Beczl and Rudel Week updates:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1805441&postcount=100

 

First, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! 

 

For this week's new flash, there's not too much on updates, but I've been hard at work since I completed the cockpit.

 

It's quite fascinating the surprises I come across. A lot of geometry errors come from converting the model to different versions of 3d Max. In this case, it went from 2008 to 2011, into 2012. While zoomed in looking at the glass shape on the canopy, I found some frame errors with the polygons and overlapping attached objects. Then I started working on the internal structure of the nose area. In this case, the radar electronics' housing. Eventually I fixed them all up.

 

 

My next goal was to somehow create the intake air duct. It took me several days and 5 attempts to get it just right. I duplicated the front section of the fuselage and applied a shell modifier to create the inside "skin". I deleted the outer shell leaving the internal structure easier to work with. After some grueling vertex moving and poly cutting, I eventually came up with what you see below.

 

 

So I stayed up for about 18 hours the next day and worked on the radar cooling compartment and alcohol tank. On my first attempt, I mistakenly created an MF version of the tank. Luckily Beczl had a diagram for the Bis', because that is one freakin' hard to find picture...lol The Bis' is rather bulgy and has two caps on the front. The dent on the fuselage had to be created again. Using part of the old fuselage as a template made it a lot easier. After this creation, I was finally able to delete the whole old fuselage.

 

 

 

 

I think I sleep problems... I burned the midnight oil again, to get the engine updated. Once a new engine "tube" was created, I exploded the engine and I was on my way. I fixed a lot of un-needed polys and isolated vertices. There were some radial array issues too, as the center alignments were off. The afterburn flame stabilizer rings were just unacceptable and had to be recreated. I then started to align the turbine fan, turbine, and heat shields. It is really starting to come together at this point. After recreating the three afterburn nozzle feather adjusters (in blue), I saw animation errors due to my radial array and pivot locations. I practically deleted it and started over. Now I could put it all together! I must say, the screen caps below, put together looks amazing. Beczl did an awesome job creating it in the first place. Big props.

 

 

Getting closer! 

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1805813&postcount=1

 

DCS MiG-21Bis NewsFlash - Issue No.3

 

External model:

As you can see on the external 3D model WIP pages. Rudel do a very good job and fixed all external part. Some minor changes are still in the pipeline but most work is finished. You can see some new WIP here: http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1805441&postcount=100

 

Cockpit:

The cockpit retexturing progress going well, we have no new pictures at this week about progress, due now we're working on to finalize remaining parts and do final comparison of our cockpit parts/objects size, and FOV. These measuring based on the real plane cockpit measurements made by Dolphin887 so with these measurements we will achieve the best match as possible. Attached some comparison picture how we do that.

 

AFM: 

The AFM reach alpha stage so all function is work and basicall it is flyable. But still we have some point that need to be polish to achieve proer AFM simulation.

 

RoadMap:

Roland work hard to implement remaining things and eliminate all AFM and aircraft related system bugs so after that we able to finalize basic system so we can do further test in paralell with last remaining systems (Weapon, RWR, Radar) migration from lua to C++

 

Other:

N/A

New exterior model update by -Ruder-

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1811492&postcount=112

 

Wow, thanks for the replies! Now that the hard part is finished, I've been working on the intake cooling scoops that are visible on the rear of the fuselage. 

 

 

I had a chance to improve the Cannon as well; redefining the shape and adding a bit more detail. I still need to make fuselage changes near the area. As you can see, the airbrake actually has a slight flair to conform with the panels that protrude out. (not modeled yet)

 

 

I also have been making improvements around the tail section, that can't be seen in game, but what it does is save on the poly count.

New -Rudder- Mig-21Bis update

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1815857&postcount=127

 

This week's update on the model includes cleaning up some object's polygons and adding a bit of detail. Pictured below are the updated pylons. A Rep point to the first person who knows what the 3rd pictured pylon is for. 

 

I mentioned in my last update I had some work to do on the fuselage around the cannon. What I needed to do was create a gradual bump along the rear part of the cannon.

 

Other object cleansing included the AoA Sensor and the ILS Antenna.

 

Last night, I just finished remodeling the HF Antenna Fin & Air Scoop.

Bi -Rudder-

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1832892&postcount=155

 

These past two weeks I've been in a mad dash to get the model ready for texturing. Another member of our team will be unwrapping it and fixing material shader settings, etc. I actually finished last week, and used the extra time I had to redo a few areas and add detail.

