JSBSim

JSBSim is a multi-platform, general purpose object-oriented Flight Dynamics Model (FDM) written in C++. It simulates the physics and math defining aircraft movement under various forces and control mechanisms. JSBSim can operate in standalone batch mode or integrate with other simulation environments.

Key features include:

• Nonlinear 6 DoF (Degree of Freedom) simulations.
• Fully configurable flight control systems, aerodynamics, and propulsion via an XML-based format.
• Accurate Earth model accounting for rotational effects, oblateness, and atmospheric conditions.
• Configurable data output to screen, file, or sockets.

JSBSim offers bindings for Python, MATLAB/Simulink, and Unreal Engine, facilitating integration into diverse simulation and development workflows. It has been recognized for its accuracy and utility in academic and industry research, including applications in drone autopilot testing, machine learning for aircraft control, and advanced flight simulation.

Installation is available via Windows installers, Debian packages for Ubuntu, and Python wheel packages for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Source code contributions are welcome, and detailed documentation is available through an online reference manual and a PDF guide. The library is licensed under the LGPL-2.1 license, with specific components under different open-source licenses.