VSKYLABS Junkers A50 Junior

This project is part of the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' series, designed specifically for use with X-Plane cutting edge Experimental Flight Model.

Development note:The VSKYLABS development of the Junkers A50 Junior project for X-Plane flight simulator was approved by ‘JUNKERS Aircraft GmbH’. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated with ‘JUNKERS Aircraft GmbH’.

THE JUNKERS A50 JUNIOR:
The Junkers A50 Junior was the world’s first sport-aircraft. It flew for the first time in 1929. Nowadays, a new version of the Junkers A50 Junior is being made. It's an ultralight aircraft made by hand with modern technology and design adaptations which make it fit for today's times.

On November 25th 2022, the Junkers A50 Junior was certified by the German Ultralight Flight Association. Then on February 28th, the A50 Junior received its Special LSA approval from the FAA. The WACO Aircraft Corporation produces the aircraft for American customers.

The original, 1929 aircraft was powered by an 80-hp, 5-cylinder radial engine, while the new Junkers A50 Junior is powered by the fuel-injected, 100-hp Rotax 912iS engine. It is equipped with the Galaxy GRS 600 ballistic parachute, for safe recovery, in case of emergency. 

Avionics - The new Junkers A50 Junior enjoys a high-tech cockpit interface which blends elegantly into the retro design. The back-seat (the main cockpit used for flying the aircraft) is equipped with Garmin G3X Touch 10”, while the front cockpit can host the Garmin G3X Touch 7” or GI 275 / Winter altimeter / Winter airspeed indicators.

* The VSKYLABS ‘Test-Pilot’: Junkers A50 Junior is equipped with a full-scale and fully-featured X-Plane 12 G1000 avionics in both cockpits. Display configuration consists of a single screen/dual display bundle, which allows ‘flicking’ of PFD/MFD on during flight and on the fly.

The (new) Junkers A50 Junior cruises at ~76 knots while consuming ~4 US gal/h. It stalls at ~46 knots and handles 15 knots cross-wind on takeoff and landing. Recommended maximum airspeed is 112 knots. With a maximum fuel capacity of 27 gallons, it covers ~680 miles.