F-35 Version 3.67 for Prepar3D V5 - New Installer

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EDIT - A small glitch has been detected in the F-35A PBR models (both in payware P3Dv4 and v5, v5 stock aircraft) so that if spoilers are deployed and rudder is fully deflected to the left, the right rudder detaches from the vertical stabilizer.
You can download a fix by clicking HERE - this is an XML file that goes into the panel/FCS subfolder of the F-35A - whatever version you have - and limits the movement of the rudder. SimMarket installer will be updated to V3.67.
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Prepar3D V5 is launching today and will include a (somewhat simplified) version of my F-35A/B/C models. However there are some changes in the default file names that generate an filename incompatibility with the payware version.
I have therefore created a new installer that will both change the names of the files affected and will also change their cross reference.
The new installer contains ALL the previous patches/updated.

IMPORTANT: the new installer embraces the "ADD-ON" approach of Prepar3D, that is the files of the add-on are NOT placed in the simulator folders, but rather are stored in a separate addo-on folder.
The default location of this add-on folder is \Documents\Prepar3D v5 Add-ons - this is where you should point your installer to.
All add-ons in this folder will be discovered automatically by the simulator and can be switched on and off at will.

PREPAR3D V4 USERS: despite its label, the new installer will also work with Prepar3D v4 and some users may prefer to use it as it also installs all the patches. You can do that, but, if you have previous versions of the F-35 installer, before doing that you should MANUALLY DELETE the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C folders in your SimObjects\Airplanes folder

SimMarket customer should have received an email notification. All the other major distributors of the F-35 are now out of business: if you were one of their customers and wish to receive the new installer drop me an email at indiafoxtecho@gmail.com with proof of purchase and (if you have one) your SimMarket account references (at it may be easier for me to provide a download link through their servers).

NOTE - IN MY INTENTIONS, THIS IS THE FINAL UPGRADE OF THE VERSION 3.00 F-35. I AM WORKING TO SEE IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO BRING THE F-35 TO THE NEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR.

F-35 Lightning II - Update to version 3.65.1 and thoughts

NOTE 1: version 3.65 had a small glitch that prevented correct indication of the CEX Tacan direction in the HUD heading tape in some cases… This has been fixed and the release has been updated to version 3.65.1

NOTE 2: updated to version 3.65.2 to fix incorrect BK-17 squadron assignment

The momentum of the real F-35 program keeps on growing and the plane is achieving a number of milestones around the world. So I decided to release yet another update to my virtual rendition which fixes a couple of bugs and introduces two meaningful repaints, specifically the livery of the No.617 Squadron RAF "the Dambusters" that made history being the first british squadron operating from the deck of the Queen Elizabeth, and VMFA-314 "Black Knights" that is the first USMC squadron flying with the "C" model of the Lightning II.

This is likely to be the last update for the F-35 for Prepar3D v4. I have some ideas to improve the models and I am looking forward to port it to the new Microsoft Flight Simulator… although it is more than likely that many functions, like STOVL flight and XML based MFD/HUDs, will not work in the new Platform (which is also unlikely to support any kind of weapon).
While I am trying to port some of my projects to X-Plane, at the moment I do not plan to convert the F-35 as I do not have the skill to bring it to the same level of functionality of the one done by AoA Simulations.

Anyway here is the change log of this update:

IMPORTANT! THIS UPDATE WILL WORK ONLY WITH P3Dv4.4 and is preconfigured to work with PBR models (so P3Dv4.4 / v4.5)

Version 3.65.1 - 18/11/2019
- Fixed glitch in TACAN direction flag in HUD, causing incorrect indication of the ship direction in some cases
- Fixed version number during MFD startup

Version 3.65 - 17/11/2019
- Added CEX navaids compatibility
- Added VMFA-314 "Black Knights" F-35C livery
- Added no.617 Squadron RAF "Dambusters" F-35B livery
- Fixed glitch in F-35C landing gear door animation on PBR models
- Fixed bug in TACAN to MHz conversion
- Fixed bug that allowed to continue flying in STOVL mode if out of fuel.
  When the engine stops running and the plane is not on the ground, STOVL mode will be deactivated.

