Research aircraft and systems

Aero-Works Aerolite 103 ↗Simulator documentation

Aero-Works Aerolite 103 · Laminar Research · X-Plane 12

X-Plane aircraft and avionics manuals

Aero-Works Aerolite 103 ↗Simulator documentation

Aero-Works Aerolite 103 · Laminar Research · X-Plane 11

X-Plane aircraft and avionics manuals

AgustaWestland AW109 ↗Research-based aircraft background

AgustaWestland AW109

The A109 originated with Agusta in Italy and continued through AgustaWestland into Leonardo. Its streamlined cabin, four-bladed main rotor and retractable undercarriage suited executive transport as well as emergency-service and other utility work.

Later developments changed engines, cabin details and avionics. The AW109SP represented by X-Trident is a particular modern version, with its own engine-management and automatic flight-control systems. An early A109 photograph is therefore family history rather than proof of the SP's equipment.

Aircraft / family

Airbus A320 family ↗Simulator documentation

A319 / A320neo / A321 family · ToLiss · X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12

X-Plane aircraft and avionics manuals

Airbus H145 ↗Research-based aircraft background

Airbus H145

The H145 developed through the BK 117 and EC145 line. Its roomy cabin has made the family useful for emergency medical services, police work and passenger transport. Later H145 developments introduced the enclosed Fenestron tail rotor and, subsequently, a five-bladed main rotor.

An earlier EC145 photograph or manual can therefore show a different rotor and tail arrangement from a newer H145. Avionics and automatic flight-control equipment also depend on the generation and installation. The simulator's own model and developer documentation establish which configuration is represented.

Aircraft / family

BAe 146 / Avro RJ ↗Research-based aircraft background

BAe 146 / Avro RJ

The BAe 146 was developed for short-haul airline service, with -100, -200 and -300 fuselage lengths. Its high wing and T-tail make it readily recognisable. The Avro RJ continued the family with revised engines, avionics and other systems.

The 146 and RJ are especially rewarding to compare in simulation because similar-looking airframes can conceal different flight-guidance and cockpit arrangements. Just Flight supplies separate manuals and a differences guide rather than treating the RJ as a cosmetic update to the 146.

Aircraft / family

Beechcraft Baron 58 / G58 ↗Research-based aircraft background

Beechcraft Baron 58 / G58

The Baron entered the Beechcraft range in 1961, developing from the earlier Travel Air. Its retractable landing gear and two wing-mounted piston engines provide the familiar outline of a light touring twin. Several fuselage and engine combinations appeared over the family's long history.

The Model 58 and glass-cockpit G58 share a recognisable shape while representing different equipment generations. A conventional-instrument X-Plane aircraft and a modern MSFS G58 consequently deserve separate avionics and systems descriptions, even when they share this family page.

Aircraft / family

Beechcraft King Air family ↗Simulator documentation

King Air 350 · Airfoillabs · X-Plane 12

Avionics choices and custom automatic flight

Airfoillabs's King Air 350 v2 combines avionics options with custom autopilot logic, including VNAV and approach behaviour. The product description also covers engine simulation, pressurisation and ice-protection systems. The reviewed current branch is for X-Plane 12; older King Air releases need their own version context.

King Air350 v2.0.3 December 2025; XP12 · Avionics & Autopilot; version and requirements

Beechcraft King Air family ↗Research-based aircraft background

Beechcraft King Air family

Beechcraft's King Air range grew from the 90-series aircraft into a broad family of pressurised utility and business transports. The later 200 and 300 series were originally marketed as Super King Airs. Their T-tails provide a quick visual distinction from the smaller 90-series lineage.

The C90 and 350 aircraft gathered here differ in airframe, engines and systems. They also span conventional instrumentation and modern avionics. The aircraft's appeal as a reference subject is that variety: the shared name opens the door, but the individual variant explains the details.

Aircraft / family

Beechcraft Starship ↗Simulator documentation

Starship · Black Square · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024

A period electronic flight deck with supporting systems

The Starship centres on the AMS-850 avionics suite, including display reversion, cooling and temperature-related instrument behaviour. Black Square also documents the pressurisation and environmental model and optional navigation integrations. These supporting systems explain more about the simulation than the unusual canard and pusher-propeller silhouette alone.

Black Square Starship · PDF p.9; introduction and avionics overview

Beechcraft Starship ↗Simulator documentation

Starship · Black Square · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024

The displays are part of the thermal simulation

The simulated avionics occupy cooled equipment spaces, with airflow and blower operation affecting temperature. The manual describes overheating and equipment failures when cooling becomes inadequate, with an avionics-status view on the multifunction display. It also models the behaviour of the period CRT displays: cold displays can take time to brighten, while excessive heat can make the image fade. A blank or dim display can therefore have a simulated system explanation beyond its brightness control.

Black Square Starship User Guide (2025) · PDF pp.108,110 · Avionics cooling and CRT displays

Beechcraft Starship ↗Research-based aircraft background

Beechcraft Starship

Beechcraft's Starship departed sharply from the conventional King Air outline. The main wing sits aft, a small forward wing provides the canard arrangement, and two pusher propellers turn behind the cabin. Extensive carbon-fibre construction was another defining part of the programme.

Its avionics were equally ambitious for the period. Black Square's simulation centres on the AMS-850 flight deck, including display reversion and supporting systems such as avionics cooling. That combination of unusual airframe and period electronic cockpit gives the Starship considerable depth as a reference subject.

Aircraft / family