SIAI-MARCHETTI S-211 FREEWARE RELEASE FOR X-PLANE 11

 

As promised, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of commercial operations of IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations, I have decided to re-release the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 for X-Plane 11.30 as freeware.
The package can be downloaded by clicking here.

I'd also take the chance to offer my apologies to X-Plane 11 users as I have not been able, so far, to support that simulator adequately. X-Plane 11 is a great flight simulator, and is, in many respects, superior to Microsoft Flight Simulator in my opinion (for one, the flight modeling approach of XP11 is better and way more flexible).
I am exploring other way to support this platform in future - in the meantime I hope you will enjoy the S-211 - a fun little jet which, in real life, did not reach the popularity it deserved IMHO.

PREPAR3D V5 HOTFIX 2 COMPATIBILITY STATEMENT

Lockheed Martin has released P3Dv5 Hotfitx 2 a few days ago - hopefully it solves some of the stability/CTD issues that some of you told me about.
Apart from the stability issues, you may have noticed that some night effects (external lights, landing lights and VC illumination) are too bright and lights behave as "X-Rays". The excessive intesity is due to new parameters introduced in P3Dv5 (which only affect PBR materials), while the "x-ray" effect is unfortunately due to the graphic engine of the sim.
I'll try to find the time to update the effects on my older planes.
In terms of compatibility of my planes, nothing has changed...so here is the situation.


M-346 MASTER - Works fine, no issues to report.

F-35 LIGHTNING II - As previously noted, you need version 3.67 or above for it work fine with P3Dv5. Apart from that, and the excessive brightness of some effects at night, there are some minor issues with the voice alerts.

EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON - Works fine, except the excessive night lighting...which is particularly annoying since the landing lights illuminate the cockpit.

TA-4J SKYHAWK - Again, works fine except the excessive night lighting.

A-4E/F/G/H/I/K SKYHAWK - Same as above.

C-2 GREYHOUND / E-2 HAWKEYE - They should work fine, as they do not have PBR effects.

S-211/M-345 PROTOTYPE - They should work fine as there are no PBR effects in the cockpit.

PREPAR3D V5 COMPATIBILITY LIST

Prepar3D V5 is out...and while it is not the revolution that many were waiting for, it is definitely a step forward thanks to its DirectX 12 implementation, better atmospheric and water rendering...and a ton of bug fixes and small improvements. However, I think many users are waiting for FS2020 and will not make the jump to this new version. Also, a lot of the "combat" user base of FSX/P3D has jumped to DCS following the slow (but steady) release of high quality aircrafts. 

Also, please bear in mind that, at least at the moment of writing this post, VRS TACPACK is NOT COMPATIBLE WITH P3Dv5 and I have no idea if and when VRS will update it. Therefore, my planes WILL NOT have full functionality in P3DV5 (radar, weapons, configurator, chaff-flares,
ECM, FLIR and other sensors will not work). 

Anyway here is the compatibility list for my commercial projects:

EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON - works fine in P3Dv5, but update to PBR is highly recommended (see payware projects) 

F-35 LIGHTNING II - REQUIRES NEW INSTALLER (v3.67) SEE PREVIOUS POST ON THIS BLOG. Older versions do not work due to a file naming conflicts with Lockheed Martin Assets 

SIAI MARCHETTI S-211 / AERMACCHI M-345 PROTOTYPE - works fine in P3Dv5, but update to PBR is highly recommended (see payware projects) 

C-2 GREYHOUND / E-2 HAWKEYE PACKAGE - both planes work fine. No PBR update available. 

TA-4J SKYHAWK - works fine in P3Dv5 

A-4E/F/G/H/K SKYHAWK - works fine in P3Dv5

SIAI Marchetti S-211 for X-Plane 11.30 Beta Test

As per my usual procedure, here is a post to collect the feedback from the selected Beta testers for the upcoming SIAI-Marchetti S-211 project for X-Plane 11.30.

Testers are encouraged to provide feeback by either posting comments to this post (preferred, so that other testers can see them too) or by sending an email (subject shall be S-211 Beta testing feedback).
While providing feedback you are encouraged to provide a classification of the severity of the bug according to the following color code:

Red - Major problem which severely affects the functionality or the enjoyability of the aircraft. Ideally, all "red" issues must be solved before release.

Yellow - Important issue that affects the functionality or the enjoyability of the aircraft, but only to a certain point...basically you can still fly and have fun with the aircraft, but it would be better if the issue was cleared.
Green - Minor issue or observation which would be nice to see solved or added to the plane, or a red/yellow problem which has been solved.

Blue - Suggestions, which may or may not be implemented.

