Project Update: F14D, F-35 and S-3

Time for a quick updateon my projects - just few words to tell you where I am...

F-35 Lightning II project

I am working on an update which will introduce several fixes and improvements for all users (and will, by the way, introduce the AF-01 and BF-01 paint schemes)... Also, ordnance models have been changed to VRS-Tacpack standard. The Tacpack support will be the biggest thing in this upgrade.
At the moment, CONFIRMED Tacpack features (which means they are working as I speak) are:

- Gun A/A (Funnel and Gun Director) and A/G (CCIP and Manual) 

- AIM-9X Boresight Visual launch

- AIM-120C Boresight Visual launch

- JDAMs and JSOW, release only, no guidance

- GBU-10 and GBU-12, CCIP release only

- Dumb bombs: MK-82, MK-83 and MK-84 CCIP release only

- Night Vision Goggles

- In-Flight Refuel

- In-game weapons configurator

I am working to add other features... but they may be left out for a future update. Time is the main constraint...

F-14D Tomcat project

Much like for the F-35, there is an update coming for the F-14D too. Some bug fixes and improvements for all user, including new textures and weight-depending ordnance... and a (limited) support for the Tacpack.
At the moment, CONFIRMED Tacpack features (which means they are working as I speak) are:

- Gun A/A (Gun Director) and A/G (CCIP and Manual) 

- AIM-9M Boresight Visual launch

- JDAMs, release only, no guidance

- GBU-10 and GBU-12, CCIP release only

- Dumb bombs: MK-82, MK-83 and MK-84 CCIP release only

- Night Vision Goggles

- In-Flight Refuel

- In-game weapons configurator

AIM-7C Boresight Visual (FLOOD) mode and AIM-54C Boresight Visual mode (VERY RISKY!!!) will be added before release for sure. I am working to add other features... but, also in this case, they may be left out for a future update.

S-3B Viking

Just a picture to show you how the visual model is coming... Virtual cockpit, flight model, etc. etc. not yet started... So we are talking about a October/November release in the best case.
Model will have weight dependent loadouts - as well as Tacpack support (In-flight refuel - including tanking role - and dumb bombs and Harpoon release)...

Comments and suggestions are welcome!

Projects update (good news and bad news)...

Time for a (quick) project update... Good news and bad news. Let's start with the bad news first: I am late with almost all of my projects... I do not have much time for them, and, apart of my "real world" business schedule, I am spending most of my spare time at the beach.
Second, I have decided to pursue a closer intergration with the Tacpack - which basically means that there will be an unique update for both the Tacpack and non-Tacpack users... BUT it cannot be released until the Tacpack itself is updated to the next release (which I have been told it is "imminent")...on the good side, projects are looking quite good.
Here is the current status:

F-14D SUPER TOMCAT
Most of the fixes/improvements I had in mind are aleady in place... the main thing is to complete the Tacpack integration (there will be a limited support of all the A/A ordnance as well as basic A/G release capability). It may be ready by the end of the month or early August... but it will be necessary to wait for the Tacpack update (if only beacuse it the weapons 3d models are the VRS ones).

F-35 LIGHTNING II
Well, I'd say it is almost  done, but I am keep on adding more and more stuff...also in this case the the main thing is to complete the Tacpack integration, since many of the planned improvements are already there. Needless to say it will be be necessary to wait for the Tacpack update (if only because it the weapons 3d models are the VRS ones).

T-45C GOSHAWK
No update planned, although it would be possible, with Tacpack, to have a more complete gun simulation and working rockets... but that is not a priority.

S-3B VIKING
I have not posted an update in a while, but the project is (slowly) moving forward. The outer model should be complete in September (hopefully). This will be Tacpack compatbile too, and should be able to drop bombs, harpoons and act as tanker.

Feedback is welcome, as usual. And If you are on Facebook, you may want to like my page... I've been posting there it more often than on the blog, lately.

F-14D Feedback for the future Update

As always, I am struggling to find the time to work on my FSX project, which as you know include continuous upgrade to my existing aicrafts as well as working on new ones (S-3B Viking being the current project).
Lately I've spent most of my time working to upgrade the F-35, but I also made continuos improvements to the F-14, as of today unreleased.
Here is the list of changes I am working on and their status - if you have suggestions, bug reports or requests, please leave a comment to this post.

