Take a sneak peak inside the newly designed model Lear45 where every aspect has been reworked from software and interfacing to the hardware and panels. A big thanks to Mark Speechley, Mark Cooper and the rest of their outstanding flight crew down under for the great motivational photos and videos!

Hangar45 is exclusively dedicated to the Bombardier Lear45 XR home built flight simulator which currently uses FSX or P3D as it’s main sim engine with Flight Deck Soft’s Jet45 Advanced Avionics Suite running all the avionics components. In the near future we believe MS FS2020 will be another option, if not the premier flight sim!

NEW V2.0 LEAR45 IN ACTION!

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As of this date, testing of FS2020 with the ported FSX/P3D Lear45 appears to be successful and we are currently working to resolve any remaining issues. This is one of those areas where we invite everyone to pitch in and help by digging into FS2020 with your ported FSX/P3D Lear45 and document your findings HERE

The new Jet45 AAS v2.0 is now 100% complete and in final testing!

Jet45 v2.0 will be compatible with Arduino controllers which enables an extremely low cost and high performance interface for the Lear45 panels.  This paradigm shift  means that users can either build their own Arduino interface modules from freely available drawings, or get the pcb modules here on the hanger and wire their panels directly to the modules. Each Jet45 software module (RMU, DU, EFIS, and FGC) will be driven completely from the low cost Arduino modules to provide immediate interfacing with no user configurations or coding needed.  This enables us to tightly control software and hardware performance and ensures a consistent experience.

Jet45 AAS v2.0 will include the following new features:

  • Arduino Plug & Play interfaces for DUs, RMUs, EFIS, CWP, FGC & reversion panels
  • New FGC software which adds realistic speed hold (with pitch), ASEL, V/HNAV with FMS
  • Fast encoder response for all panels through the Arduino interfaces
  • More complete indications on the DUs for FMS flight plan data

The Jet45 AAS prototype clad modules have been completely replaced with professionally made pcb! The dxf and G-Code files will still be made available for the clad versions (along with all back lit panels) if you are one of those guys that enjoys making your own parts. Below is a complete Jet45 AAS v2.0 Interface Module pcb set! For pricing and availability of all pcb modules and other products, click HERE

Also in the works is the Jet45 Systems Software.  The Jet45 Systems modules will handle simulation for driving the lower MIP and center pedestal panels through dedicated Arduino interfaces.  This includes an improved simulation of hydraulics systems, pressure systems, electrical systems, AMP loads, AML21 indicators and APU simulation. Below is a complete Jet45 Systems v2.0 Interface Module pcb set including the 16 channel relay board!

All these modules can be mounted anywhere in your sim, or follow the path several of us are taking by mounting them on four large latching module panels on the pressure bulkhead in the Avionics Bay as seen in this illustration below. The two lower module panels are for the 12v power supplies, MAIN buses, ESS buses and Flight Control modules.

During the development and engineering of the new software, we created the Jet45 AAS / SYSTEMS MODULE document that acts as a “Master Blueprint” for the entire cockpit of our sim! This document covers the pinout assignments of every switch, button, encoder, toggle and LED. Every potential option in the cockpit has been accounted for and is documented in this Master Plan.

NOTE: Some planned features may not be available at initial release. To see all pin assignments, you can find the most recent version of the Jet45 AAS / SYSTEMS MODULES document HERE

No flightsim software is complete without hardware to interface with it and that is why we are working so hard on developing all new v2.0 panels, aluminum MIP, aluminum Glare Shield and other critical hardware components. All the panels have been updated to reflect as close to scale as we are able to achieve. The new v2.0 panels require 5 volt power just like the real Lear45!

All panel dxf drawings have been completely updated and at this time it is just a matter of building a couple more proofs to insure that the dxf drawings and G-code are 100% correct. To date, 85% of all panels have been proven and are ready to be released. Our goal is to have all panels proven by the end of 2023 and published on Hangar45 for DIY builders! Follow up to date v2.0 panel progress HERE

Project45 v2.0 Panels will include the following new features:

  • True to scale panels with properly placed & sized mounting holes
  • 5 volt back lighting via 1206 size SMD LEDs and resistors
  • Laser engraved front panel artwork and line artwork
  • Rear clad is now embedded into front panels to reduce light bleed

In addition to using pcb with the Arduino modules, all panels where applicable, are being updated with pcb. To date, the CWP, Display Units and the FGC have been updated. Although the clad has worked great, pcb provides a much cleaner application, it’s easier to work with, cheaper, faster to manufacture and looks professional. The photo below shows the updated FGC panel and the FGC Module. All that is missing are the wiring harnesses!

To recap, we have developed a solid plan forward for our new v2.0 Lear45 sims and are nearing completion! Over the next several months we will be working hard to get at least six Lear45 sims up and running to continue with the beta testing of the software. Keep an eye out for the release of the new Jet45 AAS v2.0 software and the Jet45 Systems Software following soon after!