TA-4J Post Release Change Request Log

Thank you all for you great feedback and for the support to the TA-4J. I have received many suggestions for improvements so here is a a post that serves as collector of the post-release changes requests….

POST RELEASE CHANGE REQUEST LOG
Last updated on 03/10/2019

LATEST VERSION RELEASE: v1.07

GREEN - Fixed and released
BLUE - Fixed but not released
RED - Open, high priority
YELLOW - Open, low priority

PR001 - Bug causing the canopy glass and the copilot compass screws not to move when canopy opens: Fixed, implemented in v1.02
PR002 - Gunsight not occluded by glass geometry: Fixed, implemented in v1.02
PR003 - Bug causing the Radalt "OFF" flag to be always on: Fixed, implemented in v1.02

PR004 - Incorrect copilot suit color for Blue Angels scheme: Fixed, implemented in v1.02

PR005 - Fixed bug allowing non-tacpack users to load fuel on external tanks even if tanks were not fitted: Fixedm implemented in v1.02

PR006 - Fixed visual collision between Bullpup missile and front landing gear stem: Fixed, implemented in v1.02
PR007 - Fixed missing "518" number in flap suface for N512TA livery: Fixed, implemented in v1.02

PR008 - Minor modification to default viewpoint: Fixed, implemented in v1.02

PR009 - Incorrect indication of pitch during inverted flight: Fixed, implemented in v1.05
PR010 - Incorrect behavior of RADALT flag: Fixed, implemented in v1.05

PR011 - In reality MK-82 and MK-82SE bombs were not be carried in the innermost stations of PYL 2 and 4 as the gear door could not open fully, implemented in v1.05

PR012 - Request to add Aero adapters to sidwinder launchers: STATUS - Fixed. Modeled adapters and modfied code. Implemented in v1.05

PR013 - Incorrect loadout assignment to STA1 and STA5: STATUS - Fixed: restriced loadouts on STA1 and 5. Implemented in v1.05

PR014 - MK-82 bomb hung at centerline pylon in certain conditions while operating the configurator in non-Tacpack mode. FIXED, completely rewrote code, implemented in v1.05

PR015 - 300 gal tank fins too narrow. STATUS - FIXED. Redone fin geometry. Textures are a bit stretched...but at this point this is the best I can do. Implemented in v1.05
PR016 - Improper Aero adaper for AGM-12 and AGM-45 - Fixed. Implemented in v1.05
PR017 - Gunsight day and night colors are swapped - FIXED: swapped bmp file names. Implemented in v1.05
PR018 - Gunsight can be powered on even if there is no electrical power. FIXED - Implemented in v1.05

PR019 - Air and electrical doors receptacle doors do not work as intended. FIXED - Implemented in v1.05

PR020 - ADI still does not work as intended, also backup ADI now locked in pitch. Fixed. Implemented in v1.07
PR021 - Electrical power cart blinks and disappears if selected by menu. Fixed: implemented in v1.07
PR022 - Some missing screws in the rear seat model. Fixed: implemented in V1.07
PR023 - Try and improve mirror reflection. STATUS: open. Effect is now slightly better but resolution is poor.
PR024 - VF-43 fixture has missing roundel. Fixed, but not released in full installer: updated texture can be downloaded here.
PR025 - Revise button shortcuts for "ready to start" condition
PR026 - Create new radar controls for future implementation of proper A/S radar
PR027 - IFF Tacpack controls INOP

F-35 Lightning II - Version 3.61 PBR Update (Prepar3D v4.4)

***EDIT - FILES UPDATE TO VERSION 3.61 TO ADDRESS A BUG PREVENTING THE REFUEL PROBE TO DEPLOY IN THE F-35B EXTERNAL MODEL***

Here is the PBR update for the F-35 package. In order to implement this, I had to rebuild the source models as they had been lost to a ransomware attack years ago... this was quite a big work, and a lot of things had to be redone. Still I think the plane looks much better now and it was worth it - however, please beware that some minor bugs or glitches may be present.

Model files were compiled with P3Dv4.4 tools, so they cannot be used with FSX or prior versions of P3D - however, I have also included non-PBR model variants for those who may prefer them (they should provide slightly better frame rates and lower memory consumption).
Aside, compiling the model for P3Dv4 made it so that some graphic glitches were fixed.

Initially I thought this could be the baseline for version 4.00, big given that the aircraft functionalities are pretty much the same as previous iterations, I thought it was unfair to make it a new, full price version - or even a paid update.
However, supporting different variants and options is quickly becoming impossible to manage - so from now on this project will only be updated for Prepar3D v4.4 (sorry for that).

Here is the list of changes in version 3.60 and 3.61

Version 3.61 - 20/03/2019
- Fixed bug preventing refuel probe to deploy on F-35B external model
- Fixed typo in aircraft.cfg suggesting that gun should be mounted on STA5 instead of STA6
SEE VERSION 3.60 NOTES FOR INSTALLATION

CHANGE LOG
Version 3.60 - 02/03/2019

- Rebuilt all external and internal models to support PBR textures
- All models recompiled using P3Dv4.4 tools
- Updated landing gear model
- Fixed minor UVW coordinates error on F-35C external model
- Fixed minor graphic glitches in F-35B and F-35C external models
- Major rewrite of MFD code with reduced memory footprint and (marginal) performance improvement
- New .air files to provide better, more linear throttle vs. thrust curve
- Fixed several glitches in the FCS code
- FCS Animation code rewritten
- Fixed bug that caused the first radar track not to show in some screens

* - This update by default is configured to use PBR models and work with P3Dv4.4.
You can use this update also with P3Dv4.0 to P3Dv4.3 by deleting the model.cfg files in the model folder of each aircraft and rename the "model.cfg.BackupNonPBR" to "model.cfg".


