Leatherneck-Simulator

[Silver_Dragon 411]

Leatherneck little update, F4U-1D Corsair delayed with the pacific teather to late summer, and news about fixes on Mig-21bis

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=2768477#post2768477

Hi All,

 

We'll try to crosspost most of the important posts we make on the forum in this thread- to avoid them being buried in the depths of a thread and information being limited.

 

On the F4U-1D Corsair

The F4U-1 is on a very temporary development hold as we wait for some new terrain technology to become available in the core engine- as well as focus fully on the AJS-37 until completion.

 

I'd expect us to announce/show the Pacific project in full before the end of Summer, however- and a release of the Corsair this year.

It's still being very much actively worked on in general, there's just a temporary lull for the Corsair itself.

 

On the MiG-21 not working in 2.0.2

We're waiting for some engine binaries to be made available so that we can properly debug and fix the 2.0.X issues.

 

On the radar issues in 1.5.3

Radar bugs in 1.5.3 have been solved and will be available in the next patch.

 

 

[Pugilist2 880]

Really hope they get the Mig-21 working in 2.02 soon.

[Silver_Dragon 411]

Leatherneck AJS-37 Viggen progress update.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2807583&postcount=2

On the AJS-37 Viggen and current progress

 

We're still working hard and in pseudo-crunch mode. 

There are no conspiracies, no issues- just a lot of hard work bringing mantis walls of red into the green.

 

2 Weeks ™

 

[Silver_Dragon 411]

Leatherneck progress update

 

ED Forums - View Single Post - LN Quick Status Update (We're alive!)

Dear All,

 

First of all- thank you all for your patience in the past year. 

Unfortunately plans don't always work out, and we're working very hard to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. 

 

Here's a very quick summary of what we're working on and where we stand.

 

AJS-37 Viggen

We're all fairly quiet and keeping our heads low- as we're still very much knee deep in the AJS-37 completion crunch. Most of the current work is focused on a few critical areas:

Correction of erroneous artwork

Fixing of a few hundred bugs, including some critical

Completion of ground mapping radar shader & visuals (Performance!)

Campaign & Mission completion. (1 Mini Campaign, 1 Major Campaign & Training suite)

Marketing materials, music licensing, livestream planning

Expansion of the LN Site (including Merchandise- and MiG-21 rewards)

New Theatres

The past few weeks have seen the completion of the last research trips conducted with real Viggens. Again, we visited the JA-37Di at Graz-Thalerhof to be able to remedy some of the erroneously constructed artwork. (Canopies are a PITA!). We're very grateful to all of the museums around Europe, which have graciously afforded us the ability to crawl all over their aircraft in search for complete accuracy.

 

The Viggen has been a very challenging project for us, both in size and complexity- but primarily in the new features that will be introduced with the aircraft. Our own, custom ground mapping radar has been a point of very difficult development- but we sincerely hope that the end result will be stunning in every way.

 

It all sounds, in writing, a little more pessimistic than it really should. We're getting there.

 

F-14

The F-14 is progressing steadily and many new systems are being consistently implemented.

There are not too many "unknowns" or- directly- new features involved in the F-14, which make the development process a little easier. 

 

We have begun relying on the expertise of SMEs to ensure accuracy of various systems, the flight model, and other features. It's been very helpful to fill in the gaps that exist in the documentation, which- unfortunately are quite large. It's also been helpful so far in ensuring that the feel and look of certain aircraft systems is accurate. A concrete example would be the refresh rate for the HUD and VDI.

 

We've also begun conducting concrete CFD experiments for the AIM-54, to ensure that the missile is modelled to the most accurate extent possible. 

We'll be doing a full update dedicated to just this area, as soon as we start getting concrete results from our simulations.

 

We'll be sharing much more on the F-14 once the AJS-37 is out the door, and more resources are freed up to produce enjoyable visual material.

 

MiG-21bis

The last few patches for DCS have seen the inclusion of a few new MiG-21 features, and we still have a few large items that we need to take care of to ensure the full completion of this module. 

 

These include some sound updates, visual updates- as well as backporting a few new features from the AJS-37 and F-14 projects. 

There are, of course, also a few bugs left with aircraft functionality- and we're getting to these as quickly as possible.

 

We have not, nor will we ever abandon our previously released modules. They're all equally important to us, and we hope that we have, and will continue to prove this moving forward.

 

Again, thank you for all of your patience and support. 

 

We're eternally grateful to have such a great and understanding fanbase, and if we could take all the premature teasing back, we would. 

