new for manual and systems

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1558667&postcount=219

A quick update before bed time.

 

Whilst I'm trying to catch up with Tango's code by writing the manual, I've had a bad week at work last week and this week hasn't gone too well so far either.

 

I've updated the manual to incorporate the Lighting System and next on my list is the AHRS system (gonne be a long time writing that one up).

 

In terms of development, Tango is working away at weapons and I'm happy to say he hasn't blown himself up yet, although the laughter I heard over Teamspeak I'm sure was testing if bombs would go off when dropped whilst sitting on the runway :-/

 

ED have changed a couple of things which means we have greater control of external flight surface animations and more to come on that soon.

For now I'll say that they are really stepping up the pace to give the dev teams and ultimately you, the best flight sim in the world.

 

Blondie and Crash are still hard at work on skins and we are currently testing two new skins in the Sim. We currently have 4 in-sim with more to come.

 

Eye candy is on hold at the moment until the new skins are ready to be shown off and then I'll post some screenshots and a video with a whole bunch of stuff.

 

Oh yeah, did I mention I'm on holiday from this Friday for a week, lazing on a sunny Spanish beach with my girlfriend thinking about you lot getting to grips with FC3.

 

Enjoy it guys, it's AWESOME!!!

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1560918&postcount=223

Thanks Gunterlund.

 

Well a quick update from me before I head off to sunnier climes to lay on a beach for 10 days.

 

The manual has had a couple of updates on Lights and AHRS and I've started on weapons. I'll post an updated version when I get back.

 

I'm just adding our logo to a couple of screenshots of the latest skins that Blondie has made which are awesome and I'll post them up.

And as the perfectionist that he is, is tweaking them all of the time to get them as realistic as possible.

 

Coding wise, there are some excting things going on that I don't want to share right now but will be big things I'm sure you will love and we'll post an update soon.

 

So, have a great week, enjoy the new screens when I upload them and see you when I get back.

 

Chris.

 

and answer by multicrew

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1575540&postcount=227

Yes, this will be something we will hopefully be implementing

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1622067&postcount=184

It's been a while since the last pics, but we've been slightly busy with some other things.

 

Here is our second multiplayer flight testing out some systems, flight model and animations.

 

Many thanks to 74th_Javelin for the flight and for taking the shots on his triple screen monitor setup.

 

Please note AA is not turned on, so some jaggered edges are showing.

 

I hope you enjoy these ones showing off the new skins in widescreen.

 

Chris

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1647610&postcount=280

Happy New Year falcon_120!

 

Quote:

How is the development going?

Great thanks! Just finishing up the code for the fuel system; I've got the code written for determining fuel position in the tanks. I'm now working on the fuel pressurization details and tying all that in with an as-yet non-existent engine model, so got all that to write as well before it is complete!

 

There is much stuff going on behind the scenes (as always) and we will update as and when we can!

 

Best regards,

Tango.

http://forums.eagle....1&postcount=283

Quote:

Originally Posted by falcon_120

How is the delevelopment going? Which are the milestone for 2013?

I'm looking forward for the typhoon but understand that the hawk is the first step.

I hope everything goes fine. And keep up the good work.

Hey Falcon,

As Tango posted he is working on some of the most complex issues for the aircraft. We are coding both planes; Hawk and Tiffy to real world levels essentially so every nut, bolt, fuel pump, tubes, etc. all need to be coded so we have greater control over those elements for failures and damage modeling as an example.

I'm extremely busy with work things at the moment and away for weeks on end but when I'm home I'm slowly coding the Typhoon cockpit switch test functions which should allow for a smoother transition later, like we did for the Hawk.

 

The first goal of 2013 is to have a cold start jet, hence why Tango is coding the fuel and engine systems currently. Following on from that most of the essential primary cockpit systems are already coded so we can start fully testing every function on engine power, and loss.

 

The second goal is the secondary systems; radio's, navigation, failures, warnings, etc.

Then as and when ED release "components" to us, we will code them in.

 

The third goal is to have the rear cockpit modeled and tied into the front cockpit. So if you flip a switch up front, the rear responds and vice versa.

Dual cockpit control is still being conceptualised and discussed. As and when we have more info on that we'll release it.

