Tag: CitationJet

Take Command! CitationJet 525 v1.0.1 Update Released

TorqueSim and X-Aviation are happy to announce the release of the version 1.0.1 update of the Take Command! CitationJet 525 for X-Plane 12.

We have been thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the aircraft following the release last Friday. This update fixes various reported bugs and adds tweaks based on user feedback. Additionally we added some nice new features that we will highlight here. We continue to work on further updates to add additional features and improvements. Thank you for all of your support!

To Update: Download the aircraft installer here and re-install!

If you don’t have the CitationJet already, you can grab it now at X-Aviation!

Buy Now!

New feature: Full X-Plane 12 windshield heat and rain blower integration

The aircraft now is fully tied to the latest X-Plane 12 functionality for thermal blowers for windshield deice, as well as interactions with rain. Check out this video here showing the behavior.

Additional key feature additions include a new nose-steering system, overriding the behavior of the base simulation functionality. This should give a much more representative feel of the steering attributes of the 525.

This update also includes the latest version of the UNS-1 FMS which adds various fixes and adds support for power-failure auto-resume functionality.

Full v1.0.1 Release Notes:

  • T-2359 Nose-wheel steering behavior improvements through a new refactored nose gear system overriding the default nose steer logic.
  • T-2372 Windshield blower tie-in with X-Plane systems for both ice protection and rain
  • T-2374 Latest UNS-1 update (v1.19.2)
    • Fix CTD when going direct to an off-route pilot-defined waypoint. 
    • Fix Standby mode disabled when FMS power is removed. 
    • Add Power Failure auto-resume if power is removed for less than 7 minutes.
    • Add way for plugin to send AP TO/GA signal to the FMS.
    • Add datarefs needed for WebFMC to function.
  • T-2365 Fix chocks not holding aircraft in certain conditions
  • T-2364 GTN750 GPS selection was not being persisted between loads
  • T-2366 Spoilers should re-deploy following thrust reduction when WoW and ground flaps
  • T-2367 Annunciator should trigger when attenuator switch is in stow on ground with high N2
  • T-2303 Nose wheel animation wobbles while stopped
  • T-2338 AC fluctuation sound plays in background
  • T-2361 Fix default TO/GA command to trigger correct custom logic; fix missing button on throttle
  • T-2387 Fix Radar altimeter DH light not illuminating
  • T-2371 AP & FMS Bank Limit logic, auto bank-limit with altitude
  • T-2375 Add display of current weight/CG to load sheet
  • T-2377 Fix altitude alerter light on altimeter not illuminating
  • T-2379 Attenuator switch should be spring loaded out of TEST position
  • T-2380 Recalibrate AOA between EADI/Indexer/Gauge
  • T-2381 Flaps should default to 15° when starting with engine running
  • T-2382 Persistent state should keep parking brake status
  • T-2386 GTX327 fix for Linux users
  • T-2388 Pass TOGA call to UNS
  • T-2362 Fix behavior where FD captures pre-selected altitude, and turns back on, even when no lateral or vertical modes are selected
  • T-2392 Anti-ice system datarefs not removing ice properly
  • T-2395 Cabin dump switch guard clipping
  • T-2396 Typo in the Voltage Sel switch label
  • T-2403 Trim Rocker not self-centering
  • T-2404 Altimeter alerter light always on
  • T-2397 left_brake and right_brake do not unlock after using chocks
  • Adjust Linux build logic to support Ubuntu 22.04 
  • Cones were lopsided and elevated above or in the ground. Fixed for most configs.
  • Fix rectangle showing on Citation logo near door
  • Updated the AP panel to accommodate VR users.
  • Default UNS config for fuel should be in pounds
  • Fixed texture bugs on the altitude indicator.
  • Adjusted volume of the bleed air and landing gear
  • Lighting fixes including adjusted LITs for the landing lights and for some interior items.
  • Fixed shading on GTX327
  • Added detail map to panel items
  • Fixed holes in compartment carpet
  • Various additional minor improvements and bug fixes based on feedback
  • Latest manuals and documentation (see here for more info)

Now Available: Take Command! TorqueSim CitationJet 525 for X-Plane 12

TorqueSim and X-Aviation are thrilled to announce the release of the Take Command! CitationJet 525 for X-Plane 12. This product represents the culmination of expertise gained from our previous developments, refined and applied over years of work. The aircraft has been expertly designed to leverage the latest X-Plane features, with meticulous attention to detail and unwavering precision, delivering an unparalleled simulation experience for virtual pilots. Get it now at X-Aviation!

