A Simplified Manual of the JSBSim Open-Source Software FDM for Fixed-Wing UAV Applications

Abstract

Simulation packages provide a valuable framework or environment to study the interaction between aircraft, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and the existing air traffic in Near Mid-Air Collision (NMAC) scenarios. The described simulation package is based on the open-source JSBSim Flight Dynamics Model (FDM), which has been validated and tested in UAV computer models for 4D encounters and avoidance manoeuvres. The objective of this technical report is to provide a simplified version of the current package, including the minimum requirements for the design of a UAV in JSBSim, and to guide any modellers on the UAV computer design task. Introductory concepts and the dynamics behind this package will not be stated here. This report begins with a brief introduction of JSBSim structure and simulation modes. The source code classes are introduced in Section 2 followed by the set instructions for the additional feature of the multiplayer mode used in 4D encounters. The report concludes with a UAV example case study.