 

A little note on this; the Hawk requires certain functions to be enabled in the front cockpit before the rear can be used, I.e. two pilots. We are currently discussing ideas on single player use of dual cockpit switching and how that will work. In real life, as far as I know, you can't just jump in the back and away you go. We may add a simulated pilot up front to enable those functions and allow switching between the seats. Again it's still being discussed.

The dual cockpit function may not make it into the first release of the module but will be upgraded for free later to allow the ability.

 

And of course work is still ongoing with the EFM so of course that is a goal for this year.

 

We are hoping to publish the module for release some time this year, but again it's still too early to give a specific date.

 

I hope that answers your question.

 

Thanks,

Chris.

 

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1649022&postcount=291

Hi Supersheep,

 

Actually you raise a great question. Under gravity feed conditions, several limitations exist.

 

1) No negative g flight

2) Restriction of power below 95% especially at high altitude and high speed (eng fuel flow exceeds gravity flow rate so it can exhaust the collector in a few minutes)

3) Fuel quantity indicator (FQI) becomes unreliable during any maneuver

4) Fuel qty in the wings and collector are at the same *level* geometrically, so the FQI under-reads (yes, this will be modelled too!)

 

Under pressurization the level of fuel in the collector is physically higher than the level in the wings even though they are otherwise directly connected (albeit through non-return valves).

 

Best regards,

Tango.

 

Weapons details.

 

http://forums.eagle....4&postcount=310

In terms of weapons, we are still considering exact versions of weapons, but here is what that the Hawk can carry.

 

Extract from our flight manual:

Two underwing pylons can be fitted, one left and one right; the pylons are interchangeable but not jettisonable.

Each pylon is equiped to carry a MATRA (M155) rocket launcher containing 18 x 16mm SNEB rockets projectiles, a practice bomb carrier or a carrier bomb light stores (CBLS) No 100 Mk1 or Mk3 for carrying 2 x 28lb ballistic practice bombs.

Each pylon on the T. Mk1A is eqquiped to carry a 600lb cluster bomb or Sidewinder millise launcher (LAU-7A).

With the exception of the Sidewinder launcher the pylon stores are jettisonable.

A 30mm Aden gun, contained in a non jettisonable gun pod can be carried under the wing on the fuselage centre line.

 

Aiming facilities for the available attack modes are provided by a D195R Integrated Strike and Interception System (ISIS).

In the T. Mk1A the gun can be selected for firing at the same time as any of the pylon-carried stores are selected for release or firing.

When AAM are selected the firing or release of any other pylon-carried store is inhibited.

On some aircraft a ground launched banner target can be towed and released.

 

Hope that helps

 

Chris

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1683271&postcount=312

Just a quick update - work has not stopped on the Hawk - I'm currently migrating the existing code base to take advantage of new capabilities we've been given in terms of code integration with the sim which is why things have been a bit quiet regarding progress. I hope to have some new features implemented soon (and more manual writing for Ells )!

 

I can share this though - now have realistic N1/EGT relationship based on external factors (altitude, speed and OAT).

 

Best regards,

Tango.

Fantastic!!!

P.S. Have you ever tried to read this thread while all the pictures are still uploading? It's Quite the Challenge :Big Grin:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1692947&postcount=319

Hey guys,

A quick update for you.

 

After a 3 month work assignment away from home, I'm returning this weekend.

And once my replacement motherboard is delivered and installed I'll be back up and running in no time, plus a new GTX680 to give me 120 fps in DCS

 

This means more regular updates, the promo video for DCS:Hawk that I promised a while back and helping out the team on additional tasks for the Hawk.

 

I'm also going to work on the Typhoon cockpit test switch system so things can get moving on her also, but our primary focus is still the Hawk.

 

I'm also very pleased to announce that we will be in TFC's hangar again this year for Flying Legends on the 13th and 14th July.

We will be showcasing all of the ED DCS products along with DCS:Hawk and letting the public fly her for the first time, hopefully in Multiplayer across two pc's and probably streamed live across the Internet (bandwidth dependant).

So, if you're in the Duxford area that weekend definitely pop by and try out the Hawk, along with watching an awesome airshow of TFC's planes.

http://fighter-collection.com/cft/flying-legends-pages/

 

I'm also hoping to be able to show you some pre-release modules like we did last year, but that's very much dependant on TFC and ED allowing me to (I was a little sneaky last year hehe).