Download the update by clicking HERE or from the link on the side bar...

Yet another Eurofighter update (version 1.24)

It turns out that even 1.23 was not free of major bugs… so here we are again with yet another update for the Eurofigher. I am sorry for the confusion but, since I have always tried to comply with all the requests I have received, the Eurofighter project is now quite difficult to manage due to its size and model variety (single and twin seater, PBR and non PBR, and then there are the "ubuntu" versions).
For this reason, this is likely to be the last update to support FSX or any P3D version prior to 4.4.
I am sorry for this, but the mainteinance effort is starting to be quite a burden.

Basically the big thing in 1.23 was a bug in the external model that caused Brimstone launchers or missile rails appear under wrong conditions. It did not affect users not employing Brimstones or Meteor missiles...but nevertheless it was annoying.
I took the change to add the possibility to pick negative VVs in the NAV menu as requested by one user.

This is the list of changes for this version:

VERSION 1.24
CHANGES WITH RESPECT TO PREVIOUS VERSION
- Improved autotrim FCS code to reduce possibility of event flooding when the sim is paused
- Recompliled both PBR and non-PBR models to get rid of a visibility conflict issue between
  Brimstome and MRAAM launchers
- Changed UVW texture layout in some areas of the PBR models
- Added possibility to set negative VV speeds in the NAV menu
- Fixed minor graphics glitch when entering VV NAV mode

The update files for 32 bit version can be dowloaded from the side bar or by clicking HERE

The update files for 64 bit version (with PBR support - P3Dv4.4 only) can be dowloaded from the side bar or by clicking HERE


Users of P3Dv4 up to version 4.3 can download the 64bit PBR version but will have to change the model.cfg manually to deactivate PBR (or can dowload the 32 bit and change the panel.cfg to select the 64 bit .dll's).

Eurofighter Update to version 1.21

I had no plans for any short-term update to the Eurofighter Typhoon…. but it turned out that 1.20 had a bug so that you could not select Storm Shadows anymore and I cannot stand and update that brings reduced functionality, so I took the chance and made further improvements to the new cockpit geometry, added IR mode to the PIRATE, added the "ubuntu" model for the twn seater and improved the animations in both the "ubuntu" models. Here is the list of changes:

VERSION 1.21
CHANGES WITH RESPECT TO PREVIOUS VERSION
- Fixed bug in SSK code preventing selection of StormShadow missile
- Fixed several minor geometry issues with the new VC model
- Added "UBUNTU"* model option also for the twin seater
- Improved animation of "UBUNTU"* models
- Added possibility to switch between IR/CCD and WHOT/BLOT modes also to the PIRATE
- Harmonized notation of TFLIR/IR Imagery as follows: IR denotes P3D "pseudo-IR" rendering, CCD denotes normal rendering

* - The default visual model of the Eurofigher uses several custom animations which are not compatible with multiplayer: specifically the control surface will show in "rest" position to any player not using an Eurofighter. In order to avoid this, users may prefer to activate the "ubuntu" model option. To do this, go into the MODEL folder (of the Eurofighter_2000 and Eurofighter_2000T folders in the SimObjects/Airplanes folder), open the model.cfg with Notepad and then comment out the "normal" model line and uncomment the line indicated in the file itself. This will replace the external model with one with less-accurate-but-multiplayer-compatible animations.
The activation of such models must be done independently for the single and twin seater models.


The update can be dowloaded by clicking HERE or from the side bar.

E-2C Hawkeye / C-2A Beta Release - How to apply for Beta Testing

*********** DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, THE ACCESS TO THE BETA TESTING IS NOW CLOSED (SORRY!) - WE CURRENTLY HAVE 35 TESTERS ON BOARD, INCLUDING FORMER E-2/C-2 CREW, SO THERE IS NO ROOM LEFT...I AM SORRY!!!!*******

I know that some of you have been waiting for this post for quite a while ;-) !
Applications to join to the E-2C Hawkeye / C-2A Greyhound Package Beta Testing are now CLOSED.

Here are the minimum requirements:

Simulator: FSX (Acceleration/Gold/Steam Editions), P3D (all versions). NOTE: TACPACK IS NOT SUPPORTED IN THE INITIAL RELEASE (some functions are implemented but not all)
OS: Windows, any version suitable for the simulators above
CPU: Multicore 2.4GHz
GPU: Nvidia 760 or better. Should work with 1.5Gb dedicated video memory.
RAM: 3Gb
HD: 1.4Gb needed for installation

I am looking for different computer specs and for user of different skill levels/knowledge of the aircraft.
This is not a paid position - if you want to join the test, the only thing you will get is the fun of testing a new product!
If you want to apply for the testing you should drop an email to indiafoxtecho@gmail.com as follows:

Subject of the email must be: E-2 C-2 Beta Testing (I am always surprised how hard this seems to be ;-) )

The email shall contain:
- Which simulator you intend to use for the testing (please specify the EXACT version)
- Your system OS/CPU/GPU/RAM (no printouts/screenshots - just list these. Also, I do not need other details or verbose system description)
- Your real life flight experience and/or simulation experience (just a couple of lines please!)
- Any special reason for which you want to test these planes or any special link you have with these models.

As usual, I will be a certain number (around 20) testers - I am sorry for those who will be left out, but too much feedback is detrimental: the test team size must be manageable.
The Beta is not ready yet… but it will be ready soon. It may take a while to read all the applications and reply, but if you do not receive a reply before the end of the month, most likely you have not been selected (sorry!)!

