FlightGear Newsletter December 2013: Difference between revisions

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FlightGear Newsletter December 2013 (view source)

Revision as of 14:58, 26 December 2013

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Note to all contributors: Please also copy your newsletter additions to the changelog for the upcoming release: [[Next Changelog]].
Note to all contributors: Please also copy your newsletter additions to the changelog for the upcoming release: [[Next Changelog]].


=== Update: osgEarth Integration ===
=== osgEarth integration ===
{{#ev:youtube|oe0kHoEtvYA|400}}
{{#ev:youtube|oe0kHoEtvYA|400}}


This video shows  a short flight from Raron (LSTA) to Sion (LSGS) Switzerland in a Robin DR400 running in the Open source flight simulator Flightgear (http://www.flightgear.org/).  Terrain scene is generated from osgEarth (http://osgearth.org/) whole earth real-time terrain streaming C++ library.   The osgEarth terrain scene can be switched on/off at runtime.
This video shows  a short flight from Raron (LSTA) to Sion (LSGS) Switzerland in a [[Robin DR400]] running in FlightGear.  Terrain scene is generated from [http://osgearth.org/ osgEarth] whole earth real-time terrain streaming C++ library. The osgEarth terrain scene can be switched on/off at runtime.


In this example, the imagery is streamed from ArcGis WMS (web mapping service). osgEarth supports a wide variety of streaming sources.
In this example, the imagery is streamed from ArcGis WMS (web mapping service). osgEarth supports a wide variety of streaming sources.


osgEarth is currently integrated into Flightgear in a development branch for Flightgear version 2.99. The integration changes are currently submitted for approval for the next major release of Flightgear.
osgEarth is currently integrated into a development branch for FlightGear version 2.99. The integration changes are currently submitted for approval for the next major release of FlightGear.


== Wizard-based Aircraft Creation ==
== Wizard-based Aircraft Creation ==
[[File:Aircraft-template-wizard-intro.png|thumb]]
[[File:Aircraft-template-wizard-intro.png|thumb|270px]]


When it comes to aircraft development, one of the areas that people find frustrating is that features used by aircraft developers will be documented in the Wiki but the examples are so minimal that it can be difficult or nearly impossible to get something working because the published examples are lacking in detail or don't show important variations of how to code the feature.
When it comes to aircraft development, one of the areas that people find frustrating is that features used by aircraft developers will be documented in the Wiki but the examples are so minimal that it can be difficult or nearly impossible to get something working because the published examples are lacking in detail or don't show important variations of how to code the feature.
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=== Implementing VNAV -a Brainstorming ===
=== Implementing VNAV -a Brainstorming ===
 
[[File:Route-managed-with-fgscript-support.png|thumb|270px|route manager dialog with added support for exporting to JSBSim/FGScript XML files]]
[[File:Route-managed-with-fgscript-support.png|300px|route manager dialog with added support for exporting to JSBSim/FGScript XML files]]
 
We've recently had another discussion on the forums about implementing VNAV in FlightGear. In comparison with other flight simulators, FlightGear has been lacking support for simulating VNAV features found on many modern aircraft since day one.
We've recently had another discussion on the forums about implementing VNAV in FlightGear. In comparison with other flight simulators, FlightGear has been lacking support for simulating VNAV features found on many modern aircraft since day one.
   
   
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Continue reading at [[Implementing VNAV support in FlightGear]]...
Continue reading at [[Implementing VNAV support in FlightGear]]...


=== Random Buildings ===
=== Random Buildings ===
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== Hardware development==
== Hardware development==
=== Project computer2cockpit ===
=== Project computer2cockpit ===
Following design changes suggested by FG users to flight yoke design were entered
Following design changes suggested by FlightGear users, the [[computer2cockpit]]'s flight yoke design has been extended with:
* Map holder
* Map holder
* Additional rocker switch and push button switches on right side of the yoke
* Additional rocker switch and push button switches on right side of the yoke
* Additional push to talk switch
* Additional push to talk switch
Curent activity
Curent activities:
* Prototype manufacturing preparation - setting up the CNC router
* Prototype manufacturing preparation - setting up the CNC router
* Talking with suppliers to lower the initial costs and production price
* Talking with suppliers to lower the initial costs and production price


=== DIY hardware panel for FlightGear ===
=== DIY hardware panel for FlightGear ===
At least 5 projects exist where FlightGear users build their own hardware panels with real switches & knobs to interface with the FlightGear software to improve the flying experience. Follow the build progress of ludomotico's and pommesschranke's panels on this forum thread:
At least five projects exist where FlightGear users build their own hardware panels with real switches and knobs to interface with the FlightGear software to improve the flying experience. Follow the build progress of ludomotico's and pommesschranke's panels on [http://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=11159 this forum thread].
http://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=11159


== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== FlightGear addons and mods ==
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== In the hangar ==
== In the hangar ==


=== New Aircraft; Junkers JU-288, and Caudron Type 'C' biplane, from Lester Boffo ===
=== New Aircraft ===
 
==== Junkers JU-288, and Caudron Type 'C' biplane, from Lester Boffo ====
[[File:Junkers Ju-288A.jpg|thumb|Junkers Ju-288A in development in MetasequoiaLE]] [[File:Junkers Ju-288.jpg|thumb|another angle of the in-development Junkers Ju-288A]]
Two new aircraft from  my 'Hangar', such as it is.  The first one is a Junkers JU-288 Bomber-Interceptor/Bomber presented to the Luftwaffe in 1942 as a hedge against the expected US Bombing campaign and the new Boeing B29.  Being as it is with all things bomber-ish in the WWII German air war, the politics of who's company got the funding, and go ahead with production, also doomed this aircraft to only a few prototypes and variants.  That it relied upon the then promising Jumo 222 water-cooled inline/radial, only hastened it's demise, as the Jumo's development was rushed, and then the Jumo engine factory was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944.  Finding literature covering this aircraft was a bit hard to find, but with some help from FMG, I was able to source some drawings and spec's.  I'm not sure when this plane will be finished, but the basic 3D is done and a rudimentary cockpit is in place.
Two new aircraft from  my 'Hangar', such as it is.  The first one is a Junkers JU-288 Bomber-Interceptor/Bomber presented to the Luftwaffe in 1942 as a hedge against the expected US Bombing campaign and the new Boeing B29.  Being as it is with all things bomber-ish in the WWII German air war, the politics of who's company got the funding, and go ahead with production, also doomed this aircraft to only a few prototypes and variants.  That it relied upon the then promising Jumo 222 water-cooled inline/radial, only hastened it's demise, as the Jumo's development was rushed, and then the Jumo engine factory was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944.  Finding literature covering this aircraft was a bit hard to find, but with some help from FMG, I was able to source some drawings and spec's.  I'm not sure when this plane will be finished, but the basic 3D is done and a rudimentary cockpit is in place.


[[File:Caudron Type "C".JPG|thumb|Caudron Type "C" flying over Paris in a morning late fall fog.]] [[File:Caudron Type C.JPG|thumb|Caudron Type "C" on the slopes of a Rhone Alp's meadow]]
<gallery mode=packed widths=270px heights=270px>
Secondly is a small, pre WWI early aircraft from Rene Caudron and sibling,  his Type 'C' biplane.  The first of his 'Public Domain' designs that he released to the early aviation community.  This aircraft was to go on to more development as the G series of trainers and observation/bombers during WWI.  This particular aircraft was also known as the '10 meter Caudron', it was interesting to note that it employed along with it's wing warping roll control, an enhanced roll control from the divided stab/elevator, which could be flexed with up and down, twisting deflections in addition to it's normal pitch control.  It was praised for it's high rate of climb, lightness, and maneuverability, on a modest 45 h.p. Anzani 6 cylinder radial. The aircraft is releasable and is under a GPL license.  Images of these two aircraft.
Junkers Ju-288A.jpg|Junkers Ju-288A in development in MetasequoiaLE
Junkers Ju-288.jpg|Another angle of the in-development Junkers Ju-288A
</gallery>


=== Updated aircraft ===
Secondly is a small, pre WWI early aircraft from Rene Caudron and sibling,  his Type 'C' biplane.  The first of his 'Public Domain' designs that he released to the early aviation community.  This aircraft was to go on to more development as the G series of trainers and observation/bombers during WWI.  This particular aircraft was also known as the '10 meter Caudron', it was interesting to note that it employed along with it's wing warping roll control, an enhanced roll control from the divided stab/elevator, which could be flexed with up and down, twisting deflections in addition to it's normal pitch control.  It was praised for it's high rate of climb, lightness, and manoeuvrability, on a modest 45 h.p. Anzani 6 cylinder radial. The aircraft is releasable and is under a GPL license.  Images of these two aircraft.


The JSBSim P-51D is undergoing some significant improvements. The most interesting of these is the fully functional K-14A lead computing gun sight. The screen shot below shows the gun sight in action with the aircraft rolled over and pulling about 5G.  You can see that there are two reticles.  The small cross in the upper center of the reflector glass is the center cross of the fixed reticle and it's sight line corresponds with where the guns would shoot in straight and level flight (IE. slightly below the bore line of the guns).  The fixed reticle has been masked so that only the center cross is visible.  The reticle consisting of a center dot and six surrounding diamonds is the reticle that is controlled by the gyroscope which is what gives this sight it's lead computing functionality.  In the screen shot the gyro reticle is displaced a significant distance from the fixed reticle and this distance is known as the deflection. Note also that the tracers from the guns are converging near the center of the gyro reticle giving an indication of how effective the new gun sight is when doing deflection shots.
<gallery mode=packed widths=270px heights=270px>
     
