Polychop Simulations

As both modules are developed in parallel it's hard to say. It depends on which one reaches the finish line first.

About the flight model update of the Gazelle, it's simply impossible to show progress. It is not about updating some parts and values of the code with an immediate result to show but a complete rewrite of all the code that makes up the flight model. It is the most complex code of a module and has to be done right. We've been clear about this in the past but I will post this again. I'm affraid this is a process that will take its time with very little to show until it is fully implemented. The old and new, way more advanced code are simply incompatible. In the mean time we will be fixing other issues pointed out by the community and release the needed patches.

CHRISXTR3M3, we will be looking in to multicrew again after ED has implemented this feature for the UH-1 Huey, something they have announced to be working on a few months ago.

Hi Crash, The lack of sitreps has mostly been because of my absense and I apologize for that. Besides working for Polychop I have a very demanding job and recently I've had a hard time finding a good balance between that and representing Polychop. It is time for a new sitrep and I will see to it as soon as possible.

We understand your sentiments but we hope you'll also understand that we can and will not disclose any contract related information as that is something between Eagle Dynamics and us. In the mean time we're hard at work on both the OH-58D and the Gazelle and we try to make things right. There has already been a lot of info on the OH-58D module available in the form of interviews, screenshots, videos and our reveal post for a project in this stage of development. If we weren't at some point of where all parties involved felt confident we can come to an agreement, we wouldn't have announced the module to the public yet. Everything done and shown so far has been in mutual agreement with the parties involved.

Polychop has its hands full with the development of the OH-58D and the renewed support of the Gazelle module. No future plans other than personal wishes by individual members of the team exist. We strongly believe we have to finish what we’ve started and if we’ve learned anything from the past it is that we shouldn’t move on to a new project too fast, especially with an ever changing engine as its base.

We haven't forgotten about this feature. It is something that requires us to update the 3d files. The way the rain drops work, and this may sound a little technical, is that a normal map is projected over the glass parts. Now the Gazelle was never developed with this feature in mind as development was way before the introduction of the rain drop feature. We will have to apply new and uniform UV maps to all the glass parts of the cockpit in order to make this work. The UV maps are however connected to the damage model (ie bullet holes and such). It's quite some work but we will look in to this while working on the PBR overhaul. Leaving the UV maps as they are right now while applying the rain drop feature will cause very big drops on the front windshield, and tiny little drops on the sides.

Sitrep 10-22-2019 Yesterday the first fixes were released with the open beta update. The following fixes have made this first patch: -Fixed not working sounds. Sound code has been rewritten from scratch. Seeker tone, RWR, fuel pump, rotor blade slap and many more sounds now work as they should. -Fixed duplicated controls entries. This will serve as a clean base for any key binds added on request. -Fixed RWR symbols. RWR now shows correct symbology. This means that the Su-27, Mig-29, Su-33 and J-11 show up on the RWR scope as a 29 symbol for example. -Added NVG capabilities to SA342L and SA342Mistral. After a community poll showed there was a demand to gain night vision capability on the L and Mistral version, this feature has been added. This feature greatly enhances the usability of the module. -Corrected Mistral missile. By using the new more advanced missile script, we’ve created a base from which we will expand the mistral missile behavior. Sadly the proximity fuse function didn’t make it in the first patch. This has been a mistake from our side and will be rectified as soon as possible. The focus on this first iteration of the “new” missile has been to get the speed and range right.

Hi there, we noticed the proximity fuse doesn't cause the mistral to explode. We're working on a fix.

SITREP 10-21-2019 This week we've spent most of the time finishing up, testing and compiling the bugfixes and additions mentioned in the previous sitreps. Patch 1 of many Some last minute finetuning was done and the first batch of fixes have been sent to ED for implementation in one of the next DCS updates. We'll go in to more detail on the fixes and additions included when the update is out. One of the things fixed by this patch is the sound bug that required us to code a new sound system from scratch. What is next? With the first batch of fixes done, we will move our focus to another number of fixes and additions. We'll also take in to account any feedback on the contents included in patch 1 and make any necessary changes if the need arises. We're not blind to the comments on the flight model and we understand you want to see the new flight model implemented as soon as possible. We share that desire with you but we want to be transparent on the fact that a new flight model will take time. We consider the flight model to be the pinaccle of the Gazelle updates but we will be releasing a number of patches to fix other important and maybe less important issues the Gazelle currently has in the mean time.

