Aircraft¶
Aircraft are unlocked after diesel engines and provide fast long-range travel.
Key mods¶
- Aeronautics — airships, planes, propellers, flight physics
- Create Aeronautics FTB Chunks — integration with FTB claim/force-loading
Smart propeller¶
The smart propeller is the advanced aircraft component. To craft a smart propeller, you need:
- 1 propeller
- 1 precision mechanism
- 1 steel plate
Aircraft components¶
Aircraft require:
- Propellers for thrust
- Smart propellers for controlled flight
- Engine (diesel or portable engine)
- Frame (lightweight blocks)
- Control surfaces (ailerons, rudders)
Portable engine¶
The portable engine provides self-contained power for aircraft. To craft a portable engine, you need:
- 2 precision mechanisms
- 1 engine assembly
- 2 steel plates
- 1 diesel engine
- 1 brass casing
- 1 fluid tank
Building an aircraft¶
Follow these steps to build an aircraft:
- Place a frame on the ground (lightweight blocks such as stripped logs or planks)
- Attach an engine to the frame
- Attach propellers or smart propellers to the engine
- Add control surfaces (ailerons on the wings, rudders on the tail)
- Add a seat for the pilot
- Connect fuel to the engine
Airships vs planes¶
| Feature | Airship | Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Lift | Buoyancy (helium) | Wings (forward speed) |
| Take-off | Vertical | Needs runway |
| Handling | Forgiving | Demanding |
| Fuel use | Low | High |
Start with airships. They are slower but more forgiving than planes.
Flight controls¶
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Pitch up/down | W/S |
| Yaw left/right | A/D |
| Roll left/right | Q/E |
| Throttle up | Shift |
| Throttle down | Ctrl |
| Exit vehicle | Left Shift |
Fuel consumption¶
Aircraft engines consume fuel during flight. Diesel engines use diesel from your oil rig. Carry extra fuel for long flights.
Fuel consumption increases with speed and altitude. Slow, low-altitude flight uses the least fuel.
FTB Chunks interaction¶
Offline flight
Aeronautics contraptions cannot be kept simulating while players are offline. Force-loading does not apply to aircraft. When you log out, your aircraft stops.
This means:
- Park your aircraft before logging off
- Do not rely on aircraft for long-distance AFK transport
- Use trains or pipes for permanent logistics
Tips¶
- Build a runway first. Aircraft need a flat area for take-off and landing.
- Start with airships. They are slower but more forgiving than planes.
- Carry fuel. Diesel engines consume fuel during flight.
- Force-load your hangar. Keep the chunk with your aircraft infrastructure loaded.