Buy Now

About Take Command!

The X-Aviation Take Command! branding represents the very best of flight simulation immersion, and assures you this product is one of the most sophisticated, study sim level aircraft available for X-Plane! Real world pilots assist in the development and testing of these products, and real world procedures are followed. It tells you these products are unlike any other product you’ve seen outside of the ever growing X-Aviation catalog! Simulate what the real pilots do on these aircraft daily!

Learn about the aircraft

We’ve detailed the aircraft in our previous blog posts, as well as check out some streams/videos you can find those here:

Take Command! TorqueSim CitationJet 525: Avionics Feature Preview

We hope you are as excited about the Take Command! TorqueSim CitationJet 525 as we are!

We are in the home stretch of finishing up the final features and testing, and are aiming to get this product released very soon. Let’s take some time and dig into the unique and detailed avionics featured in this aircraft.

The key centerpiece of the aircraft is the Honeywell avionics system including the ED-600 EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) displays: the EADI (Electronic Attitude Director Indicator) and EHSI (Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator). These are the two primary displays on the captain’s side of the panel. These displays are controlled by the DC-81X display controller located below the EHSI. To the right of the EADI is the Honeywell AM-250 altimeter, an advanced RVSM-capable altimeter. The aircraft’s Honeywell autopilot consists of the mode selector located above the EADI and the control panel located on the center pedestal.  

The EADI features many unique attributes:

  • Standard attitude sphere for indicating pitch and roll, capable of being driven by the reversionary attitude gyro “ATT2”
  • Selectable single cue and cross pointer flight director command cues
  • Fast/Slow angle of attack display for dialing in your perfect approach
  • Rising runway indication for enhanced situational awareness 
  • Radio altimeter readout
  • Decision height setting and alerting
  • Flight director mode indications and attribute displays
  • Integrated marker beacon indicators
  • On approaches, glideslope and expanded localizer display. The expanded localizer display replaces the rate-of-turn indication and instead shows a high-sensitivity localizer deflection indication, 7.5x the amplification to provide precision tuning and awareness of aircraft location within the center of the localizer.

The EHSI also has many distinctive behaviors and features:

  • Standard HSI mode, with course and deviation, providing a familiar experience to most pilots
  • Arc HSI mode, which expands the HSI view to show a smaller range of angles ahead, but with enlarged indications for easier viewing
  • Map viewing mode, with multiple distinct viewing options:
  • When tuned to a NAV radio, and the selected NAV radio is receiving an appropriate VOR, the map will enter SRN (short range navigation) mode, where it utilizes DME and bearing values to generate a map based on received signals. This provides for much clearer flying behaviors when using VOR navigation. Underneath the map, a standard horizontal deviation indicator is displayed to reinforce what you are seeing on the map.
  • When set to the UNS1 FMS source, it displays the current flight plan ahead of the aircraft, including waypoint names, turns, arcs, and holds. This is the airliner-esque navigation display you may be familiar with from larger aircraft and other modern GA avionics. 
  • Bearing pointers from NAV1/NAV2/ADF1/ADF2/FMS sources
  • Heading bug connected to the autopilot
  • Glideslope indication shown when appropriate
  • DME display
  • Interchangeable ground speed, time-to-go, and elapsed time display 

The Honeywell autopilot is driven by a fully-custom flight director with various modes:

