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**Heatblur Development Update - Q1 2017**


Cobra847

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Dear All,

 

Welcome to our first aggregate development update for Heatblur! We’ve been very incredibly busy; but hopefully we've still managed to keep you in the loop on the latest progress and development goals.

We thought it’d be a good idea to put together an aggregate update, so that we can offer some more information on what we’re working on and our roadmap for 2017 and onwards.

 

Currently, our team is split between three major projects; one of which is the completion of the AJS 37 Viggen.

We’ve been working hard on clearing bugs and outstanding issues from the Viggen and are making good progress. We've also been working on several big and exciting features for this module. Some of these were developed for future aircraft like the F-14, and are being "backported" to the Viggen.

 

We’ll be sharing more as they reach completion and get pushed to the active branch.

 

 

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We’d like to take a moment and thank all of you who have purchased the Viggen and have been sharing your thoughts and experiences with us!

It means the world to us to have our second jet out there and populating the virtual DCS skies.

 

Viggen Sale & Bundle Available

 

Today, we’re excited to announce that the Viggen is available for
20%
off on the Eagle Dynamics E-Store and the Heatblur store (
)!

 

We decided to run this sale due to our commitment to honouring MiG-21 crowdfunding backers.

Since we need to run another batch of Viggen pre-order shirts, we wanted to offer you the chance of grabbing the bundle deal we ran prior to release.

 

You can now get a standalone Viggen, Viggen + T-Shirt bundle, or standalone T-Shirt on
for

$47.99, $59.99 or $19.99 respectively, until Monday, April 10th!

 

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New Feature: Road Base System

As mentioned previously, we’ve been working hard on the addition of some exciting new features for the Viggen, which will expand its’ capabilities in the game and offer up various new unique gameplay experiences.

 

Today we’re very proud to announce the upcoming road base system coming to the Viggen!

The Viggen is an aircraft that operated within a very unique doctrine, and we wanted to create an exciting way for you to experience this in our Viggen.

 

The road base system will allow you to place a group of units in the mission editor that will serve as your re-arm and refuel crew.

Landing your Viggen and taxiing close to these units will allow you to refuel and re-arm your aircraft.

 

Beyond this, once you have rearmed and refueled your units’ aircraft, you can order the ground crew to a preset backup landing point.

The units will pack up and drive to the set landing point and await your arrival from your second strike run.

Thus, you can keep your road base landing options open and dynamic, and keep the enemy on it’s toes. This feature is still WiP; and we’re working on the GUI that will allow you to pick and select weaponry and ground crew waypoints.

 

This feature will be featured in our upcoming campaigns for the Viggen.

 

Changelog

 

The Viggen has seen many minor and major changes over the last two months of patching; here’s the full changelog including todays’ 1.5.6 patch!

 

  • Increased wet thrust IR signature

  • Corrected nosewheel steering sensitivity

  • Corrected canopy handle locking

  • Corrected game crash when altimetre set to 0

  • Fixed RB-15 Fast mode not engaging search mode until 25km into flight (now begins searching almost immediately)

  • Adjusted SPAK and nosewheel coordination

  • Radar no longer triggers RWR in passive mode

  • Rewrote RB-15 launch inhibit code

  • Removed some debug traces

  • Added airframe overstress damage (WIP)

  • Fixed CK running without electricity

  • Fixed flickering HUD on startup

  • Fixed AKAN imagery

  • Fixed some protruding cockpit objects beyond fuselage

  • Fixed flipped faces on ejection seat

  • Corrected Product Description

  • Added missing UI imagery

  • Updated default Guard frequency

  • Added Flight manual to /Docs/ folder in /Mods/AJS 37

  • Changed TILS-landing phase 2 to phase 3 switch so the airplane must be pointed towards the airfield to lessen the likelihood of skipping phase 2.

  • Added temporary hack fix for cockpit shadows, fixes some of the most egregious until engine update

  • Corrected Demo Mods description

  • Added missing 36x36 px icon

  • Fixed typo in tank busting mission

  • Radar cross is now rendered in the shader, and properly corresponds to fix location

  • Added several new singleplayer missions courtesy of Wags, Graywo1f and Grimes! Thank you!

  • Fixed twist-stick rudder issue

  • Fixed QFE setting and player status in CCIP bombing tutorial.

  • Fixed errant shadow on texture under gear lever

  • Fixed issue with mapping data panel digit keys.

  • Fixed external tank jettison pushbutton.

  • Fixed canopy jettison issue

  • Fixed night lighting texture alignment on right side panels (ENKEL, Impulse, etc.)

  • Engine overspeed damage implemented

  • Added high pressure shut-off option for HOTAS throttles

  • Corrected fourth BK90 not launching.

  • Corrected distance line not showing when approaching target from east (as shown in xxJohnxx’s video)

  • Corrected fourth BK90 not launching.

  • Corrected distance line not showing when Bk90 selected and approaching target from east (as shown in xxJohnxx’s video)

  • Disconnect from server with many Viggens fixed.

  • Removed log spam.

  • Fix to sidewinder-fast select shooting other weapon as well.

  • Added High pressure shut off option for HOTAS throttles.

  • Corrected error where AKAN firing cue was shown exactly 1 second early.

  • Changed default safe height setting to medium.

  • Weapon not being usable after rearm fixed.

  • Added ground-crew weapon-selector switch position in kneeboard.

  • Fixed NAVSYST-error b/o initial heading setting bug.

  • Inverted Maverick sight Y-axis.

