SIAI Marchetti S-211 / Aermacchi M-311 / M-345 PBR Update (and other news on this project)

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IMPORTANT: FILES UPLOADED INITIALLY (v1.20)
HAD A CORRUPTED NORMAL MAP REFERENCE
AND CAUSED VISUAL ISSUES IN THE S-211 MODEL.
FILES HAVE BEEN REUPOLOADED AND UPDATED 

TO VERSION 1.21 - ISSUE SHOULD BE FIXED NOW

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While the S-211/M-345 has been my test bed for PBR technologies, I've never found the time to properly package the resulting files into a coherent update...but I decided to dedicate some time to release this update for a number of reasons.
For one, the S-211 has been also developed for other platforms including X-Plane 11... it is basically done, but needs improvement on the flight model and then some further testing will be needed. XP11 has a very neat PBR implementation which looks cool… you can see some photos on my facebook page.
Speaking of other platforms, I have just received a notice that AFS2 is being updated and the update can break the compatibility of the S-211... Right now it is still working, but if is breaks I will fix it when I'll have some time.
Anyway, here is the change log for the Prepar3D version. NOTE THAT THIS UPDATE IS COMPATIBLE ONLY WITH P3Dv4.4 AND ABOVE. If you install it on previous versions of Prepa3D or Flight Simulator, you will not be able to load the plane in the sim anymore...and you'll have to reinstall the base package.

CHANGE LOG

Version 1.20 - 23/05/2019
THIS UPDATE IS COMPATIBLE ONLY WITH P3D V4.4 AND ABOVE
- Redone all external models and added textures to support PBR technology

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

Also, few months ago Leonardo made the first flight of the first M-345 from serial production. The aircraft is a little different from the demonstrator and the prototypes that I have depicted. There are a number of changes which you can see in the photo below, and which I'd like to implement some time in the future. The major changes are:

- New nose shape (shorter than the prototype, closer to the S-211 nose)
- New wing tips
- Addition of formation lights
- New Landing gear
- New auxiliary air intakes and exhausts
- New LED landing lights
- New panelization of the fuselage
- Adoption of MK-16 ejection seats
- Different positions of antennas and sensors

…these are not big changes, but some of are quite annoying to make. But I'll do them when I will have some more time.

On the left (in primer), the first production aircraft, on the right (grey livery) the prototype.

SIAI Marchetti S-211 for Aerofly FS 2 - update to version 1.04

The latest update to Aerofly FS2 has introduced some changes that broke the compatibility with the S-211. The aircraft was still selectable from the menu, but could not be loaded (the sim reverted to the default C172 upon loading).
Apparently the compatibility issue is confined to the generator code, which has been replaced.
Here is an update to fix the issue.


CHANGE LOG:

Version 1.04
13/03/2019
- Changed generator code for compatibility with latest version of Aerofly FS2

Updated version (full install) can be downloaded from the side bar or by clicking HERE.

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).

SIAI Marchetti S-211 / Aermacchi M-311 / M-345 / M-345 HET PAINT KIT

Upon request, here is the paint kit for the payware S-211/M-311/M-345 package (actually I had already uploaded it on my Google Drive and sent it upon request).
Files are provided in layered PSD format - with separate layers form mechanical details, servicing decals, rivets, panel lines and ambient occlusion.

A sample file is provided for each of the 3 visual models (S-211, M-311/M-345 prototypes and M-345 HET) - this should be enough for most repainters to work proficiently.
Just remember that the M-311 and -345 have ventral fins which the S-211 does not have, and then the M-345HET has longer fuselage and different air intakes.

The paintkit is also valid for the freeware S-211 for Aerofly FS2 and for the future S-211 for X-Plane 11.

These files are provided for free to repainters ONLY to create new liveries for the S-211/M-311/M-345 and M-345HET model: any other usage is prohibited.

As usual, you can download the paintkit by either clicking HERE or from the menu on the side bar.

F-35 LIGHTNING II - PAINTKIT FOR V3.XX

As some of you have requested it, here is the paint kit for the payware F-35 Lightning II.

