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The flight simulator for the next generation. Aerofly FS Flight Simulator. Explore the skies with Aerofly FS, featuring one of the best and fastest 3D graphics available, stunning level of detail and a sophisticated flight dynamics model for the maximum realism.
Custom flying field of the HHAMS Aerodrome created for RealFlight 7.5
Custom flying field of the HHAMS Aerodrome created for Phoenix RC
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 damaging a real model. Besides the obvious use of training beginners, they are also used for practising new aerobatics, evaluating a model before buying it, and to allow flight practice when conditions are otherwise unsuitable. Most simulators allow the use of real R/C transmitters to control the sim.
There are a number of commercial packages available, such as Eiperle CGM' neXt - RC Flight Simulator, SVK Systems' ClearView, Knife Edge' RealFlight, IPACS' AeroFly and Trasna Technology' AccuRC. There are also some freeware packages, as listed below.
Most simulators allow the importing of add-ons such as new models and landscapes. There are many web sites dedicated to offering free content like this.
Some of these simulators are dedicated to R/C flight, while others are generic simulators that can simulate both full-scale and R/C flight.
Feature Comparison[edit]
Name | Type of aircraft | Price | Software license | Free Demo? | Operating System | Controller Type | Last stable release (date) | External Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Absolute RC Simulator | Model Planes and Helicopters | Free | Proprietary | Yes | iOS, Android, Windows phones and tablets | On screen controls | http://www.happybytesapps.com/ | |
Aerofly Professional Deluxe | Model planes and helicopters | US$300 | Proprietary | No | Windows, Mac | Included or controller | http://www.aerofly.com/afpd/index.html | |
Aerofly RC 7 | Model planes, Helicopters and Drones | Depends on Version | Proprietary | No | Windows, Mac | Included or controller | https://www.ikarus.net/en/aeroflyrc-7/rc7-features/ | |
Aerofly RC 8 | Model planes, Helicopters and Drones | Depends on Version | Proprietary | No | Windows, Mac | Included or controller | https://www.ikarus.net/en/rc8-features/ | |
AeroSIM RC | Model planes, helicopters, multicopters | €65 | Hardware keyed | Yes | Windows | Real Controller | 2019-02 | http://www.aerosimrc.com/ |
AirSim | Multicopters, cars, etc | Free | MIT License | Yes | Windows, Linux | 2019-06 | https://github.com/Microsoft/AirSim | |
AccuRC RC Flight Simulator | Model helicopters | US$59 | Hardware keyed | No | Windows | Real Controller | http://www.accurc.com/ | |
R/C Desk Pilot | Model Planes and Helicopters | Free | Freeware | n/a | Windows | Joystick | http://www.rcdeskpilot.com/ | |
ClearView | Model Planes and Helicopters | US$40 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows, | Joystick or Controller | http://www.rcflightsim.com/ | |
CRRCsim | Model Planes | Free | GPL | n/a | Windows, Mac, Linux | Joystick, Controllers | 2018-07-04 | https://sourceforge.net/projects/crrcsim/ |
Dave Brown RCFS | Model Planes and Helicopters | US$150 | Proprietary | No | Windows | Joystick, Controllers | https://web.archive.org/web/20060509083404/http://www.dbproducts.com/store/rcfs2001.htm | |
Digital Aircraft Modeller | Model Planes | US$40 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows | Joystick, controllers | http://www.digitalaircraftmodeler.com/ | |
Electric RC Sim | Model planes, quadcopter | US$1.99 | Proprietary | Yes | iOS | Touch screen controls | http://jetstripes.com/games/electric-rc-sim/ | |
FlightGear | Planes, helicopters, model planes. (Flight simulator, not RC) | Free Flightgear#Commercial redistribution | GPL | n/a | Cross-platform | Check categories: hardware (joystick) & R/C. | 2019-01-29 | http://www.flightgear.org/ |
Flying Model Simulator | Model Planes and Helicopters | Free | Freeware | n/a | Windows | Joystick, controller adapters | http://modelsimulator.com/ | |
FS One | Model Planes and Helicopters | US$130 | Proprietary | No | Windows | Real Controller | https://www.fsone.com | |
