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Autopilot: Difference between revisions
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[[ | [[File:Autopilot.jpg|thumb|270px|The autopilot setting dialog of FlightGear.]] | ||
An [[autopilot]] ('''AP''') is a mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being. Most people understand an autopilot to refer specifically to [[aircraft]], but self-steering gear for ships, boats, space craft and missiles is often also called by this term. | An [[autopilot]] ('''AP''') is a mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being. Most people understand an autopilot to refer specifically to [[aircraft]], but self-steering gear for ships, boats, space craft and missiles is often also called by this term. | ||
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The autopilot of an aircraft is sometimes referred to as "George". | The autopilot of an aircraft is sometimes referred to as "George". | ||
==Autopilot in FlightGear== | == Autopilot in FlightGear == | ||
We have a generic one and custom ones written for a certain aircraft, which are supposed to simulate particular autopilot types/models for a specific aircraft. | We have a generic one and custom ones written for a certain aircraft, which are supposed to simulate particular autopilot types/models for a specific aircraft. | ||
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So it is possible to write a custom <tt>autopilot.xml</tt> to override the generic autopilot implementation. | So it is possible to write a custom <tt>autopilot.xml</tt> to override the generic autopilot implementation. | ||
This custom autopilot configuration file can be driven by either the standard autopilot dialog, custom cockpit panel hotspots or a combination of both. | This custom autopilot configuration file can be driven by either the standard autopilot dialog, custom cockpit panel hotspots or a combination of both. | ||
Also, it is possible to provide enhanced or completely new implementations of the standard autopilot dialog to cater for autopilot/aircraft-specific features (for examples, see the b1900d or Citation Bravo in CVS/HEAD). [[ | Also, it is possible to provide enhanced or completely new implementations of the standard autopilot dialog to cater for autopilot/aircraft-specific features (for examples, see the b1900d or Citation Bravo in CVS/HEAD). [[File:Custom-autopilot-dialog.png|thumb|300px|A custom autopilot dialog]] | ||
Some aircraft in FlightGear however only provide one means of interacting with the autopilot (i.e. autopilot dialog '''or''' panel hotspots). | Some aircraft in FlightGear however only provide one means of interacting with the autopilot (i.e. autopilot dialog '''or''' panel hotspots). | ||
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For further information about programing autopilots in FlightGear look at [[Autopilot Tuning Resources]] and http://www.flightgear.org/Docs/XMLAutopilot/. | For further information about programing autopilots in FlightGear look at [[Autopilot Tuning Resources]] and http://www.flightgear.org/Docs/XMLAutopilot/. | ||
==Autopilot Settings== | == Autopilot Settings == | ||
The AP Settings dialog can be found at '''Autopilot > Autopilot Settings'''. | The AP Settings dialog can be found at '''Autopilot > Autopilot Settings'''. | ||
===Heading control=== | === Heading control === | ||
* '''Wings Level''': enable this to keep your plane horizontal- ususally used at Go-Arounds. | * '''Wings Level''': enable this to keep your plane horizontal- ususally used at Go-Arounds. | ||
* '''Heading Bug:''' located on the compass rose of your instrument panel is a movable heading bug, the purple triangles that are pointing at your runways heading (283 for KSFO default). This bug is moved around the rose by setting the Heading Bug. The heading bug can be used several ways. When hand flying the aircraft turn the bug to your desired heading. This way you will have a constant visual reminder. If [[ATC|Air Traffic Control]] gives you a new heading move the heading bug to the new heading and you have your visual reminder. | * '''Heading Bug:''' located on the compass rose of your instrument panel is a movable heading bug, the purple triangles that are pointing at your runways heading (283 for KSFO default). This bug is moved around the rose by setting the Heading Bug. The heading bug can be used several ways. When hand flying the aircraft turn the bug to your desired heading. This way you will have a constant visual reminder. If [[ATC|Air Traffic Control]] gives you a new heading move the heading bug to the new heading and you have your visual reminder. | ||
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* '''NAV1 CDI Course:''' used for VOR-by VOR flying like in old days and used with [[ILS]]. | * '''NAV1 CDI Course:''' used for VOR-by VOR flying like in old days and used with [[ILS]]. | ||