Files are provided in layered PSD format as follows (layer structure top to bottom):
- Ambient Occlusion: multiply layer that superimposed the precalculated ambient occlusion shadows
- GreyToneForMarkings: darken layer to set the brightest grey tone in the livery. This was introduced to dim all the markings as they were too bright.
- Nation specific color: normal layer with the full livery; a sample for each nation is provided. All layers are blanked by default. You can delete the portions you do not need and merge it with the base color layer below.
- Base color: clean livery with only base markings for servicing.

These files are provided for free to repainters ONLY to create new liveries for the F-35.
Any other usage of these files, included but not limited to, applying these texture to other F-35 models is prohibited.
Repaints created with this package can be freely distributed

As usual you can download it by clicking HERE or from the menu on the side bar.

USS America LHA6 - Public Beta

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UPDATE TO VERSION 0.12
See release notes in later post
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UPDATE TO VERSION 0.11
I have been notified that the names in the sim.cfg may cause issues in AICarriers - the objects have been renamed and should work now, but please let me know
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Happy 4th of July to all my American supporters!
As some of you are aware of, lately I have been working on a USS America model - this was developed mostly because I wanted a proper "home" for my F-35B.
This was initially intended to be part of the next update to the F-35 project… but I thought it was better to release it for free for a number of reasons: for one, the development resources spent for this ship have been quite limited….but the main one is that I think that a ship like this was much needed, not only for the F-35, but also for the SH-60, CH-53 and Osprey pilots.
Given that this is my first ship, most likely there will be a number of inaccuracies and mistakes: suggestions and bug reports are welcome, as usual - if at all possible submit your feedback as comments of this post.

NOTE: This is SimObject boat! You need Tacpack, AICarriers, SimDirector or similar applications to spawn it in game.

Features:
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- Detailed model of USS America LHA-6, including aicrafts and deck crew.
- Three configurations:
 - Empty deck
 - F-35 Operations
 - MV-22 Operations
- Landable deck
- Night Lighting (preliminary)
NOTE: THIS MODEL CURRENTLY HAS NO ASSOCIATED NAVAIDS.


You can dowload the BETA version by clicking HERE.

Eurofighter Update to version 1.11 (Patch)

This is an update to the latest retail version of the Eurofighter 2000 package for FSX and P3D.

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To install the patch:
FIRST you need to install the latest version of the Eurofighter package in the simulator of your choice.
You can get it from your distributor of choice (SimMarket, FlightSimStore, FSPilot Shop and PCPilotShop). Current version is 1.10.To do this you simple direct the installation folder to the MAIN folder of the simulator you chose.
Then you should take the Eurofighter_2000 folder included in this zip file and drop it to the /SimObjects/Aircraft subfolder.
You will be notified that a number of files will be overwritten, and you should accept it at the prompt.

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CHANGES WITH RESPECT TO VERSION 1.10
- Fixed bug preventing the laser spot designator from correctly pointing towards PP target
- Fixed bug preventing the targeting logic from correcly uploading GPS coordinates for PP targets in some instances
- Introduced the necessity to press FCS RESET button when engines are powered up to align control surfaces.
  This is not required if the flight is started in mid-air, or if the avionics are set with Control+Shift+R
- Extension of fuel probe now automatically selects the FUEL page on Right MHDD
- HUD now shows the "REFUELING" caption if fuel is being transfered by a Tacpack tanker
- Added Lift Dump animation: if aicraft is on the ground, throttles are idle and PoF is LANDING, Canards and Tailerons will move to the maximum drag position.
- Added 36th Stormo repaint courtesy of Tim Brennan
- Added RAF 100 Years repaint courtesy of Matt Kingscott
- Added Cyber Tiger repaint courtesy of Marius Krämer (https://edrm-repaints.com/)

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

P3Dv4 x64 COMPATIBILITY PATCH FOR PAYWARE F-35 LIGHTING II PACKAGE

Here is an "interim" patch to solve the compatibility issues of the payware F-35 with P3Dv4.
In the long term, I'd like to release an upgrade version of the F-35 which will include a number of improvements and minor bug fixes... but at the moment I do not have the time for that.