 

Ok, back on topic, the Hawk, what are we up to?

Well, we have a working cockpit DLL. It doesn't sound like much but it is a huge thing in the 3rd party module world and we are only one of two teams that have it working at the moment.

A huge thanks goes to Tango, our lead coder and also to Beczl for the pointers to get us there.

Having the DLL gives us much greater control over the cockpit functions within the sim, and the external world influences they have.

 

An example of this is that we can create our own navigation system, that are not reliant on the default nav systems in DCS. Not to say there is anything wrong with the DCS ones, we just want to make them better

 

It also means that the cockpit systems tie in very nicely to the AFM.

An example of this is that currently when we load the Hawk in DCS the landing struts collpase and the plane hits the ground. Of course it's what we mean for it to do as it means the interfaces are working beautifully between the cockpit and EFM for testing.

That way when we get the code talking to each other, hitting the gear lever doesn't just mean it retracts or extends, it will have a greater affect on the air flow and aerodynamics of the jet.

Things like stall buffeting can be fully implemented, all the real world niceties to have in the sim.

 

Pretty much most of the systems like electrical, fuel and engine are all coded. Tango is busy converting those over to the DLL so we can tie them into the EFM and AFM.

In cockpit systems like lighting, oxygen and air conditioning are also fully coded and being converted into the DLL.

 

So once the code has been converted and optimised, we'll have a fully working jet sitting on the ramp waiting to be started up, flown and shut down just like in real life.

 

One of our lead testers has a good friend that is helping us out with systems and flight model. He is an ex Hawk instructor so we value his opinion and expertise immensly.

 

Just a reminder that we are building the module to the highest military specification possible, not just DCS fidelity level.

There are reasons for this that I can't go into right now. Certain real world functions may not be able to be present in the public release module and that really depends on future discussions and contracts.

But rest assured if we have to "simulate" certain restricted functions, you won't notice the difference unless you've actually flown the Hawk in real life. Again this really depends on licence agreements.

 

In terms of that, we have already started discussions with BAE Systems and will be demonstrating the module to them in the near future.

 

That's probably enough for a quick update for now and I'll be posting more regularly from now on.

 

Thanks to all for your messages of support and patience.

 

Cheers,

Chris.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1695502&postcount=336

Sorry Cowboy, I won't be able to make it down to Weston due to work that weekend.

It also gives us, well Tango, some time to get the code transferred to the cockpit DLL.

There is still lots of research going on for an accurate flight model and whilst that still may not be ready for July, we'd like to have something at least that flies like a Hawk. May would be just too early for both.

 

In several weeks time I'm hoping to open up applications for Beta testers. We have a team of Alpha testers already that make up members from various VFS' and ED testers as well as real life pilots.

 

Once we have a solid flight model, the Virtual Red Arrows are also going to put her through her paces in a 9 or 10 ship formation flight to see how the graphics fps load may be affected. I can't wait to get some screens and video from that flight 

 

So, i guess that some of you may be able to fly her before July 

 

At the moment I'm also testing how the multiplayer function is working in terms of if you have the mod installed or not and you join a server without it loaded on your PC.

We may have to release a downloadable external model pack to ensure compatibility.

Ill keep you updated on that as testing goes on and will need some public help with a session coming soon so keep an eye out.

 

Cheers,

Chris.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1702612&postcount=394

A quick update for you.

 

Tango has nearly completed porting the cockpit code over to the DLL so I have a busy days testing tomorrow (good job I booked the day off work) before I head off to snowy Austria for a week snowboarding.

 

As you will have seen we have opened up applications for Alpha Testers.

This is for a select few that have real life experience in either the Hawk or similar systems.

This is a significant milestone for us on the project and one we are proud to have achieved.

 

At this point it is too early to say when the Open Beta testing will begin as there are still a few things we are working with ED on and discussions with BAE.

 

Our thought process is that we will run a similar system to ED in that it will be a paid for Beta and details of costings etc are still under discussion but likely to reflect standard ED pricing.

 

I know I keep promising a video, of which I will do when I'm back from holiday next week, showcasing the full cockpit and functions.

