CT-160 Silver Star II

Conceived as a speculative, modern successor to the venerable Canadair CT-133 Silver Star—the jet that trained generations of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots—the CT-160 Silver Star II is an original concept lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) created by developer rlawson. Designed to serve as the tandem-seat pipeline trainer for the developer's companion CF-106 Arrow II concept fighter, the CT-160 bridges the gap between basic jet training and frontline combat. The airframe features twin afterburning turbofans capable of pushing the trainer to Mach 1.75 and an operational ceiling of 60,000 feet, combined with high-visibility stepped tandem seating and naval carrier equipment, including 110-degree folding wings and a tailhook.

Drawing from the developer’s real-world military flight instructor background, the module emphasizes instructional workflows and procedural discipline. Both cockpits feature modern touch-glass displays built around an integrated Garmin G1000 navigation core, HUD symbology, and a simulated Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD). The rear cockpit functions as an authentic Instructor Operating Station (IOS), enabling virtual instructors to dial in student stick g-limits (from 6g to 8g), monitor student display repeating, log debrief marks, and dynamically inject seven distinct failures—ranging from flameouts and engine bay fires to deceptive landing gear indications and fuel leaks. Additionally, the instructor station can deploy and direct four autonomous LYNX "loyal wingman" drones across five distinct tactical formations.

The aerodynamic package blends the high-thrust foundation of Laminar’s native X-Plane 12 flight-model architecture with custom fly-by-wire stick shaping. Handling is balanced and forgiving: approach speeds require a disciplined 8 to 10-degree angle of attack at approximately 140 knots with full flaps. Once on the runway, the large wing area allows effective aerodynamic braking by holding the nosewheel off the runway, keeping the stick back below 100 knots to preserve wheel brake life before engaging the drogue chute.

Classified firmly within our Procedural fidelity tier, the CT-160 Silver Star II transcends novelty concept status by delivering genuine procedural training utility. With an exhaustive 28-page flight manual, cold-and-dark ground equipment configurations (intake plugs, pins, and control locks), rapid-start modes, and robust instructor tools, it offers a deeply engaging, high-performance training platform for virtual military aviators.

Primary Missions & Operational Roles

• Advanced Supersonic Jet Transition: Train virtual military aviators in high-altitude supersonic energy management, high-g maneuvering, and swept-wing flight regimes.

• Interactive Flight Instruction & Failure Drills: Utilize the rear-cockpit Instructor Operating Station to simulate emergency checklists, hydraulic leaks, engine flameouts, and abnormal gear indications.

• Carrier Suitability & Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP): Practice carrier approaches, high-alpha traps, and deck handling utilizing folding wings and arresting hook procedures.

• Loyal Wingman Drone Coordination: Command four accompanying autonomous LYNX drones through multiple tactical escort formations while executing navigation routes.