While JSBSim can run in console mode, it is usually combined with for visualization. Command to connect:
On Linux or Mac, use CMake by running cmake .. and make in a build directory. Windows users can use CMake or Microsoft Visual Studio. The JSBSim Project Structure
Every aircraft XML file begins with the <fdm_config> root element, which includes attributes for the aircraft name, configuration file version, and release status ( PRODUCTION , BETA , or ALPHA ). The file header section provides metadata about the aircraft model, including author, creation date, description, and licensing information. Below the header, the file is organized into several major sections, each handling a specific aspect of the aircraft model.
The easiest way to get started is via the Python module using pip install jsbsim . jsbsim tutorial
Describes the engines, thrusters, fuel tanks, and propellers. Each engine is defined in a separate engine file ( .eng or .xml ), which contains the power/thrust curves and performance characteristics. Fuel tanks specify capacity, location (affecting CG shift as fuel burns), and initial fuel quantity.
The root of your aircraft is an XML file. Open my_plane.xml in a text editor. It contains five critical sections:
Build to model complex, real-world lift curves ( CL vs. alpha and mach ). While JSBSim can run in console mode, it
<!-- Event: Reaching rotation speed --> <event name="Rotate"> <condition> property="/velocities/vc-kts" greater_than="65.0" </condition> <set property="fcs/elevator-cmd-norm" value="0.3" /> </event> </runscript>
Defines the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the aircraft. The core of this section consists of functional relationships that map aircraft state (angle of attack, sideslip, Mach number) and control surface deflections to aerodynamic coefficients (lift, drag, sideforce, and the pitch, roll, yaw moments). You can also model advanced aerodynamic phenomena like flaps, spoilers, and ground effect.
: Defines the forces (lift, drag, sideforce) and moments (pitch, roll, yaw) acting on the aircraft. These are typically structured as mathematical tables based on coefficients like the angle of attack ( ), sideslip angle ( ), and control surface deflections. 4. Creating and Running a Script Windows users can use CMake or Microsoft Visual Studio
The propulsion section of a JSBSim tutorial typically focuses on the "Engine" and "Thruster" definitions. JSBSim provides templates for piston, turbine, and rocket engines. For instance, a turbine engine requires a table that maps thrust to Mach number and altitude. This modularity allows a user to swap a single engine file and immediately observe how the increased thrust affects the aircraft's climb rate and top speed without altering the aerodynamic model.
John Doe 2026-05-31 A reference model for a medium-endurance UAV 16.5 9.8 1.68 3.2 4.1 1.8 4.1 36.2 0.0 2.1 Use code with caution.
0.15 76.0 2 1.0