We're always trying to improve, and the past couple of years have been a great learning experience.

 

Thank you!

LNS

 

[Phantom88 3,288]

***LNS Splitting Up*** 

From DCS Community News............

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=3076083#post3076083

Dolphin887.........

 

"Dear everyone,

For almost three years we’ve been enjoying your overwhelming interest and support, successfully walking a very difficult road together and reaching a highly professional level in game development for our beloved platform –Digital Combat Simulator.

As you know, a business development resembles real life in many aspects; and apart from the amazing experiences we’ve had these years, there have also been some business and management issues and disagreements within our team. As in real life, problems have to be dealt with in a rational manner in order to keep things moving forward. This often results in having to make hard decisions for a better and more secure future.

The original “Leatherneck Simulations” four-people team has decided to part ways: three of us (Michael, Radu and Novak) will remain under one umbrella by creating a new company – MAGNITUDE 3 LLC, based in Florida, USA.

MAGNITUDE 3 LLC has acquired the rights to the “Leatherneck Simulations” brand and DCS: MiG-21Bis module. At the moment, we have three permanent staff members and two contract members.

Nicholas Dackard has acquired the rights for the DCS: AJS-37 Viggen and DCS: F14-A/B projects, which will be branded under a different company.

As for the future of “Leatherneck Simulations” and MAGNITUDE 3 LLC, here’s our agenda.

Our short-terms goals (3 months, JAN-MAR 2017) for MAGNITUDE 3 are:
- Regain financial stability,
- Setup stable development infrastructure and staff,
- Setup stable customer support infrastructure and services.

Our medium-term goals (12 months, JAN 2017-JAN 2018) are:
- Improve staff work flow,
- Release a new DCS module, which is now in development,
- Improve customer support for increased workload for modules support.

Our long-term goals (24+ months) are:
- Stabilize stuff work flow (permanent stuff members),
- Release another DCS module.

Our permanent goals are to create superb DCS modules and support our customers.

We are looking forward to these new challenges and sincerely hope to amaze you again with the modules we are developing for DCS.

Last, but not least, we want to express our thanks and gratitude to TFC and Eagle Dynamics for helping through this complex transition.

Wishing you all the best,

“Leatherneck Simulations” guys, MAGNITUDE 3 LLC"

OUCH!!!! Not Good

[Phantom88 3,288]

.....More from Nickolas.....

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=184409

 

"

Dear All,


For some time, we have been working on an amicable parting of ways between members of the original MiG-21 development team. 

I have relinquished my stake in the Leatherneck Simulations trademark and brand to the newly minted Magnitude 3 LLC, who will continue supporting the DCS: MiG-21bis, along with the development of other exciting new DCS modules. I wish my former colleagues the absolute best in their future endeavours!

The entire DCS: AJS-37, DCS: F-14A & B and other development teams will transition to the new Heatblur Simulations banner, a new trademark and subsidiary owned in full by myself.
We continue to look forward to a very bright future, filled to the brim with high quality and exciting products.

Thank you all for your support and understanding.
You all represent one of the most amazing and supportive communities ever to exist.

We’re looking forward with excitement to launch our new site and brand in the next few days!


Yours truly,

Nicholas Dackard
Founder & Lead Artist

& the Heatblur Simulations team:

Daniel Malmquist (Ph.D)
Xueqian Zhao (Ph.D)
Bert van Leeuwen (M.Sc)
Christoffer W.
Gregory Smiddy (B.Sc)
Andrew O'Donnell (B.Sc)
Teodor Frost
Andreas Sandin
Anders Karlsson
Andrzej Osiecki
Bartosz Lemke
Stirling Rank
Kevin Miller
Alexander Jacobs
Jonathan Törnqvist
Sylwia Raczynska

__________________
/Nicholas Dackard

Director
Heatblur Simulations

[jcomm 5,984]

Hmmmm

[Phantom88 3,288]

Some news on updating The Mig-21..........

"

• Over the past few years everyone has experience some sort of activation trouble. Eagle Dynamics is currently looking into having our module’s DRM get in line with their new “log-in” standard. If successful, users will not have to worry about entering a key ever again.
   
• The pilot model that we’ve shown you some time ago was not shown in the game graphics engine. Below, you will find new screenshots as it will appear in game. The external pilot textures are nearly complete, while animations are ready for presentation. The pilot will be available as soon as the new cockpit update is finished. And yes, there will be an option to view it in cockpit mode.
   
