RealFlight
Encyclopedia
RealFlight is a radio-controlled airplane and helicopter simulation software
series created by Knife Edge Software and published by Great Planes. The software allows for the flying of numerous aircraft with simulated physics so that the user can get an attempted real-life flying experience.
Included in the software are various flying sites (or airports) and aircraft models, almost all of which represent real-life models. The software also includes an airport editor and an aircraft editor to allow for the creation of new flying sites and aircraft. Within RealFlight, editing aircraft is limited to changing the physical and aerodynamic properties. In order to create new visual models, the use of a 3D modeling
application such as Autodesk 3ds Max or Blender
is required.
The software is released in "generations," with each new generation including major updates and new features. The most recent is RealFlight Generation 5.5, which included additions such as water and water physics, an improved user interface, more aircraft, more flying sites, and an improved "InterLink Elite" controller. RealFlight requires the connection of an InterLink controller, which is included with the software, in order to operate.
The "Add-Ons" volumes, which are no longer officially supported, have been superseded by the newer "Expansion Pack" series of products. The Add-Ons line is compatible with versions of RealFlight dating back to RealFlight Classic, with the exception of Add-Ons 5, which requires RealFlight G2 or higher. Expansion Pack 1 through Expansion Pack 4 require RealFlight G3 or higher, and Expansion Pack 5 and up require RealFlight G4 or higher.
RC flight simulator
An RC flight simulator is a computer program that allows pilots of radio-controlled aircraft to practice on a computer, without the risk and expense of a damaging a real model. Besides the obvious use of training beginners, they are also used for practising new aerobatics, evaluating a model before...
series created by Knife Edge Software and published by Great Planes. The software allows for the flying of numerous aircraft with simulated physics so that the user can get an attempted real-life flying experience.
Included in the software are various flying sites (or airports) and aircraft models, almost all of which represent real-life models. The software also includes an airport editor and an aircraft editor to allow for the creation of new flying sites and aircraft. Within RealFlight, editing aircraft is limited to changing the physical and aerodynamic properties. In order to create new visual models, the use of a 3D modeling
3D modeling
In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of object via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model...
application such as Autodesk 3ds Max or Blender
Blender (software)
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software product used for creating animated films, visual effects, interactive 3D applications or video games. The current release version is 2.60, and was released on October 19, 2011...
is required.
The software is released in "generations," with each new generation including major updates and new features. The most recent is RealFlight Generation 5.5, which included additions such as water and water physics, an improved user interface, more aircraft, more flying sites, and an improved "InterLink Elite" controller. RealFlight requires the connection of an InterLink controller, which is included with the software, in order to operate.
Add-Ons and Expansion Packs
Knife Edge Software also develops packs containing additional content for RealFlight, each of which adds new airfields and additional aircraft. For users of RealFlight G4 or newer, the older series of "Add-On" packs have been reworked, with several aircraft receiving updates, and can be downloaded freely from the RealFlight website.The "Add-Ons" volumes, which are no longer officially supported, have been superseded by the newer "Expansion Pack" series of products. The Add-Ons line is compatible with versions of RealFlight dating back to RealFlight Classic, with the exception of Add-Ons 5, which requires RealFlight G2 or higher. Expansion Pack 1 through Expansion Pack 4 require RealFlight G3 or higher, and Expansion Pack 5 and up require RealFlight G4 or higher.
Compatibility Chart
| RealFlight Classic | RealFlight G2 | RealFlight G3 / 3.5 | RealFlight G4 / 4.5 | RealFlight G5 / 5.5 | |
| Add-Ons 1-5 | |||||
| Expansion Pack 1-4 | |||||
| Expansion Pack 5+ |