The payware F-35 can be installed in P3Dv4 simply pointing at P3Dv4 main folder during the installation process. However, the F-35 uses some special x86 dlls which will not work in P3Dv4.
This patch will fix the outstanding incompatibility issues of the payware F-35 with P3Dv4, namely:
- STOVL functions not working
- Miscellaneous sound effects missing
- ICAWS audio alerts missing
- Miscellaneous issues with the fuel system

TO INSTALL THE PATCH:

1) If you have not done it already, install the F-35 into P3Dv4 (just point to P3Dv4 instead of P3Dv4 when prompted to indicate the installation folder)

2) Take the "panel" folder contained in this .zip file and paste it in the F-35A folder. Allow files to be overwritten if asked (NOTE - to do this you must be an Administrator).
The operation most ONLY be done on the F-35A folder. The -B and -C version read the code from there.

3) ...that is it. To verify the installation is OK, just cause any event that triggers the ICAWS and hear the alert, or try the STOVL mode.
 Note that the STOVL green copyright notice will not appear anymore.

CREDITS
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X64 Sound module and x64 Fuel Dump module are copyright of Doug Dawson
Maryadi, for the X64 STOVL module (see rcb-gauges subfolder for full readme on this module)

The patch can be loaded from Google Drive by either clicking HERE or from the side bar (payware section).

Aermacchi MB.326 version 1.10 release

Time for the first update to the Aermacchi MB.326. No big changes but several small fixes to some minor defects that were part of the original 1.00 build.

Changes as follows:

VERSION 1.10
9th March 2015
- Added pilot visor animation (secondary exit SHIFT+E then 2)
- Fixed multiple issues with G version weight and balance configuration
- Fixed multiple issues with G version Tacpack configuration
- Fixed bug showing interanl gun effects on G version
- Fixed bug preventing LIGHT TEST switch to work in FSX
- Fixed bug that made landing gear lever Mouse Area non working in FSX
- Fixed bug preventing FUEL PUMP switch to work in FSX
- Added support for MATRA M-155 rocket pod in Tacpack
- Fixed checklist and reference speed html files

As usual, download is on the side bar.
For the moment this and the F-14D update will only be hosted on this blog because, for some reason, uploading to Avsim and Flightsim is painfully slow from my home in these days...

Aside, in the near future I will probably start releasing P3Dv2-only updates for some projects... more news soon.

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.

Aermacchi MB.326 version 1.00

After more than one year of work, here is the Aermacchi MB.326 version 1.00 release. This is a very special model for me, as I had the unique chance to fly on the only MB.326 in flight conditions in Europe - that was my first (and hopefully not last) ride in a military jet... and needless to say it was awesome, and I completely fell in love with this aicraft.
First thing I'd like to thank Alessandro Barbarini who created the fantastic external textures I am sure you will enjoy. They look awesome, and raised the quality bar significantly.
Also, I'd like to thank Roy Holmes, for a very realistic flight model, and Mario Motta for his modules, which bring payload configuration capabilities and VACMI support, and flight testing (Mario has hundreds of flying hours in the real Macchino). Also, a big thank you to Serge Luzin who provided a great sound package, based on real world recordings (in cockpit sounds come straight from the recordings of my own flight).

The model supports BOTH Sim Skunk Works vACMI and Vertical Reality Simulation Tacpack weapon packages. By default, it is set to support vACMI - please see the documentation on how to enable Tacpack of you use the latter.

I had no time to squash all the bugs, and I am sure more will pop-up after a the release... still it should be OK as is for the vast majority of the users.
It is a "control+e" model, meaning it is not meant to provide a 100% exact simulation of the real aicraft... but you should be able to start it "cold and dark" and use it as a basic military trainer. Actually our target was to create a realistic and complete freeware rendition of this fantastic light jet... we are happy with the result, and we hope you will be too.

