REP 5.0 for the Thranda DHC-2 Beaver is now available. This update is free for all current users. You can get it using the SkunkCrafts Updater or by re-downloading the full installer from the X-Plane store and reinstalling from scratch.
This update covers both the X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 versions of the Thranda DHC-2 Beaver.
The Beaver Gets REP 5.0
The Thranda DHC-2 Beaver joins the growing family of aircraft running REP 5.0. This is a major milestone for one of the most iconic bush planes ever built.
REP has never faked anything. Every system — engine, electrical, oil, fuel, brakes — runs on a real physical model. Instruments don’t display scripted values. They read real data from the simulation. Therefore, what you see in the cockpit is always a consequence of what is actually happening inside the engine and the airframe.
REP 5.0 takes this further with a significantly improved per-cylinder engine model. The Beaver’s Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior — a nine-cylinder, air-cooled, geared-supercharged radial — now benefits from refined CHT, EGT, compression, power output, vibration, and firing order data, all computed on a per-cylinder, per-cycle basis. Propeller motion and engine vibrations are direct consequences of the real combustion process. Therefore, nothing is pre-computed or added as a cosmetic effect.
REP 5.0 also introduces an improved electrical and alternator model. This eliminates several long-standing quirks caused by X-Plane’s default electrical system. Battery behavior, voltage fluctuations during engine start, and the interaction between the starter and the electrical bus all feel exactly as they should.
Highlights
Physically-based engine model. REP completely replaces X-Plane’s default engine logic. The Wasp Junior breathes air, mixes it with fuel, and produces power through a physically coherent combustion process. Every piston fires individually. Power output, fuel flow, cylinder temperatures, and oil behavior all emerge from this core model — not from lookup tables.
Geared supercharger simulation. The Wasp Junior’s mechanically-driven supercharger is fully modeled. Manifold pressure varies with RPM, altitude, and throttle position exactly as in the real aircraft. There is no wastegate and no exhaust energy involved — the compressor responds instantaneously to RPM changes, just like the real thing.
Realistic starter. The starter draws electrical power from the main bus and works against the mechanical resistance of the engine. This resistance varies continuously with piston position and stroke phase. Voltage and current fluctuations during start are a natural consequence of the interaction between the starter, the engine, and the battery.
Persistent wear and tear. Every component wears with time and use. The engine, electrical system, airframe, and landing gear all degrade realistically. Pushing the engine beyond its limits accelerates wear. Instrument accuracy diminishes over time. The Maintenance Report lets you inspect and service every system individually.
Carburetor icing. REP simulates carburetor ice accretion under realistic atmospheric conditions. The Venturi effect can drop temperatures by 30–40°F, causing ice to form even on warm days. Watch for a sudden MAP drop or engine stutters — and pull the carb heat without hesitation.
Tailwheel steering. The Beaver’s spring-loaded tailwheel steering system is fully simulated. The tailwheel disengages from the steering mechanism when the angle exceeds 35 degrees. Steering spring preload is adjustable from the Maintenance Window. Taxi slowly and make gradual rudder inputs for the best results.
Economy system. REP includes a built-in Economy System with three modes: Standalone, FSEconomy, and X-CPL-Pilot. Earn money for flight time, spend it on maintenance, and manage fuel costs at realistic regional prices.
VR support. REP fully supports X-Plane’s native VR implementation. Use custom commands to open all plugin windows in VR. Walkaround and towing modes both work in VR using dedicated hotspots around the aircraft.
Changelog (v5.0.0 – v5.0.5)
- New: Significantly improved per-cylinder engine model with refined CHT, EGT, compression, power output, vibration, and firing order simulation.
- New: Improved electrical system and alternator model.
- Improvement: Overall improvement of engine sounds.
- Improvement: Easier engine start at very low temperatures.
- Improvement: More realistic oil pressure at very low RPM.
- Improvement: Better compatibility with macOS.
- Fix: Hypoxia visual effect not always displayed correctly.
- Fix: REP’s fuel tool could overwrite the payload set with Thranda’s mass and balance tool.
- Fix: FSEconomy system could cause a crash in X-Plane 12.4.