Tuesday, February 2, 2021

T-45C Goshawk for Microsoft Flight Simulator - Beta Test


BETA 1 SENT TO TESTERS...


BETA TEST ACCESS INSTRUCTIONS 

Additional Beta testing applications will not be accepted for this project due to the extremely high number of requests received.

DESIGN INTENT:

This is a medium complexity add-on which is meant to depict the Boeing T-45C in a detailed but accessible way. The key points of the package are as follows:
- Medium-high fidelity of the avionics and pilot interface.
- Highly detailed external and internal model
- Flight model and systems simulation is based on default MSFS functionalities (no external code)
- Simple sound package

The plane is intended for intermediate military jet training and fun cloud surfing.

SOME NOTES ON SPECIAL FUNCTIONS / FEATURES

As in real life, VOR in HSI mode is only displayed in CDI mode. If PLAN is selected, VOR will not be displayed.

TACAN is simulated through the "pseudo Tacan" method (that is the channel is converted into the equivalent NAV 2 VOR frequency and used in conjuction with DME). Only X mode A/S is supported.

In the real plane, you must first start the Gas Turbine Starter to start the engine. In the sim, GTS is simulated via APU functionality and can be binded to its controls. However, engine can be started without starting the GTS first (to make life easier for beginners)

Unlike in the real world, only the current WP is shown - no point to point flight plan is shown. Also, at least in the beta, the WP index is not shown in the map (just the symbol)

Unike in the real world, LAW and BINGO warnings cannot be rejected - they will turn off automatically

Unlike in the real world, NWS is activated automatically 

More than 50lbs in the centerline station will make the baggage pod appear, more than 100lbs on the underwing pylons will make the training bomb racka appear... but no bombs (sorry) as they are not allowed in the Microsoft marketplace.

BETA VERSION INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator are distributed as packages. Packages shall be placed in the "Community" folder. You will need to restart MSFS if the simulator was running when you have moved the files.

NOTE: due to the way the HUD is made, it is currently not collimated. Also, it is subject to tearing due to TAA. Please deactivate TAA for this aircraft.

HOW TO REPORT BUGS:

The preferred way to report bugs is to add a comment to this post, specifying what is the experienced malfunction and when it happens. Pics are welcome.
PLEASE do not rush in reporting bugs - it is not a race - take your time and verify if it is a real problem and, if you think it is, try to understand when it happens exactly.
Alternatively, an email is good to. Comments are preferred so that other users can see them.
It is not a race, so take your time. The simulation is quite complex, so it may take some time to get acquainted with the plane… I'd suggest you log at least a couple of hours before submitting any feedback.
Also, PLEASE, before posting a bug make sure it is not already in the list below.

COLOR KEY:

Red - Higher priority: a severe bug that may hamper the usage of the aircraft
Yellow - Lower priority: definitely a defect, but not a high priority to solve it
Green - Problem solved, o mitigated to the level that it is acceptable.
Dark Green - Problem solved or mitigated before the Beta 1 release.

Blue - Comment, nice-to-have features or suggestions

CHANGE REQUEST LOG AND TO-DO LIST

Current tester version BETA 1
Current internal build BETA 1.X WIP

Current metrics:

Red items: 0
Yellow items: 15
Green items: 175
Blue items: 8
TOTAL CRs: 190
Quality control progress toward release 92% :-)
Minimum quality goal 90% with no red items

EXTERNAL MODEL

T45EXT001 - Make pilot figures disappear with specific conditions - pilots now disappear if battery switch and generator switch are off, or if there is less than 80 lbs in the relevant station - DONE 02/02
T45EXT002 - Formation lights missing - DONE 03/02

T45EXT003 - Crew access steps do not extend with lever - FIXED 14/02
T45EXT004 - Add selectable wing pods - baggage pod now appears if station load is above 50 lbs
T45EXT005 - Add selectable training bomb racks - racks now appear if station load is above 100 lbs

T45EXT006 - Missing icing effects on external surfaces
T45EXT007 - Check size of NAVY and MARINES markings on all repaints - DONE 01/02
T45EXT008 - Check Modex and BuNo on all repaints - DONE 01/02