• The cockpit will soon be underway for a complete makeover. Your pleas were read, and we’re planning…we repeat plan on providing a multitude of cockpit livery options. This includes colors, language, measuring system, and varying degrees of weathering. Though there is no guarantee on the quantity yet. Small fixes are being implemented in patches as well.
   
• Other improvements include proper instrument panel lighting, where the light-ray sources will come directly from the light posts. The 3D mesh itself will be totally remodeled to ensure proper alignment to the external model so that users of VR headsets will have a better experience.
   
• It has also been decided that the two external 8K textures will once again be split back into separate 4K sets to help mitigate stuttering for low end computer systems, after several users have been reporting performance issues.
   
• While the programmers are making headway for MAC, a few bugs are being looked into such as the R-13M, R-3R, and R-3S missiles’ performance degradation. We’re currently using TacView and comparing our sources to help improve them.
   
• Our researcher is currently collecting data on the SPO-10 to further improve it. Improvement work is scheduled to begin later this year, as top priority right now is MiG-21bis for MAC.
   
• The programmer for the flight model has stressed it will remain as is. As stated before in previous posts, actual real-time flight data recordings from a Serbian MiG-21Bis (75B) were presented to Eagle Dynamics as requested. There were no objections towards the data presented and all discrepancies in existing documents were explained. Fret not, other bugs will continue to be fixed though.
   

[Phantom88 3,288]

Mig-21 getting some Love..........

 

Some new MiG-21Bis news from Leatherneck.

source: http://leatherneck-sim.com/looking-beyond-the-horizon/ 1

---

MiG-21bis

Despite what one might think, the MiG-21Bis is not long and forgotten.

As told in the New year update, work on the 21’s cockpit fixes are coming along. We’ve also most recently improved the R3S missiles performance based on gathered and user provided references. We also continue our work on other mentioned issues.

As for the cockpit, the hardest and most frustrating job is scaling the virtual pit, into the external model. It’s progressing slowly and there are some issues that need to be dealt with before release. With that said, here are the proposed steps introducing the new pit once it is complete.

1. Size and Fit into external model, and use original textures. Of course we’ll include a cleaner canopy at this point. This’ll be released as a bandaid for VR users. Afterwards….
2. Begin creating a new mesh to negate any performance hits, and to help create better geometry for the new PBR texture workflow.
3. Test n Release…

Now this does come with shortcomings as the position of the ASP symbols will change in relation to the gun barrel, and pilot’s view point.

 

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The external model is also getting some love by fixing the spine’s mesh merging into the tail…Yes, that does mean slight modifications of camo patterns, but our artist used his best skills to mitigate any major texture changes. Rivets on the tail have been changed to reflect the ‘bis’ variation and not the ‘MF’ that is currently laid out.

• A new, easy to use template along with a sample mesh will be available before the new mesh is released.

We have also been thinking about texture weight taking up users’ bandwidth, virtual memory and HDD/SSD space. It’s no secret our MiG-21bis uses a whopping 6GB of space and we want help reduce it!

• Liveries have been split back into 6 x 4K sets, plus some 1 and 2K sets.
• The new BC7 DDS compression will be used to keep the same quality, but lower the file size even more than the standard nVidia DDS plugin.
• And we are still planning to reduce all 4K textures to 2K as the standard install. We will put the high resolution 4K Liveries on our website for those that can afford the performance. But not after some internal testing.

Finally, the introduction of overwing vapor is on the horizon! There are not many photos or videos showing the delta wing’s effects, but we think we have nailed it and will include it in a huge update along with the cockpit, external, and cockpit meshes!

[Phantom88 3,288]

***Spring Update***

 

Leatherneck Simulations Spring Update
http://leatherneck-sim.com/spring-awakening/?fbclid=IwAR0xAOxIQWuEF3zTCfmxWx41mmHjCG0PNl9nivoAoe2vqp4nRPn79E69uC4

Dear aviators,

as Winter is now only a memory for the most of us, we would like to share with you some news that should change dynamics of our development and give you a better understanding of our status this Spring. Earlier in March we’ve posted a teaser on Facebook, announcing to the world our next major project. It is time to explain this module in greater depth, as well as, bring some news on our other projects, primarily F4U-1D Corsair and MiG-21bis.

