Helicopters - Rotorcraft XP12 (2024)

Airwolf for X-Plane 12

Byiancs

The ongoing challenge of keeping the unflyable flying. I apologise once again to all X-Plane purists for the continuing offense to serious aviation simulation that a "magic numbers" supersonic helicopter represents. It was always about the question of "How ridiculous would the physics have to be to allow this to fly", and exactly what work arounds are needed to allow such an abomination in a serious simulator. She's only ever one new checkbox from Laminar Research away from impossibility, but for now, she flies on.
This is the supersonic version of Airwolf. She is not as pretty as the Cowan Bell 222, but she is arguably more fun in ways, and she definitely steps on more laws of physics. Please read the instruction PDF - this is an impossiphysics copter, and if you stop the tail rotor you're still able to crash X-Plane. You'll need to assign 3 buttons on your joystick, and have something for yaw control.
She was originally carved out in X-Plane 7, this version stands atop conversions from the V9 one. Once again some fairly elaborate reworking of things was required to keep her in the air - she was flying sideways with radically different rotor engine properties this time. Some objects insisted on being visible no matter the configuration - there's no internal co*ckpit visible from the outside now - this was something connected with the ways I made those objects over 10 years ago, this is non-fixable for the time being (I'm still too busy to relearn Blender / 3D Studio Max / AC3D!)
I hope you enjoy!

478 downloads

(3 reviews)

5 comments

Updated Sunday at 03:29 PM

AS365 N2 Dauphin

Byapn

Features:
4-axis autopilot system with hover and transition functionsCustom GPS (TNL2101) capable of instrument proceduresVibration and dynamic rotor sound effectsFunctional emergency floatsWindow rain effects, wipers and heatingSeveral other plugin-driven customizationsOptional equipment: hoist, searchlight, sliding doors, fuel jettison systemCredits:
Thanks to @flt, @sheepster and @JohnBray for testing!

6,744 downloads

(13 reviews)

78 comments

Updated June 30

Boeing AH-64 Guardian Apache

Byhenkfix

I was extremely happy when Drew Dale uploaded his AH-64 Guardian Apache. Even more when Alpeggio uploaded a more stable xp-11 update. Since it worked in XP-12 too I decided to have a look if I could do some improvements of the liveries, NML files and 3d settings, and well..here we are. I received permission of both Drew Dale and Alpeggio.
Liveries included are: Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japanese Self Defense Air Force, Hellenic Air Force, US Army and Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Have fun.

2,351 downloads

• apache
• ah-64
• (and 1 more)

  Tagged with:

  • apache
  • ah-64
  • attack helicopter

(2 reviews)

4 comments

Updated June 22

AH-1Z Viper

Byalpeggio

422 downloads

(1 review)

13 comments

Updated June 21

evtoleVtol-Jetson one

Byjpb63

501 downloads

• quadricopter
• manned racer

(4 reviews)

