Virtual Range is a rocket flight simulator for Mac OS X. With Virtual Range, you can test the stability and performance of model or high power rocket before you launch it. The rocket's trajectory is simulated in real time and displayed on the screen, along with information such as altitude at apogee, maximum speed, and maximum acceleration. Students can use Virtual Range to learn about aerodynamics and rocket propulsion. Sport flyers can use it to improve their accuracy. This software is offered as a free download for educational and noncommercial use.
Features
Virtual Range features a real-time simulation of rocket aerodynamics based on established models. Its predictions have been validated against other simulators and actual flight test data.
- Degrees of freedom: 3 (altitude, downrange, pitch)
- Rocket model input format: RockSim
- Engine model input format: wRASP
- Maximum altitude: Simulation accurate to 30 km
- Maximum speed: Simulation accurate to mach 2.0
- Calculate coefficient of drag: Yes
- Calculate center of pressure: Yes
- Calculate center of gravity: Yes
System requirements
Operating system: Requires Mac OS X v. 10.5 or later- Computer processor: PowerPC G5 or Intel
- Screen resolution: 1024 × 768 or higher
- Graphics: 3-D acceleration required
More information
Feedback
... I'm really glad someone put the effort into this. What a great tool! Very well designed and executed. —Brian Kirkpatrick, Student at California Polytechnic State University
Special thanks to Greg Lyzenga, Ph.D. and the Rocketry Organization of California for their technical assistance.
