Maule M-7-235B Super Rocket

The Maule M-7-235B Super Rocket (frequently cataloged across backcountry communities and simulation searches as the Maule M-7, Maule M7, M-7-235, Maule Orion, or VSKYLABS Maule) is a celebrated staple of American bush flying. Manufactured in Moultrie, Georgia, by Maule Air, Inc., the M-7 family earned its reputation as a rugged, steel-tube framed utility hauler capable of lifting four adults and gear out of confined river sandbars and unimproved backcountry clearings. Developed natively from the ground up for X-Plane 12, the VSKYLABS Maule M-7-235B Project represents one of the earliest purpose-built bush planes developed in direct cooperation with the aircraft manufacturer.

The package delivers multiple flight deck configurations and landing gear variants. Pilots can select between a classic analog panel featuring traditional steam gauges paired with a Garmin GNS 430 GPS, or an advanced modern glass flight deck powered by the Garmin G1000 suite. A notable feature across both layouts is the working replica of the Alpha Systems AOA "Eagle" indicator mounted on the glareshield, providing real-time angle-of-attack guidance during short-field approaches. VSKYLABS includes both a conventional landplane (with options for standard gear or oversized 35-inch bush wheels) and a fully animated amphibious floatplane model.

In X-Plane 12, the Maule handles with energetic responsiveness powered by its 235-horsepower Lycoming O-540 flat-six engine. The flight model accurately incorporates Maule's distinctive wing design, including its reflex flap setting: setting flaps to -7 degrees reduces wing camber for high-speed cruise up to 135 to 145 KTAS, while dumping flaps to 40 degrees allows steep, slow approaches down to 43 knots indicated airspeed. Whether touching down on rocky Alaskan gravel bars or water-taxing across alpine lakes, the aircraft provides an authentic, seat-of-the-pants STOL flying experience.

Primary Missions & Operational Roles

• Backcountry Bush Exploration & Off-Airport STOL: Operating out of confined riverbanks, sandbars, and high-altitude mountain clearings utilizing 35-inch bush wheels and high-lift trailing-edge flaps.

• Amphibious Lake & Coastal Water Operations: Flying the amphibious float variant to connect remote coastal bays, lakefront cabins, and island archipelagos throughout Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.

• Angle-of-Attack (AOA) Precision Approach Training: Using the glareshield-mounted Alpha Systems AOA indicator to fly high-drag, low-speed short-field approaches right on the edge of the stall warning horn.

• Light Wilderness Cargo & Family Touring: Hauling camping equipment, hunting supplies, or passengers on fast VFR cross-country trips between 4,500 and 9,500 feet at 140 KTAS.