File:Caudron Type "C".JPG|Caudron Type "C" flying over Paris in a morning late fall fog.
[[File:gunsight1.png|Screen shot of the K-14A in action showing the gyroscopic reticle rolled over pulling G.  Note how the tracers are converging near the center of the gyro reticle. In addition, the fixed reticle is masked and only the center cross is visible.  The fixed reticle center cross is the bore sight line.]]
File:Caudron Type C.JPG|Caudron Type "C" on the slopes of a Rhone Alp's meadow.
</gallery>


=== Updated aircraft ===
==== North American P-51D Mustang ====
The JSBSim [[P-51D]] is undergoing some significant improvements.  The most interesting of these is the fully functional K-14A lead computing gun sight. The screen shot below shows the gun sight in action with the aircraft rolled over and pulling about 5G.  You can see that there are two reticles.  The small cross in the upper center of the reflector glass is the center cross of the fixed reticle and it's sight line corresponds with where the guns would shoot in straight and level flight (IE. slightly below the bore line of the guns).  The fixed reticle has been masked so that only the center cross is visible.  The reticle consisting of a center dot and six surrounding diamonds is the reticle that is controlled by the gyroscope which is what gives this sight it's lead computing functionality.  In the screen shot on the left, the gyro reticle is displaced a significant distance from the fixed reticle and this distance is known as the deflection.  Note also that the tracers from the guns are converging near the center of the gyro reticle giving an indication of how effective the new gun sight is when doing deflection shots.


The following screen shot is of a ground attack mission using HVAR rockets.  In this case the gyro reticle is turned off and the fixed reticle is unmasked.  You can see the center cross along with the 70 mil outer circle and the so called rocket ladder in the lower center of the outer circle.  This attack missed the target high and to the right mostly because I was distracted by taking the screen shot.  But you can see that the flight path traced out by the rockets smoke is right where they should have been relative to the rocket ladder.
The screen shot on the right is of a ground attack mission using HVAR rockets.  In this case the gyro reticle is turned off and the fixed reticle is unmasked.  You can see the center cross along with the 70 mil outer circle and the so called rocket ladder in the lower center of the outer circle.  This attack missed the target high and to the right mostly because I was distracted by taking the screen shot.  But you can see that the flight path traced out by the rockets smoke is right where they should have been relative to the rocket ladder.  
 
[[File:rocketladder.png|Screen of a rocket attack on a fishing boat.  The reticle being used is the fixed reticle with the 70 mil circle and the rocket ladder unmasked.]]
 
 
This is a ground view of the aircraft with the new drop tanks, bomb racks and propeller.  In addition you can see the back of the gun sight in the cockpit.  The pink area on the back of the gun sight is the silica gel pack that keeps the internals of the gun sight dry.
 
[[File:tanks&prop.png|Screen shot showing new droop tanks, bomb racks, propeller and part of the K-14A gun sight.]]


<gallery mode=packed widths=270px heights=270px>
gunsight1.png|Screen shot of the K-14A in action showing the gyroscopic reticle rolled over pulling G. Note how the tracers are converging near the center of the gyro reticle. In addition, the fixed reticle is masked and only the center cross is visible. The fixed reticle center cross is the bore sight line.
rocketladder.png|Screen of a rocket attack on a fishing boat. The reticle being used is the fixed reticle with the 70 mil circle and the rocket ladder unmasked.
</gallery>
The following screen shot on the left is a ground view of the aircraft with the new drop tanks, bomb racks and propeller.  In addition you can see the back of the gun sight in the cockpit.  The pink area on the back of the gun sight is the silica gel pack that keeps the internals of the gun sight dry.


This screen shot shows the new HVAR rockets and the new rocket mounts.
<gallery mode=packed widths=270px heights=270px>
[[File:Rockets.png|Screen shot showing new HVAR rackets and rocket wing mounts.]]
tanks&prop.png|Screen shot showing new droop tanks, bomb racks, propeller and part of the K-14A gun sight.
Rockets.png|The new HVAR rockets and the new rocket mounts.
</gallery>


The bomb ranks and rocket wing mounts were modeled using the factory blue prints and are accurate to within perhaps 0.1mm.  The propeller and drop tanks were modeled based on published measurements and have similar levels of accuracy.  The gun sight 3D models are based on drawings and dimensions from the USAAF K-14A maintenance manual.
The bomb ranks and rocket wing mounts were modeled using the factory blue prints and are accurate to within perhaps 0.1mm.  The propeller and drop tanks were modeled based on published measurements and have similar levels of accuracy.  The gun sight 3D models are based on drawings and dimensions from the USAAF K-14A maintenance manual.
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