T45EXT009 - AOA indexer external lights INOP - DONE 19/02
T45EXT010 - Gear doors will relax if no hyd pressure, would be nice to add it - ADDED 11/02
T45EXT011 - "Remove Before Flight" streamers - nice to have - ADDED 14/02
T45EXT012 - Evaluate addition of LODs for multiplayer
T45EXT013 - Rudder deflection deemed too small by one tester - Increased by 10 degrees per side, also increased aileron movement.
T45EXT014 - Underside strobe light illuminating cockpit interior
T45EXT015 - Check control of crew access ladder - Confirmed to work correctly 16/02
T45EXT016 - Request to switch helmets to HGU-55 - Replaced models 16/02
T45EXT017 - Request to change mask to MBU-12 - Replaced models 16/02
T45EXT018 - Need to change color of new HGU-55 helmet model - Changed color to USN variant 17/02
T45EXT019 - Multiple requests to animate the pilots (very time consuming!!!) 
T45EXT020 - One user reported incorrect positioning of upper strobe. Cannot replicate the issue but found a configuration anomaly, hopefully this will fix the problem. 17/02
T45EXT021 - Request for better heatblur effect - unclear if it can be edited... -> attempts in editing the effect did not work - it seems an internally coded effect.
T45EXT022 - Crew Access Ladder missing first step - FIXED 19/02

VIRTUAL COCKPIT (GENERIC PROBLEMS AND FRONT)

T45VCF001 - Missing Canopy Shatter Streamer - Added 08/02
T45VCF002 - Missing Ejection Seat Streamer - Added 08/02

T45VCF003 - Missing GTS switch and animation - clickable and working 08/02

T45VCF004 - Instrument backlighting is missing - Added 11/02
T45VCF005 - Flood lights are missing - DONE 02/02
T45VCF006 - Display power switch animation to be fixed - Fixed 08/02

T45VCF007 - Stand by trim cap and switch animation and mouse area missing - FIXED 14/02
T45VCF008 - Make throttle adjustable with mouse

T45VCF009 - Speedbrake switch animation missing - Fixed 08/02 also added audio switch
T45VCF010 - Trim and control indicators should not move if electrical power is off - FIXED 23/02
T45VCF011 - Gear handle light missing - Fixed 09/02

T45VCF012 - DIM switch INOP - Now Clickable...but does nothing in game 08/02
T45VCF013 - Emergency flap switch not clickable - Now clickable, but does nothing in game 08/02
T45VCF014 - Launch bar switch INOP - Fixed 08/02
T45VCF015 - Emergency Gear lever mouse area to be reduced - Fixed 08/02
T45VCF016 - EMER JETT pushbutton not clickable - clickable, but INOP 08/02
T45VCF017 - ADR event record button inop - clickable, but INOP 08/02
T45VCF018 - Master ARM not clickable - clickable but INOP 08/02

T45VCF019 - Standby Attitude CAGE and OFF flag options missing - Cage not implemented, OFF flag now working 12/02
T45VCF020 - VHF1 auxiliary buttons not clickable - now clickable, but no function in game 10/02
T45VCF021 - VHF2 auxiliary buttons not clickable - now clickable, but no function in game 10/02

T45VCF022 - AOA indexer light test should not be linked to main warning system but with separate test lever - Push to test added to AOA indexer
T45VCF023 - Chronograph functions not working - fixed 10/02
T45VCF024 - Receiver volume not clickable - No function in the sim, but now clickable 12/02
T45VCF025 - ICS volume not clickable - 
No function in the sim, but now clickable 12/02
T45VCF026 - ICS ALT NORM switch not clickable - 
No function in the sim, but now clickable 12/02
T45VCF027 - VOR PWR switch INOP - Fixed, but functionality is always on 12/02
T45VCF028 - VOR VOL knob INOP - Fixed but functionality is always on 12/02
T45VCF029 - Test, ON FF, VOL, X Y switch

