FSX Corben Baby Ace With Spats

The Corben Baby Ace remains a classic among the earliest do-it-yourself planes, originally distributed as purchasable plans in 1929. Today, this single-seat parasol wing aircraft still fascinates flight simulation enthusiasts, and this freeware add-on captures that historic spirit for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 users. It even includes distinctive wheel fairings (commonly called “spats”) to give it an appealing vintage silhouette.

Design Origins and Detailed Heritage

Created by Orland Corben on behalf of the Ace Aircraft Manufacturing Company, the Baby Ace has long exemplified the successful homebuilt concept. Although the designer also released variations like the Junior Ace and Super Ace, this smaller model remains the most iconic. It typically features modest weight, an open cockpit, and parasol wings—components that distinguish it from many other interwar-era general aviation designs.

Freeware Model by Craig Richardson

This package, developed by Craig Richardson, provides a faithful rendition of the Corben Baby Ace With Spats in a single download. The flight dynamics reflect the real-world handling of a light, homebuilt aircraft. Construction techniques, such as its steel-tube fuselage and fabric-covered wing sections, are accurately modeled to deliver an authentic visual outline.

Gauges and Additional Features

To heighten immersion in the simulator’s cockpit view, Robert Kerr’s gauge set from “Pete” has been seamlessly integrated. These instrumentation elements recreate essential readouts such as airspeed, engine RPM, and altitude. Such enhancements keep track of critical flight parameters more accurately while preserving a time-honored look.

Installation Guidelines

• Extract the compressed folder into a temporary directory.
• Move the unzipped files into your appropriate Aircraft (or SimObjects) location within the simulator.

Beta Testing and Acknowledgments

This project benefited from testing by Damian Radice, Brian Farrington, Leyland Spurr, and Roger Law. Special thanks also go to Brian Harrington for supplying real-world performance data and detailed photographs of the actual Bits & Pieces Baby Ace.

In-Flight Character and Usefulness

When flown in the simulator, this lightweight craft delivers smooth control inputs, reminiscent of classic homebuilt designs. At modest cruise settings, it can execute short takeoffs and swift climbs, perfect for those interested in practicing grassroots airfield operations. Because the real fuselage is often left uncovered to showcase the structure, the depiction prioritizes structural authenticity.

Enjoy this freeware release from Craig Richardson and experience aviation history firsthand.