Research aircraft and systems

Pitts Special ↗Pilot account

Going for the gold

Alton K. Marsh interviews Robert Armstrong · 5 July 1996

Polaris AM-FIB ↗Simulator documentation

Polaris AM-FIB · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12

Amphibious FIB configuration

The product specifically represents the amphibious FIB with manually retractable wheels. Other real-world conversion kits discussed in the reference are not automatically included.

Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14

Polaris AM-FIB ↗Research-based aircraft background

Polaris AM-FIB

The Polaris FIB places a powered hang-glider wing above an inflatable hull. The AM-FIB adds manually retractable wheels for both water and land operation.

VSKYLABS models this amphibious configuration. Other land-conversion options in the manufacturer's range are not included in the product.

Polaris AM-FIB, Rotax 582 simulation configuration

Powrachute Sky Rascal

The Sky Rascal is a powered parachute with a wheeled carriage suspended beneath a fabric wing. Microsoft includes it in the MSFS 2024 Standard roster and higher edition tiers, including Aviator.

Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey ↗Simulator documentation

SeaRey Elite · FlightSim Studio · MSFS 2020

SeaRey Light and Advanced editions

Light and Advanced editions are available. Advanced adds experimental/homebuilt features, camping equipment, an anchor and an interactive walkaround. The official page specifies MSFS 2020 on PC and Xbox.

Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14

Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey ↗Research-based aircraft background

Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey

The SeaRey combines a strut-braced high wing with an enclosed two-seat cockpit and a boat-shaped hull. Its amphibious landing gear makes both water and runway operations part of the design. The engine sits above and behind the cabin, leaving a broad forward view.

FlightSim Studio’s SeaRey Elite comes in Light and Advanced editions. The Advanced edition adds homebuilt and experimental cockpit features, camping equipment, an anchor simulation and an interactive walkaround.

FlightSim Studio SeaRey Elite, Rotax 914 UL configuration

Quest Kodiak ↗Simulator documentation

Quest Kodiak · SimCoders / Thranda · SimCoders / Thranda · X-Plane 12 · X-Plane 11

REP uses the older Kodiak, including when running XP12

SimCoders requires Thranda’s X-Plane 11 Quest Kodiak as the base aircraft. From REP 4.7.0, its installation addresses some compatibility issues when using that older model in X-Plane 12. The listing also supports its amphibian. This requirement is separate from Thranda’s native XP12 Kodiak package.

Gathered SimCoders page · specific base-aircraft and REP milestone

Quest Kodiak ↗Simulator documentation

Quest Kodiak · SimCoders / Thranda · SimCoders / Thranda · X-Plane 12 · X-Plane 11

Thranda’s newer Kodiak includes two undercarriage types

The native X-Plane 12 package includes landplane and amphibian models, Timberline and executive interiors, and selectable equipment such as skis, tyres and a cargo pod. Its G1000 installation offers a choice between bezel autopilot controls and an S-TEC 55 interface. The menus also provide individual passenger and cargo loading.

Gathered Thranda XP12 listing

Quest Kodiak ↗Simulator documentation

Quest Kodiak · SimCoders / Thranda · SimCoders / Thranda · X-Plane 12 · X-Plane 11

Cargo and water operations have their own controls

Thranda documents visible cargo that changes with the selected load, a removable belly pod and a docking-hold mode for the amphibian. The aircraft can remain in position at a dock while moving with the waves. Paint and cabin configuration controls are available through the fly-out interface.

Developer-described XP12 options and behaviour

Quest Kodiak ↗Simulator documentation

Quest Kodiak · SimCoders / Thranda · SimCoders / Thranda · X-Plane 12 · X-Plane 11

Persistent condition layered onto the Kodiak

SimCoders's Reality Expansion Pack adds persistent component condition, tyre and brake failures, and changes to ground steering and braking over the Thranda Kodiak. Its settings can change steering and brake response. The REP is an additional software layer with its own manual.

manual snapshot covers XP11 base package and XP12 runtime instructions · PDF pp9,23,32-34,40-41

Quest Kodiak ↗Research-based aircraft background

Quest Kodiak

Quest developed the Kodiak in Idaho before the programme became part of Daher. An unpressurised cabin, fixed tricycle gear and single turboprop serve passenger and cargo work, including access to unimproved airfields.

Kodiak generations and amphibious installations differ in equipment. Simulator product descriptions identify the represented model and cockpit.

Aircraft / family

Quest Kodiak ↗Pilot account

Kodiak of the Keys

Allen Wood owner interview · 29 September 2022; October issue