If you will be selected you will receive an email with the download link and some Beta testing directions… ONE IMPORTANT THING I ALWAYS SAY TO TESTERS (but apparently very few read): PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME BEFORE SUBMITTING FEEDBACK. HAVE A GOOD READ AT THE MANUAL AND FLY AT LEAST 2 OR 3 HOURS WITH THESE MODELS BEFORE SENDING ANY FEEBACK.

….AND THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP!!!!

How to Convert your aircraft 3DStudio model from FSX/P3D to XPlane11

It took me a while to undestand how the StepToSky XPlane11 plug-in for 3DStudio Max worked… I had tried to convert some of my models in the past, but could not get the animations to play or they looked wrong. Then, some days ago, I decided to try again and finally understood some of the basic concepts I was missing...and the S-211 is now flying in XPlane 11 too.

So I decided to write a small "guide/memo" to help other designers that may want to convert some of their models to XP11 but were baffled by the lack of documentation on the plug-in and how to use it.

This guide assumes that:
- You know how to develop a 3D model for FSX/P3D
- You have the model ready in 3D Studio Max
- You have correctly installed the Step2Sky Plug-in
- You want to convert your model to X-Plane 11
- You know how to use X-Plane 11 Plane Maker (and you have already prepared a flight model for the aircraft)

You can download the document HERE.

IMPORTANT: NO SUPPORT OF ANY KIND IS PROVIDED - I AM SORRY BUT I WILL NOT HAVE THE TIME TO PROVIDE SUPPORT OR REPLIES ON XP11

You may also want to check the channel JRollon Planes - this guy is amazing and shows you how to build a 3D model from scratch for XP11 in 3D Studio (warning: he uses an older version of the plugin with slightly different interface)

F-35 V3.50 Update - Testers needed

As some of you are aware of, I am working on a further (and quite extensive) update of the F-35 package.
Also, you may recall that the source files of the F-35 were lost due to a malware attack (and me being stupid having the backup files stores in an fixed HDD which was wiped out too), so it took quite a while to make significant progress - actually I had to rebuild the source files for the virtual cockpits to make some significant progress. The external models have not been rebuilt/changed...just because it would take months.
Big thing is a completely new flight models by Roy Holmes - which closely mimic the (scarce) publicly available data.

Now, I have working working models of the improved Virtual Cockpits - and I'd need some Beta testers to double check they work.

The v3.50 Beta will be deployed in two steps: in the first we'll just check that the models are OK and work as intended, however the avionic suite will be identical to the previously release version (3.23). In the second, we'll have a round of new avionic features/improvements.

In detail, the current version I have on my HD (3.50 Beta 1) features the following changes:

External model:
- Introduced Ambient Occlusion mapping to all liveries and models
- Added Japanese, South Korean and Turkish liveries to F-35A
- Added Italian Navy and miscellaeneous USMC liveries to F-35B
- Added VX-9 and VFA-125 liveries to F-35C

Flight model:
- Completely new flight model for all variants: more realistic handling and engine performance
- External loads now create additional drag

Virtual cockpit
- Complete rebuild of the source files
- Improved 3D geometry in several areas
- Improved textures in several areas
- Added specular reflection effects
- New BFI indicator courtesy of IRIS Flight Simulations
- Improved HMD general readability and better drawing distance for bad weather
- Moved canopy opening control to the opposite side (I was told this is the current location)
- Jettison mode knob now works as intended
- Remaining brake applications counter is now digital (and works)
- MFD has now two selectable brightness levels
- Added night lighting map
- Backup TACAN now works
- Combined Generator/Starter knob should now work as intended
- General visibility optimization
….and a number of small improvements which are too many to mention.

If you are willing to have a quick test of the latest build, to help me make sure it works as intended, here are the prerequisites:

- Have a good knowledge of my latest F-35 payware build
- Have 3.30 GHz quad-core processor and a good video card (better if 960 or above)
- Have P3D (any version) with Tacpack. I may be interested in a small number of FSX users, but please beware that NO AVIONICS UPDATES are planned for FSX. As before, a patch that simplifies avionics to achieve FSX compatibility will be provided.

If you meet all the prerequisites, you may drop me an email at indiafoxtecho@gmail.com with:
- Your system (just CPU, video card and RAM)
- The simulator you intend to use for the testing
- Proof of purchase (unless you have a complimentary copy - if so please let me know)
- Any special reason why you want to help

Thanks in advance!

My current plans for 2018

First I'd like to thank you once again for your continued support through 2017 - this has been a great year for my flight simulation projects.

This has been quite a year for flight simulation in general, with the release of Prepar3D v4 and Flight Simulation World (finally 64 bit came to the offspring Flight Simulator X), X-Plane 11, DCS 2.1 and a increasingly growing presence of Virtual Reality helmets. Speaking of VR, IPACS released Aerofly FS2 which performs really well.

As for my projects, this has been the year of the release of the Eurofighter - which was a very complex, very time consuming project. I'd say it has been a (limited) success, as it sold about 700 copies to date. To me, it was also very important as it was my first release after the malware attack which caused the loss of all my source files.

So...here is what is on my mind (and my PC) for 2018 - of course this is all pretty much subject to change without notice at any time.

SIAI-S.211 / Aermacchi M-345

The Beta testing is progressing... a couple of nasty bugs popped up, while the rest of the issues so far are not very complex to solve. I should be able to release the package within January 2018.


C-2 Greyhound / E-2 Hawkeye

The initial concept of this project was to create a full "Greyhound/Hawkeye" package...but it turns out the commonalities between the two aircrafts are fewer than what I expected. So, I am currently rethinking about the feature list. The C-2 preliminary model, from a professional mesh, looks really good.

T-45C Goshawk 

Yes... I am remodeling the Goshawk, too. It is meant for a new "pro" version... I am working on a new, high resolution mesh which should be suitable for modern simulations. Looks good so far, but it will take quite a long time before it will be ready.