  • Heading hold mode, where the current heading is flown. In this mode, the aircraft can be controlled in a constant-bank turn using the turn knob on the pedestal autopilot control panel. 
  • Pitch hold mode, where the aircraft’s pitch attitude can be modified through the pitch knob on the autopilot control panel.
  • Heading select mode, a classic autopilot control mode where the system flies the specified magnetic heading, as set on the autopilot control panel and displayed on the EHSI.
  • NAV mode, where the autopilot can follow the various NAV sources, as fed to the EHSI
  • APR mode, where the autopilot can also follow a glideslope (or emulated glideslope provided by an installed GPS unit, if equipped — more on that later)
  • Backcourse mode, for following a localizer outbound with reverse-deflections
  • Altitude select and hold modes, with a preselector set via the autopilot control panel
  • Vertical speed and indicated airspeed modes where you can specify the climb rate or speed via the knob on the autopilot control panel

A novel and distinctive part of this aircraft is the wide range of navigation systems that can be used. We’ve spent an immense amount of time building out these integrations to ensure a wide range of flying types and needs are met. 

  • The Universal UNS-1 Flight Management System is located on the aircraft’s center pedestal and is present in all configurations. The UNS-1 can always drive the EHSI and flight director via the “FMS” mode on the display controller.
    • Flight Plan Management: Create, edit, and store complex flight plans with multiple waypoints, including support for airways and terminal procedures.
    • Advanced Navigation: Use direct-to, pseudo-VOR, holding patterns and lateral offsets
    • Updatable database: Utilizes the X-Plane 12 navigation database, which can be updated via Navigraph.
    • Performance Monitoring: Tracks fuel usage, estimated time en route, and wind impact for enhanced situational awareness.
    • Integration with EHSI: Seamlessly drives navigation displays with real-time depiction of waypoints, flight plan legs, and guidance cues.
  • The Standard Config: Honeywell CNI-5000 Integrated Avionics System. This is the classic radio assortment shipped with the aircraft. This features 2 COM radios, 2 NAV radios, an ADF receiver, as well as dual transponders with an active selection switch.
  • Dual X-Plane GNS530: Two GNS units are mounted on the panel, replacing the CNI-5000. These navigators add a key capability to the aircraft: Vertical guidance on RNAV approaches. These units drive the EHSI/FD via the NAV1/NAV2 channel for the left and right GNS, respectively. This means you can utilize the FMS and both GNS radios at the same time, while also having access to the NAV radios. Switching the output of the GNS between GPS and the NAV radio is accomplished using the “VLOC” button on the navigator. With this configuration, two GTX 327 transponders are added to the panel.
  • Dual GTN750Xi: We are thrilled to announce full integration with the upcoming TDS Sim GTNXi for X-Plane! (sold separately, Windows only) This will be coming in the next few months. We have been working with TDS on integrating their GTN750Xi navigator into the aircraft and we think that you’ll love it. Enjoy the feature set and capabilities of the GTN750Xi system, with many new features for the X-Plane market. A massive addition of this system is updatable navigation data and charts through Navigraph! The CJ525 is equipped with dual GTN750Xi navigators in this configuration, with advanced RNAV approach capabilities including vertical guidance.
    • Simulated is the GTN Xi series (V20.x) including many enhancements from the original GTNs including higher resolution maps, faster overall usage, SmartGlide, etc
    • Worldwide charts, fully integrated and geo-referenced into the GTNXi, from Navigraph
    • RealSimGear hardware support
    • For more information and to follow TDS’s progress, you can follow them directly on discord or their website.
  • RealityXP GTN750 and GNS530: (sold separately, Windows only). The aircraft can be equipped with dual GTN750s or dual GNS530s. These tie into our systems in a similar manner as described above using the RXP GPS options. 

Some additional equipped avionics systems include:

  • An approach indexer display mounted on the center column of the windshield. This system aids in flying stable approaches with the optimal angle of attack indicated as well as too fast / too slow indications. This system was modeled with custom lighting to ensure a vivid and beautiful effect, especially at night. 
  • Dual DMEs with hold capability, with distance, speed and time read-outs
  • Copilot KI525A HSI with free/slaved gyro
  • Pilot side dual RMI with NAV/ADF selections
  • Pilot side course deviation indicator for the NAV1 primary source
  • Davtron M877 Chronometer with GMT, LT (local time), ET (elapsed time), and FT (flight time)

We hope this post helped illustrate how the Take Command! TorqueSim CitationJet 525 offers a remarkable set of unique and detailed avionics to provide an immersive flying experience.

