Garry's Mod
Garry's Mod

Aircraft and Flying Machines

Build flying machines in Garry's Mod. Learn about thrusters, propellers, control surfaces, and addons like ACF and Simfphys for aerial contraptions.

Aircraft and Flying Machines

Garry's Mod offers a fantastic platform for building and piloting custom aircraft and flying machines. By combining props, physics constraints, and specialized addons, You can create everything from simple gliders to complex helicopters and even functional airplanes. Mastering the principles of flight and propulsion is key to successful aerial contraption des.

The freedom of Garry's Mod extends to the skies, allowing players to des and construct their own aerial vehicles. Whether you're aiming for realistic flight simulation or simply want to defy gravity with a whimsical creation, the game provides the tools. This section will guide you through the fundamental concepts and techniques for building functional aircraft.

Key components and techniques for building aircraft:

  • Propulsion:
    • Thrusters: The most common method. Spawnable thruster entities provide directional force. You can control their strength and direction.
    • Propellers/Rotors: Often created using rotating props driven by motors.
    • Engines (Addons): Advanced addons provide more realistic engine systems with fuel, thrust, and control surfaces.
  • Lift and Aerodynamics:
    • Wings: While not inherently generating lift in GMod's base physics, wings can be used for aesthetic purposes or as mounting points for thrusters and control surfaces.
    • Body Shape: The overall shape of your aircraft can influence its stability and how it interacts with forces.
  • Control Surfaces:
    • Ailerons, Elevators, Rudders: These are typically created using hinged props that can be rotated. They are controlled via motors or Wiremod to steer the aircraft.
    • Directional Thrusters: Angling thrusters can also provide steering capabilities.
  • Balancing and Stability:
    • Center of Mass: Distributing weight evenly is crucial for stable flight.
    • Center of Thrust: Ensuring thrusters are aled correctly to provide balanced propulsion.
  • Addons for Flight:
    • ACF (Armored Combat Framework): While focused on combat vehicles, ACF includes advanced engine and flight systems.
    • Simfphys: A popular vehicle framework that often includes aircraft components and realistic physics.
    • Various Aircraft Packs: Many addons provide pre-made aircraft parts or complete flying vehicles.

Building a Simple Flying Machine (using Thrusters):

  1. Spawn a base prop (e.g., a large flat panel) to serve as your fuselage.
  2. Spawn multiple thruster entities and attach them to the underside of your fuselage using welds. Angle them slightly downwards for lift.
  3. Spawn additional thrusters and attach them to the rear for forward propulsion.
  4. Use the Tool Gun's 'Motor' tool to control the intensity of the thrusters, or use Wiremod for more advanced control.
  5. Spawn a seat prop and weld it to the fuselage for you to sit in.
  6. Test your creation by sitting in the seat and activating the thrusters. Adjust thruster placement and strength as needed.

Experimentation is key. Try different prop combinations, thruster arrangements, and control methods to achieve the flight characteristics you desire.