Other new projects

For the moment, I have dropped the MB-339 and T-50 projects. As for the first there is a group of developers working on it in Italy and their version looks good, while korean developers are working on the second one. In addition, public information on the T-50 is way too scarce at the moment.
Now, one plane I'd really like to model is the TA-4J... I am thinking about it. 

And yes, the S-3 AI tanker model is still unfinished... sorry for that.

Support for existing projects

Both the F-35 and Eurofighter projects have been updated recently to P3Dv4.1 through a patch on my blog. I have plans to update both installers, and improve both.

Support for other sims

At the moment, the only thing I have to announce is that the S-211 is being ported to Aerofly FS2 (and looks great and it is super smooth!). We'll see if it makes sense to port more planes. Also, support for FSW is being considered (but...the mdl and gauge files need to be recompiled, so it is quite a break from FSX/P3D).

Prepar3D Version 4 compatibility statement...and screenshots ;-) !

First, my apologies for the lack of replies and updates both on the blog and on the facebook page... I do not have much spare time for flight simming lately, but rest assured I read all your message and value your feedback.

Second, here is the a brief recap of the status of my projects for what concerns the compatibility with the upcoming Prepar3D V4 release (I had a quick look at the release candidate over the weekend and, you have a good, modern hardware, I highly recommed).

In general, the compatibility of P3Dv4 with addons native to FSX and P3D is quite high, as long as there are no external C++ modules involved in the aicraft systems. For what concerns my aicrafts, they often use Doug Dawson's fuel dump and sound effects gauges respectively to manage some fuel system functions (such as external fuel tanks loading/unloading, in flight refuel etc.). These gauges are currently not compatible with P3Dv4, hence:

- In-flight refuel will not work. Aicrafts with external fuel tanks will have minor issues (such as enabling to refuel non-existent external tanks).

- Custom sounds such as voice warnings and other sounds (e.g. the SideWinder growl) will not be played.

...apart from that EVERYTHING else seems to work (except the F-35B STOVL...see below), so by and large I'd say my aicrafts are compatible with P3Dv4. I will update my aicrafts if/when updated versions of these modules become available.

Also, at present Tacpack is not compatible with P3DV4 - so none of the aircrafts will have tacpack functionality.

F-35 Lightning II

As per the general notes, no custom sounds and minor issue with the fuel system. The F-35B STOVL function will not work - however, as soon as the new version of FSUIPC.dll is released, it is possible that the function is restored by using the alternate STOVL gauge which relies on it (the gauge is already present in the package as a backup solution and it is commented out).

Aside, P3Dv4 will include an updated version of the F-35A - which includes many of the enhancements of the payware version (and a new livery). Note that the bundled version has NO Tacpack functionality.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Same as above... no voice warnings and issues with the fuel system, but pretty much everything else works.

Military Avatars Package

There is an issue with the contact points, so that the Avatars will appear to be literally "knee-deep" into the runway. A small patch to correct this will be released soon.

Anyway, as you know, this package has been withdrawn from sales - it will be re-released as freeware soon (and the release will include the fix).

Aermacchi MB-326

Works fine - except the "phantom fuel tank" syndrome.

By the way, since some of you asked, YES the porting to AF2 is proceeding (veeeery slowly).

 Boeing T-45C Goshawk

Works fine - no issues at all. :-) !
...and, sooner or later, it might get an update with a new avionic suite by MilViz and AO textures (as soon as I can find the time).

Grumman F-14D Tomcat

Same story - minor issues to the fuel system... but in general works fine!

S-3B Viking

Last but not least... and again minor issues with the fuel system, but in general works fine.
By the way, the AI-Tanker version is almost finished!

Roadmap for 2017-18 (Spoiler...more trainers!)

So... with the Eurofighter out of the door, it is time for me to think what to do next.
Well, in reality of course I have been planning and making some reseach for my new projects for several months...and here are my current thoughts.

F-35 LIGHTNING II UPDATE

I have been (slowly) rebuilding the source files for the cockpit, in order to create a new, official update to to the F-35 package. The update will be free for existing customers.
It will gather all the changes released through patches on this blog, and will also take advantage of some of the things I have learned and experimented with for the Typhoon (for one, better readability of the MFD and HMD, and improvements to the cockpit interface). I was trying to release this by the end of the month, but I am not sure I can make it. Here is how it looks like right now:

EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON UPDATE

I have also been working to fix the bugs and make some improbements to the Eurofighter package I released 10 days ago. Actually I have already a patch that will fix some of the issues in the current release, but I am waiting another week or so just to make sure that there no other high priority issues arise from the much larger user base (by the way...in 10 days on SimMarket the number of copies of the Typhoon sold has already surpassed the F-35 ones... which tells a lot about the popularity of FSX vs P3D, and of the Typhoon vs the Lightning)... The update will be released as a full installer in a couple of weeks.

SIAI MARCHETTI S-211

This is a small jet trainer, I have been working on for quite a while. After the ransomware attack I wanted a fresh start with a simple project (before deciding to resume the Typhoon) and since a privately owned S.211 is at the local airport I decided to do this. This project looks really good - although I realize that most people don't know this aicraft and may be a little puzzled by the unpopular choice. The extenal model is almost done, while I have dozens of great pictures of the cockpit taken at the local airport - so I believe this may be the best looking cockpit I have done to date (and possibly the most realistic aircraft I have made so far)...

LOCKHEED MARTIN T-50A

I have been seriously considering the T-50A, too. It is totally doable and would look great, and makes a lot of sense as an F-35-trainer... problem is that cockpit documentation is scarce, and there are not good pictures of it (especially for the side panels)

C-2 GREYHOUND / E-2 HAWKEYE PACKAGE

Feasibility for this project looks good but not great...I am postponing it to 2018.


