Rutan Model 54 Quickie 2026 Remastered

[danaddamo]

Hi everyone,

Over the last month, I’ve been working on a passion project to bring Robert Kerr’s iconic Rutan Quickie up to modern standards for Prepar3D (v4/v5/v6). This little "tandem-wing" marvel has always been a favorite of mine, and I felt it deserved a full "next-gen" treatment while respecting the original 3D soul created by Kerr.

Here is a summary of the work completed over the past few weeks:

1. Visual Overhaul (Full PBR & Remastered Textures)​

• Full PBR Workflow: The exterior and Virtual Cockpit have been completely converted to PBR. I’ve focused on custom Normal and Bump maps to recreate that specific "composite/gelcoat" look—smooth but with those subtle material imperfections typical of fiberglass aircraft.
• Dynamic Lighting: Fully integrated for both the exterior and the cockpit.
• 6 High-Definition Liveries:
  • Factory Scheme: The classic red/white/blue look.
  • NASA Research Aircraft: Based on the aircraft used by NASA Ames Research Center for laminar flow and tandem-wing research.
  • Mojave Special: A tribute to the home of Rutan’s Scaled Composites.
  • Special variants: N2QX, N54QK, and N79QX.

2. Systems & Virtual Cockpit​

• Modernized Panel: While keeping the experimental spirit, I’ve added a high-detail AvMap GPS for VFR navigation.
• Custom Systems Logic: Re-coded the fuel system, magneto logic, and mixture behavior.
• Rotax 503 Integration: I’ve replaced the original Onan logic with a Rotax 503 (50hp) setup, including a custom sound set to match the 2-stroke engine scream.
• Engine Physics: Implemented a custom power curve logic that realistically handles power drop-off based on altitude and air density.

3. Flight Dynamics (The "Air" File)​

The Quickie is notorious for its sensitive handling. I’ve spent countless hours optimizing the .air file and aircraft.cfg:

• Longitudinal Stability: Fine-tuned the pitch and trim authority to reflect the unique interaction between the canard (front wing) and the main wing.
• Ground Handling: Adjusted the contact points to simulate the "touchy" nature of the wide-track gear during take-off and landing rolls.

Here some screenshot:

 

[blaunarwal]

I'm glad about everyone creating stuff for P3D.
Dan

 

[Tako_Kichi]

I remember chatting with Robert on the SOH TeamSpeak server every night while he was building the original for FSX. He was instrumental in getting me up to speed in GMAX (along with Milton Shupe) when I first started modelling and we would spend hours using TeamViewer to share screens so that I could watch him work and pick up tips. We had a very active developers section back then that was also visited frequently by the likes of Bill Ortis (Lionheart Creations), Pam Brooker (Warchild the FM guru), Paul Domingue, Milton Shupe, David Bryce (Iris Productions) and many more. Happy memories!