Liftoff | Drone Racing Quadcopters | US$20 | Steam profile linked | No | Windows, Mac, Linux | Real controller, game controllers | http://www.liftoff-game.com | |
neXt - CGM RC Flight Simulator | Helicopters, Model Planes, Multicopters and Drone Racing | US$89.90 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows, Mac, Linux | Real controller, game controllers | 2019-12-23 | https://next-sim.cgm-online.com/rc-flight-simulator_e.html |
PhoenixSim | Model Planes and Helicopters | US$130–$175 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows | Real Controller | https://www.rc-thoughts.com/phoenix-sim/ | |
PicaSim | Model planes | Free | Proprietary | Yes | Windows, iOS, Android | Joystick, Controllers, Touch | http://www.rowlhouse.co.uk/PicaSim | |
PRE-Flight | Model Planes and Helicopters | US$25–$45 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows | Real Controller | http://www.preflightsim.com/ | |
Great Planes RealFlight | Model Planes and Helicopters | US$200 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows | Real Controller | http://www.realflight.com/ | |
Mugi Sim | Delta wing | US$1 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows, iOS (iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch) | Joystick, Controllers, Touch | 2019-03-27 | https://baawolf.itch.io/mugi-sim |
Quadcopter FX Simulator | Quadcopters | Free | Proprietary | Yes | Android, iOS | Touchscreen, Joystick, Controller | http://quadcopterfx.3dcreativeworld.com | |
Slope Soaring Simulator | Model planes | Free | GPL | Yes | Windows, Linux | Joystick | 2006-01-21 | http://www.rowlhouse.co.uk/sss/ |
HELI-X | Model helicopters and planes | €49 | Proprietary | Yes. Also version 0.9 is free | Windows, Linux, Mac | System Joystick, Real controllers | 2019-03-01 | http://www.heli-x.net/ |
X-Plane | Just about anything | US$30 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows, Linux, Mac | System Joystick | http://www.x-plane.com | |
AlphaMacSoftware's RC Helicopter Simulator | Helicopters | Free | Proprietary | Yes | Mac | System Joystick, Real Controllers | http://www.alphamacsoftware.com/index.php | |
Ron's RC Flight Simulator | Electric Foamy Model Planes | Free | Ad supported | Yes | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (Chrome or Firefox browsers only) | Logitech and Xbox Gamepads, OculusVR | 2013 | http://www.ostafichuk.com/rons-rc-sim/ |
R/C Sim Sikorsky | Helicopters | €35 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows | Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick, Real Controllers | http://home.zonnet.nl/blacksphere2/rcsim.html | |
Reflex XTR2 | Model Planes and Helicopters | €169 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows | Real Controllers | https://www.reflex-sim.net | |
Zephyr Drone Simulator | Quadcopters/Drones | US$139.99 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows, Mac | Real Controllers | https://www.zephyr-sim.com/ | |
VelociDrone FPV Racing Simulator | Quadcopters/Drones | £20 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows, Mac, Linux | Real Controllers | https://www.velocidrone.com/ | |
FPV FreeRider | Quadcopters/Drones | US$4.99 | Proprietary | Yes | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android | USB Controllers | 2019-02-05 | https://itch.io/profile/fpv-freerider |
References[edit]
External links[edit]
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=RC_flight_simulator&oldid=936719011'
aerofly RC 7 - R/C Simulator
Developer:IPACS
Current Version: 7.5.3
Last Updated: 1 year ago
Download Size: 6.6 GB - Download
3.5
Description:
*** Please Check System Requirements Prior to Purchasing ***
*** It is strongly recommended to use this software with a dedicated joystick or R/C controller with a least 4 independent axes ***
DESCRIPTION
Learn to fly radio controlled (R/C) models with aerofly RC 7. When it comes to learning and improving R/C flying skills, aerofly RC 7 is the number one choice for R/C pilots. Our state of the art physics simulation gives you a stunning level of realism. Together with our superb model details and awesome scenery quality you will feel as if standing on a real flying field.