SUPPORT FOR OTHER SIMULATORS

It is no mistery that I am playing with both AeroFly FS2 and X-Plane 11. They both have their own limitations, and, all in all, the FSX/P3D SDK is still way more flexible (at least for the 3D modeling and animation) than these two new platforms.
Still, I am considering to port the MB-326 and the T-45 to both platforms, and eventually the F-35A. But do not expect fully functional VC in neither.

Other projects I have been thinking about (or actually playing with):

T-45C GOSHAWK IMPROVEMENTS - There are some potential improvements which may not require the source files...

F-14 VERSION 3.0 - You really think I was not doing anything on the mighty feline? I am thinkering with improvements and new meshes... but I am not convinced it is the right way to go.

NEW MILITARY AVATARS PACKAGE: new models, with higher resolution meshes and mocap animations... this would look cool, but it is also relatively expensive to make (and sales of the current Avatar package are really low)

S-3 AI TANKER - I'll do it, sooner or later!

Recovery of the Eurofighter Project...

As promised here is a status report of the Eurofighter project after the "ransomware" incident that wiped out all of my source files. Basically you can indeed use ModelConverterX by Aron (great tool...THANK YOU ARNO) to open the .mdl files and convert them into .3DS format, and then reimport it into 3DS Max or Gmax (or other applications....3DS is a very popular format). In principle you loose the animations, smoothing, the materials and the XML taggin but preserve the geometry and the texturing coordinates - as side effect, the geometry is not super-clean nor flawless.
Unfortunately, in the case of the Typhoon, a number of minor details were lost in the process - such as the landing gears, some engine details and the pilot helmet.
So... the external model is recoverable...but will require several weeks of work - not good, but could have been much worse.
Unfortunately, most of the Virtual Cockpit is garbage. A lot of the geometry of the switches and levers is lost or corrupt and require more work than I expected.

Here is the status:

LOST:

- 3D source models (both external and VC and custom weapons)
- Source texture sheets and paintkit (layered PSD)
- Part of the XML code
- My standard templates for things such as HMD projection etc.

INTACT:
- External .mdl was almost finished (maybe I can use it as it is...)
- Incomplete virtual cockpit (is missing the ejection seat and some other details)
- Latest avionics code (HUD almost complete)

RECOVERED
 - (Partial) geometry and texture coordinates. Need to redo part of the geometry, animation etc.

 Long story short... I need to evaluate my options carefully. One possibility is to use the external .mdl as is (missing a number of eye-candy features, and the custom weapons) and redo the missing parts of the VC.
More news soon.

Eurofighter Project (and a couple of notes on DCS and other things)...

 

 

A quick post to officially introduce the new Eurofighter Typhoon project I am working on to people which may not have a Facebook account. The main scope of this project is to create a detailed Eurofighter model for use in FSX / P3DV2 / P3DV3 environment - including support of Tacpack for weapons functionalities. This is not an easy task as most of the data on the Typhoon is still classified. I managed to get my hands on some very detailed avionics documentation, but performance data is hard to find (and will be guesstimated). I also had the chance to test the EADS rapid-deployment simulator of the Typhoon... which was very interesting in terms of handling (although I have no idea on the actual dynamics accuracy as it is a simulator conceived for area familiarization).

Here are the main features I am working on:
- Highly detailed visual models (external and VC)
- Realistic (although guesstimated) flight model and dynamics
- Realistic avionics (at least for HUD and MFDs), and pilot interface including BAe Striker HMD Helmet
- Support for Tacpack weapons (AIM-9L/AIM-120/GBUs)
- Realistic procedures based on real-world checklists

Aside, I'd like to implement also other features...but these are kind of "nice-to-have" things...but I cannot confirm them at the moment:
- Support for IRIS-T and ASRAAM missiles
- PIRATE implementation (most likely for P3Dv2 / v3 only)
- "Naggin'Nora" implementation
- Custom sound package based on real-life audio samples

At the moment, the external model is almost complete...but still unfinished.
I do not think we'll have a Beta before this summer... so release may well be in August/September.
...below are some other screenshots of the latest build.

Now...some other things...

DCS Compatibility:
I have received several emails and messages asking for DCS support and long story short DCS support will not happen, at least in the foreseeable future. For one, I do not have the time. Then DCS does not offer an open, royalty-free and publicly accessible SDK and requires developers to be highly qualified and acceptance of very stringent requirements.
Note that this does NOT mean that you are entitled to try your own conversion and share them. Sure, you can do whatever you want for your personal use, but converting and than sharing the models and artwork or other stuff is not allowed (see the reasons why below...).

Other Simulators...and exporting my models:
I have also received requests to support other simulators (e.g. FlightGear and XPlane)...but again, I lack time and resources. Then there are a number of users that converted the data of my files and want to share them on the Internet. Again... THIS IS NOT ALLOWED - and it is explicitly forbidden in the documentation of my projects.
The main reason for this is not that I am jealous of my work or anything like that...but the fact that most of my project contain data and artwork from a variety of sources: there is a lot of work from yours truly, but there is also stuff from contributors and (most important) vendors. My models or parts of them are often based on commercial data which I paid for and it is quite expensive. You cannot use them in your projects - as it is a copyright infringment. Full stop.

Project updates:
As usual, I am working on updates to all of my projects... I have spotted a minor flaw to the latest T-45C package, and I'll relase an update which will also contain some special files for cockpit builders. The Military Avatars package and the F-35 also need some bug-fixing... although they have very minor flaws, and there are no red-alerts.
Sooner or later I'll also need to release the long-awaited Viking update.

