How can we use helicopter autopilot in P3D V4.2?

[yanlaoge]

I am confused. Does P3D V4.2 have a built-in helicopter autopilot mode, or we have to use some plugin to enable it?

[Rob McCarthy]

Hello,

Autopilot support needs to be built into a vehicle by the developer. The SDK goes into detail on how to enable this here: https://prepar3d.com/SDKv4/sdk/simulati ... #autopilot

Regards,
Rob McCarthy

[aeronauta]

Hi yanaloge , there is a post in OZx and other forums with the detaails , but OZx is down and I have a copy of the settings here ..
LM's P3D v4.2 Helicopter AP Gauge and code

This has only been tested with the v4.2 content and client update, this may not work if you only updated the client only

**This a very basic file, it was a part of the SDK however most would over look it or are not aware that it exists.

**This is the new p3d v4.2 code and gauge that runs like the old Dirks HAP, Its not a 3rd party addon that runs external to the sim


** Just remember to go into the joystick/keyboard controls and assign a key or button to toggle nav/gps,
this way you can enter your airport, then toggle gps with the keystroke or button, then select nav on the AP and it will fly you to your GPS position automatically
and then circle that spot on arrival, or fly a gps plotted flight plan using the flight programmer.

**Otherwise you will need to manually edit the heading as you fly and continue to monitor it however it will over fly the final way point
and keep flying on that heading, if you toggle nav/gps its fly and forget and you will have the freedom to get up and move around, have a nap, watch tv etc etc



1, copy and paste the folder autopilot to the every panel folder


2, Add or amend Aircraft.cfg Autopilot entry to reflect

[autopilot]
autopilot_available=1
flight_director_available=1
default_vertical_speed=700.000000
max_pitch=15.000000
max_bank=20.000000
helo_airspeed_hold=1
yaw_damper_gain=1.000000
nav_proportional_control=9.000000
nav_integrator_control=0.250000
nav_derivative_control=0.000000
nav_integrator_boundary=2.500000
nav_derivative_boundary=0.000000
gs_proportional_control=90.0000
gs_integrator_control=0.260000
gs_derivative_control=0.000000
gs_integrator_boundary=0.700000
gs_derivative_boundary=0.000000
autothrottle_available=1
autothrottle_arming_required=0
autothrottle_takeoff_ga=0
autothrottle_max_rpm=90.000000
pitch_takeoff_ga=8.000000
max_pitch_acceleration=1.000000
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt=2.000000
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt=1.500000
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt_breakpoint=20000.000000
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt_breakpoint=28000.000000
max_bank_acceleration=1.800000
max_bank_velocity=3.000000
max_throttle_rate=0.100000
yaw_slip_control_gain=0.000000
yaw_control_uses_trim=0.000000

[yaw_string]
yaw_string_available=1


3, Add or amend pannel.cfg to reflect

WindowXX=AP


//------------------------------------------------
[WindowXX]
SCALEFORM_FILE = Autopilot\Autopilot.swf
ident=MISC_POPUP_4
size_mm=700,128
pixel_size=700,128
background_color = 0,0,0
window_size=1.0,1.0
position=0
visible=0
//-----------------------------------------------

You also need some files here https://www.dropbox.com/s/pr4bnptob3z3w ... 2.zip?dl=0

This is not my work .. but if you find that the helo yaws badly play with the yaw_damper_gain=1.000000 , I made it 100 and all was good ..


Jorge

[yanlaoge]

Hi Jorge, I got it. Thank you so much for the instruction!