MadMaxter

Good work on that Hawk, Ripper. I pmed you the addy for the plans that I used for the Phantom. Perhaps we can help each other, since I will need some help when I export to max and begin materials, animations, and LOM export. Good luck to you. Max

what is FTW? Max

Come to think of it, there is another reason I don't like 3dsMax. They come out with a new version every year that is only slightly different than the previous version. They could have easily provided patches or addon software that did the same thing at a much more affordable rate. But every year, the latest and greatest, which is only slightly greater than the previous greatest, gets release for a whopping 3 thousand dollars. Not good. I don't like getting raped annually. Sorry, but there is a better way. Let's put some talent on getting a blender lom exporter for DCS and LOFC. Max

What controller issues? Max

I would have to agree with Volt. Blender is a powerful imaging program and can only grow more and more versatile. It is already being looked at by the MSFS community as a replacement for Gmax. A preliminary plugin has been written for FS infact. Plus, 3ds Max is cost prohibitive in these hard economic times. Many talented modelers are denied the chance to import into games like Lockon, simply because they cannot afford ANY Max version. Blender is free and open source, which makes it beneficial to the modeler and the game company. Licensing is covered and Blender can grow, even as DCS grows to support such cool effects as bumpmapping. I use Blender. I am currently working on the following addon for MSFS. I considered putting it into LOMAC. However, it would have to be rehashed through Max and that only adds work to the model. I may do that in the future, but for now, this baby is going somewhere I can directly import it in for testing. Here it is: Note: Completely done in Blender. As you can see, the program is quite powerful and growing in popularity and capabilities. Just something to consider. Max

I wish for the release of the third party development tools. If that ever happens the quality and variety of this sim will increase ten fold. Competition breeds quality and with the tools needed this sim could go on to be one of the highest rated, best selling modern air warfare sims ever produced. If not, this sim will see stagnant, restricted growth. In short, this sim and the community need a stimulus package.:P Max

If you can't fly fighters with helos in missions than you have just hamstrung a lot of capabilities for real life simulation. Co-op is one thing. But a two team endeavor where one team has to escort the choppers and the other team has to shoot them down to protect their troops is another scenario missed. I hope that this is not a trend that continues with DCS modules. max

Well, let me explain it to you then Rick. If you want to use someone else's model, then you should use judgment. Ask them for permission to use it first. If it is freeware that is one thing. But the D is not, it is payware. Consider this; If I write a book and sell it. But then someone else copies my book and sells it cheaper or doesn't tell anyone I wrote it, then that is theft. Hope this helps. Glad you decided to end this and make your own model. The community will be better for it. Thanks, Max

Since Rick's Tomcat thread got hijacked, I thought I would start this one and ask him to please continue to update it here. If this one gets closed Rick, feel free to stop by our forums and update us on it, as we are very much looking forward to it. Thanks, Max http://www.virtualnavairops.com

Thanks. Actually, modders we have. We have talented graphics designers, skinners and mod creaters. We just need modelers to help with our goals for the coming year with regards to DCS or Lomac. Max

I will be honest. The VNAO is extremely short-handed right now when it comes to modeling. In fact, I am the only one working on a project. I am looking at updating the F-14/F18F mod for damage models and such. But that is going to take a very long time if I am the only one doing it. Its not the modeling so much, its the finish work. The successful modelers have kept most of the how to's to themselves. There are no useful tutorials that I am aware of that explain how to use the plugins to export your models into Lockon. Honestly, everyone is close to the vest with this info. Which, frankly, is surprising, because they all bitch that ED is too close to the vest with their stuff, and that if ED would just open up, the community mods would grow. Well, that is true, and if the talent in the community would open up and provide complete tutorials for the community, the same thing would happen. Rick is doing a fabulous job, and we should all reserve criticism for the final release. The VNAO tomcat was good, we certainly use it and love it at VNAO. But things change and I don't see us updating anytime soon. We are just too shorthanded when it comes to modelers. Thanks, Max P.S. Those interested in helping the VNAO with modeling are certainly welcome to come talk to me.

There is only one way to find out, and that is wait and see. I think it is all pure conjecture and assumption until then. Yeah, they look similar. Two roses look similar too. The difference will be in the close ups. I say, leave Rick alone until it comes out. Then if it is found to be stolen, he will have to answer. But without looking at the wireframe in the modeler, it is impossible to tell for sure with just pictures. Lets wait and see. Max

Maybe they both look alike because they are both good representations of the same airplane. Just a thought. Nice work, I hope to see it real soon. Max

Never, since joining the lockon community was I prouder of it then this past weekend. Our own VX-4 Evaluators made their first of what we hope to be many appearances at VFAT. But it was more than that. The atmosphere in the chat and the awesome shows. The Blue Angels brought that nostalgia back that I had when I was a kid and mesmerized by the A-4 in all its glory. The amazing stunts of the other teams, stunts I never would have dreamed of, nor been able to perform. I know that next year, DCS not withstanding, will prove to be even better as this show has grown by leaps and bounds. And, no matter what the FSXers say, this kind of show can only be done by this community in this game at this time. Congratulations to all in VFAT and a heart-felt thanks from the VNAO to the entire VFAT staff, all the teams, and interoute for the streaming service. Here's to next year!!!! S! "MadMax" CO Virtual Naval Air Operations

Rattler's cockpit was released about a month ago, you may still find it in the downloads at lof. Max

All down hill from here bud, lol, many happy returns from the VNAO. Thanks for all you do. Max

I sure like all the enthusiasm for this post, but remember, I am asking about US Navy here. I am certain that there will be plenty of Russian support for the Russian and Eastern Navy. We here at VNAO are curious about wishes and wants for the US Navy, because it may be less represented in the near future. So... keep those US Navy ideas comin'. Madmax CO Virtual Naval Air Operations http://www.virtualnavairops.com http://www.carrierpilots.com