Mistake in tail hook geometry (hollow hook instead of solid one) - Status: Closed. Fixed in latest, unreleased model build.

Misalignment of taileron pivot point and the fuselage textures - Status: Closed. Fixed in the latest, unreleased model.

Misplacement of textures in the fuselage, nearby crew access ladder - Status: Closed. Fixed in the latest, unreleased model.

Addition of new texture sets - Status: Closed. Added VF-2 159630 and VF-213 164348 courtesy of Jiri Soukup. Addition of other liveries under evaluation.

Addition of working Multi-Status Indicator to VC - Status: Open. MSI is working for A-A missiles, needs code for other ordnance.

Addition of variable, weight-dependent loadouts - Status: Open. Added Sidewinders, Sparrows and Phoenixes; GBU-31, GBU-12 and Lantirn planned but not implemented yet.
Limited Integration of Tacpack features - Status OPEN. Due to the lack of time and resources, only a small fraction of the Tacpack functionalities will be supported. Details of supported features as follows.

GUNS - Working, but no gun-director features are planned at the moment. Addition of other features under evaluation.

AIM-9 - Provisions for visual launch only, working and tested.

AIM-7 - No support planned. User will be able to jettison or fire the weapon, but target will not be acquired. Integrated, but almost useless.

AIM-54 - No support planned. User will be able to jettison or fire the weapon, but target will not be acquired. Not integrated yet.

GBU-31 - No support planned. User will be able to jettison or release the weapon, but target will not be acquired. Not integrated yet.

GBU-12 - No support planned. User will be able to jettison or fire the weapon, but target will not be acquired. Not integrated yet.

IN-FLIGHT REFUEL - Implemented but not tested.

ECM JAMMER - Implemented but not tested

NIGHT VISION GOGGLES -Implemented, working fine

CHAFFS/FLARES - Not implemented yet

F-35 Version 2.21 - Feedback

Now that the F-35 version 2.21 is out, here is a post to collect feedback, observations, suggestions, etc. etc. to version 2.21. As you know my projects are being constantly upgraded...and sooner or later there will be an upgrade. So this is basically a memo for me... you are welcome to add your input in the comments. If you have a bug to report - please check if it is limited to a specific model (A/B/C) or it is a common one.

F-35 LIGHTNING II CHANGE REQUEST LIST

F-35B Fuel tanks are misaligned with respect to the pylons.
This is a modeling mistake - a minor one if you ask me...but these is one of those minor things that cannot be "unseen" once noticed...and it is one of those thing which are very annoying, IMHO.
So, in case it is a major problem for you and you cannot live with it, an MDL for the F-35B which fixes the issue can be downloaded by clicking HERE.
STATUS: Fixed in the updated MDL (download above)

All versions - TABS do not work in right half of the MFD when TSD is in full screen mode
Probably a coding issue... I'll check.
STATUS: Fixed in new MFD code (will be released in an update)

All versions - Autopilot GPS steering missing
It was left out by design decision - with many other features - in order to limit the complexity of the MFD code (which is pretty big for an FSX gauge as you can guess!). I'll consider to add it in the next update.
STATUS: Open.

All versions - Weapon loads do not work - only one AIM-9X shows
A very limited number of users is reporting this. This is (almost) definitely not an issue of my package - there is most probably an Add-on module with changes the weight stations. One user has reported that the source of this was the MilViz F-15E Loadout manager (F-15 was disinstalled by the loadout manager was still active and for some reason was setting all load station to zero except the first one). Sorry, this is not my fault and there is nothing I can do about it (also because I do not have the Milviz F-15E...maybe a good reason to buy it, looks good!).
STATUS: Confirmed that it is due to Milviz F-15 loadout manager... not a bug of the package. 

All versions - Add more weapons!
I'll evaluate the addition of other weapons carefully - they are a burden to the model...
STATUS: Under evaluation.
EDIT:Added AIM-120C to internal stations. No time to do more than that.

Tacpack integration?
Integration of the Tacpack functionalities is totally doable but takes time. And I do not have much of it. I am working for a very limited set of functions - guns, AIM-9X and AIM-120 visual launch, JDAM freefall drop. Probably not more than that... which is comparable to the current F-35 capabilities :-)!
STATUS: Under evaluation. Depending on F-14D integration and Tacpack schedule for the build that will support support third party aicraft usage (still unclear).
EDIT: Tested AIM-9X (visual launch only), AIM-120 (visual launch only), JDAMs (freefall drop). Status of weapons as follows.

