EH21 - Flightgear: The world of open source flight simulation

FlightGear is an open-source flight simulator started in 1996, using OpenGL since 1997 and developed by a global community

The simulator is not just for entertainment - it’s used by NASA, universities, FAA-approved simulators, and even the Red Bull Air Racing team for course simulation

Core components include:

• Main simulator codebase (C++)
• Flight Dynamics Models (XML)
• Nasal scripting language
• Property tree system for data access
• OpenSceneGraph for scenery rendering

Major technical milestones:

• 2007: Version 1.0 first stable release
• 2010: Version 2.0 with improved 3D clouds and lighting
• 2013: World Scenery 2.0
• Current work on HDR pipeline and OpenGL core profile

Scenery system uses OpenStreetMap data to generate detailed environments including:

• Buildings
• Night lighting
• Trees
• Satellite/aerial imagery integration

Multiple ways to interface with the simulator:

• Network protocols
• Serial console
• HTTP/WebSockets
• USB HID for custom hardware

Active community includes:

• ~10 core developers
• Several thousand monthly users
• Aircraft developers focusing on detailed models
• Scenery developers
• Hardware interface projects

Custom hardware projects demonstrate extensibility:

• DIY control panels
• 3D printed instruments
• Collimated mirror displays
• Cockpit lighting systems

User entry barriers are low:

• Mouse/keyboard control for beginners
• Auto-start options for complex aircraft
• Detailed documentation available
• Active support through forums/IRC/Matrix