T45VCF030 - Warn/Caut switch INOP - now working 08/02
T45VCF031 - IFF auxiliary switches INOP 03/03
T45VCF032 - Airflow and cabin temp switches INOP - Added, but no real function in the sim 12/02
T45VCF033 - Mirror graphics to be improved. Redone mirror graphics 02/03
T45VCF034 - Harness   ng details missing - Fixed 08/02
T45VCF035 - Leg garters missing - Fixed 08/02
T45VCF036 - Canopy actuation piston not animated - Fixed 10/02
T45VCF037 - Compass not backlit - Fixed 11/02
T45VCF038 - AOA lights should flash if switch is on CARRIER position and landing gear is down but the hook is up, steady otherwise. - Fixed 12/02
T45VCF039 - Implemeted DISP POWER switch functionality - Added 12/02
T45VCF040 - Incorrect label on the "remove before flight" streamers, emergency landing gear lever and other items - FIXED 15/02
T45VCF041 - Close/Pilot/Landing cameras not implemented - FIXED 15/02
T45VCF042 - Poor quality of some VC textures perceived by one tester (case study control stick) - potential action try and improve resolution in certain areas -> Redone control stick, throttle and several details of the ejection seat.
T45VCF043 - Caution lights too bright at night and no dimming available... REWORKED NIGHT GRAPHICS FOR BETTER READABILITY
T45VCF044 - Seat harnessing has missing details
T45VCF045 - Request to animate the trim switch - ADDED ANIMATION 15/02
T45VCF046 - Caution lights reflect older config (HYD1 / HYD2) - newer T-45 have HYD/NWS AUG - Corrected markings and functionality of caution lights 03/03
T45VCF046 - Fuel control switch animation reversed (test instead of norm) - Implemented 3 position 23/02
T45VCF047 - Request to model RPM drop if Fuel control switch is MANUAL fuel - 5% drop built in into animation 23/02
T45VCF048 - Request to model DATA-ACFT page ALIGN/QUAL/SAT - ADDED FAKE COUNTDOWN
T45VCF049 - Request to add DATA-GPS page - ADDED, PARTIACL FUNCTIONALITY SHOWS NEXT AND PREV WP ONLY
T45VCF050 - Request to add BIT-MAINT page - MAINT PAGE ADDED, ONLY FOR COMPLETION (NOT MUCH FUNCTIONALITY BUILT IN; BUT HAS EXCEEDANCE WARNING) 19/02
T45VCF051 - Request to add VREC page - ADDED, BUT NOT FUNCTIONAL 16/02
T45VCF052 - Nice to have adjustable DEP
T45VCF053 - BIT PAGE, only PWR should be boxed - FIXED 16/02
T45VCF054 - Fuel Q needle not backlit at night - FIXED 17/02
T45VCF055 - Request to change the standby drum animation 10000 digit - EXTENDED ANIMATION TO 500 keyframes 02/03
T45VCF056 - Request to change mouse areas of VORs and TACAN - FIXED 02/03
T45VCF047 - Request to reduce "AOA Indexer" press to test mouse area - Reduced to brightness switch only - Fixed 17/02
T45VCF058 - Flap levers incorrect tootip - already fixed after reviewing Mouse Areas tooltip same issue as T45VCF40 17/02
T45VCF059 - Occasionally incorrect tooltip of MFD Bezels (rear cockpit) - Should be fixed with new mouse areas...
T45VCF060 - STBY STAB TRIM motion is opposite of the expected direction reported by one tester - INVERTED ANIMATION 23/02
T45VCF061 -.Safety pin bag incorrect tooltip - already fixed same issue as T45VCF40 - 17/02


VIRTUAL COCKPIT (REAR COCKPIT ONLY)


T45VCR001 - Missing SOLO checklist
T45VCR002 - Missing velcro for canopy hood - Added 11/02

T45VCR003 - Missing control stick geometry - Added 07/02
T45VCR004 - Missing Throttle animation and functionality - Added 08/02
T45VCR005 - Missing flight instrumentation animations - Fixed animations 03/02
T45VCR006 - Leg garters missing from seat - Added 08/02
T45VCR007 - Harnessing details missing from seat - Added 08/02

T45VCR008 - Whiskey compass switch missing - Added 03/02
T45VCR009 - Backup instruments INOP - Added all backup flight instruments 03/02
T45VCR010 - Cabin Alt Press INOP - Fixed 03/02
T45VCR011 - Seat light switch INOP - Fixed 09/02
T45VCR012 - Eject Mode lever and texture INOP
 - FIXED 09/02
T45VCR013 - Starter Switch INOP - FIXED 07/02
T45VCR014 - Standby Pitch Trim INOP
T45VCR015 - Anti-Skid swicth INOP - FIXED 07/02
T45VCR016 - Flaps Lever INOP - FIXED 08/02
T45VCR017 - Throttle INOP - FIXED 08/02

