Our friends over at TorqueSim recently rolled out a development update regarding their upcoming SR-22 aircraft. This was their fourth update, which focused on the custom engine model to go beyond X-Plane’s flight model limitations. 

In this update, TorqueSim debuted all-new custom technology that had been in the works for over two years. The new tech is the aircraft’s customized systems and flight dynamics. This update focused on the engine model, and they will be showing other elements (such as the TKS, oxygen systems, and flight model) in future updates.

The main reason for switching to a custom engine model was how X-Plane can have large inaccuracies for specific engine qualities. Because X-Plane has a relatively limited number of engine parameters available, performance not true to the aircraft became a problem. For example, certain power curves, the inertia of an internal combustion engine, and turbochargers are not well represented in X-Plane’s flight model. When talking about the engine model TorqueSim says, ”The output is simply not made to fit”. 

In their shot to go above and beyond X-Plane’s engine model, TorqueSim delved into some scientific literature. Their custom engine is capable of mapping the mass flows of air and fuel in each part of the engine in real-time. Essentially, “Air enters through the air filter, flows through ducts, passes obstacles like the throttle plate, burns the fuel and leaves the engine as exhaust gas. Pressures and temperatures are calculated in each section, the system is modular and can map even complex induction systems like the one on the SR22TN.” The engine also has full performance capability compressors, intercoolers, wastegate and turbines which also have their places in the calculation of air flows and pressures. TorqueSim says this is a no-compromises package, as the impact on frame rates is virtually zero because of its multithreaded architecture. 

As for other advantages from this engine model, it’s known at all times if fuel can be burned, as well as how efficiently it may be burned. Turbocharger speeds are calculated, the fuel system is as in-depth as the air system (bank sensitive, wait times for the fuel lines, etc.), and a very fine wear and tear/failure system down to in sim conditions is possible. 

TorqueSim’s developer blog can be viewed here, and previous articles about TorqueSim can be viewed here.