YSFlight
 | |
| Developer(s) | Soji Yamakawa |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 15 April 1999 |
| Stable release | 20150425 / April 25, 2015 |
| Development status | Active (1999-) |
| Operating system |
32-bit & 64-bit Windows Linux Mac OS X |
| Platform | Cross-platform |
| Size | 20 MB(varies from OS to OS) |
| Available in | English, Japanese |
| Type | Flight simulator |
| Website | http://www.ysflight.com/ |
YSFlight is a closed source, freeware flight simulation game for Windows, OS X and Linux-based operating systems such as Ubuntu.[1]
History
Development of YSFlight began in 1999, developed by Soji Yamakawa. He first started working on the simulator as a school project in which it further developed into a flight aid for others who need assistance understanding aircraft flight instrumentation and flight physics. He worked on the flight simulator by himself, and continues to release test and stable versions about once a year. Initially catered to lower end computers, the flight simulator has begun to switch to modern drawing methods to improve its graphics. Functions and GUI overhauls have also taken place over the years.
Features
YSFlight differs from other simulators such as Microsoft Flight Simulator X since it lacks the high resolution textures other priced simulators have to offer.[2] It also sacrifices the intricate cockpit designs and other realistic features of other simulators for a simpler design that is much easier to fly. It also allows for up to 16 YSFlight clients to join a multiplayer server.[3] It is able to run on lower-end computers, with system requirements being much less than most other flight simulators.[4]
The program comes with 16 maps, which range from real life maps (one such map includes both Heathrow and Gatwick) to fictitious maps.
Addon creation
YSFlight file formats are simple text files rebranded as different file formats, making them easy to read and modify. However, they are not fully documented. There are few types of add-ons that YS can accept:
- Player controlled vehicles - these form the large majority of add-ons available
- Ground objects - used in maps to simulate buildings and non player objects
- Scenery - maps for YS
Other components of YS can be modded as well, such as weapon skins and sounds.
File formats
File formats mostly are simple structured text files with special extensions.
- DAT - configuration file of aircraft or ground object, with performance variables. This file is mainly used for calculating flight characteristics with YS' internal FDM for aircraft, or for determining behavior of ground objects.
- DNM - animated visual polygonal model for aircraft and ground objects. A DNM file consists of SRF files and its related animation. It may also be used as a static cockpit model.
- SRF - static visual polygonal model. Generally used for ground objects, collision detection and as coarse models.
- IST - instrument panel configuration file, used for simulating real instruments in aircraft cockpit. There are in-built instruments that can be used, such as airspeed, altitude and heading.
- ACP - aircraft carrier configuration file (only for carriers)
- SCN - 3D map file
- STP - list of start positions for maps
- LST - list file used to allow YS to detect and load aircraft, sceneries and ground objects.
- YFS - can be a mission file or saved flight. While both have similar structure, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Additional tools
While they can be edited directly in any text editor, other programs exist to assist in the creation of mods, such as:
- PolygonCrest - free and open source 3D editor specially designed for creation and editing DNM and SRF models of aircraft and vehicles, but also support Wavefront OBJ and OFF mesh formats.
- SceneryEditor - shareware fully functional 3D map editor specially designed for editing and creating FLD and STP files.
See also
References
- ↑ YSFlight System Requirements
- ↑ "About YSFlight - YSFlight Headquarters". Retrieved 1 August 2014.
- ↑ "YSFlight Review - Flightsim.com". Retrieved 1 August 2014.
- ↑ "System Requirements - YSFlight.com". Retrieved 14 November 2014.