Thursday, January 8, 2015

Some JSBSim Updates

I've added some new things to JSBSim.  The first is a new FDM configuration item called pitot-angle that goes in the metrics section.  This will make a slight change in indicated airspeed, as the speed is now calculated using a pitot coordinate frame rather than the body frame.  In most airplanes the pitot frame will be rotated nose-low by a few degrees from the body frame.  About -4 degrees is a good estimate.

The second change is the air refueling onload rate is now configurable.  It used to be a hard-coded 6000 lbs/min, which is OK for cargo/bomber type aircraft but too much for fighter types, which onload in the 1000-2000 lbs/min range.