Gun: firing test OK. TO-DO: need to provide better visual interface and possibly interaction with fire control radar. Also, for F-35A, need to implement switch of guns if gunpod is present.

AIM-9X: visual launch test OK - correct lock-on, uncage and shoot behavior confirmed. Splashes drones correctly. TO-DO: Implement HMDS interface
AIM-120C: visual launch test OK - correct lock-on after launch, uncage and shoot behavior confiremd. Spashes drones correctly. TO-DO: Implement HMDS interface.

JDAMs: free fall drop OK. TO-DO: Implement HMDS interface.

All versions - SMS not showing front view of GBU-32
Coding error found and fixed.
STATUS: Fixed in new MFD code (will be release in an update)

All versions - Enlarged TDS rotation point misaligned.
Fix relevant parameter in XML code.
STATUS: Closed. Fixed in new MFD code.

F-35A - Tail numbers inverted on right tail
STATUS: Fixed in unreleased texture sets.

F-35C - BuNos missing from production F-35Cs (CF-6 and CF-7)
STATUS: Closed. Added BuNos to the textures (in an unreleased texture set)

All versions - Request to change nominal weight of fuel tanks to an "empty" valueAgreeable because they do not contibute with actual fuel - which could then be added to the fuel section in the aircraft.cfg.
STATUS: Closed. Recompiled model with 381 (empty tank, assumed the same as FPU-11) + 350 (estimated pylon weight) = 731lbs as token weight.

All versions - No paintkit available!As you may be aware of, I am not used to work with layered PSD files. So a proper paintikit is not available at the moment. However, I will provide "blank" textures (i.e. without markings) which are probably an acceptable starting point.
These were previously part of the package, but were left out from version 2.20 onward to reduce file size.
Please note that, from version 2.20, there are minor changes in several aeras... so older textures should not be used.
STATUS: Open, will provide blank files as separate download.

Flight test nose probes - Request to add the probes installed on flight test aicrafts.
STATUS: Closed - added as weight dependant feature (will appear if pilot weight is above 200lbs)

F-35 Version 2.21 Release

Following the feedback from the limited release of version 2.20 of the F-35 project, the files have been furtherly updated to version 2.21.
The latest version can be dowloaded from Google Drive following the link on the side bar, or by clicking HERE. Also, since version 2.21 appears to work as intended, it will be soon released to Avsim and Flightsim.

Change log as follows:

Version 2.21 (following feedback 2.20 limited introduction)
June 11th 2013

• Fixed typo in the manual: correct AIM-9X total weight is 382lbs (not 392!)
• Fixed bug in F-35C 3D model (duplicated JDAM and slammer models)
• Minor tweaks to roll response and transonic acceleration (note:F-35C dynamics still tuned for carrier operations)
• Fine tuning of top speed
• Added Real world document F-35A Operations Procedures (unclassifed and unrestriced USAF document) for reference.
• Fixed minor mistakes in the new texture sets 

Version 2.20
June 9th 2013

• Completely redone Multi-Function Display code, implemented full portal and subportals mode, and revised top bar. Pilot Interface is now closer to the real one.
• MFD Pages redone/fixed: ENG; FUE; SMS; FCS; ICAWS; TSD-1 
• MFD Pages added and functional or partially functional: MENU; CKLIST; CNI; EFI; HUD; TWD; TSD-2; TSD-3
• MFD Pages added but INOP: ASR; DAS; DTM; FTA; FTI; PHM; SRCH; TFLIR; WPN-A; WPN-S.
• Revised and integrated avionics code to ease future improvements and additional functionalities.
• Implemented weight-dependent visual models for all visual models. Visual model now support AIM-9X, AIM-120, GBU-31, GBU-32, GBU-12, JSOWs, CBUs, Gun Pod and fuel tanks (proper values need to be entered by hand into the Fuel and Payload section, no configuration manager provided)
• Redone texturing of the main landing gear on all versions
• Redone texturing of the nose landing gear on -C version
• Redone texturing of wingfold mechanism on -C version
• Added spoilers to -C version
• Redone refuel probe texturing for -B and -C version
• Redone tailhook geometry and textures on the -C version
• Miscellaneous fixes to all Virtual cockpits and textures
• Miscellaneous fixes to the textures of all models
• Revised flight dynamics due to excessive loss of energy during turns.
• Removed MAP mode
• Added texture set: VFA-101 “Grim Reapers”, USN, Eglin AFB
• Added texture set: 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron, USAF, Nellis AFB