Every system, from the Honeywell EFIS displays to the advanced navigation configurations, has been meticulously crafted to provide both realism and versatility for pilots of all skill levels.

Whether you prefer flying with traditional VOR navigation or leveraging the latest FMS and GPS integrations, this aircraft is designed to deliver precision, performance, and depth. We can’t wait for you to experience the innovation and passion poured into this project — more to be shared soon!

To view more and to follow along with the development, check out our forum post at X-Pilot:

Learn More

Announcing the Take Command! TorqueSim CitationJet 525!

TorqueSim and X-Aviation are proud to announce the upcoming release of the Take Command! CitationJet 525 for X-Plane 12! This aircraft has been crafted with extreme precision, cutting-edge technologies, passionate attention to detail, and the latest features X-Plane has to offer to deliver an unparalleled simulation experience for virtual pilots. Development on this product started over 5 years ago, and we’re excited to be approaching project completion. We will share more details about the release soon.

History of TorqueSim

TorqueSim began as a collaboration between Steaven McKenzie and Cooper LeComp with the release of the TorqueSim Pocket Rocket in 2019. Since then, we’ve expanded our fleet, grown the team, and introduced a variety of high-quality aircraft. A significant milestone was when Ulrich joined as the key developer behind the acclaimed Islander BN-2B and Turbine Islander BN-2T aircraft.

Building on that success, we launched their flagship product—the Take Command! SR22 Series, in partnership with RealSimGear. This product line has led to the development of several notable variations, including the SR20 and Entegra-equipped models, as well as advanced professional iterations like the G6 and the all-new G7. The SR Series marked the entry into the professional market, where our aircraft are now trusted by hundreds of professional customers worldwide for flight training, education, and recurrence programs.

Now, TorqueSim is thrilled to return to its roots with the introduction of a unique and meticulously developed aircraft that we think you’re going to love.

About Take Command!

The X-Aviation Take Command! branding represents the very best of flight simulation immersion, and assures you this product is one of the most sophisticated, study sim level aircraft available for X-Plane! Real world pilots assist in the development and testing of these products, and real world procedures are followed. It tells you these products are unlike any other product you’ve seen outside of the ever growing X-Aviation catalog! Simulate what the real pilots do on these aircraft daily!

About the CitationJet

The CitationJet is notoriously one of the most confusingly named product lines in aviation. The Model 525 has had many different variants through the years and features a long lineage of aircraft. This model is the original CitationJet (model 525), dating back to the early 1990s.

This plane is a pilot’s airplane—remarkably responsive, highly performant, and a joy to fly, all while being fully certified for single-pilot operation. A range of approximately 1500 nautical miles means you can fly a wide variety of routes with this aircraft. Some great routes include Boeing Field (KBFI) to Dallas Love Field (KDAL), Teterboro (KTEB) to Denver (KDEN), or Nice (LFMN) to Madeira (LPMA).

Next Level Modeling, Texturing, and Sound

Every detail of the Citation 525 has been painstakingly recreated to the highest standards of quality. We’ll let the screenshots speak for themselves. We’ll also share our custom sound pack in upcoming videos.

Custom Avionics

This aircraft features avionics from one of the most unique eras of aircraft panels. The semi-glass cockpit simultaneously has great character and utility, while offering a vastly different flying experience.

  • Fully custom Honeywell ED600 EADI/EHSI pilot instruments
    • Rising runway
    • Single-cue / Cross pointer flight director
    • HSI mode, Arc mode, and Map mode on the EHSI. Map mode, when tied to the UNS1 source for navigation, provides an indication of your upcoming flight path. When tied to NAV radios tuned to VORs, it provides a unique short-range navigation map.
  • Many different navigation sources!
    • All configurations feature the fabulous UNS1 FMS created by Amy Parent. This flight management system is modeled faithfully and provides a unique type of FMS, especially in comparison to what is commonly seen in traditional airliners.
    • The standard configuration, alongside the UNS1, adds the CNI 5000 radio stack equipped with dual COM and NAV radios, an ADF receiver, as well as dual transponders.
    • Additionally, it can be flown with dual X-Plane GNS530s, replacing the CNI 5000. These two GPSs are then paired alongside dualGTX 327 transponders to provide a thorough navigation solution.
    • We also have compatibility with third-party GTN750 navigators for those that want to fly with the latest navigation systems! 
  • Custom autopilot system, simulating the variety of unique operational modes of the autopilot. 
  • Approach indexer for angle-of-attack reference
  • Davtron chronometer
  • Custom gyros, with various behaviors and failover modes

