Microsoft and X-Plane Facsimiles Planned

Cicaré USA—the U.S. subsidiary of the Argentine helicopter manufacturer founded by Augusto Cicaré—has entered into cooperative agreements to develop 3D models and facsimile flight controls specific to the company’s Cicaré-8 and SVH-4  helicopters. Subject agreements have been struck with Fast Cow Productions and Pro Flight Trainer LLC for purpose of seeing the aforementioned Cicaré helicopter models represented in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane flight simulation platforms.

Coupled with virtual reality headsets (VR) such as the Oculus Quest and HP Reverb, the 3D models and realistic flight controls will afford users personalized and immersive flight simulation experiences

Cicaré USA is also working with vSkylabs to virtually duplicate the helicopter-maker’s Cicaré-8 model for the software marque’s X-Plane 12 Simulator. The joint effort will provide testing and verification of a realistic effigy of the Cicaré-8’s performance while laying the groundwork for FAA approval of the simulation software as a legitimate Flight-Training Device (FTD).

The aforementioned simulations and flight-controls will be available at online outlets to include Cicaré USA’s virtual pilot shop.

Cicaré USA CEO Keith Barr stated: “Creating a real-world immersive flight experience with flight tutorials can expose aviation to a significantly larger market and pave the path for future pilots. We’re fueling the growth of sport aviation with greater access and lower thresholds to ownership of light personal aircraft, such as the Cicaré-8 and Cicaré-7 series of helicopters.”

Fast Cow Productions principal developer Justin Romaine set forth: “Creating a personalized Cicaré-8 to use in your Microsoft Flight Simulator at home brings another dimension to sport aviation enthusiasts.”

A vSkylabs developer partial to the mononym Huss remarked: “X-Plane Flight Simulator has been certified as an FAA Approved FTD for several different helicopter models. The work I’m doing on the Cicaré-8 combined with the Pro Flight Trainer controls lays the groundwork for a future FAA FTD.”

Cicaré’s aircraft are sold as factory-built Ultralight helicopters in France and Germany.

Cicaré president Juan Cicaré asserted: “Cicaré SA is very excited to be providing helicopters to the largest aviation market in the world through Cicaré USA.”

By virtue of its operation in Reno, Nevada, Cicaré USA provides aircraft sales and support services to Cicaré helicopter customers in North and Central America.  

Cicaré models include the two-place Cicaré-8 and Cicaré-7T helicopters, and the single-place Cicaré-7. The company also offers the SVH-4 helicopter trainer—an FAA approved training device in which up to ten-hours of the agency’s rotorcraft pilot requirement may be met.

Cicaré support services include builder-assist and builder-support programs, as well as rotorcraft maintenance and service bulletins. The company has established partnerships with flight-training concerns by dint of which owners of its aircraft may attain their FAA rotorcraft certification and maintain rotorcraft currency.

To date, Cicaré has delivered upwards of 1,500 helicopters across more than 75 countries. Collectively, the extant Cicaré fleet has amassed north of three-hundred-thousand-hours of flight-time.

FMI: www.cicare-usa.com