05-03-2019
We’ve already made many fixes for the next update. Some of these include:
- Corrected roll based on crosswind.
- Ghost SA contacts fixed.
- Adjusted Link-16 frequency to not conflict with TACAN and IFF.
- Unknown contacts no long longer have HUD diamond, denoting hostile.
- SA TDC now has highest rendering order.
- SA TDC and data values are now the correct, yellow color.
- Contacts that are ownship and donor hostile identified now have caret HAFU on HUD.
- NCTR can also now print targets from 30-degree rear aspect using JEM.
26-02-2019
After the datalink, SA page, and TOO mode for HARM this week, we then plan Latent Track While Scan (LTWS), JDAM, Aircraft/Mission Card, and some bugs fixes for the 13 March Open Beta. This is an estimate and not a promise.
As has been mentioned before, the engineer assigned to the HARM is also assigned to the targeting pod. So, once HARM is done (PB and pullback modes), he will work on the TGP.
Also, in the very near future, we plan to revisit the Hornet flight model, the JDAM flight model (INS-GPS autopilot), and other weapon Launch Acceptable Region (LAR) profiles.
26-02-2019
This week in the Open Beta we will release the next mode of the HARM, namely TOO mode. This video is to introduce the use of the HARM in this mode. A few notes:
19-02-2019
Basic JDAM is coming along well. Here is an image of the JDAM in Target Of Opportunity (TOO) mode. This will be in addition to the Pre-Planned (PP) mode. Once the the basic modes are in, we will add the dynamic launch zone indications on the HUD and HSI.
In the meantime, we are shooting for (not a promise) D/L SA page and HARM TOO mode for 27 February.
In parallel, LTWS, Aircraft/Mission Card, and wake turbulence are all progressing well.
18-02-2019
As mentioned in earlier posts, we are at work on a detailed Aircraft Settings capability through the Options, F/A-18C, Special Tab. This consists of two primary elements: Aircraft Systems and Mission Card. Both will allow you to pre-configure the Hornet before flight in both single and multiplayer. As such, you would be able to setup your own aircraft defaults.
Aircraft Systems include all functions that are NOT specific to mission (.miz) file or Mission Computer settings. This includes such items as lights, bingo fuel, various cockpit switches, altimeter, etc. In this way, you can have your aircraft setup just that way YOU want it.
The Mission Card allows you to set up software options for all missions that includes such items as radar settings, countermeasures, AG weapon programs, and navigation settings.
The third element of mission configuration MUST apply directly to the specific mission file or there will conflict between Aircraft Settings and the mission file… these are the waypoint settings. As always, a mission is created with a set of waypoints and properties when the mission is created by the mission designer. For the Hornet though, we are greatly adapting this to account for a much more realistic Hornet waypoint system that accounts for up to 60 waypoints in the database, of which waypoints can be assigned properties of sequence 1, sequence 2, sequence 3, initial point, A/A waypoint, Pre-Planned (PP), or Pre-Briefed (PB). In the Mission Planner, the player would be able to then adjust these if desired on a per-mission basis. We are also looking to making the Mission Planner available in multiplayer.
This will also include a new waypoint user interface that we’ll share a bit later once it is more solid.
This is all deep in development and very much subject to change. We have no release time frame in mind yet… it will be released to an Open Beta once we feel it’s ready.
12-02-2019
After our meetings today, I can update you on our current near-term planning for the upcoming Hornet features. For the 27 February update we plan (not promise):
26-02-2019
This week in the Open Beta we will release the next mode of the HARM, namely TOO mode. This video is to introduce the use of the HARM in this mode. A few notes:
- Later, we will add the TOO TD box to the HUD.
- In addition to the line above the emitter that indicates the radar is locking you, an F indicates it is a friendly emitter and a “U” shape indicates a naval emitter.
- When enabled, LIMIT only shows the 5 highest priority emitters. Otherwise, up to 15 emitters can be displayed.
- Like SP mode, there is no range indication.
- Once TOO mode is done, we will implement Pre-Briefed and Pull-Back modes.
- Once HARM is done, then we will focus on the targeting pod.
19-02-2019
In the meantime, we are shooting for (not a promise) D/L SA page and HARM TOO mode for 27 February.
In parallel, LTWS, Aircraft/Mission Card, and wake turbulence are all progressing well.
18-02-2019
Aircraft Systems include all functions that are NOT specific to mission (.miz) file or Mission Computer settings. This includes such items as lights, bingo fuel, various cockpit switches, altimeter, etc. In this way, you can have your aircraft setup just that way YOU want it.
The Mission Card allows you to set up software options for all missions that includes such items as radar settings, countermeasures, AG weapon programs, and navigation settings.
This will also include a new waypoint user interface that we’ll share a bit later once it is more solid.
This is all deep in development and very much subject to change. We have no release time frame in mind yet… it will be released to an Open Beta once we feel it’s ready.
12-02-2019
After our meetings today, I can update you on our current near-term planning for the upcoming Hornet features. For the 27 February update we plan (not promise):
- JDAM basic operation minus dynamic launch zone
- HARM TOO and PB modes
- Latent Track While Scan (LTWS) and Track While Scan (TWS) air-to-air radar modes
- Data Link / Link-16 / MIDS. This has been a huge undertaking and will take a bit more time to get right, particularly for multiplayer data-sharing and creating a unified picture between clients. We want to get this right.
- New IFF system tied to D/L
- NCTR tied to D/L
- JDAM dynamic launch zone.
- Data Card. This won’t just be a data card but allow you to customize many aspects of your aircraft set up.
- Lightening II Targeting Pod
- JSOW
