Phase 1: Core Foundation (Get Something Flying!)

Project Setup

• Create a new project directory.
• Initialize a Git repository.
• Initialize pnpm (pnpm init).
• Create index.html, css/style.css, and js/app.js files.
• Install Three.js (pnpm add three).
• Include Three.js in index.html (via node_modules or a bundler).

Basic 3D Scene

• Initialize a Three.js scene, camera, and renderer in app.js.
• Set the renderer size to fill the browser window.
• Add a simple object (e.g., THREE.BoxGeometry or THREE.SphereGeometry).
• Implement a basic animation loop.
• Verify that the object is rotating or moving.

Basic Aircraft Model

• Create Aircraft model with three.js.
• Load the aircraft model into the scene.
• Position and scale the aircraft appropriately.

Camera Control (Basic)

• Attach the camera to the aircraft.
• Implement basic camera movement using WASD keys.
• Implement basic pitch and roll control (rotate the camera).

Basic Flight Dynamics (Simplified)

• Introduce variables for aircraft speed, altitude, and orientation.
• Implement throttle control (increase/decrease speed).
• Implement pitch, roll, and yaw control using keyboard input.
• Update the aircraft's position and orientation.

Basic Terrain (Simple Plane)

• Create a large THREE.PlaneGeometry to represent the ground.
• Apply a simple texture (e.g., grass texture).
• Position the aircraft above the ground.

Basic UI (HUD)

• Add an HTML element to display aircraft speed and altitude.
• Update these values in the animation loop.

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Phase 2: Improving Realism and Control

Refined Flight Dynamics

• Introduce lift, drag, and gravity forces.
• Implement a more realistic flight model.
• Implement stall behavior.
• Add a basic autopilot (optional).

Improved Camera Control

• Implement a chase camera that follows the aircraft.
• Allow switching between different camera views (cockpit, chase, etc.).

More Detailed Terrain (Heightmap)

• Find or create a heightmap image.
• Generate a 3D terrain mesh from the heightmap.
• Apply textures to the terrain.

Lighting and Shadows

• Add directional lighting.
• Enable shadows.

UI Improvements

• Add more gauges and indicators (heading, vertical speed, etc.).
• Improve the UI's visual design.

Control Mapping

• Allow customization of keyboard controls.
• Implement joystick/gamepad support using the Web Gamepad API.

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Phase 3: Advanced Features (Optional)

Weather Simulation

• Implement wind effects on the aircraft.
• Add rain or snow effects.
• Simulate turbulence.

AI Traffic

• Add AI-controlled aircraft.
• Implement basic AI flight behavior.

Navigation Systems

• Implement a GPS system.
• Implement VOR navigation.

Scenery Generation

• Use procedural generation for realistic scenery.

Networking (Multiplayer)

• Implement multiplayer support using WebSockets or WebRTC.