Future projects:
A quick recap of other stuff I'd like to work in future... but God knows when I'll have time to work on it. And then I am an atheist... so this is more a "wish list" than actual projects:

MB.339 - I have an extrenal model 60% ready, but needs textures...and then there is no VC at the moment. On the good side, flight model and sound package could be reused from the MB.326.

E-2 / C-2 Package - I will soon have some news on this project...

F-14D Tomcat 2016 - I am not happy yet...

So...as you can see there is A LOT of stuff going on. Much more than what I can actually handle... So we'll see. For now Eurofighter Typhoon is the top priority.

Projects updates... and season greetings!

First, thanks a lot your your continued support to my projects - as you may know this has been a very special year for my flight simulation efforts, as I finally established my own registered "company". This is still just a hobby for me, but having proper fiscal organization allows me to invest more money and embark in more ambitious projects - the new F-35 is the first result of the new organization, and, for example, the new visual model is a direct outcome of my decisions. Making it a freeware project was simply not an option - development costs being way too high for freeware.

So, what is next? Here is the list of the projects currently on my drawing board:

NEW PROJECT - Eurofighter Typhoon:If you follow my Facebook page, you know that I have been doing some work on an Eurofighter model. The vast majority of the documentation on this aicraft is still classfied, but I believe I have enough information to create a decent simulation. I did some work on the external model (which is shown in the picture above) and the VC - and it looks good so far. I'll continue working on this to check if there are unforeseen showstoppers... but so far so good.
This is meant to be a payware project - and hopefully should land on the same quality level and price range of the F-35 (and possibly a little more accurate in terms of avionics). The main development platform will be P3Dv2.5 (for the moment...may be I'll move to V3) but it should be backward compatible to FSX (possibly with the exception of PIRATE/TFLIR imaging).

NEW PROJECT - Aermacchi MB.339 (ON HOLD)
An obvious extension of the MB.326 project, the MB.339 is one aicraft I still intend to do. I did some work on a preliminary external model - which needs texturing and a decent VC. One of the targets of this project is to achieve a very high visual efficiency in terms of frames-per-second. At present I have no time to work on this...and the project is on hold. In my intentions this would be a freeware project.

NEW PROJECT - Grumman E-2/C-2 (Feasibility stage - ON HOLD)
I also made a feasibility study on the E-2 and C-2 aicrafts - they are probably the only carrier aicrafts for which we do not have decent models... A payware project would be doable, although I do not have time for this right now.

PROJECT UPDATE - F-35 Lightning IINeedless to say, I am continuing to keep track of the bug reports and suggestions... as of today, we have not yet reached the critical mass to release another update...but if I'll find some time in the next few weeks I will update the project anway.

OTHER PROJECT UPDATES

T-45C Goshawk - Although this project is officially closed, I have been using it as testbed for various things...so my private build is actually a little bit better than what you guys have... In particular there are a number of small visual improvements that some of you may like.

F-14D Tomcat - Still not happy with it. And as much as I appreciate Aerosoft's F-14X, I believe that a new, and better, Tomcat is possible.

S-3B Viking - Yes...I know. I promised an update for it a long time ago. It is still unfinished, and IMHO is the worst of the bunch in terms of quality. But still...may be one day or another I will find the will to complete it. Or at least release the AI tanker model...

MB.326 - Very few bugs reported... I am not completely happy with it, but I am not sure I will have much time for it.

So, looks like the 2016 will be quite busy... we'll see.
In the meantime thanks once again for your support, feedback and help...and BEST WISHES for a Merry Chirstmas and a Happy New Year!

IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations - Future Plans

 

 

If you follow my Facebook page, you may be aware of that IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulation is now a registered company at the Chamber of Commerce in Genoa, Italy.

This is a big (and relatively expensive) step for me, but it is the only way forward to continue producing high-quality add-ons.

This also does not mean that I will abandon or discontinue freeware project. But the thing is that flight simulation development is getting more and more detailed, time consuming and expensive... and I do not want costs to stop me from doing the planes I like to the quality level I like.

Therefore, if a specific project requires non-negligible costs... it will be payware.

I am currently developing the following two payware projects:

 

F-35 LIGHTNING II VERSION 3.0 for Prepar3D v2.5+

This is quite a big updgrade to the existing F-35 project, and it will Prepar3D v2.5/v3.0 specific - with many advanced functions provided through Vertical Reality Simulations TACPACK.

I have recently decided to include the F-35C too in the package. Its main features are:

 

- All versions featured: F-35A (CTOL) - F-35B (STOVL) and F-35C (CATOBAR)

- High detail external models, derived for professional 3D data.

- Upgraded cockpit models with remastered HD textures.

- Upgrades to MFD functionality and interface following the latest publicly available information.

- Upgrades to the flight model

- Custom Avatar model for Prepar3D

- Integration with P3Dv2 radar service

 

Tacpack specific functionalities are:

- A/A and A/S weapons functionalities

- RWR, ECM and ECCM functionalities

- TFLIR / DAS functionalities

- HMDS functionality including off-boresight target designation and "X-ray" vision

 

I *HOPE* it will be ready before the end of November.

Price has not been set but it should be in the 20-25€ range - it will be sold through the usual flight simulation online shops.

 

MILITARY AVATAR PACKAGE for Prepar3D v3

 

This is a small package containing a variety of military themed Avatars, with basic animations.

Main features are:

- Military pilot Avatars with HGU-33 and HGU-55 helmets, in fast-jet flight gear, and olive drab, kakhi and navy blue jumpsuits.

- Military troop Avatars (unarmed) with a variety of camouflages (mostly NATO camouflages)

- Support for walking/running/crouch/swim and fall animations (currently "jump while run" not supported

 

This will hopefully be ready in a week or so.

Price has not been set but it should be in the 5-7€ range - it will be sold through the usual flight simulation online shops.