10 comments

Updated May 13

OH-58D Kiowa Warrior

ByKarlL

The OH-58D: a scout, or armed reconnaissance helicopter. Better known as the Kiowa Warrior, or the "KW". Get ready for a different helicopter. The 58D is a very stable platform, and is fairly easy to fly. It can be a lot of fun, even for a novice helicopter pilot. The Kiowa Warrior can also be very challenging: the systems are accurate and customized for military applications so they may appear complex at first. A simulation manual, as well as the real manuals are provided should you wish to increase your knowledge.
There are two different zip files that can be downloaded. Each file is for a different version of X-Plane and will only work in their intended X-Plane version:
- For X-Plane 12.08 and up: Download the KiowaW 3.6.zip file
- For X-Plane 11 (version 11.55): Download the KiowaW 2.0_XP11.zip file
The zip files include a Simulation Manual for the correct version, with Installation Notes, the original Operator's Manual and the Checklists, all in the "Manuals" folder.
The OH-58D is highly customized: you must follow the instructions in the sim manual for the helicopter to work properly. As a bare minimum:
- If you are using a hardware throttle axis, you must assign "WING SWEEP" instead of "Throttle" in your joystick settings;
- Create a joystick profile specific for the OH-58D;
- Set a minimum of 4 Flight Models per Frame in your General Settings;
- Maintain a minimum of 30 frames per second at all times, else lower other settings until 30 FPS is maintained;
In addition, only for X-Plane 11 users using the previous KiowaW version 2.0:
- Requires X-Plane 11.55, previous versions have not been tested;
- Use the regular flight model, not the experimental;
- Set your Visual Graphics slider (X-Plane Settings, Graphics Tab) to a minimum of HIGH(HDR);
Featuring:
- 4K PBR textures
- Thoroughly animated
- Fmod sound incorporating real soundtracks
- All systems customized with SASL
- Accurate flight model
- "Training Wheels", optional and adjustable stability for novice helicopter pilots
- 7 additional liveries, 6 of which were developed by DarkAngel1010
- VR Ready
- Customized button commands available for all "hands-on-controls" functions, and most others
For correct results, ensure that you are using commands found under the "KiowaW" list of commands for your joystick buttons, not generic scripts or X-Plane commands.
Please keep in mind that X-Plane 12 is not bug-free yet. Some of the bugs you may encounter will be "X-Plane 12 bugs", not necessarily "Kiowa" bugs.
The systems are accurately modelled. Some will only work with the proper electrical configuration, or when the correct sequence is followed. The included manuals remain the best reference.
If you run into issues, have a look at the log.txt file from your X-Plane folder. The file contains the diagnostic information.
If you cannot figure it out, drop me a line in the Kiowa Warrior open development forum and I'll see what I can do for you:
You can read about the origin and history of the Kiowa here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_OH-58_Kiowa
I don't do this for a living and I do not accept donations. I can support the development of the OH-58D on my veteran's pension. If you are feeling generous, find a charity supporting veterans in need in your local area. That's where I would re-direct any funds received. I thank you on their behalf.
Enjoy.

14,562 downloads

• oh-58
• kiowa
• (and 1 more)

  Tagged with:

  • oh-58
  • kiowa
  • helicopter

(62 reviews)

110 comments

Updated March 31

AW101 Merlin XP12 with In-flight refueling

Byalpeggio

1,709 downloads

(6 reviews)

18 comments

Updated February 6

RAF2000 GTX

Byghscott

Here you will find an updated version (x-plane V12) of my RAF 2000 GTX gyrocopter. Aside from flying and building aircraft and other objects for X-Plane, one of the great pleasures X-Plane has given me is making a friend who lives half the world away from Indiana in Germany. I made this aircraft for him. Steve Stiglic-Buxton “BINKY” is one of the few people who is even crazier about gyros than me. I have animated the pilot (Steve) and co-pilot (Me)! The co*ckpit doors open and close with the “canopy toggle”. I have included four liveries Green, Red, Tiger and German. I hope you will enjoy flying it.
If you do download this aircraft please rate it and comment, I would LOVE to hear from you and welcome any suggestions you might have to make it better.

Happy flying!

1,239 downloads

(3 reviews)

9 comments

Updated November 29, 2023

HSF Alouette III XP12

Bymarc1227

11,808 downloads

• alouette
• hsf
• (and 1 more)

  Tagged with:

  • alouette
  • hsf
  • helicopter

(40 reviews)

61 comments

Updated November 11, 2023

Aérospatiale Gazelle

ByJohnBray

This is my first test bed for X-Plane 12. Lots of mysteries to unravel! SASL has been replaced by the xlua plugin so it works for me on native Apple Silicon (no need for Rosetta).
It is over 50 years since the maiden flight of the Aérospatiale Gazelle and there are still quite a few of these still flying. Here is an SA342L version, updated for X-Plane 12. It is the military companion of the SA342J, which was fitted with the more powerful 649 kW (870 shp) Astazou XIV engine an improved Fenestron tail rotor. With an increased take-off weight, this variant was approved on 24 April 1976, and entered service in 1977.
The Irish Air Corps had two SA342L models Gazelles, (registrations 237 [cn 1772] and 241 [cn 1854]). This particular airframe was used by Aer Chór na hÉireann (Irish Air Corps). It was delivered 30 Oct 1979 and crashed 16 Aug 2002 near Baldonnel. Its sister aircraft [Chassis number 1854] was delivered 14 Jan 1981 as registration 241. It moved to private registration in 2007 as HA-LFQ.
The SA342Lis similar enough to other models that most other liveries will work with it. Maybe other variants will follow, one day.
See the downloaded aircraft folder for documentation (README.pdf)