 

Many thanks again for all of the posts, PM's and Emails giving your support.

 

Cheers,

Chris.

As the song goes... "The future's so Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades!!!", in the VERY POSITIVE sense, of course...

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1713919&postcount=408

Easter Update

Well technically Easter finished in the UK 36 minutes ago, so I hope you all had a good four day break from work and enjoyed your Easter eggs and any religious festivals you attended.

 

After catching up with Tango tonight I understand he had a great chat with the potential Alpha testers on Saturday night and we will be shortly sending out the NDA agreements to the successful candidates for signing.

 

Which brings us to the next phase; systems testing.

About 85-90% of the cockpit systems have been converted over to the DLL and after a quick flight this evening they are looking fantastic.

The DCS:Hawk manual has had a big update since I was away and I will continue to update it this week hoping to get the majority of systems functionality written so the testers know what they will be testing against.

 

We have implemented the Mantis bug tracking software so the testers can report bugs and we can feed back on them. This is a great tried and tested bug tracking system which will benefit us well.

 

Digital Rights Management (DRM) software

This allows us to copy protect our module, similar to the current DCS titles sold by TFC/ED.

After making my bank account a little lighter this evening, we will be implmenting a world renouned system that is quick and easy to manage on our side and painless on your side. 

I'd like to point out that it is not Starforce which some have had issues with in the past.

Our new Alpha Testers will be the first users to try it out and we will take their feedback on how it works, but initial demo trials have shown it works very well and like I said painless on your side to install and activate the mod.

 

So, what's next?

Well, development is still ongoing with the coding and as you saw in the Eye Candy section Blondie has made some more awesome skins.

Next on the coding front is the navigation and radio systems which I've mentioned before.

Modeling has begun on improving the ejection seat and Crow is one of the best modelers I know out there so you can expect outstanding work from him as always.

 

Dual Cockpit

Some of you have contacted me by PM and Email to ask about this.

Once the Alpha Testers have confirmed correct functionality of the cockpit systems they will essentially be "copied" into the rear section of the aircraft and tied to the front section. So if a switch up front is flicked, the rear responds accordingly and vice versa.

Then it's onto the seat swtiching functionality, which I can't go into details yet as it's still being worked on. As soon as we have more info on that, you'll be the second to know, well the Alpha Testers will be the first.

 

Open Beta Module

Again, some of you have been asking about this.

It's too early to say yet but we will likely implement an open beta module.

This means that it will be "open" to the community to purchase, as per ED's modules have been, and will allow for further feedback to tweak and develop systems.

We are still a way off from this and discussions are still ongoing about price and licences so I'll leave it there for now.

 

Website and Forums

Another thing on my list to do is to rebuild our website and forums and I'll announce when they have been upgraded.

This will also incorporate the DRM licence software and e-commenrce sections allowing you to buy the module when it's ready and retrieve any lost licence keys.

 

Have a great week and another update soon,

Chris.

 

A basic flight showcasing the navigation instruments and toppling of the DGI and SAI.

Some features have been "enhanced" to showcase them, like the toppling and to shortcut time to show you. Normal AHRS sequence is 3 minutes.

 

Usual blurb...subject to change, etc etc...

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1727503&postcount=246

Other video..... night cockpit lights and ILS test

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1752808&postcount=563

 

Quick update:

Ramp cold start procedure given to testers today.

This is a mix between our code and SFM tweaks until AFM gets written.

 

This has always been a goal of mine as I felt it meant something to start-up from cold, align systems, taxi out and take off (seemed more real).

I can't wait to get home tonight to try it out.

 

The Alpha testers are doing a good job bug finding and Tango is doing an awesome job coding it. 

Crow has also started on remodelling the ejection seat and soon to start on the rear cockpit model.

 

Blondie is working on a commemorative skin and I look forward to showing you that soon.

 

We're working closely with ED on other systems that need tweaking and are getting great support from them.

 

Have a good weekend all and ill bring you another video soon.

 

Cheers,

Chris.

 

VEAO Hawk

 

This is a work in progress video of the pilot animations from outside view.

Not final textures or animations but shows the attention to detail we're working on.

 

Enjoy,

Chris.