SEE VERSION 3.60 FOR INSTALLATION

As usual, the upgrade can be downloaded from the side bar as usual or by clicking HERE.

TA-4 Skyhawk for P3Dv4.4 version 1.07 released

The TA-4 package has been updated to version 1.07...here are the full release notes:

CURRENT VERSION: 1.07
VERSION 1.07 - October 3rd 2019
- Fixed issue preventing ground service carts from showing if selected by the menu
- Slightly reworked mirror effects
- Fixed ADI and backup ADI behavior (hopefully)
- Fixed missing 3D screws in rear cockpit
- Added VMAT-102 repaint courtesy of Matt Levi
- Added VF-43 repaint

There is a small mistake in the VF-43 textures, as the high visibility roundels are missing from the wings… updated textures can be downloaded HERE

Minor Updates for the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35

Here are two small updated to my payware frontline fighters… VERY MINOR tweaks, so, unless you are extremely bothered by one of the issues listed below or have not updated your aircrafts at all, downloading these patches is not really necessary IMHO.

Eurofighter Typhoon
The main reason to update the Eurofighter Typhoon was that, in the lastest FSX build, I used the wrong compiler...this caused some controls in the VC not to work as intended. I took the chance to add some 3D details and fix a couple of minor things.

To install the update, you must have the payware Eurofighter Typhoon version 1.1X or later. The update will work either if you just used the latest full installer (version 1.10 - you can get it from your distributor of choice) or if you had already updated the aircraft to any later version.

This is the list of changes:

Version 1.30 - 07/08/2019
- Fixed a minor issue in ejection seat textures
- Replaced detail textures with 3D objects in VC (screws, rivets)
- Fixed minor 3D object misplacements in VC
- Fixed mouse area bug preventing some knobs from working correctly in FSX
- Fixed bug preventing keyboard release mode selection from working
- Restored mouse clicks and animations for some (non functional) switches

The update must be installed manually (see the README file) and is provided in both 32bit (for FSX:A, FSX:Gold, FSX:SE and any version of P3D prior to v4) and in 64 bit (for P3Dv4.4 and v4.5) formats. Note that P3Dv4.0 to P3Dv4.3 are NOT supported by the 64 bit version (as it uses PBR).
The patch is available from the side bar.

F-35 Lightning IIIf the Eurofighter patch is a very minor one, the one for the F-35 is negligible: basically I spotted some duplicate airframe geometry in the F-35B PBR cockpit model. This causes some minor visual glitches when looking over your shoulders in VC (apart from an unnecessary waste of video resources).

To install the update, you must have the payware F-35 Lightning II version 3.5X or later. The update will work either if you just used the latest full installer (version 3.50 - you can get it from your distributor of choice) or if you had already updated the aircraft to any later version.

This is the (very long) list of changes:

Version 3.62 - 07/08/2019
- Removed duplicate geometry from F-35B cockpit causing unnecessary video memory consumption and visual glitches.

The update must be installed manually (see the README file) and will work ONLY with P3Dv4.4 or above (as it is a PBR model).  The patch is available from the side bar.

SIAI Marchetti S-211 for Aerofly FS2 (Freeware) - UPDATE to version 1.05

A recent update to Aerofly FS2 broke the compatibility of the freeware SIAI-Marchetti S-211 model I released for free some time ago.
Here is an updated version that should fix the issue.
To IPACS credit, they are now sending an email to developers to which the provide an "early warning" of possible incompatibilities, and once you get used to read the .log file of the simulator, it is relatively easy to apply the required changes.

 I wish I had more time to convert other planes to AFS2 - it is still far Beyond P3D or XP11 in some areas, but it is a respectable flight simulator on its own and it is still my go-to simulator whenever my friends want to try Virtual Reality at my place - performance is stellar, and even with the most complex Orbx sceneries it is super-smooth and provides a great sense of immersion.

Anyway, change log is as follows:


Version 1.05
20/06/2019
- Changed tmd code for compatibility with latest version of Aerofly FS2

And as usual it can either be downloaded by following the link on the side bar, or by clicking HERE.

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).

