DIY Flight Simulator Cockpit Blueprint Plans and Panels

LX-1 ORION

EFFECTIVE SEPT 1st 2015: The LX-1 has been taken out of service and is resting in the hanger. It will remain on site as a piece of SimSamurai history. The DIY plans will remain for sale, but we no longer offer this model as a cockpit kit.

For whatever reason the LX-1 was the least popular of all our designs, likely because of the size and it’s ability to only use LCDs vs. the more flexible nature of our other designs like the XS-1, and now Airliner X which can use LCDs or projectors out front. Because of this, the LX-1 experiment has been mothballed and is considered “Legacy Plywood” of flight simulators that once were.

Because of the continual drop in prices for LCD monitors we released the final evolution of our large sims, the Airliner X which is the last concept of the XS-1, AX-1, AX-27 designs. Due to it’s size and ability to use six 32″ displays it obviously made the LX-1 Orion obsolete, much like the XS-1 / AX-1 / and AX-27 which it replaced.

We will miss you Orion!

For a few years when 24″ displays were the norm for expanded visuals the LX-1 was somewhat at the pinnacle of modular cockpit shell design for flight simulation. Much like the slightly smaller XS-1 the more robust LX-1 is a two seat design which can be disassembled into its 5 core components within 30 minutes. It greatly differs from the XS-1 / AX-1 designs in that this model is specifically meant to house many LCDs in an arc of either 3x 32″, 4x 27″ or 6x 24″ displays for the Main Exterior Views (MEV). The lower main instrument panel (MIP) is built to house 3x 22″ or 3x 24″ LCDs and can additionally house both lower or higher LCD panels for the throttle quadrant or overhead panel.

LX-1 FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

Ergonomic design based on actual commercial jet cockpit dimensions.
Display ability of up to 10 LCDs (4 for flight instruments and up to 6 LCDs for fully panoramic exterior views).
Designed for the back to rest flat against a wall for space constraints that projection units do not provide.
Requires floor space of approximately 8′ wide x 6′ feet deep.
Form follows function design which maximizes materials use.
Plans set includes a single variant using 22 – 24″ displays.
Gives options for installing larger displays for the MEV.
Can be built using standard home construction tools.
Can house many other retailer instrument panels.
Designed for two pilots to train together.
Can house two tower based PC cases.
Fully enclosed detachable canopy.
Has storage ability and shelves.
Easy to relocate in your home.
Breaks down into 5 sections.
Completely modular design.
Immersive sim environment.
Requires floor space of 105″w x 55″d

BASIC COSTS

LX-1 DIY Plans Set $24.00 USD

LX-1 Bare Bones Kit $2,180.00 USD

LX-1 Completed RTA Kit $3,280.00 USD

COCKPIT PURCHASE OPTIONS :

THE LX-1 DIY Cockpit Blueprints Pack $ 24.00 USD

Includes highly detailed plan and elevation drawings
Includes all templates and pattern cuts, etc.
Include a step-by-step DIY builder manual
Includes a free 33 page carpentry guide you can grab HERE
Includes Imperial Standard to Metric Conversions
Full builder support by phone & email
All for a reasonable $24.00 plus shipping! ($8)

To purchase the LX-1 DIY Pack see the PURCHASE-BUY page

PRO PILOT KIT PURCHASING OPTIONS

Aside from purchasing the DIY Blueprints pack (see above) SimSamurai also offers Ready To Assemble kit cockpits.

All RTA kits are offered in two core options; a Bare Bones Kit or RTA Complete Kit.

You can learn more by visiting the SIM FLIGHT SYSTEMS page.

LX-1 Bare Bones Kit $ 2,180.00 USD

The bare bones version of the LX-1 essentially comes ready to assemble but will require that you paint all cockpit parts yourself. The kit comes complete with all materials and hardware necessary for full assembly and will only require that you have tools available such as a drill, some screwdrivers, and a small socket set.

All major parts of the LX-1 RTA kit are pre-cut on a precision C-N-C computerized router machine using high grade cabinet quality hardwood laminate and hardwood composite material ( Not cheap MDF or particle board!) The kit includes all screws, bolts, brackets, and templates necessary for full project assembly.

The included manual will completely guide you through the painting and assembly process. The bare bones package is made of professional “cabinet quality” materials and is made to high grade furniture quality specifications. All of our cockpit shell products are made to last for years and years. You can learn more by visiting the SIM FLIGHT SYSTEMS page.

