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
Known issues still to fix
Sliding over Ground- this is an issue not yet solved which makes helicopters slides over the ground even with stopped engines.
Rotor blades seem to flex in the opposite direction while not moving at high altitude airports, 5000' and up its pretty obvious, does this on all helicopters I've tried.