Eurofighter Typhoon Update to version 1.23 (with PBR support)

As (to some extent) expected with a major update, Eurofighter v1.22 release included a couple of bugs and highlighted some existing defects. The most annoying bug is the fact that the updated FCS code did not work as intended and caused the plane to pitch up requiring constant pilot action - I consider this a severe defect and given that probably I will not have much time in the next few days, I have decided to address it immediately with a further update.

Aside, some users reported a loss in frame rate after the PBR update: this is generally to be expected for PBR models, as the compiled model file (.mdl) is larger and uses more textures video memory. On my system, which has a GTX-1080, there is not a big difference - but from time to time you may have a slight delay in loading the PBR textures while switching between external and virtual cockpit views.

I have also heard "rumors" (meaning that I had no direct report of that) of users experiencing a drop in frame rates also with non-PBR models and also in previous updates. Frankly, since the modifications to the code were minimal, it is difficult for me to say if the frame rate drop is due to the Eurofighter update or by other reasons. The only thing I have noticed is that there was a missing texture (the fresnel ramp texture used in the canopy) - missing textures may reduce the performance a little...but this should be barely noticeable. Anyway I have included the missing texture in this update.


Last, please remember that if you prefer to use the non-PBR model, the files have been left there (they are not overwritten) - so you can activate/deactivate the PBR models in the model.cfg. This update contains backup version of the model.cfg for both PBR and non-PBR for your convenience. Just delete the model.cfg in the model folders of the Eurofighter_2000 and Eurofighter_2000T, and rename the backup files by deleting  the ".backupPBR" or ".backupNonPBR" suffixes.
Note that editing the model.cfg gives you also access to the "ubuntu" variants. These are model variants that replaces the FCS driven animations with "standard" ones. These animations are less accurate and realistic, but are compatible with multiplayer. "Ubuntu" models are provided in both PBR and non-PBR versions - please note that you have to use them with the proper cockpit model (PBR external model must go along with PBR VC and vice versa) - otherwise textures may be shown with a wrong color.


Here is the full list of changes:

VERSION 1.23
CHANGES WITH RESPECT TO PREVIOUS VERSION

- Replaced autotrim FCS code to solve the "pitch up" tendency of v1.22

- Replaced navigation lights effects for better compatibility with PBR models

- Fixed glitch that caused left and right wheel rotation animations were swapped

- Fixed glitch that caused barometric reading to disappear from HUD in certain instances

- Added model.cfg backup files for easier deactivation of PBR models

- Added missing Fresnel Ramp texture for canopy


32 bit update (for FSX-SE/Gold/Acceleration, P3Dv1, P3Dv2, P3Dv3) can be dowloaded
HERE or from the side bar

64 bit update with PBR support (only for P3Dv4.4) can be dowloaded HERE or from the side bar

Users of P3Dv4.0 to 4.3 can install the 64 bit upgrade but are should replace the model.cfg with non-PBR versions as described above.

NOTE: UNLESS MAJOR ISSUES ARE FOUND, THIS IS LIKELY TO BE THE LAST UPDATE WHICH SUPPORTS FSX

Eurofighter Update to version 1.22 with PBR (Preliminary)

NOTE: THE INITIAL RELEASE OF EUROFIGHTER 1.22 PBR HAD A SMALL GLITCH SO THAT "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" RIBBONS AND COVERS HAD A WRONG TEXTURE - FILES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH CORRECTED ONES, ALSO PBR "UBUNTU" MODELS HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR MULTIPLAYER.

A couple of sleepless nights playing with Physically Based Rendering (PBR) on the Eurofighter Typhoon model and here we are with another update. For those who do not know PBR, it is a different rendering technique which is supposed to simulate the appearance of 3D models on the basis actual physical proprieties of the material they represent (such as "metalness", roughness etc.). This is a relatively new rendering technogy which, in some circumstances, can provide more realistic results with respect to the traditional techniques.
Recent videogames like Red Dead Redeption are a great example of this. In flight simulation, PBR was introduced by X-Plane, DCS and (almost unnoticed) by Flight Simulator World.
Note that PBR is a generic name for the approach, and each engine has its own implementation with different results and possibilities.
PBR has recently been introduced in Prepar3D V4 starting from version 4.4 - the implementation is quite standard: materials require an "albedo" texture (its base color), a "metallic" texture (which specifies the metalness and, in P3D, also the Ambient Occlusion and the smoothness of the surface), a "normal" texture (basically the old normal/bump map) and an "emissive" texture.
In addition, P3D now allows the developers to control the visual proprieties of a material with a LUA script during the simulation - which is pretty great as it allows a number of cool tricks.
NOTE THAT PBR MODEL WILL ONLY WORK WITH P3Dv4.4 AND ABOVE.

