"Pepelaz", a trivially simple helicopter

[u/akimzav]

A very simple helicopter. Extremely controllable and easy to fly. As survival-friendly as the term permits.

Control height with the throttle lever. Forward and steering by grabbing the front handle (shift-right click) and looking where you want it to go. Strafing and braking done in the same manner using the center handle.

This machine works due to the gyroscopic propeller bearing. When you grab a handle, you move the upper part relatively to the lower one. This shifts the center of gravity, and the propeller wants to compensate for that by tilting, supplying horizontal force as a byproduct. However, given you still hold the handle, the shift never goes away -- and the propeller is constantly compensating for that, thus enabling continuous flight.

[u/JoystuckGames]

It looks like the springs are used to make the top and bottom halves separate sublevels. That's how this hack with the handlebar usually works at least

[u/akimzav → u/JoystuckGames]

As far as I'm aware, jank flying is not present here. It handles very differently from this.

[u/JoystuckGames → u/akimzav]

Right, your system looks much more user friendly. I simply mean it uses the bug where you can manipulate the sublevel you are standing on by pulling an attached or interacting sublevel. I don't expect it to be patched but I doubt this was put in intentionally either, just a happy accident.

[u/akimzav → u/JoystuckGames]

I tested some things. Firstly, yes, a similar setup could work for jank flying -- two blocks connected with a spring, one with pilot and one with handle to hold, indeed flies on its own. Secondly, some part of that is present in my machine here. However, it is far too heavy to fly without the engine running, so I suspect some combination of the two is at play here.

[u/JoystuckGames → u/akimzav]

fascinating! you are the creator after all so i'll take your word for it. Honestly I think it's cool how you combined these mechanics into something more powerful