F-35 Version 2.20 limited introduction

NOTE: FOLLOWING THE FEEDBACK FROM THE LIMITED RELEASE, THE F-35 PROJECT HAS BEEN UPDATED TO VERSION 2.21 - SEE THE NEXT POST!
Finally I am uploading the much awaited (and time consuming!) F-35 upgrade to version 2.20. For the moment it will uploaded only to Google Drive - just to check if there are no catastrophic issues before uploading to the usual repositories.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU UNISTALL AND/OR DELETE FILES FROM PREVIOUS VERSION BEFORE INSTALLING VERSION 2.20.

Version 2.20- June 9th 2013

• Completely redone Multi-Function Display code, implemented full portal and subportals mode, and revised top bar. Pilot Interface is now closer to the real one.
• MFD Pages redone/fixed: ENG; FUE; SMS; FCS; ICAWS; TSD-1 
• MFD Pages added and functional or partially functional: MENU; CKLIST; CNI; EFI; HUD; TWD; TSD-2; TSD-3
• MFD Pages added but INOP: ASR; DAS; DTM; FTA; FTI; PHM; SRCH; TFLIR; WPN-A; WPN-S.
• Revised and integrated avionics code to ease future improvements and additional functionalities.
• Implemented weight-dependent visual models for all visual models. Visual model now support AIM-9X, AIM-120, GBU-31, GBU-32, GBU-12, JSOWs, CBUs, Gun Pod and fuel tanks (proper values need to be entered by hand into the Fuel and Payload section, no configuration manager provided)
• Redone texturing of the main landing gear on all versions
• Redone texturing of the nose landing gear on -C version
• Redone texturing of wingfold mechanism on -C version
• Added spoilers to -C version
• Redone refuel probe texturing for -B and -C version
• Redone tailhook geometry and textures on the -C version
• Miscellaneous fixes to all Virtual cockpits and textures
• Miscellaneous fixes to the textures of all models
• Revised flight dynamics due to excessive loss of energy during turns.
• Removed MAP mode
• Added texture set: VFA-101 “Grim Reapers”, USN, Eglin AFB
• Added texture set: 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron, USAF, Nellis AFB

You can download the file from Google Drive by clicking HERE (NOTE: AMENDED TO VESION 2.21)

What do I do with your donations... and bonus screenshot!

(F-35 testing over Edwards... after all these years, sometimes FSX still surprises me)

First, I'd like to thank everybody who kindly donated money for my projects. My apologies for not having replied to each one of you - the fact is that the Paypal account is pointing to an old email account which has been receving tons of spam for years, and it is a web-based service that it has become full of ads and difficult to navigate - so I have almost abandoned it. Again, my apologies - each donation has been greatly appreciated.

It has been really helpful in several instances - and allowed me to do several things which greatly helped my Flight Simulator projects.

However, the fact is that I have a relatively secure job which is also relatively well paid - I don't have a wife and family nor a mortgage, so I can't say that I really do not have the money to support my projects. But they can get expensive, and, although I can't complain about my incomes, I still feel bad (for some reason) to invest hundreds (if not thousands!) of euros in what is basically a videogame. So, being able to spill some money from the Paypal account made some purchase decisions easier. It was thanks to your donations that I have been able to acquire the base mesh for the Tomcat and for the Viking - and it was a great help to achieve the current quality and progress of those projects. So a most sincere THANK YOU.

However, after the S-3 purchase, I do not foresee any imminent usage of the money in the Paypal account...so the money is sitting there basically giving interests to Paypal.
Therefore I have decided to start giving it away, at least partially, to selected charity and no-profit organizations. It is not a huge amount of money, but at least someone is getting a tangible value for the countless hours spent in having fun with my virtual toys.

Donations are still welcome - and I will continue using it also to fund my simulation projects if need be - I just wanted to let you guys know what I did with the money you have donated.