We are releasing Reality Expansion Pack 5.0.3.
This update builds on REP 5.0 and focuses on refining engine behavior and system accuracy. Most importantly, we introduce a new engine configuration for the Baron (both Laminar and Carenado versions).
As always, the update is free for all current REP 5 users. You can install it using the SkunkCrafts Updater or by downloading the full package again from the X-Plane.org store and reinstalling it from scratch.
Baron B58 – Turbonormalized Engine Option
The Baron family is now the third tranche of aircraft to receive REP version 5.
Version 5 introduces a significantly improved engine model. We added new internal physics and reworked several core behaviors. As a result, engine response, wear, thermodynamics, and overall realism improve substantially compared to previous versions.
This update applies to the Laminar default Baron and the Carenado Baron for XP10 and XP11. With 5.0.3, these aircraft fully transition to the REP 5 platform.
You can now choose between the standard normally aspirated Continental IO-550-C and a turbonormalized version based on the Tornado Alley Turbo system. This means you are no longer limited to the stock configuration. Instead, you can select the engine setup that best fits your mission profile using REP’s maintenance window.
When you choose the turbonormalized configuration, REP simulates the correct high-altitude behavior. Therefore, you can maintain sea-level manifold pressure much higher than with the normally aspirated engine. As a result, high-altitude cruise becomes far more efficient and operationally interesting.
At the same time, engine management becomes more demanding. You must monitor TIT carefully and manage mixture and power correctly. The text-based engine monitor now shows TIT whenever a turbo system is active, so you always have the correct reference.
We also fine tuned turbosupercharger behavior and adjusted fuel burn at altitude. In short, the Baron now offers a much deeper and more flexible engine simulation.
You will find detailed instructions on how to operate the turbonormalized system in the REP User Manual.
With version 5.0.3, the A36 tip tank inspection windows now correctly display the actual fuel level, including visible liquid sloshing inside the tanks.
A36 – Tip Tank Inspection Windows
REP has simulated fuel movement inside the tanks for many years. You can already notice this behavior on several aircraft through the Telelevel gauges. After refueling, during taxi, or in flight, the needles move according to the forces acting on the fuel. As the aircraft accelerates, brakes, climbs, or banks, the float inside the tank reacts to fuel displacement, and the indication changes accordingly.
Now, on the A36, this behavior is no longer limited to the instruments. You can actually see the fuel moving directly through the inspection windows. The aircraft attitude and the forces acting on the airplane influence the visible fuel level, because the fuel forms waves inside the tank.
In other words, what used to be visible only on a gauge needle is now physically visible inside the tip tanks themselves.
A36 & G36 – System and Engine Improvements
Alongside the Baron update, we refined several aspects of the A36 and G36.
For the A36:
- The Paint Kit is now available directly inside the aircraft folder.
- Tip tank inspection windows now correctly display fuel level, including visible liquid sloshing.
- Electrical components now apply the correct current load to the electrical bus.
- We corrected the weather radar plugin configuration.
- Tip tank transfer pumps now properly draw electrical current.
For both A36 and G36:
- We fine tuned turbosupercharger behavior.
- We refined fuel burn at altitude.
- We corrected slightly offset walkaround views.
These are not flashy changes. However, they improve consistency and realism in day-to-day flying.
Platform Improvements
Version 5.0 introduced a major internal overhaul. With 5.0.3, we continue to polish the platform.
We improved oil pressure behavior at very low RPM. We also ensure that, when possible, REP writes its own engine data directly to the default X-Plane indicators. In addition, we fixed an issue where the hypoxia visual effect did not always trigger correctly.
Small changes like these make the overall experience more coherent.
What’s Next
With the Baron family now on REP 5, we move forward with the next aircraft in line.
The upcoming update will focus on the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260. We are already working on bringing it to version 5, with the same level of depth and refinement introduced in the latest releases.
More details will follow soon.