You may choose from a wide variety of models, like aerobatic airplanes, helicopters, jets, gliders, scale models and quadrocopters.
After practicing on aerofly RC 7, you’ll fly confidently and instinctively at the field.
Many features and game-like competitions will test your piloting abilities that put real fun into your virtual flying!
THREE EDITIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
aerofly RC 7 is available in three different editions. When you buy this App you will have aerofly RC 7 Standard Edition with a choice of 30 different models and 5 different sceneries. This edition is a good starting into radio controlled flying. However you may upgrade your edition at any time by purchasing an upgrade to the Professional or Ultimate edition using In-App purchases. The Ultimate edition features more than 200 models and over 50 sceneries!
FEATURES
• Choose from over 30 models and 5 sceneries (Standard Edition)
• Awesome sceneries with full Retina Display support
• Highly detailed aircraft with state of the art physics simulation
• Stunning dynamics simulation for a realistic flight feeling
• Set wind and time of day for challenging training conditions
• Different model types: Quadrocopters, electric and gas powered airplanes, helicopters, gliders, jets, and scale models
• Fly with friends all over the world in Multiplayer Mode.
• Suitable for many R/C transmitters and joysticks
• In-App purchases available: Upgrade aerofly RC 7 to the Professional Edition ( 170 models / 40 sceneries ) or Ultimate Edition ( 200 models / 50 sceneries ) both including additional features like freely scalable models, aircraft editor, helicopter hover trainer and torque-trainer.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Flying the R/C models:
All models can be flown using the mouse and keyboard only. For the best experience, we strongly recommend to use a joystick or dedicated R/C controller with 4 axes.
IMPORTANT, the following graphic cards are NOT supported:
The Intel integrated graphic cards GMA 950 and GMA X3100
Supported graphic cards:
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600, 320M, 330M or faster with 512 MB or more
• ATI Radeon HD 4850, HD 5670, HD 5750, HD 5770, HD 5870, HD 6750 or faster with 512 MB or more
• Intel HD Graphics 3000, Intel HD Graphics 4000 or Intel Iris Pro or faster
NOTICE:
Some of the complex 4D sceneries require a fast graphic card for optimal performance.
NOTICE:
The download size is very large and will take several hours to complete!
*** It is strongly recommended to use this software with a dedicated joystick or R/C controller with a least 4 independent axes ***
DESCRIPTION
Learn to fly radio controlled (R/C) models with aerofly RC 7. When it comes to learning and improving R/C flying skills, aerofly RC 7 is the number one choice for R/C pilots. Our state of the art physics simulation gives you a stunning level of realism. Together with our superb model details and awesome scenery quality you will feel as if standing on a real flying field.
You may choose from a wide variety of models, like aerobatic airplanes, helicopters, jets, gliders, scale models and quadrocopters.
After practicing on aerofly RC 7, you’ll fly confidently and instinctively at the field.
Many features and game-like competitions will test your piloting abilities that put real fun into your virtual flying!
THREE EDITIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
aerofly RC 7 is available in three different editions. When you buy this App you will have aerofly RC 7 Standard Edition with a choice of 30 different models and 5 different sceneries. This edition is a good starting into radio controlled flying. However you may upgrade your edition at any time by purchasing an upgrade to the Professional or Ultimate edition using In-App purchases. The Ultimate edition features more than 200 models and over 50 sceneries!
FEATURES
• Choose from over 30 models and 5 sceneries (Standard Edition)
• Awesome sceneries with full Retina Display support
• Highly detailed aircraft with state of the art physics simulation
• Stunning dynamics simulation for a realistic flight feeling
• Set wind and time of day for challenging training conditions
• Different model types: Quadrocopters, electric and gas powered airplanes, helicopters, gliders, jets, and scale models
• Fly with friends all over the world in Multiplayer Mode.