Advanced Systems Depth

We’ll go more in depth with the system descriptions in a future post as we get closer to release. Here is an initial overview of the many custom systems we have included.

The TorqueSim CitationJet has a fully-custom electrical system featuring the complete array of circuit breakers, detailed modeling of the starter-generators, bus distribution systems, and the electrical consumers themselves. Pull a breaker and see the ramifications and behaviors or disconnect the battery in the cargo compartment. Even the aft breaker panel is modeled. A custom fuel system with boost pumps, transfer valves, tanks, and more is also included..

The engine interface is highly customized to include accurate engine parameters, starter logic, igniters, thrust attenuators, both turbine and fan syncing, gauge behaviors, and more.

We have also customized the hydraulics systems, including gear and brake logic. The aircraft’s unique and intricate flight controls, including the ground flap 60° position, speedbrakes, trims, and control lock, have also been modeled. The fully custom pneumatic system affects everything from pressurization to climate and ice protection. From outflow valves to the pressurization controller, it’s modeled.

High-Fidelity Flight Model

The flight model of the Citation 525 has been refined and optimized specifically for X-Plane 12, ensuring an authentic flying experience. Every aspect of the aircraft’s performance has been carefully tuned to replicate the real-world counterpart, from precise takeoff and landing speeds to accurate fuel burn rates. Custom airfoils further aid the flight dynamics, providing a true-to-life feel in every phase of flight. The flight dynamics have been fine-tuned to match the unique handling characteristics of the Citation 525.

To view more and to follow along with the development, check out our forum post at X-Pilot:

Learn MORe

We’ll be sure to keep you update as we approach the release of the aircraft.

On the Horizon: TorqueSim CitationJet 525 Begins Internal Testing!

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in development at TorqueSim: Our highly anticipated CitationJet 525 has officially entered the internal testing phase, marking a crucial step forward for this long awaited aircraft for X-Plane 12.

Our team has been working tirelessly to bring the TorqueSim CitationJet 525 to life, and the initiation of internal testing is a testament to our dedication and progress. This phase is vital as it allows us to rigorously evaluate the aircraft’s performance, ensuring that every detail meets our high standards of realism and accuracy, while finalizing key features to ensure that they are developed with the flight-simmer in mind.

During this internal testing period, both our developers and testers will meticulously examine various aspects of the CitationJet 525, including:

  • Flight Dynamics: Ensuring the aircraft’s handling characteristics are as close to the real thing as possible.
  • Systems Accuracy: Testing and fine-tuning our custom avionics, navigation, and other essential systems to provide a true-to-life experience.
  • Visual Fidelity: Perfecting the visual details, from the exterior model to the cockpit, to immerse you fully in the simulation.
  • Performance Testing: Evaluating the aircraft’s performance on a variety of computer setups to ensure smooth and consistent operation across different hardware configurations.

A Glimpse into the Future

While we can’t wait to share the CitationJet 525 with the X-Plane community, we are committed to taking the necessary time to refine and perfect every aspect of the aircraft. Our internal testing phase is just the beginning of a series of steps designed to ensure that when the CitationJet 525 is finally released, it exceeds your expectations in every way.

Stay Tuned

We will keep you updated on our progress as we move through the various stages of testing and development. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for TorqueSim. We are confident that the CitationJet 525 will be a game-changer for X-Plane, and we can’t wait for you to experience it!

Stay connected with us through our social media for more updates through the development process. Your excitement fuels our passion, and we are eager to bring the TorqueSim CitationJet 525 to your virtual hangar soon.

Happy flying,
The TorqueSim Team