Project updates and miscellaneous information

The past few weeks have been very busy for me - especially for my real world job. This has caused a significant slowdown in my flight simulation projects, and I need to refocus my priorities and objectives in that field, given that, most likely, I will not have much more time in future than what I had in the past months.
Also, as many of you are aware of, I have been invited to the Beta stage of Prepare3d v2 - which is awesome. I was really impessed by the work Lockheed Martin did on this product and, finally, it is a huge step forward from Flight Simulator X.

So, here is a the list of projects I am working on, and the scopes I'd like to achieve for each one. Feedback is, as always, welcome.

BOEING T-45C GOSHAWK

The fact that P3D does not feature the FA-18.dll (that is the library that draws the Acceleration F/A-18 HUD and MFDs) makes it so that you cannot rely on its presence to devop add-ons... so I decided to create new, bespoke MFDs for the T-45C. So an update is on the way - it will also feature some minor graphic improvements along with very minor fixes. The update will alwaHere is how it looks in P3Dv2:

GRUMMAN F-14D TOMCAT

For the very same reasons of the T-45C update, a further improvement to the F-14D is planned. Bespoke MFDs will be created and there will minor graphical enhancements along with other minor fixes.
This update will also possibly bring some minor fixes to the Tacpack functionalities... still TBD.

LOCKHEED MARTIN F-35 LIGHTNING II
I have also been working on a F-35 update to fix some bugs and enhance Tacpack functionalities (including Head Mounted Display and AIM-9X off-boresight firing)... then during the Beta stage of Prepar3D I have identified some minor incompatibilities which I'd like to fix.
Aside, a limited, CTOL only version of the F-35 will be present in the default installation of Prepar3D 2.0.

LOCKHEED S-3B VIKING
With all the things above, I believe it's no surprise that the S-3B development is suffering some delays... at the moment, the external model is 99% done (it just misses the lights, the squadron marking and some minor texturing tweaks) and I have started working on the VC. Beta by the end of the year is probably an unrealistic target.

So, this is the situation. Too much stuff for me to handle simultaneously so I'll go one-by-one, starting from the T-45C udpate.
One last note is the fact that you may have noticed that I am not updating this blog as often as I did in the past... Well, I do not have time to do so - I will mostly use Facebook in future, just beacause it is faster. But this does not mean this blog will be terminated: it will still be used for major updates and will provide the official links to the latest versions of my projects.

F-14D Tomcat version 2.11

As discussed on my facebook page, here is a minor update to the F-14D which fixes some minor inaccuracies that were both annoying and easy to fix - also, I've been working with VRS to solve the Tacpack carrier navaids issue. There are still some annoying bugs here and there, but this release should be good for a more widespread distribution. Release notes are as follows:

VERSION 2.11
October 27th, 2013

- fixed the AIM-7 mounting position for STA1B and 8B
- fixed the taileron animation
- improved the Lantirn pod material rendering
- fix the main landing gear animation speed
- added HUD indications for Tacpack-generated Tacans (the boat and the refueling tanker)
- added HUD indications for Tacpack-generated Carrier ILS (note ILS fequency is automatically tuned once the Tacan is tuned with NAV1 Radio)

Just to clarify the note on the carrier navaids, carriers in Tacpack are spawned with specifc, Tacpack driven Navaids (although they may have their own "embedded" in their mdl files). In the Tacpack "generic" implementation works as follows: the NAV1 active frequency should be tuned to the Tacpack Carriers TACAN equivalent frequency (MHz), while NAV2 should be tuned to the ILS frequency of the boat.
To make things a little easier in my implementation, you should tune NAV1 to the Tacpack Carrier TACAN, and then, if you are within 20 miles for the boat, NAV2 is automatically adjusted to the ILS frequency of the boat. Tacpack specific navaids will ONLY show in the HUD.

Download link to version 2.11 is HERE.

F-14D Tomcat Version 2.10 (Limited Introduction)

Given that I will not have much time for FSX in the next few weeks, I have decided to pack the latest build as it is and release the F-14D version 2.10 right away.
This version has not been tested as long as it should have been...and I am sure it is plenty of bugs. On the other hand, I simply will not have much time for the next month or so... so here we are with version 2.10.
The big thing, as you are probably are aware of, is the Tacpack support - which is more or less on par with what I provided for the F-35 (hopefully!).
Please note, however, that the F-14D has MUCH less automation than the Superbug and the Lightning II... hence it requires you to switch to the Rio cockpit from time to time.
Also, please HAVE A LOOK AT THE MANUAL. At least the Weapon Systems Reference Guide - some switches need manual operation for some systems to work!

Change log is as follows:

-added weapon models: AIM-9, AIM-7, AIM-54, GBU-31, GBU-10, GBU-12, Mk.82, Mk.83, Mk.84 (weight dependant, see manual)
-added Lantirn Pod model
-fixed tailhook design 
-fixed taileron pivot position
-fixed miscellaneous texturing errors
-changed RIO-cockpit 3D model geometry (now correctly mimics a typical F-14D Rio Station)
-fixed wheel anti-skid function
-revised RIO displays functionalities and graphics
-addeed landing gear kneel animation when launch bar retracts
-fixed RIO station fuel indicators
-Added limited integration with Vertical Reality Simulations Tacpack package version 1.4.0.9 or above (see below)
-Added Weapons Systems Reference Document for Tacpack Functionalities
-Added Weapons Configurator for Tacpack weapons
-Partial rework of sound cues
-Reworked engine performance in attept to achive a more realistic behavior
-Improved special effects (a/B, heat shimmer)
-Minor changes to roll rate and general handling for realism
-Added Miscellaneous Repaints courtesy of Jiri Soukup and Groom Lake Simulations.

