Skyward SW-142 Jabiru for SimplePlanes 2
- Skyward Staff
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
The latest aircraft from the Skyward Design and Test Team
Amongst the dozens of vehicles in SimplePlanes 2 by Jundaroo, aircraft designer Caio "Hueman" Barreto still felt the need for a proper sailplane to be present. And so, the Skyward SW-142 Jabiru is now available for download to glide through the skies of this well-known sandbox builder. While Skyward FM does have other original aircraft in VRChat, this is the first SW designated aircraft for SimplePlanes 2.
Setting the Conditions for Soaring
Like its predecessor, SimplePlanes 2 is a very capable sandbox for self-propelled air, land and sea vehicles. Even in terrible weather conditions, these vehicles at least have a chance to push forward and complete the tasks players are putting them up to. Things change when the vehicle in question is unable to propel itself and must rely on the atmosphere and weather to travel. With that in mind, what are the necessary conditions and launch considerations in SimplePlanes 2 to fly a glider like the SW-142?
For now, there is not a glider tow aircraft that works in all game modes. In single player some creators have created odd systems where the glider tow aircraft and the glider attached to that aircraft are a single entity but can be detached from one another. It is an odd solution. In multiplayer there is not a reliable glider tow method between two separate player aircraft/entities.
This is the current state of things, but the SimplePlanes developers and creators on the platform are always innovating. Who knows what they will figure out in the future.
To gain altitude from the runway after spawning the SW-142, use keyboard commands (number pad +) to place the aircraft in the air. To start comfortably, press Number Pad + twice to start from at a minimum of 2000 feet.
Thermal lift is not available in SimplePlanes 2 at this time. However, wind can still enhance your gliding experience. Set the desired wind direction and wind strength (Left CTRL+Y) to anywhere between 1 MPH to 5 MPH. Remember that the wind is constant. We have found that higher wind strength causes radical instability during flight, making the gliders unmanageable over a certain speed. While the wind will push you it does not make you climb. Gust intensity is optional to increase the level of challenge.
Design Details
Pretty much everything you need to know to fly this airplane is available in-game, courtesy of SimplePlanes 2’s lovely craft instructions feature. This is especially useful for craft with unique or unusual features, which is the case for this one.
In the Jabiru’s instructions, you’ll find information such as stall and best glide speeds, what each Activation Group is bound to, and why your speed seems to change with throttle input even though you're in a glider.
And now for what you won't find in the instructions:
Inspired by the mixed-construction (laminated plywood + GRP) sailplanes of the 1960's, such as the Slingsby Dart, SZD-30 Pirat and EMB-400 Urupema, the SW-142 Jabiru is a basic sailplane designed for docile, easy handling.
Though the 4-digit NACA airfoils allowed by SimplePlanes 2 limit its gliding performance to well under that of the aircraft it's based on, it nevertheless glided very well by SP2 standards and is well capable of long-distance, cross-country soaring between islands. It is likewise fully aerobatic.
Pay attention to the stall speed printed on the instrument panel, as the Jabiru retains a nasty habit from its main inspiration, the Slingsby Dart: a violent and sudden “wing drop” on stall, leading to a nose-down attitude and requiring considerable altitude for recovery.
If pitch up command is maintained during the stall, it is possible to enter a spin, including flatspins under certain conditions. Recovery is straight forward: Stick forward and rudder opposite to spin.
When landing, you’ll find the Jabiru happily floats over the runway and stubbornly refuses to settle down, as expected of a sailplane. Fear not though: at your disposal is a pair of airbrakes, which in-game are controlled by the "throttle" input rather than by the usual "brake" input, allowing precise control of the airbrakes for controlling speed and rate of descent.
Long Range Adventure
The maiden flight of the SW-142 Jabiru was not a short, safe flight around a small airfield. It was a two-ship endurance flight with Aaron and Caio to three different airports. From Bannock Station to Kunimitsu Airport on Driftwood Island, then onwards to Shepard Airport on Vetusta Island. Though this is a distance frequently flown by light aircraft and regional jets, taking time to enjoy scenic soaring really brought out the charm of this sailplane while demonstrating its efficiency in longer range flights.
Two-ship SW-142 flight flying long distance. Two-ship SW-142 flight flying long distance. Two-ship SW-142 flight flying long distance. Two-ship SW-142 flight flying long distance.
Download
The SW-142 Jabiru is available for download with 6 optional colors. Canary Yellow, Citrus Orange, Lime Green, Sky Blue, Flamingo Red and Teal Green.
Canary Yellow Citrus Orange Lime Green Sky Blue Flamingo Red Teal Green
About the Designer
An incurable aviation fanatic since childhood, fascinated by the design and history of practically anything that flies. A long-time fan of flight games, he holds a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and pursues his hobbies of drawing, writing and flight simulation on his spare time. [See Staff Profile]
About the Writer
Co-founder of Skyward Flight Media. After founding Electrosphere.info, the first English Ace Combat database, he has been involved in creating flight game-related websites, communities, and events since 2005. He explores past and present flight games and simulators with his extensive collection of game consoles and computers. [Read Staff Profile]