 

According to Model Viewer, I managed to get the model down to 160,000 triangles +/- a few hundred. ED's new Su-27 is at 173K, so there is some room for improvement! 

 

I started working on the damage model last week. I needed to sift through the old meshes and properly organize them. It's complete, but our team has a few changes that need to be made. Once that is done, I'll resume the damage model.

 

 

In the meantime, I finally dug my way through redoing the wings. There were some serious poly issues I felt needed to be fixed. Below shows the new wing on the right. All nice and smooth now! Yep, that means I had to remake the landing lights, flaps, ailerons, and gear doors too. haha. I redid a few bits on the wings' attachments too, to include the lights, sensors, actuators covers, etc.

 

 

A few last things on my To-Do List was to add more detail to the pylons. The bumps you see is what was missing. I planned on using Normal Maps to create it, but it wouldn't look right. I imported the pilot and ejection seat as well, so time can be saved unwrapping and texturing. Unwrapping a humanoid is no easy task anyways!

 

 

Nose cone's shading problem was fixed adding more segments. Usually using long quads in a cone can yield some blocky looking edges, even after a proper smoothing group is applied. In the cockpit I used a spline to recreate a deformed pipe too.

 

 

Hopefully the next update will be in a new thread featuring the texturing!

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1832904&postcount=1

Getting to 47,000 ft is no easy task! Where are those bombers ! ?

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1837270&postcount=1

 

Hello everyone.

 

We know you have been waited for this newsflash last week, and we apologize not having enough time to create one. This one comes few days earlier this week and I hope other team members will post their individual news in this or separated threads during this week.

 

The biggest news is not so good for our team but it won't affect our progress: in a big thunderstorm that happened few days ago in Hungary, beczl's PC was badly damaged including the HDD. All important files and related work was backed up daily, so no concerns about data loss. However, recovering the workstation with all the software tools and data will require substantial financial and time resources. All team members have their own copies of most of the files + back up copies, so no reason to worry about the continuation of the project. We wish you quick recovery beczl.

 

Concerning the external 3D model, as you probably know, Rudel finished it and textures migration is in progress. Model is beautiful, clean, optimized and will look just great with new textures. Lot of work there, but the hardest part is done.

 

RAZBAM-Cobra is finishing the new magnificent cockpit this week, and we can't wait to see screens of all the panels with masterpiece details in Beta. Bind it with Rudel's model, and you'll have a plane to stare at for hours.

 

AFM (advanced flight model) is approaching Beta and will be declared Beta hopefully this week. Aircraft performances are close within the flight domain, and some fine tuning left to be done. Currently, I'm working on new breaking/steering (taxi) model which is implemented in AFM due to unsatisfactory results we had with previous one.

 

Roland is working on weapon system (and related subsystems) migration from LUA and improved implementation. Along with AFM, this is the most important part of model simulation. It will require some time, but once I free myself from AFM, I'll help Roland to speed up his work.

 

In last 7 days we fixed number of bugs and code-dependent visual effects, and apart from above mentioned WIP, we need to implement DCS radio communication model which is required in order to support correct comm with AI layer and other players in multiplayer.

 

Sounds (mentioned in WN No.4) are still waiting for the fix. Since this is not high priority issue, it will be done once we finish Beta so we can fix this in parallel with other testing and minor fixing.

 

I hope this will compensate for the lack of info last week.

 

Thank you for your support, we won't let you down.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1845629&postcount=160

 

For this week's update, I have frantically been checking and rechecking the model before texturing. For those that like up-close screenshots., I've added detail to the cockpit. The canopy had a major overhaul as well. After using FFD modifiers, I managed to give it it's bubbly appearance. The pilot and ejection seat were scaled to a correct size too.

 

If time allows the windscreen will get corrected too.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1850719&postcount=1

 

Hi folks,

 

First of all; sincerest apologies for the delay of this weekly newsflash. It was meant to be published last week, but sometimes development of certain components and/or artwork takes longer than expected.

 

With that being said however, the information has been updated so to be current for today. 

 

Exterior:

Mike (Rudel) has now finished all meshwork on the MiG-21 exterior.

Clean, detailed, perfectly shaped according to reference materials and ready for new UVs. 

