Introduction

FlightGear (http://www.flightgear.org) is an open source flight simulator that is even used in flight schools to train basic maneuvers, radio communication and navigation tasks. It is available for windows, mac and linux.

In this article I want to introduce my development of the Perlan2, a Stratospheric Glider based on the original aircraft from http://www.perlanproject.org/.

Features

1:1 Model in many parts modified, the original 3d-model I got from the perlanproject member Carlos Reynoso.

Aero-tow action for multiplayer programmed with an AI-towing aircraft. It will tow the glider to 10000 ft in 27 minutes, 60 waypoints are used.

Drag parachute designed and implemented, for descending from high altitudes.

Riding on the wave lift in 30000 ft in Patagonia.

Full instrumentation, all animations in multiplayer mode and real flight characteristics are some more features. I build this in 3 month work with a private dropbox link for testing and have released it today.

Project

This glider will ride on the wave lift to 90000 ft without engine. Besides ridge lift and thermals the wave lift is considered as utilizable for commercial flights, this project will improve this knowledge and is also used for measure details in the stratosphere.

Technology Stack
I used 3D modelling with Blender, animations and all basics in FlightGear specific xml-files, some programming in nasal language.
Roadmap
Implementing flexing wings and a better wave lift model.
How to contribute?
Pull request to my github repository or direct contact via Mumble FlightGear Chat.