Have fun!
...and yes, the download link is in the side bar, as usual!

End of Beta stage and paintkit release

Thanks for the oustanding feedback on the MB.326 Beta - I am going through the bugs list and I have already solved many of them. As consequence, the Beta1 build is now outdated, and I will withdraw it from download in the next few days.If you want to download the Beta, I urge you to do so in asap. I will keep on collecting feedback and fixing bugs. I am looking to release version 1.00 within a couple of weeks in the worst case.

Aside, on top of the excellent work he did for the liveries, Alessandro was so kind to provide me (and you) with a paintkit for the MB.326, in layered PSD format.
This file is provided "as is" - no guarantee of any kind and no support whatsoever will be provided.
Please:
- Note that the intended usage of these files is to create freeware liveries for the MB.326. Please refrain from redistributing these files or content derivative of these files for profit.
- Please DO NOT share or distribute repaint until version 1.00 of this package is officially released from this blog. We may need to make changes to the package and to the folder structure...most probably including a specific folder to support twin seater versions with MK.540 engine.
If you promise you will stick to these (simple) rules, you are welcome to download the paintkit by clicking HERE.

Aermacchi MB.326 Package - Public Beta Release

NOTE: BETA VESION IS NOW OUTDATE BY THE NEWER INTERNAL BUILDS, THEREFORE IS NO MORE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD.
THE OFFICIAL 1.0 RELEASE SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS...PLEASE BE PATIENT!

Here we are with the public Beta version of the Aermacchi MB.326 - this is a very special project for me, as this is the only military jet I had the pleasure to fly in reality (yes - I was in control for few minutes, but still it was an amazing and unforgettable experience).

First thing, I'd like to thank all the people involved in this project:

Alessandro Barbarini, who volunteered to redo the external textures and did an Amazing job and was a continous driver for improvements; Roy Holmes who created a very realistic flight model (I invite you to check it against actual flight manuals and be amazed by the accuracy), Mario Motta who provided additional coding and flight testing (Mario has hundreds of real-life flight hours on the 326) and Serge Luzin who, as usual, created an exceptional sound package (some of it is based on recordings taken on my joy-ride).

THANK YOU ALL - IT HAS BEEN A GREAT FUN WORKING WITH YOU ON THIS ONE!!!!

That being said, here are some things you need to know about this Beta version:

• This package depicts several versions of the Aermacchi MB.326, which can be divided in two-seater unarmed versions, two-seater armed versions and single-seater armed versions.
• There is only one virtual cockpit model. This is sort of an average between the different layouts of the mid-late 70's... hence it is similar, but not exactly the same, as any real-life version. This is a compromise I had to make to keep the project to a manageable size.
• The project has been tested in FSX:Acceleration and in P3DV2. It has not been tested in FSX-Steam Edition, nor in FSX:SP1/SP2 and may not work.
• The package supports both VACMI from Sim Skunk Works and Tacpack from Vertical Reality Simulations. Those are two add-on packages that allow FSX/P3Dv2 to have working weapons functionality. At the time I am writing, VACMI is the only one that supports P3Dv2.

To make weapons work with VACMI
The package should work without any modification under VACMI. You should, however, disable collisions with other aircrafts - otherwise, releasing a bomb may cause a collision with the aircraft. NOTE - with VACMI the following weapons will not work: MK.76, Magic 550, all guns and gunpods (cosmetic only)

To make weapons work with TACPACKIn order to make weapons work with Tacpack you MUST replace the panel.cfg in the PANEL subfolder of the MB326E folder, with the one contained in the panel_TACPACK_backup. This MUST BE DONE ONLY ON THE MB.326E folder.
NOTE 1 - with Tacpack the following weapons will not work: Matra F2 and 155 rocket pods. 2 - Beta files are not signed for multiplayer in Tacpack. If the server has anti-cheat turned on, you will be kicked out.

