Your first flight#

RCForge runs in your browser. You can fly, edit aircraft and save local versions without signing in or connecting an AI service.

Before you start#

You need a modern desktop browser and a keyboard. A controller is optional. For local development, install Node.js 24 first, then follow the commands below. If you already have RCForge open, skip to Choose an aircraft.

Run locally#

Use Node.js 24 and the included npm lockfile. Supported versions are declared in package.json.

git clone https://github.com/adithya-s-k/RCForge.git
cd RCForge
npm ci
npm run dev

Open the URL Vite prints. The simulator is at the root; documentation is at /docs/ on the same address. To use a particular port:

npm run dev -- --port 5180

Choose an aircraft#

Open Fly → Flight setup → Aircraft → Browse aircraft. The hangar shows the actual simulator models. FT Tiny Trainer · Sport has roll, pitch and yaw controls. Simple Trainer is Vortex RC's polyhedral rudder/elevator trainer: use yaw to turn it. Keyboard left/right arrows also steer its rudder. Both FT Bronco tail configurations are available.

The published examples have estimated physics. See model limits before treating simulator performance as a prediction of a physical build.

Start flying#

New sessions begin on the ground with zero throttle, in Pilot view beside the aircraft. Select the launch that suits the exercise:

Press Start flight. Click the field before using keyboard controls.

Pilot keeps you on the ground. Chase follows the aircraft. FPV uses an installed onboard camera. Position & view places the aircraft and observer on one map. The lower-left instruments show orientation and a minimap.

Focus loss pauses flight. Return to the field and deliberately resume. Reset returns to the selected launch state; it does not remove aircraft edits.

Use a controller#

Choose Controllers, select your input type, then move a stick or press a button to reveal the connected device. Map, reverse and calibrate axes against the live monitor. Select Gentle in the flight control-response selector if the aircraft feels too sensitive; customize rates and expo in the editor.

Follow controller setup for gamepads and flight sticks, or choose a radio connection for USB adapters and the Uno/Nano bridge.

Keep your changes#

Use Aircraft → History → Save version before experimenting. Apply to flight validates and saves the edited setup. Export history makes a portable backup; browser storage belongs to this browser and address.

Continue with Edit & save an aircraft or build with an agent.

Learn views, pilot movement and flight setup when you are comfortable with the basic controls.

If something is wrong#

The troubleshooting guide covers connection errors, stopped input, sensitivity and lost edits.

• No controller listed: focus Controllers and move a stick. Check that your adapter presents joystick input; a firmware-update cable is different.
• Keys scroll the page: click the flight view first. Form fields keep normal keyboard behavior.
• The aircraft moved after an update: custom definitions stay local. Use Restore original aircraft to adopt the current preset, or restore a saved version.
• The aircraft will not trim: check mass, CG, throws and power. A valid JSON definition can still describe an unflyable setup.
• Changes disappeared after switching address: localhost ports and the hosted domain have separate browser storage. Import an exported backup.