We're investigating this issue on our side as well.

Hi TripRodriguez, I think you and a lot of community members have been very clear and we're working on correcting the things you mention. I honestly think we've been very transparent about the process as well lately. There will be a new flightmodel and we are hard at work on bugfixes and community requests as well.

The sound bug has been squashed and the fix will be in the first update. :)

Hi Aviators, We'll be updating the Gazelle and bring out patches that fix numerous issues and bugs pointed out by the community. The pinnacle will be the new flight model. This however will take a lot of time as it will be a complete replacement of the current one. In the mean time we will address the rest of the issues as well. The end result would be a Gazelle module that is up to standard compared to the rest of the modules.

That's exactly the intended use TomCatGoad!

SITREP 10-14-2019 This week we're glad to say we have finished rewriting the sound code from scratch. The code dependencies for all the sounds except the base engine sound had been replaced by ED to allow for more customisation. This resulted in most, if not all of the sounds of the Gazelle to be non-functioning. With this gamebreaking bug out of the way we've started testing the bugfixes and additions mentioned in the previous sitreps. If all goes well we hope to send the new files to ED for implementation in one of the next patches. What we expect to bring you in the first patch: Sound As stated above, this issue has been our main priority as it was a game breaking bug. We wanted to have this done before releasing the first patch. Testing has showed no new bugs so far and this bugfix will be included in the first patch. Mistral missile We've adopted the new more advanced missile script structure to create a more true to life version of the Mistral missile flight model. The new script structure allows for a more realistic implementation of drag which in turn provides a more realistic speed and flightpath for this short range missile. The aim has been to make the missile have a max speed of ~mach 2.6, a range of ~3.5Nm. You will find the missile is no longer overpowered and the "ghost phase" is gone. We consider this release the base for further development of the missile and we're open for any feedback on this matter. The big (and unrealistic) drop in speed after the initial boost is inherent to the missile system in DCS world as it is now. All missiles seem to suffer from this. HOT3 missile While rewriting the Mistral code, we've decided to also bring the HOT3 missile up to the new coding standard. Even though you won't notice many changes here, making full use of the code allowed us to get the values more on point. RWR The RWR has seen some development changes in the past week as well. With the release of the F-16C, we noticed the values used by our previous fix had been changed in the core engine code, essentially breaking the new RWR again. To prevent this from happening in the future, the RWR code has been rewritten to adapt to any changes and to make it easier to update the RWR in the future. NVG's Both the code and 3d models needed to bring you night vision capability in the L and Mistral variants have been finished and implemented. This new feature has been tested and is ready to be included in the first patch. Keybinds Another time consuming job has been to straighten out the keybind files. Some errors snuck in to these files during the previous updates causing double and inaccurate binds as reported on the forums here. Some buttons and switches were not doing what the description indicated they should be doing and by cleaning the files up we've paved the way to add new keybinds as per request. When all of the above proves to be stable and no new bugs are discovered, we are ready to move on to the next chunk of bugfixes on the list. Hopefully we will be able to address them in the next sitrep.

Hi WildWeasel303, One of many things we learned is not to make any promises on release dates. What we can do however is be as transparent as we can about the process. The first updates will be released when the sound issue has been resolved. Completely rewriting the soundcode from scratch has the highest priority at the moment as it is a gamebreaking bug. This also gives us the time to test the new bugfixes and features before we release it in to open beta. If all goes well the first update will include the new soundcode, new Mistral FM, nightvision and RWR. More things will be added to that list as we work on the bugfixlist. Providing ED updates will not break any of the new features and bugfixes.

With pointers from GGTharos we have rewritten the flight model for the Mistral completely, in a much more advanced format that has been introduced by ED after the Gazelle was released. This should bring the Mistral behavior closer to that of it's real life counterpart. We hope you'll be pleased with it but we're open to feedback.

Helisimmer.com got to sit down with Polychop's CEO at the Cosford Flight Sim 2019 Show. You can find the article here: POLYCHOP ANNOUNCED THE KIOWA FOR DCS. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE GAZELLE?