===Velocity control=== | === Velocity control === | ||
* '''Speed with Throttle:''' speed will be regulated to the selected speed by controlling throttle. | * '''Speed with Throttle:''' speed will be regulated to the selected speed by controlling throttle. | ||
* '''Speed with Pitch:''' your plane will be pushed down or up to reach the selected speed. This can not be used during takeoff, landing or low altitude flights. Doing so could cause a crash. | * '''Speed with Pitch:''' your plane will be pushed down or up to reach the selected speed. This can not be used during takeoff, landing or low altitude flights. Doing so could cause a crash. | ||
===Pitch/Altitude control=== | === Pitch/Altitude control === | ||
* '''Vertical Speed:''' set the speed of vertical climb. Usually used as "feet per minute" | * '''Vertical Speed:''' set the speed of vertical climb. Usually used as "feet per minute" | ||
* '''Pitch Hold:''' pitch degrees of your plane. Use a negative number to lower your nose. | * '''Pitch Hold:''' pitch degrees of your plane. Use a negative number to lower your nose. | ||
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* '''NAV1 Glideslope:''' The vertical slope which led the aircraft from the interception point down to Runway level-used only with [[ILS]]. | * '''NAV1 Glideslope:''' The vertical slope which led the aircraft from the interception point down to Runway level-used only with [[ILS]]. | ||
===FlightDirector Mode=== | === FlightDirector Mode === | ||
The flight director computes and displays the proper pitch and bank angles required in order for the aircraft to follow a selected path. A simple example: the aircraft is in level flight on a heading of 045 degree and at an altitude of 15000 feet maintaining a speed of 260 kts, the FD bars are thus centered. Then the flight director is set to a new heading of 090 degrees and a new altitude of 20000 feet. The aircraft must thus turn to the right and climb. This is done by rolling to the right and pulling up. The roll bar will deflect to the right and the pitch bar will deflect upwards. The pilot will then pull back on the control column while rolling the aircraft to the right. Once he reaches the proper pitch and bank angle the FD bars will again center and remain centered until it is time to roll back to wings level (when the heading starts to approach 090). When the aircraft approaches 20000 feet the pitch bar will deflect downwards thus commanding the pilot to reduce pitch in order to level off at the new altitude. | The flight director computes and displays the proper pitch and bank angles required in order for the aircraft to follow a selected path. A simple example: the aircraft is in level flight on a heading of 045 degree and at an altitude of 15000 feet maintaining a speed of 260 kts, the FD bars are thus centered. Then the flight director is set to a new heading of 090 degrees and a new altitude of 20000 feet. The aircraft must thus turn to the right and climb. This is done by rolling to the right and pulling up. The roll bar will deflect to the right and the pitch bar will deflect upwards. The pilot will then pull back on the control column while rolling the aircraft to the right. Once he reaches the proper pitch and bank angle the FD bars will again center and remain centered until it is time to roll back to wings level (when the heading starts to approach 090). When the aircraft approaches 20000 feet the pitch bar will deflect downwards thus commanding the pilot to reduce pitch in order to level off at the new altitude. | ||
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The exact form of the flight director's display varies with the instrument type either crosshair or command bars. | The exact form of the flight director's display varies with the instrument type either crosshair or command bars. | ||
==Route manager== | == Route manager == | ||
The Route Manager in FlightGear is something like a very simple FMC- Flight Management Control/Computer. | The Route Manager in FlightGear is something like a very simple FMC- Flight Management Control/Computer. | ||
In FGFS you can input a list of waypoints like NAVAIDS, Fixes and Airports, which the aircrafts flies along. You can also add the altitude which the aircraft should have at a certain waypoint. So it is possible to let the aircraft fly along a certain route. | In FGFS you can input a list of waypoints like NAVAIDS, Fixes and Airports, which the aircrafts flies along. You can also add the altitude which the aircraft should have at a certain waypoint. So it is possible to let the aircraft fly along a certain route. | ||
At the moment, it is not possible to add velocities or other constraints. | At the moment, it is not possible to add velocities or other constraints. | ||