To fire weaponsIn order to fire a weapon, apart obviously from loading it in the configurator, you must:
- Switch the Trigger selector switch to ARMT & CAM
- Switch the MASTER ARM to READY
- Select the weapon station you wish to employ (upon pressing the key it turns green if the station ammo is not zero)
- If the weapon you wish to fire is a cannon, you must also turn on the gun power switch
- Within Tacpack: trigger fires all the forward firing weapons, pickle drops the droppable ones.
- Within VACMI: brake key (usually mapped to trigger) fires any weapon
NOTE - Guns visual effects should work even if you have no weapon package installed.

Bug reports
I will keep track of the bugs/change requests in my usual way, that is filling and updating the following list:

Bugs and change request lists
LAST UPDATE 5/2/2015

Visual Model:
MB326MDL1 - Inner frame of canopy on single-seater model has defective geometry (visible when canopy is open, single seater model only). Fixed, 3D part redone.
MB326MDL2 - Position light reflection too big. Fixed, created bespoke effect.
MB326MDL3 - Aileron trim animation not working. Actually this was not coded in the .mdl. - no time to redo all the models, considered a minor issue -> moving forward with this. 
MB326MDL4 - Upper beacon light way too strong. Fixed, created bespoke effect.

Virtual Cockpit:
MB326VC1 - HSI pointer no.2 points to wrong direction. Should point towards selected NDB. station.
MB326VC2 - NDB frequency cannot be selected in the Virtual Cockpit. Fixed. User can now click in the ADF window to select the frequency.
MB326VC3 - Gear warning light does not work. FIXED. Gear warning light now works.
MB326VC4 - Would be cool to have model-specific VC (specific VC for K model, and/or one for unarmed models)- CLOSED - created additional folder with two seater model with MK.540 engine
MB326VC5 - Throttle animation does not work in the released model. FIXED - Wrong system simulation files went into Beta build. Please download BETA1A.
MB326VC6 - Miscellaneous avionic malfuctions. FIXED - Wrong system simulation files went into Beta build. Please download BETA1A.
MB326VC7 - HSI/RMI button do not work in FSX. They work fine in P3Dv2. Difficult bug to solve...it appears to be related to detection of Mouse click areas. FIXED - Reset scale in 3D model fixed it
MB326VC8 - Oxy button linked to Master Arm. FIXED animation in 3D model
MB326VC9 - Cabin pressure altimeter not working. FIXED animation in 3D model
MB326VC10 - Radio and advisory panels remain lit even in power is absent from the main bus.
MB326VC11 - Canopy lock lever not working in FSX (but works in P3Dv2, likely to be a reset-scale bug). FIXED reset scale solved the issue.
MB326VC12 - Clock "hours" needle not working. FIXED animation sequence in 3D model. NOTE: it may also apply to other projects.
MB326VC13 - Turn coordinator seems to have inverted motion.
MB326VC14 - Upper beacon light too strong.
MB326VC15 - Pitot heat indicator not working. FIXED - Pitot heat now working.
MB326VC16 - Check rudder trim switch animation. FIXED - implemented standard trim rocker animation.
MB326VC17 - One nav button inop, also in general, only standby frequencies can be changed. Closed. Fixed nav button, still user can only change standby frequencies.
MB326VC18 - Radio power button not working, also, avionics switch button missing. Fixed.
MB326VC19 - Emergency landing gear not working
MB326VC20 - Canopy frame texture improvement. Fixed - Redone all canopy texture and improved geometry.
MB326VC21 - Gunsight support graphical improvement. Open.
MB326VC22 - Control stick graphical improvement. Closed. Redone model and textures.
MB326VC23 - Ejection seat graphical improvement. Open
MB326VC24 - Further reduction of instrument glass reflection. Closed. Increased effect transparency by 50%.
MB326VC25 - Provide option to remove canopy scratches etc. Closed. Provided alternate texture in "optional_features" folder.
MB326VC26 - Trim NEUT flag indications not working. Closed. Fixed formulas in Modeldef.xml
MB326VC27 - EXT FUEL TRANSF gauge does not work. Closed. Albeit fuel transfer functions are not implemented, EXT FUEL TRANSF flag will now show ON if there is more than 5% fuel in any of the external fuel tanks.