Done, thanks!

Thanks for your reply GGTharos, It sounds like it is worth it to check out ED's version and we will. Also, I'd gladly get in touch with you on Discord if you're up for that. With your experience you seem to be the go to guy to talk about missile configurations for DCS.

OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Polychop is proud to reveal to you the module we’ve been working on for the past two years, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Licensed by Bell Textron and with the input and feedback from many very dedicated subject matter experts from the Kiowa community, we think the OH-58D module will be on par with the other high-end helicopter modules currently available in DCS World. Fitted with the iconic Mast Mounted Sight and a vast array of weaponry we think the Kiowa will stand its ground and have its place in the DCS World eco-system, capable of fulfilling many roles ranging from recon and AFAC to close air support and anti-tank warfare, day or night. Learning from the past and including subject matter expert input and testing right from the start, countless hours have been spent at coding a new and true to life flight model to a point where we can honestly say we’re proud of the result. We don’t take that statement lightly as we know the flight model of our previous module did not live up to expectations. That said, the SA-342 Gazelle module will be updated in time with the new technology developed for the Kiowa. The same amount of time has been spent on meticulously coding the implementation of all the systems, devices and weaponry available to the Kiowa’s crew. Parallel to the coding, a true to life and detailed visual representation has been modelled and fitted with high resolution PBR textures to ensure stunning visuals that make it a joy to play with. With a fully clickable cockpit and all the correct switchology in place it will surely make any Kiowa pilot feel right at home. That said, a lot of work is still to be done on both the art and code. This process will continue for the next few months. An expected release date can not be given at this time. Being a licensed product, the OH-58D module has to adhere to the standards set by Bell Textron, which we believe will in turn benefit the community in terms of quality control. Both the high but expected standards set by Bell Textron and lengthy but needed contract negotiations and legal requirements with Eagle Dynamics led to the fact that the development of the Kiowa module up to this point has been sort of a public secret. With multiple parties involved and no signed contract we could not share as much information with the community as we would have liked. We have to point out that at this moment, no contract has been signed yet but the latest draft is one we think all parties can agree to. With a contract on the table that is acceptable for all parties involved, the time has come for us to share with you the status of development. We’ll be doing this by posting periodical situation reports during the remainder of the development process. In every one of these sitreps we will go over a number of features already implemented and the things we are still working on.

Hi GGTharos, As the configuration was done by the (or members of the) community it's only fair to post it here as well. In fact we hope we can leave the endless discussion behind us and instead work on the parameters together and settle for a configuration we can all more or less agree on. Like we've stated in the latest sitrep, the missile will be a work in progress for a while but we want to have this first update out of the door as soon as possible and work from there. Feel free to edit the code below and let us know what you have changed and why and we will certainly take a look and implement it if it makes sense. Last thing I'd like to say is that there are already some subject matter experts that have suggested some changes to the code below but this is, with exception of the smoketrail related lines and the added comments, the version we have received. [EDIT] Code below is now obsolete and has been completely rewritten in the new ED format. Escort = 0, --0 - no, 1 - launch aircraft, 2 - another aircraft, 3 - from the ground. Head_Type = 1, --homing type 1 - IR, 2 - Active radar, 3 - Antiradar, 4 - Laserhoming, 5 - Autopilot, 6 - Semiactive radar, 7 - Semi auto AT. sigma = {1, 1, 1}, --maximum aiming error in meters, in the coordinates of the target. x - longitudinal axis of the target, y - vertical axis of the target, z - transverse axis of the target. M = 19.7, --gross weight in kg H_max = 18000, --maximum flight altitude. H_min = -1, --minimum flight altitude. Diam = 90, --Case Diameter in mm Cx_pil = 1.29, -- D_max = 7000, --low launch maximum range D_min = 500, --minimum starting range Head_Form = 0, --false - hemispherical shape of the head,- // true - lively (~ conical). Life_Time = 17, --lifetime (self-destruction timer), sec. Nr_max = 30, --maximum overload (G load) on turns v_min = 669.8, --minimum speed. v_mid = 904.4, --average speed. Mach_max = 2.66, --The maximum Mach number. t_b = 0, --engine start time. t_acc = 5, --accelerator run time. t_marsh = 0, --march time. Range_max = 14000, --maximum starting range at maximum height. H_min_t = 0, --minimum height of the target over the relief, m. Fi_start = 1, --launch tracking and sighting angle. Fi_rak = 3.14152, --allowable target angle (rad). Fi_excort = 1, --target tracking angle (sight) of the missile. Fi_search = 99.9, --free angle limit. OmViz_max = 99.9, --line of sight speed warhead = { mass = 3, expl_mass = 5.1, other_factors = {1, 1, 1}, obj_factors = {1, 1}, concrete_factors = {1, 1, 1}, cumulative_factor = 0, concrete_obj_factor = 0, cumulative_thickness = 0, piercing_mass = 0.6, caliber = 90}, Damage = 25, --direct damage. exhaust = { 1, 1, 1, 0.5}, --Tail smoke color format {R, G, B, alpha}. X_back = -1, --the coordinates of the center of the nozzle in the axes of the rocket Y_back = 0, Z_back = 0, Reflection = 0.0182, --effective reflective surface, square meters KillDistance = 7, SeekerSensivityDistance = 20000, -- The range of target with IR value = 1. In meters. ccm_k0 = 0.5, -- Counter Countermeasures Probability Factor. Value = 0 - missile has absolutely resistance to countermeasures. Default = 1 (medium probability) SeekerCooled = true, -- True is cooled seeker and false is not cooled seeker. shape_table_data = { {name = "MBDA_Mistral", file = "MBDA_Mistral", life = 1, fire = {0, 1}, username = "MBDA Mistral",