 

Other projects I am working on (actual projects sitting unfinished on my HD):

 

T-45C upgrade for Prepar3D v3.0

Just a couple of small fixes to add some minor features for P3Dv2.5+ / P3Dv3 support

 

Aermacchi MB.339

This would be a natural evolution of the MB.326... currently the 3D mesh is 75% done... but needs a VC and texturing. I have no idea on when and if I'll find the time to complete it.

 

Eurofighter Typhoon

In my intentions this would been my main projects for 2016... I did some modeling work, but it is unfinished.

 

S-3B Viking upgrade

Still unfinished, would include a number of small fixes as well as an AI model...

 

Other projects being evaluated (only in my mind):

 

F-14D Tomcat upgrade

...I am still not happy with it. Bringing it to the next level may be expensive...we'll see.

 

C-2 Greyhound

...just because it would be easily doable with moderate expenditures.

So... for the moment it is only F-35 and Avatar package. Then we'll see. The key point is still, and will always be, to have fun and create cool stuff.

F-35 version 3.0 - Beta Testers wanted

F-35 over Luke AFB (great photorela freeware scenery by Blue Sky)

 

*********************************************
EDIT: BETA APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER MIDNIGHT OF 21/09/2015 CET

*********************************************
BETA INVITATIONS SHALL BE SENT IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS

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The Beta testing stage of the new F-35 project will commence in a couple of weeks - and if you are willing to partecipate to the testing, here is how to apply.

Minimum Hardware Requirements:
This F-35 is a high detail model, both graphically and computationally - it will not run properly, or with decent frame rates, on a low end computer. Minimum hardware requirements are as follows:

CPU: Quad Core, 3 GHz minimum
GPU: Nvdia 660 or above, minimum 2Gb dedicated video memory
RAM: 6Gb minimum
Hard disk: Installation should be around 500Mb (but will depend on the number of liveries I will include)

Required Software Platform: This project is strictly dependant on Prepar3D v2.5 (or above) and Tacpack functionalites. They are required for the F-35 to work properly. I may be interested to have one or two testers without Tacpack to check the non-tactical functionalities.

Main software platform: Lockheed Martin Prepar3D v2.5 (updated to latest version - hotfix 4)
Tacpack: updated to latest version (currently 1.4.2.6)

Knowledge:

I am looking for testers with various degrees of aeronautical knowledge and realism expectations. Still, all testers are expected to be able to install add-ons autonomously, and have some understanding of P3Dv2 configuration and settings.
Please bear in mind that package is designed to depict the F-35 in a reasonably realistic fashion - so it will be a good thing that you have some knowledge of the F-35 program and features, as well as a decent knowledge of how a jet fighter performs in reality.

Rules:

- Take your time to test the F-35. If you do not have time, there is no point in joining the Beta.
- Please log a minimum of 3 hours, 10 take-offs and 10 landings on the F-35 before reporting anything.
- Please make sure the issue you are reporting isn't already in the "known issues" list.
- If you find a problem or a malfunction, please make sure you can replicate it and be as detailed as possible
- Issues, problems or malfunctions shall be reported exclusively in the ways I will dictate
- You may be kicked out of the Beta at any time, without notice (sorry for that...but some people really deserve it)
- You do not get any compensation but the fun of testing it
- Please do not post screenshots, reviews or comments on the Beta... just because it is a Beta.
- Maximum number of testers is 10: sorry but I cannot handle more than that

I am sorry to dictate rules... but otherwise the Beta will become an uncontrolled mess. I am sure you will understand.

How to apply

If you have read this post carefully...please read it again. Then if you think you can comply to the requirements and the rules please send an email to indiafoxtecho@gmail.com as follows:
The email title must be: F-35V3 Beta Testing Application
In the email you must specify your hardware and software configuration, as well as your general knowledge/skill level of aeronautics and simulation - and wether or not you have some knowledge of the real world F-35 project.

Thanks for your help and... good luck for the selection.

F-35 project update

AL-1 in flight over Cameri... just a few hours after the first flight in real life

 

F-35B BK-01 - First British aicraft - Britain will buy only the STOVL version (although the F-35C was considered at a certain point)...

WIP picture of the "see through" feature of the HMD. As in real life, pilot can choose to project DAS imagery on the helmet, and have it aligned to the real world... as result, the pilot can look through the cockpit as if aicraft it was transparent. In real life the current HMD are monochromatic green.

Livery for the R.A.A.F. - I have already made at least a livery for each nation who has an aircraft actually flying in real life.

In the past few months I have been posting much more on Facebook than on this blog - it is a faster way to share information and collect feedback very quickly. Still, this blog is still the main reference for my activities - and here is a quick update for the F-35 Lightning II version 3.0.

First and foremost, I am working with an accountant to check the viability of a payware distribution. Sorry for that, but the development costs have been really high (few thousands euros...)... and will be higher if I'll decide to add the F-35C (at the moment, only the F-35A and F-35B are featured).
I still need to figure out the potential revenue, expenses and taxes... if it turns out that the project is at loss...well, I'll release it for free. It will probably be in the 20€ area price range.

The project at the moment is being developed uniquely for Prepar3d V2.5 (and above) and utilizes some of its unique features intensively (e.g. radar visualization service and render-to-texture features). Weapon functionality is provided by Tacpack. I do not rule out a FSX version in future - but, if it will ever be done, I will need to get rid of some of the new features.

