C172 NG DIGITAL
Fly the most successful aircraft in history - the way it actually works. A complete, systems-deep Cessna 172S with G1000 avionics for X-Plane 12.
Version 1.6.2 · X-Plane 12 · Windows, macOS (Apple Silicon), Linux
About
This is not a visual model with scripted behavior. The C172 NG Digital is a complete, systems-deep simulation of the Cessna 172S with G1000 avionics, built by Airfoillabs from real aircraft data, real flight recordings, and recording sessions in the actual airplane.
Every one of its 175 simulated components has its own logic, wear, and failure modes - and they interact with each other, just like in the real aircraft. Study every system in detail, or just fly: you’re always one click from the sky.
Features
3D Model & Immersion
Rebuilt from the ground up from the real aircraft with PBR texturing and HDR lighting. Fully modeled Lycoming engine, interior animations, vibrations, zero-G floating objects, detailed pilots and passengers, plus rain, fogging, icing, and a breakable windshield.
G1000, Extended
Custom engine panel with realistic Lean and System tabs plus Lean Assist logic. Reversionary mode tied to the component simulation, custom alerts and warnings, simulated startup loading sequence, and G1000 component failures with instrument failure warnings.
FMOD Sound
320+ sounds recorded from the real aircraft, with layered engine samples from real recording sessions. Audible failure cues and weather effects inside and outside the cabin - every animation, movement, and situation produces sound.
Flight Model
Built from actual flight recordings, correlated with POH performance tables, and refined with pilots and instructors. Realistic stall and spin, soft-field takeoff, crosswind ground handling, and structural damage: wing bending, overspeed flutter, and ground strikes.
Custom Electrical System
Fully custom, plugin-based simulation built from the real C172 electrical schematic: every circuit breaker, bus, and fuse with correct voltages and amperages, battery behavior, short circuits, and a live 2D electrical schematic panel.
Engine, Fuel & Gear
The Lycoming IO-360-L2A simulated per cylinder: temperatures, wear, EGT, two magnetos, and eight spark plugs including fouling. Custom fuel system with component-level failures, plus landing gear with bending struts, tire wear, flat tires, and brake degradation.
175 Failable Components
Custom failure management with individual wear that evolves over time and failures that cascade realistically. Trigger failures at altitude, save component states, build shareable scenarios - 30 included - and learn from the built-in C172 Knowledge Base.
Full VR & Cockpit Builders
Complete VR support for an immersive cockpit experience. Bezel-free Garmin display commands for cockpit builders (RealSimGear and others), detachable 2D panels for second monitors, and native Apple Silicon support.
Walk-Around & Ground Ops
Walk mode with terrain and aircraft collisions - walk, run, crouch, climb on the aircraft to refuel. Manual towing, control checks, covers, tiedowns, chocks, fuel sampling, oil refilling, engine heater, and GPU operation.
Automated Checklists
Automated checklist system with manual, semi-automatic, and automatic flow. Checklist hints and optional camera focus on instruments, plus short-field takeoff and landing calculators and cruise performance tools.
User Interface
Floating menu built for ergonomics and speed. Instant aircraft states (Cold & Dark, Before Start, Before Taxi, Before Takeoff), detachable 2D panels for multi-monitor setups, detailed weight & balance, and load/save situations.
Liveries & Options
48 liveries based on real aircraft schemes. Optional wheel fairings or bush wheels, vortex generators, flap gap seals, cockpit AoA indicator, tablet with AviTab integration, and headphone logic with noise canceling.
A Closer Look
Requirements
X-Plane 12 (64-bit) · Windows, macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), or Linux
8 GB RAM minimum, 16 GB recommended · 4 GB VRAM minimum, 8 GB recommended
Download size approx. 3 GB · Installation and updates via the Airfoillabs Product Manager (XJet) · Internet connection required for activation.
Ready to Fly?
Actively developed since 2021, now at version 1.6.2. Get the C172 NG Digital for X-Plane 12 on the X-Plane.org Store.