How Flight Simulators Simulate Flight Physics (Flight Models Explained)
Modern flight simulation merges real-time aerodynamic forces, carefully tuned flight models, and performance constraints to produce credible flying experiences. This piece explains the different approaches—lookup tables, blade-element theory, or hybrid methods—and how factors like CPU budgets, numerical stability, and user hardware shape each simulator’s distinct “feel,” revealing why add-ons can refine certain aspects without overhauling the core physics engine.