#05 - 15/7 STATUS UPDATE

[Cobra847]

Hey folks,

 

A quick status update for you;

 

Currently we are working on several important things, which, when finished, will draw this project to a complete close.

 

Due to changing underlying rendering backend, some additional work had to be done to port the MiG-21 into 1.3.0. Initially we thought we could wrap this up fairly quickly, but this has taken longer than expected. When we finish, I hope to share with you some very nice screenshots of the MiG-21 in its' new environment.

 

Core integration of the AI MiG-21 package continues and is progressing nicely. Stripping the aircraft of all artwork and code that is not required unless owning the module has been completed, and we're working on ensuring that everything is working flawlessly. Seamless integration to avoid splitting the community is obviously incredibly important, but it must be noted that DCS is an incredibly complex piece of software, and adding another complex piece into the puzzle is not something that can be taken lightly.

 

A few weeks ago we noted that we will be sending out promo copies of the aircraft; but this has been delayed due to the ongoing 1.3.0 migration. Keeping up with two working copies of our product is a very time-consuming/wasting endeavor. Thus, when we're satisfied with the module and it's functionality in 1.3.0, we will then take a look at providing previewers with a legacy version that is representative of the newest build.

 

In the beginning of July, we decided to upgrade our Damage modelling to a completely new standard. We've been busy ripping the aircraft apart with a new mesh-based damage system, in conjunction with hand sculpted normals. Additionally, we have modeled most of the interior components of the aircraft, and can expose them at will. I think you'll all find it looks very satisfying, and we can't wait to show you.

 

As soon as we finish 1.3.0 integration and some other tasks, we'll be providing you with the aforementioned screenshots and also the planned KH-66 + RSBN + SAU video, which will continue the in-depth looks video series.

That one will be narrated as per your requests.

 

Some of you have noted that it'd be beneficial to gather developer posts in a single thread, and we agree.

Once the opportunity arises, we will work on compiling a FAQ/Developer info thread for quick reference on various topics.

 

Thanks!

 

LS

Edited July 15, 2014 by Cobra847

[BIGNEWY]

Thanks for the update

[Silver_Dragon]

New pic? Nuclear bomb pannel?

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DCS-Mig-21Bis/515416408503951?fref=photo

[Cobra847]

New pic? Nuclear bomb pannel?

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DCS-Mig-21Bis/515416408503951?fref=photo

 

SPS-141 Flare Dispenser panel. :)

The Nuclear armament panel and UPK Gunpod panels are situated in the same manner, however.

[Gözcü]

Thansk.

[upupandaway]

SPS-141 Flare Dispenser panel. :)

The Nuclear armament panel and UPK Gunpod panels are situated in the same manner, however.

 

Does this mean that they are interchangeable? All go in one spot?

 

Thanks!

[MrRogers]

Awesome sauce! Its going to be an exciting couple weeks!

[SkateZilla]

Polished Metal MIG-21 in EDGE = Call out of work for a week.

[Esac_mirmidon]

You mean SPS-141 jamming pod...

[Cobra847]

You mean SPS-141 jamming pod...

 

Combined jamming/dispenser pod, yes.

[Esac_mirmidon]

Thanks Cobra, great update as always ¡¡

[GeorgeLKMT]

Good stuff, thank you Cobra!

 

I have question though. Can you comment on how much (if) will be flyable external model different from the AI one? Model, texture, animation and effect-wise. Thanks.

[Flagrum]

Thanks Cobra! :thumbup:

 

But a question: "upgrade our Damage modelling to a completely new standard. We've been busy ripping the aircraft apart with a new mesh-based damage system, in conjunction with hand sculpted normals."

 

What does that exactly mean? As a layman, this almost reads as if you were calculating the damage effects dynamically? I.e. similar to something like this?

[Stratos]

Great report guys!! With this and the Mi-24 I will be busy for a looong time.

 

While you showed the panel for SPS-141 can we get more info? Centerline only? How many flares, chaff?

Edited July 15, 2014 by Stratos

[Cobra847]

Good stuff, thank you Cobra!

 

I have question though. Can you comment on how much (if) will be flyable external model different from the AI one? Model, texture, animation and effect-wise. Thanks.

 

It will be identical depending on when it gets released. (It might be released earlier than the full module), and the new damage is not finished yet, so it'd have old damage for now.

 

But when both are released, both versions will be identical, apart from the Afterburner.

 

Currently there is no way to replace the AI afterburner for specific aircraft, thus the new afterburner effects will only work for Human MiG-21s.

 

Thanks Cobra! :thumbup:

 

But a question: "upgrade our Damage modelling to a completely new standard. We've been busy ripping the aircraft apart with a new mesh-based damage system, in conjunction with hand sculpted normals."

 

What does that exactly mean? As a layman, this almost reads as if you were calculating the damage effects dynamically? I.e. similar to something like this?

 

No, damage is still location based, but it's not dynamic. It's pre-modeled and will appear the same in every case of sustaining equal amounts of damage.

It simply means we're spending extra GPU resources and manpower on creating a polygon based damage model with bent, twisted metal and hand-sculpted (and baked) normal mapping to go with it.

It provides additional visual fidelity.

[uboats]

omfg, the pic is amazing!!!

[Flagrum]

No, damage is still location based, but it's not dynamic. It's pre-modeled and will appear the same in every case of sustaining equal amounts of damage.

It simply means we're spending extra GPU resources and manpower on creating a polygon based damage model with bent, twisted metal and hand-sculpted (and baked) normal mapping to go with it.

It provides additional visual fidelity.

Allright ... so did I get it right ... instead of i.e. only replacing textures and/or removing parts and "replacing" them with some damaged looking textures (i.e. a panel is missing, revealing the inside of the aircraft and the torn off remains of the panel are just a texture) you implement actual additional models in a damaged state of various parts of the aircraft? (i.e. bent and torn panel that reveals only a bit of the inside)?

[dikkeduif]

Thanks for the update!

[Tek]

Ta very much :)

[Cobra847]

Allright ... so did I get it right ... instead of i.e. only replacing textures and/or removing parts and "replacing" them with some damaged looking textures (i.e. a panel is missing, revealing the inside of the aircraft and the torn off remains of the panel are just a texture) you implement actual additional models in a damaged state of various parts of the aircraft? (i.e. bent and torn panel that reveals only a bit of the inside)?

 

Yes, correct -- bent/torn/crushed/extremely bent/missing. The texture is of course changing as well, in order to give definition and fidelity to the broken/damaged parts, and particularly the sculpted normalmaps provide a lot of extra fidelity. :)

[Muppetlord]

Thanks a lot for the update Cobra.

[Mode1961]

Good Update

[Outlaw24]

Very informative update, initially I wasn't a Mig 21Bis fan but not I'm really considering purchasing a copy as I read your updates and follow your progress. Continue to keep us inform and the great work being done my you and the rest of your team.

[Buckeye]

Looks great, LN! Thanks for the update.

[Quent]

Great update, I'm eager to see the new narrated video! Keep it up!