Towing: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
(add page) |
(fix: Broken category link; +- Minor copy editing; +related: Soaring, Category:Glider aircraft, Category:Glider tugs; +cat: FlightGear feature) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Towing''' is one of the three ways that a [[Category:Glider | '''Towing''' is one of the three ways that a [[:Category:Glider aircraft|glider aircraft]] can be launched, the other two being self-launch (with an onboard engine), or stating from a slope as typically practiced by hanggliders. | ||
There are two main towing types: | There are two main towing types: | ||
* Ground-based towing, this includes | * Ground-based towing, this includes | ||
** | ** The widely practiced '''winch launch''' | ||
** ''' | ** '''Auto-tow''', being towed by a driving car | ||
** ''' | ** '''Bungee launch''', where the aircraft is accelerated using a flexible rope | ||
* Aircraft-based towing, usually called '''aero-tow''', getting towed by another, motorized aircraft | * Aircraft-based towing, usually called '''aero-tow''', getting towed by another, motorized aircraft | ||
== Organization == | == Organization == | ||
In [[FlightGear]], towing functionality is implemented: | In [[FlightGear]], towing functionality is implemented: | ||
* | * In <code>Nasal/towing/towing.nas</code> | ||
* | * In YASim's code | ||
A few aircraft have their own system implemented. Where there is no reason for this, these should be ported to use the global functionality. | A few aircraft have their own system implemented. Where there is no reason for this, these should be ported to use the global functionality. | ||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
Premises: | Premises: | ||
* Easy to remember keys are necessary in order to allow the pilot to quickly act during the fast and during the training phase maybe hectic experience that a winch launch can be | * Easy to remember keys are necessary in order to allow the pilot to quickly act during the fast and during the training phase maybe hectic experience that a winch launch can be | ||
* Key commands should be grouped into sensible "categories", by using different actions | * Key commands should be grouped into sensible "categories", by using different actions on the same key (using modifiers like {{key press|Shift}}, {{key press|Ctrl}}) | ||
* I know of no aircraft that has separated cable release levers for the different hook, normally all hooks are connected to one handle. | * I know of no aircraft that has separated cable release levers for the different hook, normally all hooks are connected to one handle. | ||
| Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
Proposals: | Proposals: | ||
* Use | * Use {{key press|Ctrl}}-action for initialization/start | ||
* Use upper key ({{key press|shift}}) to reduce speed, lower key to increase speed (only for winch launch) | * Use upper key ({{key press|shift}}) to reduce speed, lower key to increase speed (only for winch launch) | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
| Release all cables ("yellow lever" in most glider aircraft) | | Release all cables ("yellow lever" in most glider aircraft) | ||
|} | |} | ||
== Related content == | |||
* [[Soaring]] | |||
* [[:Category:Glider aircraft]] | |||
* [[:Category:Glider tugs]] | |||
[[Category:FlightGear feature]] | |||
Revision as of 13:08, 29 July 2020
Towing is one of the three ways that a glider aircraft can be launched, the other two being self-launch (with an onboard engine), or stating from a slope as typically practiced by hanggliders.
There are two main towing types:
- Ground-based towing, this includes
- The widely practiced winch launch
- Auto-tow, being towed by a driving car
- Bungee launch, where the aircraft is accelerated using a flexible rope
- Aircraft-based towing, usually called aero-tow, getting towed by another, motorized aircraft
Organization
In FlightGear, towing functionality is implemented:
- In
Nasal/towing/towing.nas - In YASim's code
A few aircraft have their own system implemented. Where there is no reason for this, these should be ported to use the global functionality.
Keymap
| Note This is a proposed keymap under the effort to unify winch launch experience in FlightGear. |
Premises:
- Easy to remember keys are necessary in order to allow the pilot to quickly act during the fast and during the training phase maybe hectic experience that a winch launch can be
- Key commands should be grouped into sensible "categories", by using different actions on the same key (using modifiers like ⇧ Shift, Ctrl)
- I know of no aircraft that has separated cable release levers for the different hook, normally all hooks are connected to one handle.
Traditionally, w is used for winch-related activity while o and related keys are used for aerotow (as a is reserved for time speed-up/slow-down).
Proposals:
- Use Ctrl-action for initialization/start
- Use upper key (⇧ Shift) to reduce speed, lower key to increase speed (only for winch launch)
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+w | Place winch and begin winch launch |
| Ctrl+o | Connect to aerotow aircraft within range (MP or AI Scenario / Robot ) |
| w | Ask winch driver to increase winch speed |
| ⇧ Shift+w | Ask winch driver to reduce winch speed |
| o | Release all cables ("yellow lever" in most glider aircraft) |