Testers can use, at their will, this spreadsheet (in Excel format) to collect their findings.

If you need further information please find the real world flight manuals here:

http://www.avialogs.com/index.php/en/aircraft/italy/siai/s-211.html

SIAI MARCHETTI S-211 for X-Plane 11.30 SUMMARY OF BUGS AND CHANGE REQUESTS:
Last compiled by Dino on 15/07/2019 23:00 CET

External model

S211XPEX01 - Remove before flight ribbon pierces through geometry (tail pipe cover only). Fixed in internal build 24/06.

S211XPEX02 - UVW overlap in horizontal stab area causing "marching ants" visual issue. Fixed in internal build 24/06
S211XPEX03 - UVW overlap in trimtab actuator rods area causing "marching ants" visual issue. Fixed in internal build 24/06.
S211
S211XPEX04 - Texture mismatch neaby the engine servicing panels, left side. Fixed in internal build 24/06.
S211XPEX05 - Canopy opening piston animation glitch. Fixed 14/07S211XPEX06 - "Marching ants" UVW issues on the side of the cockpit. Fixed, duplicate polys 14/07
S211XPEX07 - One of the flap actuators is not working - Fixed in internal build 27/06
S211XPEX08 - Texture on glass of white nav light has wrong coordinates - Fixed in intenal build 27/06
S211XPEX09 - Rudder movement seems limited on one side - Fixed 14/07
S211XPEX10 - Castor wheel animation missing, fixed - Fixed 14/07

Cockpit model
S211XPVC01 - ADI bank indication does not move. Fixed in internal build 24/06.
S211XPVC02 - ATC radio not lit
S211XPVC03 - General comment about mouse wheel operations. Currently uses X-axis drag. Request to change to different interface or control system. Will require further investigation. SOLVED. Actually knob indicators do work with mousewheel. Redone all knob manipulators accordingly.
S211XPVC04 - Radio knob controls are not accurate enough for proper operation with current X-axis drag control. Redone knob controls with knob command and knob axis manipulator. Now working.
S211XPVC05 - Kholsmann setting not working. Redone manipulator with "knob axis". Now working.
S211XPVC06 - Unused Kholsmann setting manipulator handler (leftover from removal of backup altimeter)
S211XPVC07 - Oil pressure needle not working - Fixed in internal build 27/06
S211XPVC08 - Hydraulic pressure needle not working - Fixed in internal build 27/06
S211XPVC09 - Cabin Press Altitude needle not working - Fixed in internal build 15/07
S211XPVC10 - NDB knob difficult to use, change to knob manipulators. - Fixed in internal build 15/07
S211XPVC11 - Taxi/Landing light switch works only for Landing light… this is actually as per design, as it was programmed to have only Landing light working… but still it would be nice if we could have both.
S211XPVC11 - Landing light switch not lit
S211XPVC12 - Gear lever advisory light not lit
S211XPVC13 - Missing digital indication on engine RPM
S211XPVC14 - Implemented proper controls of the Transponder
S211XPVC15 - Implemented oxygen system
S211XPVC16 - Glideslope needle not working - Fixed

Flight model

S211XPFM01 - Excessive tendency to variate pitch depending on flap position, requiring too much trim action to the pilot. Fixed 14/07

Other

S211XPOT01 - Sound package perceived as low quality (engine noise). Note that the current package is done with real world aircraft recording...but it has been downsampled to 22KHz for use with legacy X-Plane sound system. X-Plane 11 can also implement sounds through FMOD, although indie licence is limited to 1 project per year…

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 for X-Plane 11.30 - Beta Test Application

My first project for X-Plane 11 is in short final for Beta testing - so, if you are willing to help with the testing, in this post you will find the instructions to apply.

First, this is meant to be a "budget" payware project (15-20 Euros maximum) - the scope of this project is to provide a decent light jet trainer simulation… and much like in reality, this simulation project is meant to be fun to fly.
It will not be a study-level simulation, but all essential systems should work as expected and you should be able to conduct both VFR and IFR operations.

As usual, I am looking for testers with various level of aviation experience and skill, but I am looking in particular for users who know the XP11.30 scene well and can help with an assessment of this project in comparison with other similar products.

Hardware requisites:
- Anything that can run XP11 well
- Given that the plane uses a lot of high res texture, I believe that 2Gb video memory are needed… but that is just my estimation

Software prerequisites:
- X-Plane 11.30 or newer (the plane uses the new jet engine modeling, so will not work with older versions of XP11)

As usual… the Beta tester for my projects is not a paid position, by any stretch of the imagination: you do it just for the fun of doing it.
If you are willing to help, send me an email to indiafoxtecho.gmail.com - the email shall contain:

- a BRIEF description of your system (no need of minor details, I just need CPU type and clock, RAM, video card and video memory)

- a brief description of your real world flight experience (if any) including (if any) your knowledge of the S-211 Aircraft (note… the Beta is open to everybody: from teenage desk flyers to WWII aces - I just need to know who I am talking with!). No need of long and detailed stories...just a line or two will do.

