David Colson · Gameplay Programmer

A flight model is the set of rules that we use to move the ships. I guess that's probably the simplest way to do it. I mean, that's super broad, right? The underlying movement of the ship is physics. It is genuine, real physics. And we sort of have this set of rules for the mechanics of how the ship is going to propel itself and how you're going to control it. And that sort of link between your control and what the physics is doing is the flight model. So in the case of IFCS, it's a bit like a fly-by-wire system that you have in a modern jet fighter, where you don't have direct control over thrusters or control surfaces or anything like that. You just have your desired movement that you would like, and then a computer simulation will interpret that input and move the ship for you. And that little jump there of that interpretation is super, super important to the gameplay. It completely defines how the ships fly and feel. And I guess on that topic, another side part of this is that what the limitations of the ship are also comes into that, because obviously the ship can't do exactly what you asked, because it has physical limitations. And those physical limitations are also part of this flight model.

Jared Huckaby · Host, Content Manager for Global Video Production

So basic ship mechanics, you've got the main thrusters generally found in the rear. You've got the maneuvering thrusters spread throughout the ship. Each ship has a different kind of size and shape and whatever, and the maneuvering thrusters will be in different places. And IFCS, what does IFCS stand for?

David Colson · Gameplay Programmer

Intelligent Flight Control System. I don't actually know where that acronym came from. It predated me starting at this company.

Jared Huckaby · Host, Content Manager for Global Video Production

So IFCS takes the input that you make on either a joystick, a HOTAS, two sticks, a mouse and keyboard, a gamepad, and then figures out the combination of maneuvering thrusters, how hard it needs to hit the main thruster to achieve a goal that's in line with what you're trying to do with your control scheme.

David Colson · Gameplay Programmer

Yes, and within the limitations of the ship.