Flight Model:
MB326FM1 - Currently "G" models (which have Viper 540 engine) do not have a specific flight model assigned. Added custom folder. Fixed.
MB326FM2 - Real Aircraft had no autopilot... change autopilot setting accordingly on all aicrafts. Fixed. Autopilot removed. 

Sound package:
MB326SND1 - Gear warning horn sound does not work. FIXED
MB326SND2 - Gun sound effects do not work. FIXEDMB326SND3 - Add high-G breathing sound. FIXED 

Weapons functionality:
MB326WP1 - Tacpack incompatibility (loads still suspended after release). FIXED - Wrong system simulation files went into Beta build. Please download BETA1A.
MB326WP2 - Minigun visual effect on STA2 does not work. Could not replicate the bug. ON HOLD - CLOSED. This is dependant on visual effect settings / rendering engine. Code is correct, just does not show in some cases.
MB326WP3 - Under VACMI, when selecting STA6 release, STA5 is fired. FIXED - Bug in Tactical module, found and fixed.
MB326WP4 - Under Tacpack, gun trigger does not seen to work. FIXED - Identified bug in Tactical module
MB326WP5 - Under Tacpack, files NOT signed for multiplayer. Intentional in the Beta.
MB326WP6 - Under Tacpack, cannot load SUU-11 on STA2. FIXED - Bug in Tacpack.ini file, wrong assignment for that station.

General and Others:
MB326GEN1 - Checklist and product documentation are missing.
MB326GEN2 - Removed repaint of the aicraft involved in the Casalecchio di Reno accident.
MB326GEN3 - Write a flight manual. Note: T-45 flight manual included by mistake.
MB326GEN4 - Minor mistake in scrape points, light assignment, fuel system in aicraft.cfg Fixed
MB326GEN5 - Tacpack debug screen instead of GPS - Fixed.
MB326GEN6 - Nav radio 2 not configured but present - Removed NAV2 radio from radio panel.
MB326GEN7 - Old texture set left in by mistake and unreferenced - Fixed, texture set removed.
MB326GEN8 - Abnormally high data packet consumption in multiplayer - Fixed. - Bug in gun effect code. 

Color key as follows:

RED - Severe problem. Product should not be released until the issue is solved, or, should the problem become too difficult or time consuming to solve, users must be clearly notified of the defect. Solving such issues is a very high priority.

ORANGE - Moderately severe issue...it will be perceived as a defect by most users. High priority.

YELLOW - Minor issue. Better fix it, but low priority...and will not be noted by most users.

GREEN - Issue solved, still on the list for the record or verification.

BLUE - Possible improvement / nice to have: product is not defective as is, but could be better. May be introduced with an update later on.

How to download the BETA:
Beta version is now outdated and is no more available for download.

T-45C Goshawk version 2.70 (final?) release

As previously announced, here is a further update to the T-45C Goshawk project. Specifically, and tentatively, this is meant to be the last and final update to the project. Of course it is possible that I have made some mistakes and introduced new bugs... so there may be a fix if there are major mistakes.
Anyway, the intent is to cease the support and updates for this project, given that I do not have enough time to keep on updating my older planes while making new ones. I am really sorry for this, but I cannot support this anymore. So, support and updates for older projects will cease to allow the full scale development of new ones (announcement soon!)...

This version introduces working mirrors for P3Dv2 users (which are OFF by default... you need to manually install the feature...see the information below) and a new canopy glass rendering which includes scratches - I am sure that some of you will not like it, so there is an option to remove them (again, see information below). I also though it was worth making an extra effort and remaster all the external features, which now have more details and should hopefully look better. Here is the full list of changes:

VERSION 2.70
- Improved canopy reflection, which hopefully will fit better to P3Dv2 rendering engine
- Addition of canopy "scratch" texture as implemented in the S-3, with option to remove it.
  NOTE: To remove the scratches from the canopy look into the OPTIONAL FEATURES/NO SCRATCHES subfolder and:
  grab the scratch_reflection.dds and replace the default one in the TEXTURE folder.
  You may want to backup the original files.  
- Optional VC model with working mirrors for P3Dv2 users (comes at a frame rate hit)
  NOTE: To install this feature, please look into the OPTIONAL FEATURES/WORKING MIRRORS subfolder and:
  1 - Replace the aicraft.cfg with the one in this folder.
  2 - Replace the T45C2.mdl in the MODEL folder with the one in this folder. 
  You may want to backup the original files. 
- Fix to ADF digital display
- Improved graphics of some gauges, and new ASI/Machmeter and Altimeter models
- Remove the environmental reflection from the external model (users reported rendering problems)
- Fix to a minor backlighting issue in cockpit view
- Fix to a minor glitch in the weapon configurator
- Remastered external textures with additional details
- Helmet visors are now down by default: Exit-3 command will raise them (SHIFT+E and then 3)
- Swapped ADI/HSI default configuration
- Setting pilot or instructor weight to 0 will make the relevant crew figure disappear.

Download from the side bar as usual.

S-3B Viking v1.00 release

Well, I have to confess that the S-3B is still nowhere I'd like it to be in terms of quality. To me, it was not as satisfactory as the previous project, and the resulting quality and accuracy still leaves a lot to be desired. Anyway, I believe it can still be considered a decent piece of freeware and it is probably the best rendition of the Viking around. So I guess I should be happy...
Anyway, I have fixed some of the small issues that emerged after the 0.99 release - and given that I will not have much time in the next few weeks, I have decided to release version 1.00 "as it is" tonight. It is not significantly better than 0.99, but considering that no major bugs were detected I think it should be OK for most users.

With respect to the 0.99 Beta, changes are as follows:

CHANGE LOG
*************
Version 1.00
September 15th 2014

- Improved glass reflection
- Fixed aicraft.cfg entry os that NASA livery was not listed
- Fixed aicraft.cfg manufacturer entry
- Fixed texture on copilot seat (did not match placard)
- Fixed strobe, navigation and formation light switches not working in VC
- Improved flight model, should provide more accurate speeds
- Replaced ASI/Mach and altimeter models with more accurate ones
- Fixed elevator and trim indicators not working
- Fixed landing gear doors reflections
- Fixed APU door is now animated (open and closes with APU switch)
- Files are now signed for Tacpack Multiplayer

NOWN ISSUES IN THIS RELEASE
****************************
- Landing light does not illuminate the ground (compiling the light in the mdl does not work for some reason I do not understand...so the light effect is in the aicraft.cfg - this is why it does not illuminate the ground)
- Authrottle not working as intended (root cause not identified)
- Some users reported issues with the launch bar, but could not be replicated (launch bar does not have issues on my system and seems to work fine - if you have "bumping" issues you may consider not to apply full throttle before launching)

File can be downloaded from the side bar as usual.

So, once again, I am not really proud of this one - it seems a little below my other projects. Still the Viking is such an awesome machine that, hopefully, some of its awesomeness will show in this rendition.
 
One last thing - the AI-tanker model is ready but there is a strange (and not yet solved) bug in the hose animation. I am considering to change it to an on/off condition - anyway I'll try to fin the time to release in the next few days, but do not count on that...

S-3B Viking version 0.99 release

Well, given that my vacations are approaching and I ran out of steam on the S-3B Viking, I have put togheter the most complete build I could and so here is version 0.99 for you to download.
There are several minor known bugs, (hence it is not named version 1.00) but there is no way for me fix them in a reasonable time - and given the feeback on the Beta, I believe the current build is good enough for the vast majority of the users.

One of the biggest shortcomings is that this rendition cannot be used, as it is, as a tanker for other aicrafts.... I will release separate file with a suitable model soon.

Anyway, I hope you'll like it - download from the side bar as usual (note: it is a quite large file...aboy 250Mb. This may easily saturate the daily Google Drive bandwith... in case you are unluckly and cannot dowload the file, you can try in a day or two...from my experience, in 2 or 3 days there will be no problems)...

