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New and extended autopilot controllers have resulted in a dramatic improvement in autopilot stability in many aircraft.
FLIGHTGEAR 787 FULL
If that isn’t enough, FlightGear 2.4.0 can draw a full 3D image, through one of the many stereoscopic rendering options.įlightGear’s user experience is also enhanced through several improvements to the software. Many new aircraft models are so realistic and detailed it is almost possible to see oneself reflected in their hull. Through the application of these new computer graphics, water moves realistically and sunlight is reflected from its surface. By employing state-of-art computer graphic techniques, FlightGear 2.4.0 is capable of rendering highly realistic mountain surfaces, 3-dimensional cityscapes, or shiny metallic surfaces. In FlightGear 2.4.0 checking the weather is no longer a luxury option, it is essential for flight safety.Īdding to the improved visual experience, FlightGear 2.4.0 introduces numerous graphical enhancements. Among the numerous phenomena included in the weather simulation are fog layers that are limited in altitude, cold fronts, thermals, cloud formation in updraft winds along mountain ridges, and many, many more. This results not only in customizable weather, but also in all the exciting phenomena that occur at the boundaries between different weather systems. While it was previously already possible to load realistic weather by downloading (or creating custom) METAR weather reports, the current FlightGear 2.4.0 version takes weather generation an order of a magnitude further by applying the laws of physics to the reported conditions and by determining how the atmosphere interacts with the terrain. One of the hallmark features of this new FlightGear version consists of a completely overhauled weather module. FlightGear 2.4.0 reflects over one and a half years of development and incorporates several new and exciting features, as well as numerous bug fixes.
FLIGHTGEAR 787 FREE
The FlightGear development team is proud to announce the release of version 2.4.0 of its free open source flight simulation program. It’s somewhat tricky to land on such a tight spot, but it can be done, and usually results into a good feeling of accomplishment. Also, many buildings have helipads on their roofs. Most of the ships have a helipad where you can land and enjoy the view you usually don’t get to appreciate. One nice tour is to load the Vinson AI scenario, and, starting out from the carrier itself, visit its escort group (provided you don’t mind that it’s not a US Navy helicopter…). There are plenty of heliports in the Flightgear world. More functionality in the cockpit and more implemented procedures would be a very nice addition to the model. Another interesting experience is to hover at high altitude, then reduce lift via the collective – the helicopter drops down rapidly, and one can observe the blades spinning up. The helicopter can easily be flown backwards or sidewards – it’s however tricky not to lose control when doing so. The torque of the main rotor is clearly felt and must be compensated by the rear rotor, although this is not as tricky to balance as with other helicopters. In slow or hover flight, the EC-135 can swing like a pendulum under the rotor – this is a very nasty condition and difficult to deal with. The model shows a lot of phenomena characteristic for helicopters: For instance, the rotors generate a lot more lift in forward flight than in hover flight, which needs to be compensated for when approaching for landing. Also as compared to many other helicopters in Flightgear, the EC-135 has a rather powerful engine and can quickly climb vertically. However, compared with other models such as the Bo-105 or the R-22, the EC-135 handles certainly a bit easier and is a suitable helicopter for a beginner to learn the basics of helicopter flight. Helicopters in Flightgear are not easy to fly due to the overall high degree of realism. Lacking any experience with any helicopter in reality, it is somewhat difficult to judge how well the FDM is done. If the model crashes, the crash is also (partially) animated by showing the broken rotor blades. The exterior model, for which a variety of liveries are available, is likewise very impressive – it makes use of state-of-the-art reflection shaders and has animations for lights, the rotors and the doors. Nevertheless, the realistic looks of the cockpit create a very nice feeling of immersion into the simulation. Some work on support for more detailed procedures would be beneficial for the helicopter. Unfortunately, many of the switches are not yet functional, and the procedures to start the engine are very simple. The Eurocopter EC-135 comes with a very impressive 3d cockpit with photorealistic texturing – one example of very few aircraft in Flightgear.
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