• Suitable for many R/C transmitters and joysticks
• In-App purchases available: Upgrade aerofly RC 7 to the Professional Edition ( 170 models / 40 sceneries ) or Ultimate Edition ( 200 models / 50 sceneries ) both including additional features like freely scalable models, aircraft editor, helicopter hover trainer and torque-trainer.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Flying the R/C models:
All models can be flown using the mouse and keyboard only. For the best experience, we strongly recommend to use a joystick or dedicated R/C controller with 4 axes.
IMPORTANT, the following graphic cards are NOT supported:
The Intel integrated graphic cards GMA 950 and GMA X3100
Supported graphic cards:
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600, 320M, 330M or faster with 512 MB or more
• ATI Radeon HD 4850, HD 5670, HD 5750, HD 5770, HD 5870, HD 6750 or faster with 512 MB or more
• Intel HD Graphics 3000, Intel HD Graphics 4000 or Intel Iris Pro or faster
NOTICE:
Some of the complex 4D sceneries require a fast graphic card for optimal performance.
NOTICE:
The download size is very large and will take several hours to complete!
Release Notes:
This update fixes some minor bugs with the F-Schlepp feature and addresses compatibility issues with Mac OS High Sierra.
Most Helpful Reviews
Version 7.4.7
Having Fun with Aerofly Flight Simulator Version 7.4.7 for Mac - Purchased Aerofly Flight Simulator Version 7.4.7 (by Ikarus) through Apple Store for $40 and downloaded into my Mac Book Pro laptop as an APP with no problem. I’m using laptop for portability and let my kids have fun. As for the Controller, used borrowed USB corded controller by Great Plains Real Flight Interlink Elite (made by Futaba). Upon plugging in the USB cord into my MacBook Pro, it recognized this controller. Went through the easy calibration process of controller by following the on screeen menu and I was up and running. On right bottom of screen kept on getting message FPS (frames per second) too low with numbers in the 20’s. Since I have Mac Book Pro with Retina Display,2.8 GHz i7, 16GB RAM, Graphics: Intel Iris 1536 MB, I thought I should use the highest Graphics Quality Setting avaialble on the Aerofly Setting Menu. After trial, I am using Medium Overall graphics quality setting which gives the recommended 30 FPS or higher resolution. I tried it at Low Overall Graphics Quality setting and it gave about 40 FPS or higher and the resolution is still vividly clear!Since all of my laptop, Desktop are all Apple/Mac system and Aerofly is the only true Flight Simulator that works directly with Mac systems without having to purchase additional Parallels/Boot Camp and partition drive, Windows Anti-virus and Windows Operating systems if I were to use Phoenix or Greast Plains-Real Flight, I can’t believe why it is not advertised well.I have to return the borrowed USB Controller to my friend, and I intend to Upgrade to Aerofly Professional or Ultimate soon, so now I must determine what is the best way:1) Ikarus USA or Amazon, etc has their Ikarus USB plugged controller box for $65. (The USB box does not use batteries as it is powered by USB cord). The reviews on after market USB plugged controller box for about $20 are iffy.2) Use my Spectrum Transmitters DX5e or DX6 with Ikarus USB Plug Adapter for $45 3) Use my Spectrum transmitter with Ikarus other adapters to allow Wireless/No cord. (See You Tube illustrations).Aerofly has taken off the edge and given me confidence in R/C flying and now off to the field. Have fun flying! Ken TPS: In the past, I did R/C Soling 1 Meter Sailboat which is 2 channels on a 2-dimensional space; now R/C planes are 3 channels or more on a 3-Dimensional space and it is more fun and challenging. My club flies practically all year by putting on skiis during snow, putting on pontoons over water, and wheels over land.
