Guimbal Cabri G2 v4

The VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 v4 stands as the premier ab-initio light piston helicopter training platform for X-Plane 12. Designed by Bruno Guimbal and certified by EASA in 2007 and the FAA in 2015, the real-world Cabri G2 revolutionized rotary flight training with its three-bladed, high-inertia fully articulated rotor system, composite crashworthy fuselage, and signature Fenestron shrouded tail rotor. Developed with direct acknowledgment from Hélicoptères Guimbal, VSKYLABS captures the distinct personality of this modern French trainer with exceptional aerodynamic nuance.

Adhering strictly to VSKYLABS’ "Native X-Plane" development ethos, the Cabri G2 relies on zero external stabilization plugins or background scripting crutches. Instead, it extracts the maximum fidelity possible from X-Plane 12’s blade-element flight dynamics engine. Version 4.x introduces deep drivetrain revisions, updated airfoils, and refined anti-torque aerodynamics developed alongside real-world Cabri flight instructors. Pilots must manage authentic pedal and cyclic transitions through Effective Translational Lift (ETL), where the shrouded Fenestron demands distinct yaw-control authority compared to conventional open tail rotors.

In the cockpit, the airframe features a faithful recreation of the Electronic Pilot Monitor (EPM)—the multi-function digital engine instrument screen displaying power rating, fuel flow, manifold pressure, and oil telemetry. The flight deck includes functional circuit breakers, full Day/Night VFR panel lighting, AviTab 3D kneeboard integration, and an optional experimental rate-based autopilot for cross-country cruising. Optimized deeply for Virtual Reality, the flight model offers responsive, docile, yet demanding rotary handling that makes it the benchmark platform for mastering helicopter fundamentals in X-Plane 12.

Primary Missions & Operational Roles

• Ab-Initio Rotary Flight Training: The definitive training helicopter for learning rotary aerodynamics, hover taxiing, pattern work, and autorotation entries.

• Fenestron & Drivetrain Familiarization: Practice managing the specific pedal workload and power demands of a shrouded anti-torque rotor through ETL transitions.

• Fixed-Wing to Rotary Pilot Transition: An approachable, docile bridge aircraft for experienced fixed-wing pilots stepping into rotary-wing mechanics.

• Low-Altitude Scenic VFR Touring: High-visibility bubble canopy exploration across regional VFR routes with integrated AviTab navigation.