Orbx Blackwing 635 RG
A written review of the Orbx Blackwing 635 for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Orbx asked if I might write a few words about the Blackwing 635 RG for Microsoft Flight Simulator - which happily coincides with something I have been thinking about doing for some time - writing reviews of aircraft, scenery, flight simulator add-ons, and so on. I’m not promising I will do this for all aircraft, but you never know!
Video review
First impressions
The aircraft is wonderfully modelled. The exterior structures, material modelling, and detailing is very impressive - I spent longer than I will admit panning the camera around the woven carbon composite patterns, admiring the way they catch the light. Inside the aircraft, the cockpit is similarly impressive - with photo-realistic controls, instruments, and materials throughout.
The aircraft uses the Garmin G3X avionics suite, along with a straightforward autopilot. Although not overly familiar with it’s operation, it’s very intuitive - I have been able to configure the aircraft and enter flight plans without issue.
Perhaps something of a feature of the Blackwing - and common to similar aircraft such as the Sting S4 - is the tinted canopy. It must be noted that visibility from the pilot’s seat is very good - with no support structures obscuring your view around the aircraft.
First flight
The first flight was performed on a calm morning at D83 Booneville in California. The aircraft accelerated quickly - not a surprise given it’s power to weight ratio. Rotating at 60 knots, it took to the air smoothly and gear retraction was relatively fast.
Control authority in-flight is very good - with smooth and positive control in all axis. Performing some basic stall tests, the stall warning kicked in at 55 knots IAS, and the left wing dropped at just under 50 knots. Recovery was straightforward. A basic spin-test was performed - with the aircraft resisting left-hand spins, but easily entering right-hand spins. Again, recovery was straightforward.
In cruise the aircraft is remarkably rapid for it’s size, power and weight. The combination of the Garmin G3X and autopilot makes navigation on longer routes a pleasure rather than a chore, supporting all of the guidance modes we have come to expect.
The aircraft is very stable in a side-slip - although it didn’t markedly lose altitude or airspeed - something to keep in mind if sideslipping to assist with steep approaches. With full flaps and gear down, approaches become straightforward at fifty to sixty knots, with a stall speed of just under 40 knots seeming to match the book numbers.
In summary
The Blackwing 635 RG is a fantastic addition to Microsoft Flight Simulator. The development team at OrbX have modelled the aircraft wonderfully - both in terms of it’s physical appearance and flight model. It’s easy and fun to fly - you have to go out of your way to get into trouble with it, and even if you do, recovery is straightforward.
Since it’s release I have used it for a number of group flights and it has garnered interest each time - with fellow pilots invariably heading to the OrbX store to take a look for themselves.
If you’ve been looking for a fast, nimble aircraft with great visibility to go exploring the world of Flight Simulator in, you can’t go far wrong.
Take a look for yourself:
The “real world” Blackwing 635 RG
Blackwing Sweden AB was founded in 2011 - the full history of the company can be found on their website - along with information about the various aircraft they build. The Blackwing 635 RG page reads as follows:
BLACKWING is today's fastest and most advanced Ultralight. The Next-gen airframe combines convenient side by side (121cm wide!) seating with high-end tandem performance. It's the ultimate safe and exhilarating flying experience.
The full prepreg carbon airframe is the lightest and strongest in it's class. As a pilot/owner, the BLACKWING 635RG will give you the opportunity to grow your flying skills. From slow to fast to even faster, you are in full control. The VNE up to 200kts (370km/h) demonstrates how advanced the BW 635RG is.
Certified for 600kg and a spin recovery tailplane design, BLACKWING offers a lot of safety. Engine options from 100HP to 141HP depending local microlight legislation. If you want to push your flying skills, BLACKWING is for you.
Blackwing 635 RG Specifications
Engine
Rotax 915 iS (141 hp)
VNE TAS SL (Max speed at sea level)
173kts (320km/h)
VNE TAS FL95 (Max speed at 9,500ft)
200kts (370km/h)
Cruise speed at 65% power
185kts (343 km/h, 141 hp)
Stall speed
38kts (70km/h)
Fuel capacity
140 liter
Minimum takeoff distance
150m (15m obstacle)
Minimum landing distance
300m (15m obstacle)
Sustained climb rate
1600ft/min (10.2m/sec)
Maximum takeoff weight
600kg
Empty weight
370kg (incl.BRS)
Maximum / Minimum G loading
+5 / -3G