Here are "preliminary" models of the Eurofighter with PBR. While compiling these models I also fixed a couple of minor bugs. As result the update is provided in 2 versions: a 32-bit version for FSX users and users of P3Dv1, v2 and v3 and a 64-bit version which will only work with P3Dv4.4 (you must upgrade your P3Dv4.X to v4.4 or above to use it).

Here is the list of changes:

VERSION 1.22 WITH PBR UPDATE (BETA)
CHANGES WITH RESPECT TO PREVIOUS VERSION

- Added new PBR models, metallic, bump textures and scripts (Prepar3D v4.4 ONLY!)
- Fixed minor issues and typos in the FCS Autotrim code
- Fixed minor bug in display condition of the ENG FLAME warning in RMHHD
- Fixed miscellaneuos typos in the HUD code
- Fixed miscellaneous typos in the HMD code
- Fixed missing plane attitude graphics in the HMD
- Fixed missing emergency jettison icon
- Fixed missing X FER caption
- Fixed miscellaneous typos in the Tactical Systems code
- Added missing wheels and ground roll sounds
- Fixed glitch in gun funnel mode in 2D HUD view
- Changed HMD code so that A-A symbols will not park at the edge of the FOV
- Fixed minor glitch in panel backlighting
- Fixed multiple minor geometry glitches in virtual cockpit

The full update with PBR models for P3Dv4.4 can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

The partial update without PBR for FSX/P3Dv2/P3Dv3 can be dowloaded by clicking HERE.

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.

Eurofighter Typhoon Update to Version 1.20

Here is a quite extensive patch for the Eurofighter Typhoon - this introduces a number of much requested changes including possibility to shoot Mavericks (as placeholder from the Brimstones), having 2D MFD panels and fine-control of the TOO target designation via FLIR.

Also, the files have been restructured so that now the 2-seaters have their own folder and have a different empty weight and fuel capacity.

Note that the patch will work with ANY version starting  from 1.10.

*** IMPORTANT - THE PATCH IS CONFIGURED BY DEFAULT FOR P3D V4! IF YOU ARE USING FSX, P3Dv1, v2 or v3 YOU SHOULD DELETE THE panel.cfg PROVIDED AND RENAME THE panel_32bit.CFG TO panel.cfg ***

CHANGES WITH RESPECT TO VERSION 1.20
- Remodeled the canopy frame to match perfectly with the outer model: this was not necessary (and does not even mean that it is more accurate) for P3D (or DCS - both sims allow VC models separate from the aircraft model), but it was required for X-Plane and AFS2.
- Changed HUD glass texture to have a dark puple tint
- Changed SSK code so that it is now possible to deselect a mode without selecting another one
- Changed HMDSS code to show all A/A tracks intead of the L&S track only
- Changed HMDSS code to show proper A/S reticle when in A/S mode
- Added keyboard shortcuts for fine control of the TFLIR A/S target
  SHIFT+Arrow keys allow fine control of the TFLIR A/S target location.
  A valid A/S TOO must be designated first.
- Added keyboard controls for radar range and modes as follows:
  If in NAV PoF -> UP/DOWN control PA range, LEFT/RIGHT select previous/next WP
  If in A/A PoF -> UP/DOWN control A/A radar range, LEFT/RIGHT -> undesignate/designate command
  If in A/S PoF -> UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT fine control of A/S target 
- Implemented Mavericks as "placehoder" for Brimstones (this was actually quite a lot of work as Tacpack does not support multiple ordnance on the same pylon...but since it was a much requested feature I decided to go for it) - NOTE The AGM-65E is laser guided: you will need a laser spot to fire the missile correctly. Also, there are issues if you mix StormShadows and Brimstones in the same loadout (I do not think it is a problem)
- Miscellaneous minor bug fixes
- Added an optional "ubuntu" model for the single seater which relies solely on standard animations (this is meant for use in multiplayer sessions with mixed aicrafts and prevents people flying with other aicrafts from seeing incorrect animations in the Eurofighter model) -> to activate this you have to manually edit the MODEL.CFG file in the Eurofighter_2000\model folder as follows: change the normal=EF2000 to normal=EF200ubuntu. Note that this must be
done ONLY by players which are NOT flying the Eurofighter as this disables the custom FCS animations.
- Added undockable 2D MFD displays
- Added separate folder and configuration file for twin seaters (to enable correct weight and fuel quantity)
- Replaced Stall Warning sound with one more appropriate for a fighter jet
NOTE: BY DEFAULT THE UPDATE IS CONFIGURED FOR A 64 BIT SIMULATOR (Prepar3d V4.0 and following).
IF YOU WISH TO USE THE UPDATE ON A 32 BIT SIMULATOR (FSX, P3Dv1-2-3) YOU MUST NAVIGATE TO
THE PANEL FOLDER IN THE Eurofighter_2000 FOLDER, DELETE THE PANEL.CFG AND RENAME THE PANEL_32bit.CFG
TO PANEL.CFG.


