Blender JSBSim import
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
 JSBSim FDM and aircraft model, overlayed in Blender. | |
| Developed by | RenanMsV |
|---|---|
| Initial release | March 31, 2023 |
| Latest release | 0.2.1 October 7, 2025 |
| Written in | Python 3 |
| Development status | Active (2023-) |
| Type | Blender Extension |
| License | GNU General Public License v3 or later |
| [JSBSim-Viewer Website] | |
Load and visualize a JSBsim flight dynamics model in Blender from version 4.2 or newer. Older versions (2.8, 3.x) are supported but not recommended.
JSBSim Viewer lets you import and visualize the spatial layout of JSBSim FDM data. It reads the XML structure and plots the defined nodes, points, and reference locations in 3D space, allowing you to explore the aircraft’s configuration visually.
This is useful for:
- Inspecting the geometric and reference layout of JSBSim aircraft models
- Debugging or understanding FDM XML configurations
- Visualizing how aerodynamic and structural points are positioned relative to each other
Installation
Install from Blender's extensions menu:
- Open Blender → go to Edit → Preferences → Get Extensions.
- Search for "JSBSim Viewer" and click Install.
Install from the Blender Extensions website:
- Have your Blender open.
- In your internet browser visit the extension page → click in Get Add-on → Drag and Drop into your Blender, and confirm.
Install manually as a Blender extension[1]:
- Download the latest zip file for your Blender version. For example: https://github.com/RenanMsV/JSBSim-Viewer/archive/main.zip.
- Open the user preferences window (File → User Preferences or Ctrl+Alt+U) and then go to the Add-ons tab, click the button "Install from Disk" and select the downloaded file.
- After installing you must activate by going in the search bar below the "Install" button and searching for "JSBSim" and then checking the box on the right of "JSBSim Viewer"
Usage
Interaction
Go to File->Import->JSBSim Flight Dynamics Model (.xml), select a JSBSim XML file.
Development
Everyone is more than welcome to help sending issues, pull requests in the extension's repository.
Known problems / Things to add
- Add a better way to draw the FDM to the screen. Maybe using Blender's line drawing API. With many colors and icons for specific things such as fuel tanks, engines, etc..
Bug reports, questions or suggestions
- Send me a message in the forum here: the forum user RenanMsV
- Or create a new issue in the addon repository.
References
|