Improving Helicopter Realism
This page is meant to maintain a list of feature requests that are directly related to improving the realism of helicopters (rotorcraft) flight in FlightGear. It is largely based on Feature Requests / Proposals / Ideas and FGFS Todo. Currently, this is work in progress, so your help in populating this page is appreciated.
Physics of Helicopter flight
YASim does a pretty good job for helicopter realism in FlightGear. What is implemented is very accurate so far, but there are a few things not yet implemented or fully simulated. Missing features are listed below:
Vortex Ring State Vortex Ring on en wiki
LTE, not fully simulated due to missing Main-rotor vortex: LTE on wiki
Systems
A separate throttle control, and a governor which can be turned off and on
- To simulate emergencies such as loss of engine power better
- To practice manual throttle control
Engine support from YASim
Damage
Rotor damage from
- Exceeding VNE
- Exceeding maximum rotor RPM
- Over pitching and excessive coneing
Engine/Transmission, damage/failure from
- Using excessive power (over torquing on a turbine helicopter, exceeding max MAP in a piston powered helicopter)
- Exceeding max engine RPM