 

Pictures available here; http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?...&postcount=155

 

With that I'd like to clarify that the exterior texture artwork is also getting completely redone. Higher res, new riveting, new panel lines, new weathering and heavy emphasis on great normal/spec masters. Mike should start laying rivets before the end of this week. 

 

Interior:

Texture artwork for the cockpit is progressing very nicely. There are still two full textures left to overhaul; and after that there are still several textures that need to be normalmapped and specularmapped. 

 

In creation of the normal and specular maps for the canopy; high-poly to low-poly normal map baking was utilized, which really helped in bringing out the details necessary for larger items close to the users point of view.

As always; considering thousands upon thousands of hours will be spent by players in this cockpit, I try to consider every detail and make sure every part is as good as it possibly can be.

 

Below you'll find some attached realtime screenshots of the new KM-1M Ejection Seat and harness that will be in the cockpit. Please note that there are major errors still visible on these shots; so take them with a grain of salt. 

 

Texture overhaul for the cockpit will be complete by the end of this week.

 

System / AFM:

The Mig-21 codebase has been progressing at an excellent pace. Both Novak and Roland have made excellent progress.

 

Novak reports that the MiG-21 AFM is now in internal BETA!. 

Everything relevant is implemented, and it is currently undergoing testing. Work continues on bughunting and various subsystems.

 

Roland is working on weapons systems integration via C++; one of the most complex systems of the aircraft. He has also implemented Autopilot which is currently undergoing testing.

 

In essence; Soon

 

Bezcl is still down due to a mixup with packages for hardware delivery. He will also be gone on a business trip for a week in early September. This does not impact our development schedule or workflow.

 

Thank you all once again for your support, and we look forward to flying the MiG-21 with you.

 

Looking fantastic! Great to hear about the progress coming along nicely.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1873709&postcount=1

 

DCS MiG-21Bis NewsFlash - Issue No.7

 

External model:

 

Rudel working on the exterior model UVW and texturing in paralell with new damage effect creation. So very soon you will see how the brand new exterior model looks like with a tons of rivets. :-)

 

Cockpit:

 

Razbam-Cobra is nearly finish the new cockpit textures, now he's working on a more realistic cockpit shader, metal shine and other effects. So after that we will have a beautiful cockpit I promise.

 

AFM:

 

According Novak report the AFM is in polishing state. Aircraft performances are being tuned according to manuals. Working on extreme flight condition simulation (critical overall and local AoA, stall, spin). Ground operations: big issue is the unique gear breaking/steering system which is implemented from the scratch since original ED system is not applicable for the MiG-21. Successfully implemented drag chute management, animation and AFM connection. Fixed multiple bugs related to several systems (ARK, PRMG, SAU etc.).

 

Roland successfully ported the weapons systems to C++ side. He implemented stations management, weapons launch & jettison; couple of small things to do, expect to finish it by the end of the week.

 

RoadMap:

 

Not significant changes on the roadmap even I was out in the last month. Fortunately during this time the team able to follow the plan and did a great job.

 

Others:

 

After one month absence finally today I have a working PC. I say a big THANKS for the following forum members (and other flightsim addict also) who offered a help for me. With their help and effort the development resume with full steam as well. 

 

Many thanks for:

159th_Falcon

Rudel

bumfire

carlos

TeChMastR

spoore

HatM

 

"One good turn deserves another"

 

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1873712&postcount=2

 

Hey folks,

 

Just wanted to note that these shots are not at all indicative of the final look

They're a little old, have several un-overhauled objects, and primarily are are without speculars, normals and specularity.

 

There will be a proper cockpit artwork update soon.

Damn, I can't wait to tear the skies up with this beauty. It's looking insane. 

Cockpit:

 

Razbam-Cobra is nearly finish the new cockpit textures, now he's working on a more realistic cockpit shader, metal shine and other effects. So after that we will have a beautiful cockpit I promise.

 

It's hard to see how that cockpit can possibly get any better. Incredibly nice visuals there.

JATO SRPD-99 test on Mig-21Bis

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1884852&postcount=15

 

This demo shows early implementation of SPRD-99 rocket booster for DCSW MiG-21. At the moment (sept 2013) the booster has not yet been 3D modeled.

 

RSBN aproach by Mig-21Bis manual, from russian forum (Beczl confirm RSBN system implemented on DCS:World)

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1889098&postcount=156