 

...and F-14D Tomcat upgraded to version 2.35.

Yet another small upgrade to the F-14D Tomcat. I do not see major improvements in the FSX environment...it may be finally worth moving to Prepar3D v2.X as main development environment, maybe. Anyway, changes are as follows:

VERSION 2.35
July 23rd, 2014
- added ADF needle in MFD HSD
- fixed HSEL/CSEL section in MFD ADI
- fixed and updated flight manual
- added code for automatic launch bar retraction
- added 2D panels (MFD 1, 2, 3 and PTID - note: PTID must still be turned on in the RIO cokpit. 2D displays are controlled as touchscreen)
NOTE: as pointed out by many users, some soft keys are not working. This appears to be a mouse click area detection bug in the FSX engine, since the code has been checked several times and found to be completely correct.
Also, moving the point of view inside the cockpit will make them work... so sorry if it detracts from the experience but I see no wat to solve it.

Download from the side bar as usual.

T-45C Goshawk updated to version 2.66...

***************************************************
NOTE: VERSION 2.65 HAD WRONG ANTI-CHEAT KEYS.
KEYS HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN VERSION 2.65
***************************************************

Following the release of Tacpack version 1.4.1.6 (which introduces training bombs), here is a small upgrade to the T-45C Goshawk. I took the chance to introduce some fixes and add a couple of user-requested features like the 2D MFDs. Download from the side bar as usual.

VERSION 2.66

- FIXED TACPACK ANTI-CHEAT KEYS

VERSION 2.65

NOTE: BEFORE INSTALLING THIS VERSION YOU SHOULD COMPLETELY DELETE THE PREVIOUS ONE.
- Added (subtle) environment reflection to the external visual model
- Added working training bombs (requires Tacpack 1.4.1.6), to implement this payload stations have been changed as follows:
  applying 125lbs to wing pylons will make the bob rack appear; applying 25lbs to the auxiliary stations will make a bomb appear.
- All A/S weapons in Tacpack are now released by pressing the Pickle
- It is possible to pick CCIP option in the MFD/STRS page.
  Note that neither the CCIP or the manual depression reticle have been tested for alignment and they are almost a gimmick.
- Added station direction indication for VORs to the MFD-HSI page
- Added station direction indication for Tacpack-spawned Tacans to the MFD-HSI page
- Added station direction indication for NDBs to the MFD-HSI page (fictional, added for training purposes)
- Added ILS needles to the MFD-ADI page
- Fixed minor backlighting bug in Virtual cockpit
- Fixed minor texturing bug in Virtual cockpit
- Added code to provide automatic retraction of the launch bar
- Added pop-up 2D MFD panels (SHIFT+5 and SHIFT+6) - soft keys on the 2D panel are controlled via "touch screen"
- Minor tweaks to low speed flight dynamics
- Tweaks to .fx effects (should get rid of the infamous red blinking of the VC)
- Manual (finally) upated to reflect recent changes

...and here we go again. F-14D Tomcat Version v2.33

Sorry but I could not resist, and here is another update for the F-14D Tomcat. Thing is, while I was writing the code for the Viking (and for the T-45C update) and following feedback from the users, I realized that there were a couple of missing features in the Tomcat and Goshawk avionics that could be implemented with no effort.

So here we go:

VERSION 2.33
June 27th, 2014
- added ILS needles in MFD ADI
- added ILS needles in MFD HUD
- added VOR bearing needle in HSI
- added Course deviation scale in HSI
- added VRS Carrier support to the HSI (shows as Tacan)

As usual, you can download the file from the side bar.
The T-45C Goshawk update will be held until the new Tacpack update is released.
The S-3B Viking will be released most probably in a couple of weeks.

By the way, I do not have time to upload the file to Avsim and Flightsim (takes more than one hour and sometimes it fails from home!)...so, in general, I will not do it in future.
Should you want to upload the file to any repository, you are welcome to do so - provided the site is free.  In any case, the only place guaranteed to have the latest version is this blog.