As usual, you can download the update from the side bar or by clicking HERE.

S-211 for Aerofly FS2 Update to v1.02

*** NOTE  - JUST AFTER THE RELEASE I HAVE NOTICED A COUPLE OF ANNOYING BUGS...SO I MADE A FURTHER UPDATE TO VERSION 1.02. FILES HAVE BEEN UPDATED BUT YOU MAY NEED TO DOWNLOAD THEM AGAIN - SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE ***

In spite of its shortcomings (weather, water textures, missing traffic and ATC are on the top of my list) AeroFly FS 2 is still my go-to simulator for VR sightseeing flights - I have also purchased all of the Orbx airports for it and I am very happy - they look great with an incredible frame rate.

So, here is a small update to the freeware S-211 for AFS2 - which basically adds the liveries I have recently added to the payware FSX/P3D version:

Version 1.02
03/01/2019
- Fixed bug so that the Initial Prototype Livery was missing and the Haitian Air Corps was duplicated
- Deleted Copilot view (which was not meant to be there)
- Rewritten electrical system code
- Corrected thrust value for JT15D-5C
- Corrected fuel quantity weight
- Fixed bug preventing the user from switching off the navigation lights
- Fixed bug preventing the user from switching off the landing lights
- Reworked navigation lights effects

Version 1.01
02/01/2019
- Fixed missing geometry for fuel shut-off valve (control not operational yet)
- Added Haitian Air Corps Livery
- Added NX521S2 Livery


As usual it can be downloaded from the sidebar or by clicking HERE.

F-35 UPDATE TO VERSION 3.55 (P3D ONLY)

A small belated Christmas present for the F-35 users: here is version 3.55 which is most probably the last update for the "Version 3" of the F-35.

Most likely the next iteration will be a new product, with models rebuilt for PBR support and compatible only with Prepar3D version 4.4 and above (and will require a new purchase). I am sorry to ask for a new admission ticket, but the work needed is too much. I'll try to implement discounts for existing users if the distributors will allow that.

This 3.55 update applies to P3D (version 2.0 to 4.4): latest version for FSX will be 3.53. The zip file includes both the 3.55 version for P3D and the 3.53 FSX, and the simplified MFD and the low res textures as well. Note that using the simplified MFD will disrupt some of the features of this update.

Here is the features list:

Version 3.55 - 26/12/2018

THIS UPDATE APPLIES ONLY TO P3D - LATEST FSX VERSION IS 3.53

• Changed default load to "NO WEAPONS" for all aircrafts
• AoA indication limit on HMD is now 50° (was 30°)
• Slight change to toe-brake effectiveness
• Added special color livery for Koninklijke Luchtmacht
• Added special color livery for Aeronautica Militare
• Changed implementation of TFLIR imagery which hopefully solves/mitigates aircraft visibility for some users
• All air-to-air radar tracks are now shown on the Head Mounted Display:
  - symbol size is scaled depending on the target distance (small over 20Nm, medium from 20Nm to 10Nm, big below 10Nm)- symbols will park on the edge of the visibility area both in the vHUD and Free Look mode
• Implemented fine control of the air to surface target via Az/El TFLIR control:- fine control works only of TOO targets when the aircraft is in A/S mode- a TOO target must be assigned first (via TSD, ASR or HMD) to enable fine control- fine control allows the adjustment of TFLIR Az/El- fine control can be operated via the TFLIR screen (by clicking on the crosshair) or via keyboard shortcut
  