3,071 downloads

(6 reviews)

9 comments

Updated September 22, 2023

Fairey Rotodyne

Byrichrarobi

This is Dan Hopgood's Rotodyne updated to run in xp12. I haven't done much testing, but in a quick flight (round the block as it were) it is flying nicely. The script I created for xp11 to simulate tip jet rotors is still working. I had to give it elevators which seem to have been omitted in my xp-11 copy. Also the elevators provide roll control at speed. I had to remove the documentation folder to upload, but this was unchanged from xp-11 anyway. I saved it in xp12 plane-maker, but all the work was done in xp-11 plane-maker (which is nicer to use!)
For newcomers to this beast, the tip-jet rotors meant there was no torque at the main rotor. My script nullifies the torque. Also If I remember it does fancy things with clutches and governor controls. The plane turns into a winged airplane with gyro-copter rotor at speed. Clutch and throttle for main rotor are automatic. Landing gear and the wingtips on the horizontal stab still seem to work as required.
see xp-11 for flying tips.
As for version xp11 the model is Dan's as is the sound. I believe I added the co*ckpit inside.

164 downloads

(0 reviews)

1 comment

Submitted September 19, 2023

RAH-66 Comanche

Byalpeggio

This is the fantastic work of Jolando Lightner and Christopher Vollherbst (forum member Criminy) and Criminy gave me permission to update and take it further.
I am still to animate the wheel and weapon doors in a future update, but for now I have added the light attack version with its stub wings.
The current weapons fitted (though there are many options) here are 4 AGM114k's and 4 DAGR's which are guided 70mm rockets, all fire in xp12 using the AA missiles weapon setting.
The gun is hidden until you turn the gun on, very cool.
The G1000 second screen is set to camera, but full function is available on pop out.
Quick view 1 is set to front pilot.
Have fun, and enjoy Criminy's fantastic liveries.

1,416 downloads

(2 reviews)

19 comments

Updated May 9, 2023

Virtavia Sea King xp12

Byalpeggio

Thanks to Virtavia for this freeware helicopter, I have had help from Domhenry to make this model finally shine. Thanks Dom, it has never looked better in xp12.
He also updated the Dream engine sounds to work on Mac computers. More improvements are being developed too.
The rotors have been made to look better when blurred, and also forum member Isjaki gave us the 45 Jahre SAR dienst livery, with its cool eagle eyes, thankyou.
The SASL error has been fixed.
Known issues;
The torque goes up and down continually, but it doesn't affect the flight. We are looking for a fix.

4,499 downloads

(10 reviews)

57 comments

Updated May 7, 2023

Virtavia Sea King Commando xp12

Byalpeggio

Thanks to Virtavia for this freeware helicopter, I have had help from Domhenry to make this model finally shine. Thanks Dom.
He also updated the Dream engine sounds to work on Mac computers.
The rotors have been made to look better when blurred, and the SASL error is fixed.
Also has rain glass.
Known problems;
The torque continually rises and falls, though it doesn't affect flight, a solution will be worked on.

1,152 downloads

(2 reviews)

10 comments

Updated May 7, 2023

BumbleBee4 Overlapping Synchronized 4-Seat Tilt-Rotor BETA

ByCkinder_phoenix

4-seat general aviation tilt-rotor with low disc loading. Stable and easy to fly in both VTOL & horizontal flight modes with a 235 knot (270 mph) cruise speed at 10,000ft / 80% throttle. Power is provided by a modified 800HP Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft with 3x 90-degree reduction gear boxes and synchronized prop-shafts connected to large diameter intermeshing prop-rotors.
Revised 4/10/23.
* New rotor design - new airfoils (super-critical tips) and twist rate.
* Redesigned 2D glass co*ckpit.
* Revised flight control software - automatic collective constraints are added for horizontal flight mode.
* Auto gear retract above 120 knots and auto deploy with VTOL vector greater than 50%, and auto landing lights at night.
* New landing gear arrangement.
Transition to forward flight is accomplished by retracting flaps (xlua script). Transition back to VTOL flight is accomplished be extending flaps. The prop-rotors will vector with flap input automatically (xlua script). VECTOR IS LOCKED OUT ABOVE 120 knots - you must decelerate below 120 knots before the flight control software will allow conversion back to vertical flight mode.