T45VCR018 - HYD indicator INOP - FIXED 07/02
T45VCR019 - HYD reset INOP - FIXED 07/02
T45VCR020 - Control position indicators INOP - FIXED 07/02

T45VCR021 - EMER flaps switch INOP - FIXED 09/02
T45VCR022 - EMER landing gear INOP - FIXED 09/02
T45VCR023 - Landing gear INOP - FIXED 09/02

T45VCR024 - Flaps lever click area INOP - FIXED 08/02
T45VCR027 - Master Arm SAFE - FIXED 10/02
T45VCR028 - RTC Dim/Bright switch INOP - FIXED 10/02
T45VCR029 - ADR Event record INOP - FIXED 10/02

T45VCR030 - HUD controls INOP - FIXED 09/02
T45VCR031 - VHF1 additional controls INOP - Fully clickable now, functionality limited as in front cockpit 10/02
T45VCR032 - VHF2 additional controls INOP  
 Fully clickable now, functionality limited as in front cockpit 10/02
T45VCR033 - Ejection Seat switch INOP - FIXED 07/02

T45VCR034 - VOR additional controls INOP - FIXED 14/02, but some controls have no impact
T45VCR035 - TACAN additional controls INOP - FIXED 12/02
T45VCR036 - Warning & Tone test switch INOP - FIXED 09/02
T45VCR037 - Cassette recorder switches INOP - Clickable, but no real function in the game 10/02
T45VCR038 - Internal Lights Controls Switches - Limited functonality as in front cockpit 10/02

T45VCR039 - Graphics Mismatch Rear connector Fixed 07/02
T45VCR040 - Missing screw nearby compass placard Fixed 07/02
T45VCR041 - Clock not working - Fixed 10/02
T45VCR042 - AOA indexer in rear cockpit INOP - Fixed 16/02
T45VCR043 - WHEELS advisory in rear cockpit INOP - Fixed 16/02

T45VCR044 - FLAPS advisory in rear cockpit INOP - Fixed 16/02
T45VCR045 - Consider adding training hood in rear cockpit 
T45VCR046 - Tailhook lever not working in rear cockpit Fixed 15/02

AVIONICS AND SYSTEMS

T45AVS001 - MFD -> if TACAN selected but no DME detected, TACAN station is incorrectly displayed in HSI page -> Fixed 07/02
T45AVS002 - MFD -> BIT page non functional
T45AVS003 - GINA and air data system simulated failures do not affect the HUD (and they should) - FIXED 05/02
T45AVS004 - MFD -> Unable to turn on-off GINA -> added GINA BIT - Fixed 04/02
T45AVS005 - MFD -> Unable to turn on-off Radalt -> added RADALT BIT - Fixed 04/02
T45AVS006 - MFD -> Unable to select nav data source -> FIXED, although does not make a big difference since Nav source is always the MSFS GPS service...
T45AVS007 - GTS NOT CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTED -> GTS implemented through the APU functionality. It will still be possible to start the engine without GTS for beginners.