• Implemented following key shortcuts:
• ARROW KEYS:- In NAV mode: UP/DOWN control TSD1 zoom level; LEFT/RIGHT select previous/next waypoint- In A/A mode: UP/DOWN control Air-to-Air radar range; LEFT/RIGHT command UNDESIGNATE/DESIGNATE target- In A/S mode, with valid TOO: UP/DOWN control TFLIR El; LEFT/RIGHT control TFLIR Az; both will update target locationSHIFT+ARROW KEYS -> TFLIR CONTROL- UP/DOWN control TFLIR El; - LEFT/RIGHT control TFLIR Az; both will update target location
  
• CONTROL+ARROW KEYS -> ASR CURSOR CONTROL
  - UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT control the position of the cursor in the ASR screen
• CONTROL+SHIFT+ARROW KEYS -> SENSOR CONTROL
  - UP -> DESIGNATE ASR CURSOR POSITION AS A/S TARGET
  - DOWN -> CHANGE ASR RADAR ZOOM
  - LEFT -> CHANGE TFLIR MODE
  - RIGHT -> CHANGE DAS MODE

As usual, you can download the update from the side bar or by clicking HERE.

Siai Marchetti S-21 / Aermacchi M-345 update

*** EDIT: I just realized that the cockpit model that went into the update did not feature the separate N1 and N2 needles as intended. Also the NX521 repaint had some minor glitches. I have updated the files to version 1.11 ***

Here is a small update to the S-211/M-345 package, mostly meant to address the incorrect behavior of the turn coordinator and the ball in the ADI. I also took the chance to fix a couple of minor things and add a couple of repaints. Here is the list of changes:

Version 1.11 - 14/12/2018
- Added separate N1 and N2 needles
- Fixed minor glitches in NX521S repaint

Version 1.10 - 01/12/2018

- Improved resolution of volt-ampere meter gauge
- Replaced engine exhaust texture with a more accurate one
- Fixed ADI turn rate indicator behavior
- Fixed ADI ball behavior
- Added Haitian Air Corps repaint
- Added NX521S repaint
- Added smoke effect (see notes)
- Fixed small glitch so that CRS could not be entered in digital cockpit versions
- Fixed small glitch in the JPATS USAF repaint

As usual the update can be downloaded from my Google Drive either from the side bar or by clicking HERE.

F-35 LIGHTNING II UPDATE TO VERSION 3.53

While debugging the E-2/C-2 Package I have discovered a nasty bug in the TACAN system that affects also other planes… so I took the chance for a quick update to the F-35. Here are the details of the update:


CHANGE LOG
Version 3.53 - 02/11/2018
- Fixed major bug in NAV1/TACAN frequency conversion causing generating incorrect TACAN channels in some instances.
- Fixed bug preventing NAV1 frequency tuning once a TACAN channel has been entered
- Fixed graphic glitch in MFD TSD1 screen
- Fixed minor graphic glitch in BFI Baro setting window
- Updated Koninklijke Luchtmacht F-35A livery
- Added F-35C VFA-147 Argonauts USN livery
- Fixed wrong entry in F-35C configuration file

NOTE: THE UPDATE WILL RESET THE MFD TO "FULL FEATURE" MODE. IF YOU WANT TO USE THE SIMPLIFIED MFD YOU MUST RE-APPLY THE SIMPLIFIED MFD PATCH OVER THE UPDATES FILES.

NOTE: THIS UPDATE WILL WORK WITH ALL PREVIOUS VERSION STARTING FROM V3.50. WHICH MUST BE DOWNLOADED BY YOUR DISTRIBUTOR OF CHOICE.

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

F-35 Lightning II update to version 3.52

NOTE - DOWNLOADS WERE SUSPENDED FOR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS (broken links/pointing to wrong files) - NOW EVERYTHING SHOULD BE OK! SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!