For the moment, please DO NOT upload this file anywhere else. I'd like to be sure it is free from major bugs before it spreads too much over the internet...

Download link is HERE 

F-35 Lightning II Version 2.30 (Limited Introduction)

Here is the much awaited F-35 update for FSX:Acceleration which also supports the Tacpack (version 1.4.0.8 or later required).
For the moment, it will only be available on this blog - in order to check it works correctly. Most likely there will be bandwith issues with Google Drive... anyway, as soon as it is confirmed that it works as it should, it will be uploaded at the usual repositories too.

Download from Google Drive by clicking HERE

REVISION HISTORY
Version 2.30
October 4th 2013
Added basic Tacpack Support (requires Vertical Reality Simulation's Tacpack module)
Added Tacpack compatible weapons (Cannon, AIM-9X, AIM-120C, GBU-31, GBU-10, GBU-12, JSOW, MK-84, Mk-83, MK82)
Added Tacpack A/A functions: Az/El search and L&S designation, Gun (Gun Director and Funnel modes), Sidewinders launch (Visual Boresight and Radar Slaved), Slammer launch (Visual Boresight and Radar Slaved).
Added Tacpack A/G functions: TOO mode, AUTO release, MANual release, CCIP mode.
Added Miscellaneous Tacpack functions: NVGs, Working RWR, Chaffs, Flares, In-flight Refuel.
Added Weapons Configurator
Added miscellaneous custom keystrokes
Added sonic-boom effects
Added anti-skid for wheels
Minor tweaks to very low speeds
Minor tweaks to roll rate
Added AF-01 and BF-01 textures
Minor improvements to -B and -C versions texture sets
Added Warlords tail art
Fixed weapon loads token weights mistakes
Added test flight nose probe (triggered by pilot weight – set it to 201 lbs and it will show)
Improved afterburner effects
Added heat shimmer effects

NOTE: FROM THIS RELEASE (2.30) A LIMITED INTEGRATION WITH VERTICAL REALITY SIMULATION IS PROVIDED. VRS TACPACK VERSION 1.4.0.8 OR LATER IS REQUIRED FOR FULL FUNCTIONALITY, BUT IT IS NOT MANDATORY FOR AICRAFT OPERATION.

Yet another progress report for my projects...

Unfortunately, the public release of the VRS Tacpack update has been delayed once again... and its release date has been changed from "imminent" to "it is done when it is done"... This is a little inconvenience for me, as it pretty much screws up my release plan and schedule, but knowing the VRS guys a little you can rest assured this is done for good reasons and the Tacpack will only get better.
So, here is where I am with my projects:

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

This is pretty much done and ready for release. Actually has been sitting on my HD without further modifications for few weeks now. The only thing that I would like to add would be some sort of pre-planned Air-to-Surface targeting, which is missing at the moment (only TOO targets are supported), but it is good to go IMHO.

This is the change log for this release:

Version 2.30

• Added basic Tacpack Support (requires Vertical Reality Simulation's Tacpack module)
• Added Tacpack compatible weapons (Cannon, AIM-9X, AIM-120C, GBU-31, GBU-10, GBU-12, JSOW, MK-84, Mk-83, MK82)
• Added Tacpack A/A functions: Az/El search and L&S designation, Gun (Gun Director and Funnel modes), Sidewinders launch (Visual Boresight and Radar Slaved), Slammer launch (Visual Boresight and Radar Slaved).
• Added Tacpack A/G functions: TOO mode, AUTO release, MANual release, CCIP mode.
• Added Miscellaneous Tacpack functions: NVGs, Working RWR, Chaffs, Flares, In-flight Refuel.
• Added Weapons Configurator
• Added miscellaneous custom keystrokes
• Added sonic-boom effects
• Added anti-skid for wheels
• Minor tweaks to very low speeds
• Minor tweaks to roll rate
• Added AF-01 and BF-01 textures
• Minor improvements to -B and -C versions texture sets
• Added Warlords tail art
• Fixed weapon loads token weights mistakes
• Added test flight nose probe (triggered by pilot weight – set it to 201 lbs and it will show)
• Improved afterburner effects and added heat shimmer fx
  
  

Grumman F-14D Tomcat
This is the project I have been working on for the most part, lately. I planned to provide a very basic Tacpack support...and I am still adding stuff. The updates to the 3D models are done, but I need to write some code for the new RIO switches and functions. And the HUD Air-to-Ground modes has some bugs. Not sure how long it will take to complete it.

Lockheed S-3B Viking

Slow, but steady, progress on this one. The external model is almost done (basically it missing just some texturing), while the cockpit modeling is not started yet. Still looking promising. Here is how it looks right now...

Boeing T-45C Goshawk

Just a quick note in reply to a frequently asked question: there is NO update planned on this one for two reasons: the first is that there is little to be fixed, IMHO, and the second one is that I do not have time. *BUT* I am still taking notes and listening to feedback - and may be in future I will modify it once again.

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.