projectairsim runtime

[jonyMarino]

Fixes: #

About

This pull request introduces a new lightweight simulation host called Project AirSim Runtime for fast development and testing without Unreal Engine. It also refactors the build system to support this runtime, simplifies test dependency staging, and provides a Python demo script for running and visualizing flights with the new runtime. The most important changes are grouped below.

Project AirSim Runtime: New Lightweight Host

• Added a new standalone executable, projectairsim-runtime, which runs Project AirSim controllers and physics with a flat ground collision model, independent of Unreal Engine. This includes a new ground_collision_host.cpp implementation and a dedicated README.md with usage instructions. [1] [2] [3]

• Added a Python demo script, projectairsim_runtime_demo.py, that connects to the runtime, executes a sample flight, and visualizes the drone's position.

Build System and Test Improvements

• Refactored CMake configuration to add and properly stage shared runtime dependencies for all unit tests in a single, atomic step, avoiding file contention issues on Windows and Ninja. This replaces per-target copy commands in core_sim and physics test CMake files. [1] [2] [3] [4]

• Ensured the runtime executable is self-contained by copying required shared libraries (JSBSim, ONNX Runtime) into its output directory after build.

Documentation Updates

• Updated the main README.md to reference Project AirSim Runtime as the preferred option for iterations not requiring Unreal rendering or sensors.

• Updated the changelog to clarify that GPU LiDAR and runtime builds are supported on Unreal Engine 5.7.

Minor Code Cleanup

• Removed unused imports and improved cleanup logic in the drone position viewer Python module. [1] [2]

File/Directory Renaming

• Renamed the sample directory and CMake target from standalone_sim to projectairsim_runtime to reflect the new runtime's branding.

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References:
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

How Has This Been Tested?

Screenshots and videos (if appropriate):