Here is yet another update to the payware F-35, which will bring the release version to 3.52.
I am taking the chance to clarify a couple of things:

- Customers of "older" versions of the F-35 (meaning V1.X and V2.X, now freeware) are not entitled to the free upgrade to version 3.50. Only customers who have purchased version 3.X will get the update. So please do not ask distributors for the download links.

- AFAIK all the distributors have updated their links to version 3.50. If you still have difficulties in downloading the new installers from them, please let me know by dropping an email to indiafoxtecho@gmail.com

- Version 3.50 is the new "FULL INSTALL" baseline. Further updates, like this one, will be deployed through this blog and will require manual installation. So, please do not ask to distributors for version 3.51 or 3.52.

That being said, here is what is new in this release:

Version 3.52 - 20/08/2018
- Minor refinements to flight model
- Added MAP modes also in extended and full-screen portal modes for TSD1, TSD2 and TSD3 (courtesy of Roberto Leonardo)

- Added missing code for automatic anti-skid engagement

- Fixed graphic glitch in A-A target symbology
- Added possibility to enter negative values for VV in AP mode

- Miscellaneous code fix
- Better alignment of TSD symbology (but still far off in some cases)
- Added optional "Simplified" MFD:
  This is a simpler MFD that will occupy less memory and may generate a (minimal) increase in performance.
  To install this, open the SimplifiedMFDforP3D.zip file and drag and drop the F-35_MFD folder in your F-35A\Panel folder.
  You may want to backup the F-35_MFD folder first.
  This will eliminate some pages (WPNA, WPNS, CHCKLST, TSD2, TSD3 and PHM) and restrict the functionality of Others.

You can download the update by clicking HERE or from the side bar.


PS - I also noticed that, for a mistake, version 1.13 of the Eurofighter did not include the intended code for the antiskid...the mistake was rectified, so you may want to download the update again.

Eurofighter Typhoon Upgrade to version 1.13

Here is a (very) small update to the Eurofighter Typhoon - mostly meant to address a bug with the MODE 4 code (which is used as the Tacpack team identification) that made it impossible for users to enter the code and change teams. This patch will work with version 1.10, 1.11 and 1.12... and will bring them all to version 1.13.
I took the chance to introduce other very minor improvements, such as the possibility to use Indicated Air Speed in place of Equivalent Air Speed in the avionics. Here is the list of changes:

CHANGES WITH RESPECT TO VERSION 1.12
- Fixed a bug that prevented proper functionality of the MODE4 code (and consequently Tacpack team selection)
- Fixed minor accuracy bug in waypoint management and pre-planned target data entry (although the error was really small)
- Added code for wheel brakes anti-skid
- Added options to configurator:
  - Use IAS instead of EAS (this could be preferred by some users - note that the autopilot system uses IAS)
  - Open/close the canopy
  - Extend/retract the crew access ladder


Download the update HERE or from the side bar.

F-35 Lightning II - update from v3.50 to v3.51

Following the release of F-35 version 3.50, a couple of minor bugs have been detected, so here is a small patch that should fix them. Also, lower resolution textures for canopy reflection and scratches textures are provide, for user that may want to trade some minor details for a lower video memory consumption.
The plan was to establish version 3.50 as baseline, and the build upon it with patches like this one.
Here is the list of changes.

*********************************
F-35 LIGHTNING II UPDATE
from version 3.50 to version 3.51
Released on 05/08/2018
*********************************

CHANGE LOG
Version 3.51 - 05/08/2018
- Fixed major bug in CNI page which caused the keypad to be inoperative
- Fixed bug in CNI causing NAV frequency to stick to the TACAN channel once a Tacan channel was set
- Fixed wrong terrain color entry (for to to 1000ft altitude - light grey intead of green)
- Fixed bug in the control of the TSD3 page while in full screen
- Added optional low res textures to reduce video memory usage

FSX (unsupported)
- Fixed bug in CNI causing NAV frequency to stick to the TACAN channel once a Tacan channel was set
- Fixed wrong coordinates ADF mouse area in the CNI page

See the installation instruction in the README.txt file in the zip.
The update can be downloaded HERE or from the side bar.