Class ControlSurface

Base class for aircraft control surfaces that modify airfoil aerodynamic properties through deflection. Handles rotation animation, input processing, and integration with the airfoil system.

Inheritance

object

Object

Component

Behaviour

MonoBehaviour

AircraftMonoBehaviour

ControlSurface

AileratorControlSurface

AileronControlSurface

ElevatorControlSurface

FlapControlSurface

RudderControlSurface

Inherited Members

AircraftMonoBehaviour._aircraftController

AircraftMonoBehaviour._inputManager

Namespace: NWH.Aerodynamics.AircraftController.ControlSurfaces

Assembly: NWH.Aerodynamics.dll

Syntax

[RequireComponent(typeof(Airfoil))]
public class ControlSurface : AircraftMonoBehaviour

Remarks

Control surfaces work by changing the effective camber and angle of attack of the attached airfoil, generating additional lift and drag forces. The deflection angle directly affects the airfoil's coefficient of lift curve, with positive deflections typically increasing lift generation.

The system supports two rotation methods: LocalAxis (around airfoil X-axis) for simple hinge-like movement, and LeadingEdge rotation around the airfoil's front edge for more realistic control surface mechanics. Surface effectiveness scales with airspeed and decreases at high angles due to flow separation.

Control authority is highest at moderate airspeeds and angles of attack. At very low speeds, control surfaces become ineffective, while at high speeds, excessive deflection can cause flow separation and loss of effectiveness. Typical control surface deflections range from 15-30°.

Fields

angle

Current deflection angle from neutral position in degrees. Positive values typically generate upward forces, negative values downward forces.

Declaration

[Tooltip("Current ControlSurface angle from the resting position in [deg].")]
public float angle

Field Value

Type	Description
float

Remarks

The deflection angle directly affects the airfoil's effective camber and angle of attack. Most control surfaces operate effectively within ±25° deflection range.

angleSmoothing

Control surface actuation smoothing factor (0-1 range). Higher values provide smoother movement but slower response to input changes.

Declaration

[Range(0, 1)]
[Tooltip("    Smoothing intensity of the control surface angle. Higher value will result in slower\r\n    but smoother ControlSurface actuation.")]
public float angleSmoothing

Field Value

Type	Description
float

Remarks

Simulates hydraulic or servo actuation lag. Values around 0.1-0.3 provide realistic control surface movement. Set to 0 for instant response, 1 for maximum smoothing.

maxAngle

Maximum deflection angle in degrees (positive direction). Limits control authority to prevent stall or structural damage.

Declaration

[Range(0, 60)]
[Tooltip("Maximum (absolute) rotation angle of the control surface. Should be a positive number.")]
public float maxAngle

Field Value

Type	Description
float

Remarks

Typical values: Ailerons 15-25°, Elevators 20-30°, Rudders 25-35°, Flaps 40-60°. Excessive deflection angles can cause flow separation and loss of effectiveness.

minAngle

Maximum deflection angle in degrees (negative direction). Should be positive value representing the negative limit magnitude.

Declaration

[Range(0, 60)]
[Tooltip("Minimum (absolute) rotation angle of the control surface. Should be a positive number.")]
public float minAngle

Field Value

Type	Description
float

Remarks

Often symmetric with maxAngle for primary controls (ailerons, elevators). May differ for asymmetric surfaces like flaps or trim tabs.

reverseRotation

If true rotation angle will be reversed.

Declaration

[Tooltip("If true rotation angle will be reversed.")]
public bool reverseRotation

Field Value

Type	Description
bool

rotationType

Control surface transform rotation type. LocalAxis - rotates the surface around the Airfoil transform's X-axis. LeadingEdge -rotates the surface around the A-B edge of the Airfoil.

Declaration

[Tooltip("    Control surface transform rotation type.\r\n    LocalAxis - rotates the surface around the Airfoil transform's X-axis.\r\n    LeadingEdge -rotates the surface around the A-B edge of the Airfoil.")]
public ControlSurface.RotationType rotationType

Field Value

Type	Description
ControlSurface.RotationType

side

Side of the aircraft the ControlSurface is on.

Declaration

[Tooltip("Side of the aircraft the ControlSurface is on.")]
public ControlSurface.Side side

Field Value

Type	Description
ControlSurface.Side

targetAirfoil

Airfoil this ControlSurface is connected to.

Declaration

[Tooltip("Airfoil this ControlSurface is connected to.")]
public Airfoil targetAirfoil

Field Value

Type	Description
Airfoil

trimSpeed

Trim speed coefficient of ControlSurface.

Declaration

[Tooltip("Trim speed coefficient of ControlSurface.")]
public float trimSpeed

Field Value

Type	Description
float

Methods

ApplyAngle(float, float)

Declaration

protected void ApplyAngle(float targetAngle, float trimInput = 0)

Parameters

Type	Name	Description
float	targetAngle
float	trimInput

Awake()

Declaration

public override void Awake()

Overrides

AircraftMonoBehaviour.Awake()

FixedUpdate()

Declaration

public virtual void FixedUpdate()

Reset()

Declaration

public virtual void Reset()