FSX Ultralight Halcom Starlite

This lightweight concept aircraft offers an experimental blend of composite materials and aluminum, designed as a personal interpretation of what a Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) could be. Created by Don Halcom, with engine elements by Byron Warwick, it brings a highly inventive fuselage profile to Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It incorporates twin flying rudders, a distinct flying elevator arrangement, and a vivid exterior showcasing reflective surfaces. While this virtual model is purely imaginary, it reflects genuine SLSA principles, including structural judgment and performance targets.

An Original SLSA Approach

The underlying concept embraces modern construction strategies that rely on composite structures and aluminum reinforcements. In a real-world scenario, these materials would reduce weight while offering strength where needed. In this particular installation, the nose houses a 100 hp Rotax 912S powerplant. According to the designer, both the rear rudders and the elevator have been engineered as “flying” surfaces, meaning they pivot fully rather than hinging on fixed assemblies.

Primary Design Characteristics

As an SLSA concept, this simulated aircraft maintains controlled weight and minimal stall speed, making it an approachable choice for flight sim pilots. Below is a concise overview of its core specifications:

Overall Length

21 ft

Height

7 ft

Wingspan

30 ft

Wing Area

108 sq ft

Empty Weight

700 lbs

Gross Weight

1,320 lbs

Fuel Capacity

2 × 15 gal

Cabin Width

36 in

Power

100 hp Rotax 912S

Design Load Factor

+6, -3

VNE (Never Exceed)

130 knots

75% Power Cruise

110 knots

Stall Speed

38 knots

Visual Nuances

The virtual fuselage exhibits a reflective exterior, especially visible under bright virtual skies. There is a known Microsoft Flight Simulator X limitation regarding nested part texturing, so you may notice slight anomalies on certain areas of the paintwork. Still, the developer integrated ample moving parts, including an opening canopy for added realism.

Step-by-Step Installation Notes

1. Create a temporary folder anywhere on your computer (any name of your choosing).
2. Extract all files from the downloaded "strltfsx.zip" archive into that temporary folder.
3. Highlight the "Halcom Starlite" folder and copy it in its entirety.
4. Navigate to the "SimObjects/airplanes" directory of your Microsoft Flight Simulator X installation, then paste the folder.
5. Review the included "READ_ME.txt" file for additional insights. Keep the original zip for emergencies, if necessary.
6. Once installed, load up the sim and select the new aircraft for your next flight.

By following these steps, your ultralight will be ready to explore diverse virtual environments, reflecting Don Halcom’s vision of an advanced, minimalistic SLSA. Enjoy the steady performance, the Rotax 912S power, and the notably nimble handling that this imaginative project was specifically created to deliver.