Vought Aeronautics F-8J Crusader

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The F-8 Crusader revered by Naval Aviators as the ‘last of the gunfighters’ due to it’s four 20 mm Colt-Browning Mk 12 cannons, is a legendary fighter now coming to a DCS World. Conceived during the early 1950s, the F-8 Crusader was developed by Vought with a set requirements that have changed an established long ago axiom, that carrier-based aircraft could not outperform shore-based ones. The U.S. Navy wanted a fighter capable of Mach 1.2 at 30,000 ft, Mach 0.9 at sea level and a 25,000ft-per-minute rate of climb coupled with great maneuverability. The result was Vought’s Model V-383, later designated XF8U-1, enjoying all the advantages available at a time such as lightweight materials, newly developed aerodynamics, ram air turbine and a formidable armament. With the first production F8U-1 leaving Dallas plant on September 20, 1955, a new era in naval aviation had begun. The F-8 Crusader was numerically the most populous fighter in the U.S. Navy at the outbreak of Vietnam conflict. The Crusader during its time, enjoyed great success against North Vietnamese MiGs, officially being attributed with 18 enemy aircraft shot down, which represented 53 percent of all Vietnamese fighters claimed by the U.S. Navy squadrons during Rolling Thunder operation.

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The F-8J ‘Juliet’ in development, was the last major modification of the Crusader family, which followed ‘Echo’ version. It introduced a number of improvements, of which most noticeable is the Boundary Layer Control, providing additional lift during take-off and landing, which initially was met with mixed success caused by a variety of issues such as ramp strikes. This in turn was addressed by the engine upgrade to a Pratt & Whitney J-57-P-420, which is the engine our Crusader will feature.

Furthermore, the F-8J featured the following:

• A new AN/APQ-124 radar set
• 4 x 20 mm Colt-Browning Mk 12 cannons in the lower forward fuselage area
• ‘Y pylons’ enabling the fuselage stations to carry four air-to-air missiles or Zuni pods
• Underwing pylons
• Bullpup missile control systems.

Despite its primary role, the F8 Crusader eventually turned out to be a capable air-to-ground platform, at one time being the only Navy fighter capable of carrying Mk 84 2,000lb bombs, one under each wing.

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DCS F-8J will also feature an AN/AWG-4 Fire Control System with BAT/ALE and SEAM Systems, Shoehorn ECM equipment, APX-72 IFF transponder, AN/ARC-51A Command Radio, ARN-52 (V) TACAN and many others.

Having begun development of this module earlier this year, we’ve focused initially on obtaining any available technical and flight documentation as well as high quality pictures for already ongoing 3d model development. We’ve visited not so long ago the Museum of Flight in Seattle with an XF-8A on display and intend to visit more facilities such as the National Museum of Naval Aviation and Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, to obtain a detailed pictorial documentation specific to later F-8 variants.

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Chance-Vought F4U-1D Corsair

Since the previous update in January, a lot has changed in the F4U-1D development. External model textures are now almost complete and only a few elements and incorrections need ironing out. Thus, simultaneously, we began work in the cockpit, which unexpectedly needs some remodeling to ensure that a late variant of F4U-1D is represented. All this necessities convinced us not to show the 3d model prior to it’s completion, so that you can see it in its entirety. As soon as it’s ready, we will provide you with the set of footage.

We also received a first preview of our pilot. Model below has only basic texturing applied and has yet to go through multiple phases, before completion.

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MiG-21bis Fishbed

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Moving straight from the Corsair to the Fishbed, we would like to give you a small preview of the upcoming cockpit update. In the past few months, you might have seen in our updates, how it has been changing. As development of the cockpit is progressing further, we can now present to you, a result of our work. Keep in mind that this state is still very much a work in progress.

In order to improve the general look of the cockpit, not only have shapes and textures improved, but in some instances we’ve made a decision to entirely reconstruct certain elements, such as the windscreen and ASP-21-PDF gunsight. Derived from CAD designs, the new gunsight represents a higher quality 3D mesh than the previous one, while at the same time does not impact performance as we were actually able to reduce number of polygons in use.

With that last thing in mind, we can also admit, that we’ve put an effort with this update in all possible aspects, to simultaneously improve graphics AND performance. For example, most recently we’ve tested a new set of cockpit lights which produced great visual effects, but had an unfortunate side effect, as it reduced performance, thus ruling it out as an option. As such, we will keep looking for any other opportunities to improve what we already have.

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Christen Eagle II

And last but not least, our little puke machine, which has seen multiple requests, asking to further improve it’s external and internal sounds. To address this request, we’ve decided to employ a sound engineer who recorded high quality samples of an actual Christen Eagle II during aircraft startup and engine operation. After processing and adopting for DCS standards, this sounds will be implemented to satisfy your expectations.

 

[Phantom88 3,288]

Couple New Shots Popped Up on LN FB Page…

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