To purchase the LX-1 Barebones Kit see the PURCHASE-BUY page

LX-1 Completed RTA Kit $ 3,280.00 USD

The Ready to Assemble (RTA) package of the SimSamurai LX-1 flight deck takes both the cutting and painting out of the equation as it will come to you fully ready to assemble. The RTA kit comes complete with all materials and hardware necessary for full assembly and will only require that you have tools available such as a drill, some screwdrivers, and a small socket set. All major parts of the LX-1 RTA kit are pre-cut on a precision C-N-C computerized router machine using high grade cabinet quality hardwood laminate and hardwood composite material (Not cheap MDF or particle board!) The LX-1 RTA package is made of professional “cabinet quality” materials and is made to high grade furniture quality specifications.

The LX-1 RTA kit includes all screws, bolts, brackets, and templates necessary for full project assembly. The DIY assembly manual will help you complete the final assembly of the flight simulator station within 2 or 3 hours. Finally, as with all our products, we design with future upgradeability and expandability in mind. You will be able to set up the LX-1 exactly as we recommend or you can instead install a pre-made instrument panel from any other “pro sim” retailers if desired.

The LX-1 framework will come in the standard “Black Galaxy” finish. (a black gloss with silver accents). The exterior skin panels will be a silver / aluminum. The interior faces of all skin panels are painted Battle Grey.

Lastly, as with all cockpit purchases, we offer free building and assembly advice (during 8am-6pm USA Pacific time) so please know that we are here to help if added assistance is needed! You can learn more by visiting the DIY Flight Systems page.

To purchase the LX-1 RTA Kit see the PURCHASE-BUY page

ACCESSORY OPTIONS

Aluminum Instrument Panel Option ($ 320 or $ 545 USD)

In addition to a cockpit you can also purchase a fully customized aluminum instrument panel which is tailor made to your own liking and equipment requirements. The instrument panel is 5mm (.125″) aircraft grade aluminum and is precision cut on a CNC water jet system. SimSamurai will make any instrument panel you desire and will custom design the panel to fit your personal needs. For an additional $150 the top of the panel will come complete with a padded dash / glareshield made of quality foam and faux black leather / vinyl. The aluminum panel is a great way to finish off your cockpit with a professional appearance!

Interior Window Frames with Aluminum Cap Trim Option

($125 per frame and up to six available)

The upper window frames are made to provide a “window-like” appearance when seated in the cockpit. Each frame is constructed of 3/4″ Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and are cut via C-n-C router machine. Again, much like with the aluminum overlay panel, the upper window frame cutout sizes must be first determined by the actual monitors used by the customer. The central window frame cutouts are determined by the exact perimeter size of the monitor (without stand) and is determined by both the exterior bezel width and height as well the exact screen width and height of just the LCD screen itself. Once cut, the frame receives a final sanding and is then painted with a single coat of grey primer and then 2 textured topcoats in choice of medium grey or sand tan. Also included with each window frame is the 2.5 inch front frame support and 400 grit polished 1.5″ L-channel aluminum cap for the interior face.

Real Aluminum Exterior Skin Panels Option

($400 for side exterior panels, $300 for overhead canopy)

By default, all cockpit exterior panels are made with 1/8″ fiberboard. For complete RTA kit purchases the exterior is painted silver while the interior is primed white then painted in a choice of medium grey or sand tan. You can option to have these panels made in real 20 gauge 6061 aluminum skin if desired and all holes will come pre-drilled for immediate installation.

Rolling Castor Wheels Option

($150 – for 14 wheels and 56 screws)

By default, both the Bare Bones and RTA kits come without wheels but include 3.5″ x 3.5″ wood standoff blocks where the wheels would typically be located. This added height is a necessity of the design for proper yoke height in relation to the pilots. Installation of 360 degree rotational castor wheels allows the entire cockpit to be more mobile if it is ever required that the cockpit be moved around or relocated. The wheels used are high quality 3″ polyurethane wheels with lubricated ball bearings for life longevity.

BAREBONES and RTA KIT SHIPPING COSTS

Average shipping cost in USA for the base model is $375 to $450 depending on your location. Average ship weight for the LX-1 is 325lbs. The LX-1 will come in three large boxes regardless of purchase of the Bare Bones kit or Completed RTA kit. Once in hand you will need a small socket set and screw driver to complete the final assembly which will typically take one or two hours.

Whether you order a set of the DIY plans, or a Bare Bones kit, or even a fully completed RTA kit, we always offer free builder advice for all flight simulator cockpit customers via email or phone (during 8am-6pm USA Pacific time). Please know that we are here to help if you need further advice or added assistance!