T45AVS008 - MFD -> Mainteinance page non functional (for exceedances) - Added page and exceedance recordning 20/02
T45AVS009 - AOA Indexer -> Fix markings and positions on both cockpits - FIXED 07/02
T45AVS010 - MFD ADI attitude should pick data from GINA instead of standby gyro - FIXED 04/02, also for MFD HUD page
T45AVS011 - Radalt limited to 5000 ft and 40 degrees bank as per NATOPS on all displays - FIXED 04/02
T45AVS012 - LBAR Advisory Light not working - FIXED 10/02
T45AVS013 - Consider deleting the automatic deactivation on light switches - IMPLEMENTED 10/02
T45AVS014 - ACCEL warning incorrect conditions - FIXED 10/02
T45AVS015 - Restrict starter operation if GTS is not active - FIXED 12/02
T45AVS016 - Disengage GTS automatically after 45s - FIXED 12/02
T45AVS017 - Missing graphics in HUD steering dots - FIXED 12/02
T45AVS018 - Incorrect PRK BRK light conditions - FIXED 12/02
T45AVS019 - Incorrect NAV setting for VOR/ILS - FIXED 15/02 
T45AVS020 - Fixed minor glitch in TACAN conversion and added support for Y channels - 15/02
T45AVS021 - Glitch in COM1 radio - FIXED 16/02
T45AVS022 - LP PUMP Warn light should be illuminated when engine and GTS are off - FIXED 16/02
T45AVS023 - Change logic so that GTS requires engine control switch to ON
T45AVS024 - Request to model OBOGS E-Bit - Basic implementation added (if EBIT button is pressed, OXYGEN warning light will immediately light up)
T45AVS025 - Ignition switch does not de-energize GTS or engine (...may depend on MSFS)
T45AVS026 - Request to model CAUG BIT
T45AVS027 - Request to implement AUTO BIT
T45AVS028 - AOA indexer only lit of weight on wheels - FIXED 16/02
T45AVS029 - Radalt increment is 10's - FIXED 17/02
T45AVS030 - HSI scale is opposite (big to small scale) - FIXED 17/02
T45AVS031 - Airflow knob defaults in NORM - FIXED 17/02
T45AVS032 - Speedbrake light does not switch off with axis control - added 2% tolerance 17/02
T45AVC033 - HUD Waterline: update behavior to post ASC-013 - FIXED 19/02
T45AVC034 - RADALT should indicated XXXX if powered off or DEGR - WRITTEN OFF, incorrect flight manual interpretation
T45AVC035 - Suggestion to add TAWS

FLIGHT MODEL

T45FLM001 - N2 response too fast, with possible overshoots - FIXED 07/03
T45FLM002 - Max speed should be 525-530 kts, currently a little slower (485 kts) - FIXED 08/02
T45FLM003 - Sometimes engine does not start from cold and dark - FIXED 14/02
T45FLM004 - Consider limiting the aileron trim authority with landing gear position as per flight manual - ADDED code 14/02
T45FLM005 - Disconnect rudder pedal from hyd system. - FIXED 12/02
T45FLM006 - Check energy loss during high-G turns
T45FLM007 - No pitch bucking...can we add it?
T45FLM008 - Vertical and lateral axis control too sensitive with sudder yaw departure? Note - flight model mode to be verified... it does not seem that problematic in internal tests...
T45FLM009 - N2 RPM rises too slowly during engine start


SOUND

T45SND001 - No separation between jet whine and combustion sounds and missing cones - FIXED 04/02
T45SND002 - No start / shutdown sounds - Added 11/02 from real world samples
T45SND003 - Upon shutdown, jet start sound is played - FIXED, incorrect WWise setup 04/02
T45SND004 - GTS sound missing - Added 11/02, linked to APU RPM.
T45SND005 - Several custom switches do not have sound
T45SND006 - Gear Warning Tone missing - Added 11/02
T45SND007 - Tone Test missing - Added 11/02
T45SND008 - AI Sound package missing - Added 11/02
T45SND009 - Noise on engine sounds at high 100 RPM - Rebalanced engine sounds, however some of the noise comes from the recordings.
T45SND010 - Abrupt spool down on external view - Re-timed sound samples...still not great but a little better.
T45SND011 - Throttle up engine sound and pitch increases/decreased until 85%  - Rebalanced engine samples volumes.

T45SND012 - Rework gear warning sound - Replaced with resampled sound 23/02 
T45SND013 - Consider adding speedbrake sound
T45SND015 - Adding high-g breathing sound - Fixed 23/02
T45SND016 - One user reported suddent wind at 500 kts
T45SND017 - Incorrect stall sound - Replaced with resampled sound 23/02
T45SND018 - Incorrect tone test sequence - Replaced with resampled sound 23/02
T45SND019 - Avionics power up sound missing - Added sound 23/02
T45SND020 - LAW warning tone missing

OTHERS

T45OTH001 - Creat new thumbnails for all aircrafts - DONE 03/02
T45OTH002 - Create manual
T45OTH003 - Animation and behaviors XML code to be cleaned - CLEANED 03/03
T45OTH004 - Review checklist - In game checklist debugged...but same as real world aircraft (minor differences)
T45OTH005 - Review checklists for typos - cleared all typos highlighted by testers