Version 7.0.7
Buyer Beware! - I wrote Ikarus to find out if a specific scenery was available with the Professional version. Instead of answering my question they told me to wait until the following week when their website would be updated to list the models and sceneries for each version. I patiently waited for the website update and the 4d scenery I wanted was listed under Professional. I bought the Pro version via an In-App purchase and the scenery in question was not enabled. I wrote them again, at which time I was told I’d have to upgrade to Ultimate. I replied sending along an attached screenshot of the listing showing the scenery listed under professional. They are now ignoring me. I won’t give Ikarus another penny.
More Reviews for Current Version
Version 7.5.3
Crashing when connected to BOTH Thunderbolt as well as transmitter - Steps to reproduce crash:1. Open the app on latest MacOS 2. Connect Mac to TV via Thunderbolt to HDMI cable3. Connect transmitter (mine is FrySky Taranis) to computer via USB4. Tab on the Controller menu — this crashes the app 100% of the time.Interestingy, everything works fine if you skip either step 2 or 3. Please fix soon — flying while connected to my TV is one of the reasons I purchased your product in the first place.
Version 7.5.3
Works great with Spektrum WS1000 Wireless adapter - I spent 2 weeks wasting my time with USB to Mono adapters and trying to get a cheaper solution to work with free simulators running under VMware and Windows 7. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. Get aerofly for Mac and buy the $40 Spektrum Wireless USB adapter. It's plug and play on macOS and it just works !! I am using a Spektrum DXe RC with it. So to summarize... Aerofly RC 7 Spektrum WS1000 Spektrum RC (like a DXe...).
Version 7.5.3
Software good…customer service not so much - As long as you do not have any need to work with customer service you will probably like this simulator. I am an RC pilot and I find the physics works well and the graphics run smoothly on my iMac and MacBook Pro.Problems arose when I could not get my Spektrum DX6i to talk to the software via the Aerofly USB dongle. Initially I got good response and attempts at problem solving. None of Aerofly’s suggestions worked. I waited weeks to hear back from them after our last communication only to find out they thought they had asked me to send the dongle back to them, in Germany. Nowhere in our communications was this made clear. So, I did send the dongle to Germany and waited weeks to hear from customer support. I finally re-opened the trouble ticket only to find out the package had not arrived. Customer support would check into this. More weeks go by. I re-opened the trouble ticket. They promised to get back to me with a resolution. More weeks go by. I re-opened the trouble ticket. Another promise to resolve the issue. More weeks go by. I finally told Aerofly customer support that they clearly wanted me to go away and were hoping I would forget the whole issue. Well, I am going away but I have not and will not forget how poorly they communicated with me. Even if customer support had simply told me there was nothing further they could do for me I would have been more satisfied with their service.The package was insured so I guess I will try to go that route. I just hope USPS does not have to communicate with Aerofly customer service.
Version 7.5.3
Burning up my laptop - My old simulator for my windows 7 stopped working after 3 years. Since I just bought a MacBook Air, I thought I would purchase this simulator. Installed it, works great, very fun, and very happy with the simulator. My problem is when I run this simulator, my laptop gets REALLY, REALLY HOT. The battery will go from full to system shutdown in one hour. Without running this program, I can work on my laptop and run a boat load of apps literally all day long. My MacBoor Air laptop only gets hot and burns the battery when I use this app.At this point, I have to decide whether I will take the chance to fry my new $1000 laptop to run this $40 simulator. Any reply or suggestion from the manufacturer would be appreciated. Would love to use this app some more if I could be assured it will not fry my laptop.
Version 7.5.3
It is worth it - It mostly serves my needs. Though have one issue the J-3 Cub Rudder isn't working correctly on the model. When in Advanced mode under the controller setup all inputs respond correctly, however when actually fly the model the rudder and airelon mix on the right stick but only the rudder appears to move. No function of the rudder or alerion on the left stick. All other models seem to function correctly. But the J-3 Cub is the plane I have and want to practice on.