Monday, September 30, 2013

Yet another progress report for my projects...

Unfortunately, the public release of the VRS Tacpack update has been delayed once again... and its release date has been changed from "imminent" to "it is done when it is done"... This is a little inconvenience for me, as it pretty much screws up my release plan and schedule, but knowing the VRS guys a little you can rest assured this is done for good reasons and the Tacpack will only get better.
So, here is where I am with my projects:

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II



This is pretty much done and ready for release. Actually has been sitting on my HD without further modifications for few weeks now. The only thing that I would like to add would be some sort of pre-planned Air-to-Surface targeting, which is missing at the moment (only TOO targets are supported), but it is good to go IMHO.

This is the change log for this release:

Version 2.30
  • Added basic Tacpack Support (requires Vertical Reality Simulation's Tacpack module)
  • Added Tacpack compatible weapons (Cannon, AIM-9X, AIM-120C, GBU-31, GBU-10, GBU-12, JSOW, MK-84, Mk-83, MK82)
  • Added Tacpack A/A functions: Az/El search and L&S designation, Gun (Gun Director and Funnel modes), Sidewinders launch (Visual Boresight and Radar Slaved), Slammer launch (Visual Boresight and Radar Slaved).
  • Added Tacpack A/G functions: TOO mode, AUTO release, MANual release, CCIP mode.
  • Added Miscellaneous Tacpack functions: NVGs, Working RWR, Chaffs, Flares, In-flight Refuel.
  • Added Weapons Configurator
  • Added miscellaneous custom keystrokes
  • Added sonic-boom effects
  • Added anti-skid for wheels
  • Minor tweaks to very low speeds
  • Minor tweaks to roll rate
  • Added AF-01 and BF-01 textures
  • Minor improvements to -B and -C versions texture sets
  • Added Warlords tail art
  • Fixed weapon loads token weights mistakes
  • Added test flight nose probe (triggered by pilot weight – set it to 201 lbs and it will show)
  • Improved afterburner effects and added heat shimmer fx

Grumman F-14D Tomcat
This is the project I have been working on for the most part, lately. I planned to provide a very basic Tacpack support...and I am still adding stuff. The updates to the 3D models are done, but I need to write some code for the new RIO switches and functions. And the HUD Air-to-Ground modes has some bugs. Not sure how long it will take to complete it.


Lockheed S-3B Viking

Slow, but steady, progress on this one. The external model is almost done (basically it missing just some texturing), while the cockpit modeling is not started yet. Still looking promising. Here is how it looks right now...


Boeing T-45C Goshawk


Just a quick note in reply to a frequently asked question: there is NO update planned on this one for two reasons: the first is that there is little to be fixed, IMHO, and the second one is that I do not have time. *BUT* I am still taking notes and listening to feedback - and may be in future I will modify it once again.



13 comments:

Joe said...

Like your progress so far.

Really look forward to the Tomcat with max TacPack capability you can cram into it!

AviaScorp said...

Hi Dino,

I would like to just 'pin-up' an earlier request I had made regarding compatibility of T-45 with a TP enabled server.

When flown in a TP enabled MP server, there is an issue with tuning the TCN stations in the T-45. If you try it once, you will know what I'm saying.

I only hope, you list it with you as something 'that needs to be looked into' whenever you get time to do that.

Thanks,

Mickey

ScimmiaSpaziale said...

Hi Mickey

The issue is very clear...unfortunately, as far as I understand it, is a more general problem. Tacpack-generated NAVaids are different from the standard one and require "special handling". Therefore I should rewrite the avionics so that they accept standard or TP Navaids on the fly... which would take quite a while.

I believe the same issue could be there if you use the F-35 or the F-14D (let me know if I am wrong!)...

ScimmiaSpaziale said...

Hi Mickey

The issue is very clear...unfortunately, as far as I understand it, is a more general problem. Tacpack-generated NAVaids are different from the standard one and require "special handling". Therefore I should rewrite the avionics so that they accept standard or TP Navaids on the fly... which would take quite a while.

I believe the same issue could be there if you use the F-35 or the F-14D (let me know if I am wrong!)...

AviaScorp said...

I haven't flown your F35 or the Tomcat in recent times, so am not able to confirm this to you.

But, thanks for looking at it anyways.

Anonymous said...

as someone who doesn't/ won't have tacpack (for computer performance reasons)i have one big question:

What would work without tacpack?

i say this because i know weapons can be simulated without the need for tacpack (just look at the iris mudhen)

sorry for the essay,
Adam

Anonymous said...

do the weapons show on the current versions of the f14 and goshawk? because despite adding 5000lbs to each station (which should be enough to show them) they dont appear. i also looked in the cfg file for the weights, added what the cfg said in game, and nothing appeared.

Anonymous said...

Dino

The S-3B is looking good. Can't wait to get it. There are so many paint schemes that can be done for it.

Russ

Anonymous said...

Hi Dino

Thanks for all your great work on these, it is really appreciated. I fly the F-35 all the time, it is one of my favorite get-in-and-go-fly aircraft. The other being the T-45.

Please can I remind you to take a look at missing textures. There were a few textures that were missing previously that were causing stutters.

You might have already fixed this, couldn't tell from your updated list.

Thanks again.

Mariano

Unknown said...

All, thanks for your interest and appreciation!

Here are some miscellaneous answers:

Absence of the Tacpack
**********************
Working weapons (and RWR, ECM, Chaffs/Flares, Radar search and weapons configurator) are supported ONLY through the Tacpack.
I know it is not the only way to do that...but that it the only way supported by my projects, for the moment at least.

Weapons on CURRENT T-45 and F-14D
*********************************
The T-45 has optional "visual only" BDU-33 model and baggage pod - linked to an alternate exit controls: SHIFT+E then 3 and SHIFT+E then 4...
Current F-14 does NOT have weapons (will get them, as weight dependent features) in the next update...

F-35 Missing Textures
*********************
Boy, I thought I got rid of them in the last update...

S-3 Viking
**********
Don't hold your breath... it will take months!

Anonymous said...

ok, thanks for your feedback dino

Anonymous said...

Hey Dino, I have downloaded and installed the t 45 but when it comes to cold ramp starting it, i cannot get the engine to catch, it just spools and spools, I am following the exact procedures for lighting it (as my wing members can get it started no problem) but i just cant get it to light. Have you run across this problem before?

AviaScorp said...

Anon at 05:04 PM:

After your engines spool up, press "Shift+Ctrl+F4". This sometimes simulates "HP Cock Open".

Do post if it works.