The visual model is hopefully a good improvement over the previous version - better, more realistic textures and additional 3D detail. I like the new model much better.
I have made some substantial changes to the flight model, too, and it seems to match the (few) data currently available (there are some clear numbers circulating in official PowerPoint slides about subsonic and transonic acceleration).
The cockpit model is (slightly) more detailed, it has been upgraded to the latest cockpit configuration and features higher resolution textures.
The biggest change is probably in the avionics - the MFD has been vastly rewritten and it should be much closer to the real deal. Still a far cry from the real deal, but probably it is by far the closest thing to the real F-35 a consumer can buy.   
The HMD has been slightly updgraded too, with corrections to the symbology....and the "X-ray vision" feature unique to the F-35 (i.e. the ability for the pilot to look though the aircraft).

All in all I am quite happy with it - although I think I need another month to complete it.
A Beta version may be ready in 3 weeks or so... I will make a post on how to apply for it.

Projects update (a.k.a. lack of time complaint)....

My real life if job is consuming most of my time and life-force... and this is the reason for my recent lack of updates. Here is a quick recap.

F-35 Version 3.00 (Potentially Prepar3D v2.00 only)
The updated visual model for the F-35B is ready, and looks way better than the previous version. Experiments with TFLIR, DAS and ASR modes under P3Dv2+Tacpack were largely positive, albeit simultaneous usage of TFLIR + DAS on separate images uses too much video memory.
The plan now includes the F-35A... so the next milestone is to complete the new -A model.
With the current pace, it will be ready after the summer.

MB.339 and Eurofighter TyphoonThey both look very promising, but I do not have time right now to develop them. So they are ON HOLD. Priority is given to the new F-35. Which of the two I'll prioritize after the F-35 it is still TBD.

S-3B Viking UpdateAnother thing I have been promising for too long. Could not find the time for it either.

MB.326, F-14D Tomcat and T-45C Goshawk Prepar3Dv2-specific versionsI have been experimenting with all of them. No time for them either at the moment.

F-35 Project version 3.00

Here are some preview pictures of the new version of the F-35 for Prepar3D v2.5.
This new version will be an improvement of the previous freeware package.
Some of the main features will be:
- Focus on F-35B model
- Higher detail external model with better textures...
- Updated virtual cockpit, with higher definition textures and improved modeling
- Support for TFLIR, DAS, ASR modes (tbc)
- Improved fidelity of pilot interface
- Improved flight model (according to the latest publicly available information)

...project resources and technical constraints are limiting the scope of the project to the F-35B (STOVL) only. There is some chance I will include the F-35A (CTOL), too... while at the moment the -C (CATOBAR) version is ruled out (more details to follow).
My scope is to keep the project FREE, but the development costs have been relatively high so far... so I may need to ask for a small admission fee for this one.

The development platform will be PREPAR3D 2.5 - this does not mean that it will be surely totally uncompatible with FSX (except P3Dv2-specific features, of course), but rather than FSX compatibility is not a priority. If I will have the chance to easily support FSX I will, but do not count on it.

Also, this means that the work on MB.339 and Eurofighter Typhoon is "on hold". I still wish to do both, but I do not have the time to do everything and this looks by far the most promising (and less time consuming) project.

Prepar3D v2 special features....

Ok... I am starting to really love P3Dv2 improvements over FSX: here is a picture of a draft DAS system on the first portal, the ground radar on the second and Tacpack-controlled TFLIR on the fourth one.... P3D allows you to implement render-to-texture images in XML panels in a very easy way... and there is A LOT one can do with this, especially for MFDs like the one on the F-35. Now... hold your horses... there are some bad news:
 - To fully exploit this system, you probably need to be a full-time programmer...and I am not. So I'll stick to some basic functionality.
 - You cannot actually drive the view orientation of render-to-texture cameras straight from your XML code (bummer...you could have had EOTS to track aerial targets around your plane...)
 - There is an impact on the frame rate (albeit not as great as I feared)
 - There are rendering issues in the 2D panel (you see in the pictures that some graphic overlays are missing)... 3D works fine.
 - Apparently there are some bugs (ground radar sometimes failes to initialize)
 - Memory consumption is higher...and P3Dv2 may be more prone to CTD.

I am considering Pros and Cons of this technology...but in the end it is a definite improvement over FSX.

Gumman F-14D release 2.40

Here is a further update to the F-14D Super Tomcat... several minor improvements mostly in the cockpit. I am still not terribly happy on the whole package... but this should be an improvement over the previous releases in any case. Aside please note that this has been primarily developed in Prepar3D v2.4 and v2.5... it is fully compatible with FSX, but, for example, the glass scratch effect does render differently (and does not look that good in FSX IMHO)...but you can remove it at will.
By the way, please have a look at the readme file and in the "optional_features" folder - there you will find instructions on how to enable/disable some features - including the scratch effect and the working mirrors (which only work in P3Dv2).
VERSION 2.40
March 8th, 2015
NOTE: THIS VERSION HAS BEEN DEVELOPED PRIMARILY FOR PREPAR3D V2.X
- Added animated compressor to external model
- Pilot and RIO figures disappear from visual model if their weight is set to zero in the load manager
- Crew helmet visors are down by default (animated with the main canopy)
- New ASI/Machmeter model
- New Altimeter model
- New RMI indicator
- Improved gauges background graphics
- Improved gauges digits display
- Improved accuracy of some gauges
- Improved minor details in the cockpit
- Redone backlighting in the VC
- Fixed ADF frequency display
- Fixed clock animation
- Improved throttle lever animation (now with notches for A/B and STOP postion...Control+Shift+F1 to move to STOP)
- Added canopy glass scrathes (may be a little overdone in FSX... see below if you wish to remove them)
- OPTIONAL FEATURE: Possibility to add working mirrors in P3Dv2
- OPTIONAL FEATURE: Possibility to remove glass scratches
- OPTIONAL FEATURE: Possibility to remove ALL the reflections in the cockpit

For the moment the file will only be available on this blog - just to make sure everything works as intended. Download link is on the side bar as usual.