface 1.0.3
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star · iniBuilds · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
Walkaround items affect whether the aircraft can operate
Engine covers prevent starting, chocks prevent movement, and installed landing-gear pins keep the gear locked down. The manual places their removal in the MSFS 2024 walkaround.
MSFS 2024 manual · PDF pp.7–8; no claim about the 2020 walkaround interface
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star · iniBuilds · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
The modern cockpit adds familiar civil avionics
The illustrated modern panel includes a G3X Touch, GNS 430, GTX 330 transponder and GMC autopilot controller. The rear cockpit follows the corresponding classic or modern layout.
MSFS 2024 manual · PDF pp.30–32