Automatic collective restraints allow the pilot to select maximum collective with takeoff and transition - no more dialing back collective if rotor RPM falls off - the flight control software does it automatically. Same with deceleration / reduced collective. Go ahead and slam the collective to full or minimum during horizontal flight without all the high / low rotor RPM alerts (except in a steep dive).

Autorotation works best with rotors vectored forward (as in vertical flight mode autorotation is still practically non-existent). The positive blade twist greatly improves forward flight efficiency, but adversely effects reverse flow autorotation. For best results begin vectoring back to VTOL mode as you're about to flare.

The temporary aircraft skin is a modified version of Sean Tebor's Evenblade.
This is an unfinished prototype! Design, scripting, modeling and flight testing is still ongoing...
With the flight model & control software complete, the next phase will be 3d modeling the interior & exterior.

Old video with the old co*ckpit & landing gear arrangement:

Autorotation in XP 11:

The included xlua flight control software file (BumbleBee_init) is OPEN SOURCE. You are free to modify it / change the name and use it for your own needs. Just add your name below mine. You do not need to ask me for permission.

296 downloads

(0 reviews)

2 comments

Updated April 11, 2023

Sikorsky S-76A

Bybrett s

Sikorsky S-76A conversion of default Laminar v12 S-76
The default Laminar S-76 actually began life many years/versions ago, I initially created it for X-Plane Mobile. Later the 3d model was revamped & it was brought into the desktop sim by Laminar, but without really updating anything or understanding much about helicopters in general or the S-76 specifically. So it has a bunch of issues/inaccuracies.
It really bugged me the 3d co*ckpit was from an A model (analog panel) but the specs were from a C+ (glass panel), plus the rotor & engine gauges were way off.
So I made the aircraft specs match the A model 3d co*ckpit & properly calibrated most of the drivetrain stuff - it's quite a bit more accurate than the default one from a performance standpoint anyways!
I did send all of this to Laminar as well but since they haven't updated the default aircraft yet (and may never) I decided to go ahead & release this. It's not adding any additional functionality & certainly isn't intended to be "study level", just an improvement over the default.
Questions or comments to: [emailprotected]
v1 - initial v12.0 release

1,002 downloads

(0 reviews)

11 comments

Updated March 11, 2023

Sikorsky S-61N

Byalpeggio

This is an update of Helodriver98's S-61, which was from Henkfix, and originally made by Brett S. Thanks Brett for permission to post.
Henkfix moded the original Sea King into an S-61 for xp9, and gave Helodriver, and now me, permission to update it further, thanks Henk.
I was tasked by Helodriver98 to add a 3d co*ckpit and 3d passenger cabin, which I have done.
TheSikorsky S-61LandS-61Nare civil variants of theSH-3 Sea Kingmilitaryhelicopter. It was developed and produced by the American helicopter manufacturerSikorsky Aircraft.
The commercial version of the Sea King was developed during the late 1950s. Two versions, the land-basedS-61Land the amphibiousS-61N, were created. The S-61L had an enlarged cabin and dispensed with some of the amphibious features, such as itsfloatstabilizers, for greater payload capacity. It was considered attractive to utility operators, while the amphibious S-61N appealed to off-shore operators. The first models were delivered to customers during September 1961. By the turn of the century, they had become two of the most widely used airliner and oil rig support helicopters built. (wiki)
Some comments on a few of the liveries available here.
KLM Helikopters.
Wikipedia has a very brief history athttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KLM_Helikopters. It’s hardly worth looking at frankly but is a starting point.
There is a wonderful promotional video from 1986 that KLM Helikopters prepared:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COiiwI4Tx48.
British International Helicopters
Wikipedia has some info athttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_International_Helicopters. Among its services, it provided passenger service to the Isles of Scilly from Penzance Heliport in Cornwall, England, and also transported workers to North Sea oil platforms.
Los Angeles Airways
This was a scheduled airline that provided services to airports and other stops in the greater Los Angeles Basin. Its most famous stop was Disneyland and that the Disneyland Heliport.https://www.disneyhistory101.com/los-angeles-airways-flight-417?fbclid=IwAR2LmBQkNlTz49kUrJcNobl-uqWg2WBkhoXqWs9bfZtvHOLJHoM7MWrKT6khas a great writeup about LA Airways and the Disneyland connection.
The Disney article features a route map from the 1960s. If you want to retrace some of those flights, take a look at the LA Helicopter Chart from the FAA athttps://aeronav.faa.gov/visual/12-29-2022/PDFs/Los_Angeles_Heli.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3IbmotKXznzGwPN05dhQ34b7KKxnAs9fZaOBuTgOkNgb4HDeCGlPU9TLU. You’ll note that the second page describes Disneyland being located off the SLI VORTAC’s 068 radial at 6.8 nautical miles. Latitude and longitude coordinates are also given. Sadly, Disneyland isn’t modeled in XP12 so you won’t see much there. The helipad is also not there. Maybe someone will take up the challenge of modeling one or both Disneyland or the heliport at some point.
British Caledonian Helicopters.
http://www.british-caledonian.com/BCal_LGW-LHR_Airlink_P1.htmlis an interesting story about the route between Heathrow and Gatwick airports that both British Caledonian Helicopters and British Airways Helicopters jointly operated.
Thanks to Helodriver for populating the new panel, great job.
Thanks to Pedrovl andembaranger for the 3d panel
Thanks to MRL for the co*ckpit and thanks to Beber for the pilots.
Thanks to Laminar for the seats.

