Introducing the American Champion (8GCBC) Scout for MSFS 2020 & 2024
Hangar Studios 713 is proud to announce my latest project for Microsoft Flight Simulator—the American Champion (8GCBC) Scout. Designed for pilots who seek adventure in the backcountry and beyond, this versatile aircraft will be available in nine distinct variants to suit different flying styles and environments:
Bush Variant (26") – Equipped with 26-inch bush wheels & 3 Panel variants - 1 Analog and 2 Glass G3X Touch Variants(GNS430/GTN650)
Bush Variant (35") – Featuring massive 35-inch bush wheels & 3 Panel variants - 1 Analog and 2 Glass G3X Touch Variants(GNS430/GTN650)
Float Variant – Built for water operations, this version comes equipped with floats, & 3 Panel variants - 1 Analog and 2 Glass Touch G3X Variants(GNS430/GTN650)
Building on the success of my previous aircraft, the Scout will include all the high-fidelity details and immersive features (Pod and Cargo options among many others 
) you’ve come to expect from Hangar Studios 713. While not aerobatic like the Super Decathlon, the Scout offers a different experience with the addition of flaps, making it a capable STOL aircraft for bush flying and off-airport operations.
Specifications:
- Powerplant: Lycoming O-360 (180 HP)
- Max Gross Weight:
- Wheeled Variants: ~2,150 lbs (975 kg)
- Float Variant: ~2,300 lbs (1,043 kg)
- Useful Load: ~850-1,000 lbs (385-455 kg) (varies by configuration)
- Cruise Speed: ~110-120 knots
- Stall Speed (Vso): ~43 knots
- Max Operating Altitude: 15,000+ feet
- Rate of Climb: ~900-1,200 fpm (depending on weight & conditions)
- Takeoff Distance (STOL Performance): ~350-500 feet
- Landing Distance: ~400-600 feet
Stay tuned for more updates, previews, and release details!
Release date is 2nd quarter 2025 as you can see the model(s) are well under way in these 2 screenshots:
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This brings me great excitement as an excellent step up from the Asobo 172. :). I’ll be keeping an eye on this one. 
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OMG! I have been waiting for this beauty! This was my go to aircraft in FSX. The amphibian version was my default aircraft and it took a LOT to make me change to anything else. Day one purchase for me! Thank you! 
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I’m still working on the suspension compression for the 35" wheels, but I wanted to showcase all three landing gear variants. A lot has already changed since these screenshots were taken, so consider these images as a reference rather than the final product.
The sizing and scale of the floats are still being determined, and you’ll notice the cargo pod is visible in these shots—I haven’t coded its visibility logic yet. There’s still plenty of work to be done, but all three gear variants are now in the simulator with their respective panel options.
Each variant will feature three panel configurations: one analog and two glass setups, just like the Super Decathlon.
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I still have some animations to finish up and modeling to to clean up, but the scaling and placement has been finished. Thanks!
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Quick Update on the Scout – Nearing the Finish Line
I’ve had a few folks asking about the status of the Scout, so I just wanted to pop in and reassure everyone—it is still on the way and should be finished soon, hopefully within the next month.
Development slowed a bit recently due to the release of the ATEA and the juggling act of working on three aircraft at once. That said, things are picking back up this week as we head into the Expo, and I’m excited about what’s coming next.
In the meantime, here are a few more screenshots—including a sneak peek at a new livery design as a little teaser. And who knows… I might have a surprise in store very soon(Expo).
Also remember I’m a solo Developer, so for two projects to be finished so close is a ton of work, but I’m kicking it into overdrive to have the Scout finished as planned. Once the dust settles I’ll be making all the planes I promised 2024 NATIVE. Thanks for all your support!
Stay tuned!
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World Premiere starts at 6:00 P.M. EST - American Champion Scout Coming Soon Trailer!! You can join the watch party here!
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Tentative Release Date – American Champion Scout
Hello everyone,
I wanted to share an update on the American Champion Scout (8GCBC) project.
We’re looking at a tentative release on Thursday, August 28, 2025 on the Official MSFS Marketplace for both PC and Xbox. Already available on https://www.hangarstudios713.com
Versions
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The Scout is built as a native MSFS 2020 aircraft, with a 2024 ported version available at launch.
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Both versions will run on release version 1.0.2, which has already been submitted and is now in ingestion with Microsoft.
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The 2024 port works the same as 2020, and I’ve already addressed a number of 2024-specific bugs ahead of release.
Updates
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Following release, I’ll be submitting version 1.0.3 the next day with additional bug fixes.
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Because ingestion usually takes about a week, you can expect that update to roll out the week after launch.
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Between 2020 and 2024 ports, there are 9 total variants, so lining everything up has taken some extra time.
Sim Update 3
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SU3 dropped unexpectedly, but I had been testing in Beta leading up to it.
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A few glitches appeared after release, but fixes are already in place and will be included in the 1.0.3 update.
Looking Ahead to MSFS 2024
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The 2024 version will remain a work in progress, but the Scout has been built modularly with 2024 in mind.
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Planned new variants include:
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The 2024 release will also expand to include mission capability, photo flights, and free flight modes.
Pricing
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The Scout will release at $20 across all platforms.
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If you purchase early, thank you — your support directly helps further development and future updates.
Thanks again to everyone following along. It’s been a huge effort getting nine variants lined up for release, and I’m excited for you to finally take the Scout into the skies.
— Nick
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