I thought I would start a discussion to see what the community would like to see in a comprehensive naval mod for DCS. Don't be shy. Planes and systems, anything you can think of. Keep it US Navy though, please. Thanks MadMax CO VNAO http://www.virtualnavairops.com http://www.carrierpilots.com

Greetings, I would like to announce that, in light of the earlier press release by DCS regarding plugins for third party developers, the VNAO dev team has decided to take the initiative and talent involved in creating the Naval mods for LOMAC and delve into DCS. We are formerly announcing our intentions to create ground up models for US Naval Operations. The development team at VNAO has decided to restructure and revamp in light of the extreme demands associated with such an indeavor. Thusly, the VNAO is looking for all individuals willing to join in this effort to create these mods. The bar will be set high and the goals will be more ambitious to say the least. We would like to thank everyone who supported the VNAO thus far, critics and fans alike for all of their comments regarding the F-14D and the upcoming Hornet. We hope to live up to these high standards when taking our hopes and ambitions to DCS. While I cannot speculate on the scope of the projects, I can say that it is our hope that a true US Naval environment can be acheived and our dreams realized. Any individuals interested in joining the development team please pm me or come to our forums. Thanks, MadMax CO Virtual Naval Air Operations http://www.virtualnavairops.com http://www.carrierpilots.com

Flying the D in VF-84 colors is a fictional privilege for the command staff of VNAO only. We recognized that the Jolly Rogers squadron holds much mystique and as such only the command staff flies this fictional VF84 14D. It is creative license that we have used here, not a mistake. We did it on purpose, in other words. Most of our squadrons use creative liberties with the planes and skins we use. Its part of the FUN! Max

Valiant has created a promo video for the VNAO Tomcat mod. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqNO6_781Ng

Absolutely, we currently have one squadron dedicated to the European pilot. So, if you can get on and get trained, we can accomodate you. Max

Anything is possible, but for now, we live with the limits.

Greetings, In what has become one of the virtual sky's greatest success stories, the Virtual Naval Air Operations team brought forth a new group. Tonight, I am going to tell you a little about some of the things that make us unique to any other group out there. Realism: Our command structure takes a novice pilot and allows him to have a Naval career. From Officer Candidate, a new recruit can promote through the ranks and eventually be given command of one of our Tomcat or Hornet squadrons. Our skin design team can crank out high res and realistic skins for new squadrons that look simply amazing. Training: Even the greenest of pilots can be trained. Whether you are new to the sim, or a veteran of the Lock On skies, theres a place for you in our training program. Our training officers are patient and knowledgeable and will have you trappin a two wire in no time flat. Sim development: Our team of highly skilled developers are working to put together a new Navy-oriented mod that will eventually include a new Tomcat D, Super Hornet, and Super Carrier. These projects are constantly updated in our forums with WIP (work in progress) pics and are coming together in truly amazing form. Not satisfied with simply adding a model or two to the sim, we are striving to create what will ultimately be a complete USNavy Mod package. You don't have to join to enjoy this mod in all its glory, it will be released publicly, but what better place to put this mod through its paces than the only 100% simulated Carrier Operations group in the community. Opportunity: In other squadrons, you can be a pilot amongst leaders. VNAO is the only place where anyone with the drive and determination to lead can one day be given the keys to his own Hornet or Tomcat squadron. Serve in other groups, but you can lead in VNAO. Our new CO's can choose which real-world squadron they want to create, what skins to use in that squadron and how to run that squadron's training and operations from training schedules to tactics. Don't take my word for it, just ask one of the over two dozen pilots we have in our squadrons currently. In our first two weeks, 24 pilots joined us. And though we are still in developmental stages, everyone is having the time of their lives. Come visit us at www.virtualnavairops.com and visit our forums for development pics and meet the men behind the biggest thing to happen to US Navy Carrier Ops in sims since USNAVY FIGHTERS! Thanks Admiral Keith "MadMax" Gorman CO Virtual Naval Air Operations

A little more than two weeks ago, a new idea took flight in the form of the Virtual Naval Air Operations. What started with three like-minded individuals with a dream has now become a phenomenon and a gift to everyone who flies in LOMAC and has wanted to be Maverick from TopGun. The VNAO has grown to 23 pilots, 5 squadrons: Jolly Rogers - Command Staff Squadron VF-84 Grim Reapers - Training Squadron VF-101 Black Lions - Our first Tomcat squadron VF-213 Bounty Hunters - Our first Hornet Squadron VFA-2 TopHatters - Home squadron for our European Pilots VF-14 Cosmic Cats - Official VNAO Demonstration team As you can see by the variety of squadrons, we have something for everyone. From classic tomcat pilots to a demonstration team that will apply later this year to participate in VFAT, the Virtual Festival of Aerobatic Teams. In addition, we have assembled a team of modellers and skinners reknowned in the community for their work on LOMAC projects. Racer is working on the F-14D model, Super Hornet model and possibly a new highly detailed aircraft carrier for us. These will of course be released to the community when ready, but what better way to put them to use, then in a virtual navy. But we still need more pilots in order to be called a true success. Our popularity world wide has allowed us to attract many overseas pilots. But many squadron positions stateside remain. So, if you want to fly carrier ops aircraft and be a part of LOMAC history, come join the VNAO. You could be the next CO, choosing from over thirty five tomcat squadrons and many more Hornet squadrons. Why serve on a squadron, when you can lead one of your own. Leadership talented candidates are promoted to command positions of thier own. Come see us at www.virtualnavairops.com and visit our forum for screenshots and pics of the upcoming model projects. Or just meet the pilots. Look forward to seeing you... Admiral Keith "MadMax" Gorman CO Virtual Naval Air Operations