919 downloads

(1 review)

7 comments

Updated January 9, 2023

AS-350B Squirrel

ByDrew Dale

I have ported my recently uploaded AS-350B S1uirrel for X-P 11 to X-P 12 and this is the result.
The flight model has remained the same, but as you can see from the screenshots, the graphics have become blurred. I didn't change anything on the texture files but the quality has degraded enormously.
I read in a forum thread that this may be a bug in Vulkan(sp?) since 2020. I don't know, if someone has a solution please let me know.
Have fun.
Drew

716 downloads

• ran
• as-350
• (and 1 more)

  Tagged with:

  • ran
  • as-350
  • eurocopter

(0 reviews)

2 comments

Submitted December 23, 2022

Bell 47G-2

Bybrett s

1,663 downloads

(4 reviews)

12 comments

Submitted December 22, 2022

Cavalon Gyro

Byghscott

This is a complete remake of my earlier Cavalon gyro. New, more realistic co*ckpit and many other additions.
Just learned from Ben at X-Plane that aircraft created in V12 are NOT backward compatible. So my gyro will only work in V12. By the way, V12 is well worth the upgrade!
If you enjoy flying this gyro please rate and comment.

901 downloads

(4 reviews)

23 comments

Updated November 14, 2022

KillerBee VTOL Overlapping Synchronized Tilt-Rotor armed UAV

ByCkinder_phoenix

The purpose of this design was to create a VTOL aircraft with forward flight speed / range / efficiency approaching that of a V-22 style tiltrotor, while retaining the low disc loading / high hover efficiency / auto-rotation capability of a traditional helicopter. The main engine is a modified Turbomecca 2 from an AS350.

This is an armed Naval UAV version of the BumbleBee. Theoretically this aircraft could give a Predator UAV like patrol, recon and strike capability to Frigates and Destroyers. I haven't figured out how it would fold up to fit in a ship's hanger yet...

Transition to forward flight is accomplished by retracting flaps (xlua script). Transition back to VTOL flight is accomplished be extending flaps.The prop-rotors will vector with flap input automatically (xlua script).

The lower 50% of your collective range should be reserved for VTOL vertical flight. The upper 50% is for horizontal flight IE: -12 to +12 degrees blade pitch for VTOL, and +12 to +29 for horizontal flight. After transitioning to forward flight keep collective between 70-80% until above 200mph. keep any eye on rotor RPMs and back off collective if it falls below 380rpm.

Autorotation works best with rotors vectored forward. The positive blade twist greatly improves forward flight efficiency, but adversely effects reverse flow autorotation. For best results begin vectoring as you're about to flare.

This is an unfinished prototype! Design, scripting, modeling and flight testing is still ongoing...
Hellfire missiles do not work at the moment...

250 downloads

(0 reviews)

1 comment

Updated October 29, 2022