VRLL (Vertical Reference Longline) is a desktop simulator built for helicopter external-load work. Fly an MD530-style ship on a longline, coordinate a swinging load, and set the hook precisely on target using real vertical-reference technique — the same picture and stick discipline used in logging, construction, powerline, and utility operations.
Genuine pendulum dynamics: rope tension, load inertia, aerodynamic drag, and rotor downwash — no scripted shortcuts. A light hook dances; a heavy net hangs.
Flight director "green dot," swing indicator, and vertical-reference camera views help you place the load on the target and hold a steady hover.
An open rural landscape with mountains, lakes, winding roads, and working farms — realistic references for judging drift, height, and position.
Fully playable with only mouse and keyboard, with optional flight stick support. Tunable stability augmentation and training assists.
VRLL is supplemental rehearsal for pilots training toward — or already working in — vertical-reference external-load operations, and for anyone who wants to understand what longline flying really demands. Built for helicopter pilots by an experienced VRLL pilot.
A short flight demo showing longline hover, load control, and setting the hook on target.
Gameplay video coming soon.
VRLL is under active development. The core flight model, load physics, and training environment are flying — now we're refining realism and gathering pilot feedback. Expect frequent updates.
Longline pendulum physics, MD 500–style flight model, vertical-reference camera views, flight director, and the 9 sq mi rural training area with mountains, lakes, roads, and farms.
Refining stability augmentation, control feel, and load behavior based on pilot feedback. Report anything that doesn't fly right.
Wind and gusts, Bambi bucket water operations on the lakes, and additional loads and scenarios.
Every contribution goes toward development — new features, more realistic physics, additional scenarios, and ongoing improvements to the simulator. If you find the software useful, a contribution would be appreciated.
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