The results of this poll are clear. We've added NVG support for both the L and Mistral versions. The M and Minigun versions already have them. For more details on this and more, check out this sitrep. Thanks for voting!

SITREP 10-07-2019 This week we felt like we were short on time. Borchi_2b and yours truly attended Flight Sim 2019, a show all about flight simulators in Cosford UK where we met with some people of the community and a lot of flight sim developers who shared their insights and experience with us. We think this feedback will help us in our strive to be the company you’d like us to be. This doesn’t mean the Gazelle team has been sitting on their hands in the meantime. Work has continued on the following: RWR The implementation of the RWR changes mentioned in the previous sitrep has been finalized and has been tested to make sure it won’t cause any new bugs. The code changes have been sent off for final review and submission to ED. This means that it should show up in one of the next open beta updates. The F-16C Viper has been added to the RWR code as well. Sound Now we realize this Sitrep is already sounding a bit repetitive as both the RWR and sound issue have been mentioned in the previous iteration. The soundbug however requires a significant amount of code to be written from scratch to work with the DCS World core engine. Every “device” has to be updated to be compatible with the way DCS handles sounds now. We’re getting close to squash this issue once and for all though. NVG’s A few months ago we’ve posted a poll on these very forums to get feedback on extending the capabilities of the different Gazelle versions in DCS by adding night-vision goggles (NVG). The L and Mistral versions were not capable of flying missions at night because they lacked these NVG’s. Although this was modelled after their real life counterparts, they never got the upgrades to make the cockpit NVG compatible, the community has spoken and we’ve decided to add the first iteration of NVG’s to the L and Mistral versions. We’ve written the code and keybinds and created the visual models and animations needed to implement this feature. It’s up to the user right now to decide whether to use them or not. If there’s demand for it, we could look in to making the use of NVG’s on the L and Mistral version an option in the modules special options tab. Although the screenshot below shows the nightvision goggles in the up position, they are animated and will slide in front of the eyes of the pilot and WSO when in use. Mistral Missile The past week we’ve been in contact with subject matter experts on the Mistral missile. The configuration file for the missile that was sent to us by members of the community has been cleaned up and the code for a smoketrail has been added. The behavior of the missile should now be more like its real life counterpart and you will see the first implementation of it in one of the next open beta. The feedback and information we received on the mistral missile and the way it actually works or worked on the Gazelle will ensure ongoing development on this matter. Expect a number of improvements over the next few open beta updates. PBR Textures Work has continued on the PBR textures as well. A lot of work is going in to the normal maps at the moment. Many details such as rivets, dents and bumps are painted in by hand to ensure compatibility with any of the custom liveries created by the community.