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3D Helicopter Animation Simulator

The 3D Helicopter Animation Simulator is an interactive computer graphics project showcasing real-time animation, hierarchical modelling, and flight behavior control within a custom-rendered 3D scene.
The project explores how complex mechanical systems can be represented using transformation hierarchies, animation logic, and user-driven input, bringing a static helicopter model to life in a responsive and visually coherent environment.

What This Project Demonstrates

Hierarchical transformation-based modelling of a complex mechanical system
Real-time animation driven by engine state and rotor speed logic
Input-driven control and motion updates in a 3D environment
Integration of camera systems and lighting for spatial awareness and realism
Practical implementation of a real-time 3D graphics rendering pipeline

Project Overview

This project is a real-time animated helicopter simulation developed as part of a computer graphics programming course. The objective was to design and implement a fully rendered helicopter model with hierarchical animation, controlled motion behaviour, and interactive user input within a 3D environment.

The simulation balances visual clarity and technical correctness, combining geometric modelling, transformation hierarchies, animation logic, lighting, and camera systems to create a believable and responsive aircraft scene.

Key Features

Hierarchical Modelling

The helicopter is constructed using a hierarchical model structure, allowing individual components—such as the main rotor, tail rotor, fuselage, and landing skids—to move relative to one another in a physically consistent manner. Transformations applied to parent components correctly propagate to child components.

Rotor Animation & Engine Logic

Rotor animation is controlled dynamically to simulate engine start-up, take-off, hovering, and landing states. The helicopter is only able to lift off once sufficient rotor speed is reached, enforcing realistic motion constraints and linking animation behavior directly to engine state.

Interactive Controls

User input is processed in real time to control helicopter movement and rotation, enabling take-off, landing, and directional flight within the scene. Motion updates are applied smoothly to maintain stable and predictable control behavior.

Camera & Scene Rendering

Multiple camera perspectives are supported, providing different viewpoints of the helicopter during interaction. These perspectives enhance spatial awareness and allow the scene to be viewed from both external and tracking-style angles.

Lighting & Environment

The scene incorporates lighting and shading techniques to improve depth perception and visual realism. Lighting is applied consistently across the environment to maintain a cohesive and immersive 3D presentation.

Implementation & Responsibilities

This project focuses on the core implementation of helicopter animation and control systems, including:

Designing the hierarchical transformation structure for the helicopter model
Implementing rotor animation and engine state logic (start-up, shut-down, take-off, landing)
Handling real-time input processing and motion updates
Integrating the helicopter into the rendered scene with correct spatial transformations

Together, these components form a self-contained real-time graphics system, demonstrating practical application of 3D transformations, animation pipelines, and interactive rendering techniques.