Algodoo

Using the 2d sim it's better to think in opposites . Since gravity is the one constant none of the objects are / were ever introduced in a vacuum . Thus going upward requires two constants , one to mitigate the force of gravity ( zero sum / change ) and one to manipulate the object . Similarly if you intend to apply a vector ( horizontal ) thrust of some kind , it's probably better to think in terms of the air and forces acting on it than the object itself , so for example if all the thrusters are pointing in the opposite direction , the arrow is indicating the direction air will travel .

If I want to introduce a spring or kinetic bump / kick of some kind , the concern becomes how the opposing force pushes in opposite direction , just like the recoil on a gas power gun .

Normally the distant horizon line for aircraft is slightly curved , technically a computer can only calculate this within a certain digits of Pi .