Profile image

Automatic Altitude Control, Using Throttle and Elevators

692 Raider883  7 days ago

Good day / night to you all.

I have recently been working on a Lun-Spasatel ekranoplan, and it flies well...too well.

As you all may know, ekranoplans flew at no more than 30-40ft over the ocean in normal operation, where mine flies like an airliner.

I am dipping my toes in Funky Trees for the first time, and I'm wondering if there's a way to code the throttle and elevators to maintain an altitude so close to the surface.

Many thanks in advance for any help.

  • Log in to leave a comment
  • Profile image
    692 Raider883

    @PlaneFlightX Thanks, I'll have a look.

    This feels like a rabbit hole lol.

    6 days ago
  • Profile image
    58.4k PlaneFlightX

    @Raider883 they mean a PID controller

    +1 6 days ago
  • Profile image
    692 Raider883

    @hpgbproductions What is a PD? Just learning Funky Trees as a total beginner, so please treat me like a child hahaha.

    Thanks for the advice!

    6 days ago
  • Profile image
    692 Raider883

    @PlaneFlightX Thanks, I'll give it a look.

    6 days ago
  • Profile image
    58.4k PlaneFlightX

    My autopilot tutorial may be useful; just hardcode the target altitude to be 40 after tuning the autopilot and you should be good to go.

    +1 6 days ago
  • Profile image

    Try a PD controller on the elevator input to directly achieve the altitude. Alternatively, a 2-step system where you calculate a target pitch angle and use it as the target value of the PD controller.
    .
    Throttle/speed should be a separate automated system, unless you are replicating some weirdness

    +1 6 days ago