[ANNOUNCEMENT] American Champion (8KCAB) Super Decathlon

:rotating_light: Exciting Announcement from Hangar Studios 713! :rotating_light:

Dear Flight Sim Enthusiasts,

I am thrilled to unveil my latest project for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024: the American Champion (8KCAB) Super Decathlon! :star2:

I know… It’s not another Navion :face_with_raised_eyebrow:

Get ready to experience the thrill of aerobatics like never before! The Super Decathlon is renowned for its incredible performance, unmatched agility, and iconic design. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or new to the skies, this aircraft promises an unforgettable adventure.

Key Features:
:airplane: Stunning Realism: Immerse yourself in a meticulously detailed cockpit and exterior, crafted with precision to deliver an authentic flying experience.
:airplane: Advanced Flight Dynamics: Feel the rush as you perform loops, rolls, and spins with true-to-life flight dynamics that capture the essence of aerobatic flying.
:airplane: High-Resolution Textures: Appreciate the beauty of the Super Decathlon with high-definition textures that bring every detail to life.
:airplane: Interactive Systems: Engage with fully interactive systems, ensuring every flight is as close to the real thing as possible.
:airplane: Custom Liveries(20): Fly in style with a variety of custom liveries that celebrate the rich history and vibrant spirit of the Super Decathlon.

Also, Stay tuned for more updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content as I get closer to the release date. (Exterior is almost finished - Interior, not so much) → I’ll keep everyone posted with updates in here and my Discord. I can’t wait for you to take to the skies in the American Champion (8KCAB) Super Decathlon!

Join in the conversation and share your excitement on my Discord server and forums. Let’s get ready to soar!

Blue skies and happy flying,.

B4Gunner @ Hangar Studios 713

#MSFS2020 msfs2024 #SuperDecathlon #HangarStudios713 #FlightSimulator #HS713

Visit me on my Discord - https://discord.gg/4U792JgBnB




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I’m SO down with this one! When I was a kid my uncle used to take me up in his. I will say he was a bit ham-fisted on landings and T/O, but it was too much fun to be worried about such things.

This bird is unique in that it will be only ‘Cub-ethos’ aircraft that’s meant to be a sport flyer, not an antique putt-putt or bush aircraft.

It has definitely been missing.

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So looking forward to this!!

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Super Decathlon Development Update

I’m excited to share that the 3D model for the Super Decathlon is almost complete! I’ve been working on multiple aspects simultaneously—flight model, coding, UV maps, and animations are all nearing completion. Testing is just around the corner.

I’m particularly proud of the Hooker Harness model—it’s one of my best yet. The Super Decathlon will feature both Glass and Analog Virtual Cockpits (VCs), which can be swapped in real-time, not just as a livery option.

For those curious, yes, I did model the engine. You’ll be able to catch a glimpse when checking the oil or from the front view behind the prop. It’s fully detailed, even if it’s not fully exposed.

The aircraft will come equipped with a Smoke System, ELT, Avionics, and a Map Light, all with a safety-first approach. The cockpit includes detailed pedals, a yoke system, and a functioning door and window.

The Super Decathlon will also carry over all the bells and whistles from my previous work, with even more to offer. Every clickable element will have an accompanying animation, including circuit breakers for both panels. The Analog Panel’s switches and breakers are conveniently located on the side wall next to the map light, while the Glass Panel houses everything directly on the panel.

The Glass Panel includes:

G3X Touch
G5
GNS430/GTN650 Swap
Accelerometer
Autopilot
GTX330 XPDR

The Analog Panel features:

Airspeed Indicator
Slip Indicator
RPM Gauge
Altimeter
Vertical Speed Indicator
Manifold/Fuel Pressure Gauge
Clock
COMM Volume Control
Oil Temp & Pressure Gauges
Ammeter
Hobbs Meter
Min/Max/Reset Accelerometer
GNS430/PMS650 Swap
KT76A XPDR
KX155 Nav/Comm

I’m fortunate to have a few pilot/owners assisting with the details, and testing should begin soon. Stay tuned for more updates!






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Just to add some color -

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Looks great!
I loved the old Long Island Classics Decathlon from years ago, and so glad we’ve got one coming again!

This is the last 2020 aircraft I’m excited about

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Oh yes, this looks great. I am currently building an R/C version of the Decathlon and I am a big fan of it’s shape and style.

I was really looking forward to seeing this beautiful machine in the sim and from what you’ve shown, it looks like it will an excellent representation!

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Finished 25 liveries for the Super Decathlon. I’ll share some more progress shortly.

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Oh my

a sport tube and cloth tandem that’s not a bush plane

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Looking great! I had RealAir’s version of this in the long ago that was FSX, and it was one of my favorites, so I’m really looking forward to flying this in MSFS2020

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Here is another update as promised.
One livery in particular will have that extra dirt and this is it.





Liveries are subject to be changed with added textures.
It is in full Beta testing right now. I’ll be sending it out to XBOX testing hopefully this weekend.

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Looks great! I asked the forums a while back where was the Decathlon love?! Can’t wait to fly her!

Will this be available for PC users as well?

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Awesome! I’ve been waiting for a Decathlon to pop up. I own a 99’ Super D. Excited to try it out. Mine is dark blue and white. I would be happy to send pictures if it would help.

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Nice! Excited to add this to the hangar.

Would love to see this livery… (not that 25 isn’t plenty!)

But @Xenonguy’s should be the priority!

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Livery Templates and Paintkit for the American Champion (8KCAB) Super Decathlon – Available Now!

I’m excited to announce that I’ve created detailed livery templates for the American Champion (8KCAB) Super Decathlon, featuring four unique designs:

  • Xtreme Decathlon (inspired by a real aircraft, with testing support from the owner and pilot, Proton, as showcased in the livery reveal trailer).
  • Starburst
  • Tapering Stripe
  • Sunray

Painting liveries has been an absolute joy, and I’m thrilled to share that the complete paintkit is ready for anyone interested in customizing their own liveries. The kit is designed with ease of use in mind, whether you’re a novice or an experienced creator.

What’s Included:

  • All textures in both PNG and DDS formats for flexibility.
  • Blender file for advanced customization.
  • Detailed UV maps to guide the painting process.
  • Step-by-step instructions, making it simple for even beginners to get started.
  • A pre-built “community” project, which can be placed directly into the community folder for immediate use.

If you’d like to dive into creating your own liveries or want more information, head over to my DiscordHangar Studios 713 Discord. I’ve worked hard to make this as user-friendly as possible and would love to see what the community creates!

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Being a 10+ year IAC Sportsman competitor in my Super D, I am very excited to see if you are able to overcome some of the issues that MSFS has with aerobatic flight. Hammerheads, spins, snaps, and more do not happen correctly. Even something as simple as making a flat, rudder only turn isn’t right. I would love to help with the beta testing or just offer an opinion when needed. Thanks for giving the Decathlon the sim love that it deserves.

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For a VERY authentic sport aerobat check out deejings freeware RV4, somehow he got it to tumble from vertical falls and botched hammerheads you can properly fly out of and do true snap rolls(even trips the horn) and not make MSFS go into that ‘i don’t know what to do now initiate unrecoverable spin mode’… Somehow he’s figured it out.

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Might want to visit this video I made from testing last night…

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