What feature are you suggesting?

Overview:

We are integrating JSBSim into Project AirSim to serve as an alternative physics engine and flight control system.

This will enable more accurate flight dynamics by leveraging JSBSim's robust aerodynamic modeling, and provide compatibility with many existing aircraft models defined in XML.

Development is ongoing in the JSBSim branch. The system compiles and packages successfully on Windows.

Smaller Details:

• JSBSim replaces or extends the current fast physics module for airplanes.
• Aircraft configuration is driven by .xml model files loaded at runtime.
• Initial integration is complete and flight is functional on Windows builds.
• Remaining work includes:
  • Linux compilation and packaging support.
  • Documentation and usage examples.

Nature of Request:

• Addition
• Change

Why would this feature be useful?

Integrating JSBSim brings high-fidelity, real-world aircraft dynamics to Project AirSim, which is especially valuable for:

• Research teams testing autopilot algorithms and control logic.
• Simulation of real aircraft models using standard JSBSim .xml definitions.
• Users seeking deterministic and interpretable flight behavior.

This positions Project AirSim as a stronger base for aviation research, realistic UAS training, and industrial simulation use cases.