- your experience with X-Plane 11.

The topic of the email shall be "S-211 Beta Testing" (note...I thought this was an easy requirement, but apparently it is not...but it is very important: it helps me a lot sorting the messages and it shows that you can comply with instructions).

Note it may take 2-3 weeks to reply and provide a download link… so be patient.

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

********************************************

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

********************************************** 

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.

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.

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.

S-211 for Aerofly FS2 - update to version 1.0

**** EDIT - .ZIP FILE REPOSTED ON 07/11 AS ONE OF THE FILES IN THE ARCHIEVE WAS INCORRECT - PLEASE DOWLOAD IT AGAIN! ****

With thanks to Jan from the IPACS forum, here is a small update to the freeware SIAI-Marchetti S-211 model for Aerofly FS2. Apart from a general cleanup of the s211.tmd file and some improvements in the control.tmd file, the important thing is that the update introduces a much needed damping effect to the main landing gear - generating a much better behavior during touchdown.

Version 1.0
05/11/2018
-Included improvements in to the tmd files provided by Jan-Hendrik Hanuschik from the Aerofly FS 2 forum
-Minor tweak to the external model to fix speedbrake actuator

Model can be downloaded from the sidebar or by clicking HERE.

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.

SIAI S-211 / Aermacchi M-345 Release, Manual and Paintkit

The SIAI-Marchetti S-211 package is now available for purchase at SimMarket! It will be available soon from other distributors, too.
The SimMarket page is HERE.

Aside, here is the link to the paint kit:
S-211/M-311/M-345 Paintkit
Note that the model has 3 visual variants: one for the S-211, one for the M-311/M-345 demonstrator and one for the M-345 prototype. You should use the template relative to the model you want to repaint.

Last here is a link to the manual.pdf (althout a copy of the manual is included in the package, in the S-211/docs folder).
S-211/M-311/M-345 Product Manual

There are few controls which are not documented:
- Clickling the rearview mirror will make it reflective (dynamical reflections supported in P3Dv3.1 and above)
- Clicking on the throttle friction (when throttle is at idle) will set the throttle to stop
- Clicking on the stick will make it disappear, and to make it re-appear you will have to click the pedal adjustment knob.

Last there is a small bug in the M-345HET so that you cannot set the CRS... will fix that in the first patch.

SIAI Marchetti S-211 Beta Testing Applications

First, thank you all for the interest you have shown to my SIAI Marchetti S-211 project! I know this is not a very popular aircraft - and frankly I do not expect this to be a big commercial success - but it is a nice jet, and I believe that its new incarnation, the Aermacchi M-345 has a very good potential.

Just to recap the scope of this project: the intent is to provide a reasonably realistic representation of the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 light jet trainer. The project features a realistic analog cockpit and flight model - and a visual model which is buit with attention to frame rates (I think it is essential in a trainer).
The package will also contain models of the M-311 / M-345 prototypes (inlcuding the Frecce Tricolori livery) and the M-345 prototype. These will feature the new digital cockpit which is being developed by Aermacchi. These "digital" models are kind of a bonus feature, as they information on these models is still quite scarce, but they should serve well as a depiction of the difference between digital and analog training.
This is a PAYWARE release - price will be in line with my previous releases.

Should you have some time to spare (say 2-3 hours at least) and should you want to help with the Beta testing phase, you can apply by sending an email to indiafoxtecho@gmail.com with:

- SUBJECT OF THE EMAIL MUST BE "S-211 BETA TESTING"
- System specifications (no need to go in minute details, just CPU, GPU, RAM and OS)
- Which simulators you intend to test the S-211 on (FSX:A, FSX:Gold, FSX:SE, P3Dv2, P3Dv3, P3Dv4)
- Please specify if you own Tacpack and/or intend to test it in multiplayer
- Your knowledge/experience in real and simulated aviation
- Also, please include any special reason why you want to test this aircraft

...just to set the record straight (as I had some remarks in the past), non paid job (but you get to keep the test copy).

Also, the Beta test "slots" are limited (15-20 maximum) as in my experience it is the best way to test these products. I will pick testers with various skills, knowledge and system specs - so if you do not get in the Beta it does not mean that you "do not qualify"...it may be just because there are other testers with similar skills or system.

Last, the Beta will be released around Christmas.