  • Fixed E-W on FLI-ball.

  • Added rejoin command into comm.

  • Fixed comm lua.

  • Removed shadow hotfix.

  • Disallowed AFK to use Ground-idle.

  • Removed turning FM off when pilot is dead/ejected.

  • Fix to pop-up distance interpreting 1__ as 0.1km instead of 10.0km.

  • Corrected ballistic calculations for high-drag bombs.

  • KB Release mode switch is now clickable (may not function correctly yet)

  • Cockpit: corrected front canopy gap in front canopy rim.

  • Stiffened front wheel suspension.

  • Radar sees late unit activations issue fixed.

  • Fixed formation light floating in air if outer wing ripped off.

  • Updated drag on bombs and bomb pylons, and external fuel tank.

  • Changed height definition (parking space size)

  • Added weapon chart to /Docs/

  • Fix for series-launch after re-arm

  • Updated warheads for rockets

  • Implemented MP Friendly BK90

  • Added localization support for hints and inputs

  • Fixed some tooltip popups

  • Added customized cockpit support (EN Cockpit incoming!)

  • Added localization PO files

  • Added CN hint and encyclopedia localization

  • Added RU localization of payloads/failures/mission names

  • Corrected RB 15 missing its' target

  • Corrected silent RWR

  • Corrected RB-04 and RB-15 for the AI

  • Fixed CTD when entering a mission with a carrier and other ships in the same group

  • Improved structural damage

  • Added Over-G sounds

  • Added basic force feedback implementation

  • Added key commands for stick

  • Rebuilt AFK landing mode

  • Possibly fixed RB-04 and RB-15 rearm issues

  • Fixed some keyboard flight control commands

  • Fixed FORMLJUS shining on wing instead of vertical tailplane

  • Fixed gap in front panel in external view

  • Fixed pylons poking through interior of intake

  • Fixed see through behind FLI ball

  • Re-fixed E-W on FLI ball

  • Re-fixed gap in front canopy rim

  • Optimized various cockpit parts

  • Fixed TILS light staying on after landing

  • AKAN gun pod sounds added (ED)

  • Various misc texture fixes

  • Flaps now retract over 8+ seconds, easing lift loss after takeoff

  • Refactored high alpha warning system

  • fixed ground collision warning staying on after power off

  • Fixed RB-XX name format

  • Corrected small icon

  • Fixed missing ‘4’ on Altitude Gauge

There’s plenty more fixes, corrections and additions to come! Our current content addition foci lie in the implementation of basic content which was omitted from the first release.

These include new single missions for NTTR, the first mini campaign, and quality of life features like the english cockpit.

 

We ran into some unfortunate delays with the release of our paint kit and some other features; but we’re confident that we’ll have those available soon.

 

We have more
really
big and exciting Viggen features coming up in the next few weeks and months.

 

Stay tuned; the Viggen package will only get better and better.

 

 

Press

 

 

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We're proud to say that the Viggen has been the subject of good previews and reviews in various media.

 

FZ.se gave the Viggen a 4/5 and a “Säkert Köp” tag!

You can also find the Viggen in the march edition of FliegerRevue magazine, where the Viggen is described as being amongst the best DCS modules available.

 

Here’s to making sure that any and all future products from us will match or exceed these media highlights. :)

 

 

 

 

 

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In parallel with the AJS 37; the Tomcat team has continued working hard on almost every part of the simulation. We fully expect to launch DCS: F-14 later this year and are excited to see the aircraft come together.

 

We’ve finally begun digging deep into the weapon systems; and have begun bringing the radar and associated weapon systems online.

With the help of our SMEs; we’ve been able to create a detailed and accurate roadmap for the AWG-9 / TID / DDD systems, which constitute the heart of the Tomcats’ weapons package and functionality.

 

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We’ve also begun work on both the ALR-45 and ALR-67 RWR systems and associated subsystems, Datalink, Navigation and Radio systems.

We’re making great strides in bringing all of the cockpit systems to completion and tying it together in the sim.

 

Some rare documentation that we've been lucky enough in acquiring has been integral in aiding us in the creation of these systems.

We are very confident in our accuracy of some of the more sensitive systems, such as RWR and Radar.

 

Now that the deeper systems are in place; it's easier to see progress in the more visually oriented and user oriented components. Like, e.g., the TCS:

 

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The Flight model is also nearing full completion, with current focus on the creation and final tuning of the -110 -B (A+) engines. While all of our aerodynamics, control surfaces and other FM components are largely in place, accurate propulsion has been the final missing piece of the puzzle.

 

We’re very proud of the F-14 FM, and the aircraft exhibits all of the characteristics that you’re all familiar with from F-14 literature. There are still many tweaks to be made, however, and we reckon these will continue until the day we release. Our internal testing team will soon have their hands full in verifying and testing every aspect of the FM. We expect to iron out many of the remaining issues in this phase.

 

 

The Art team is mostly focused on the completion and creation of the F-14 Exterior and Interior textures.

After utilizing laser and photogrammetry scanning to verify the shapes and accuracy of our model; we have begun sculpting the exterior skin.

 

Sculpting the exterior affords us a great level of macro and micro detail, and this step is critical before we continue with weathering and diffuse texturing.

 

Next month, parts of our art team are traveling to North Carolina, Florida and California to visit several different F-14 airframes and cockpits.

This will be our final research trip; and we hope to capture every last detail that we need for the perfect completion of our F-14 artwork.

 

We’re really excited to really raise the bar from what we did on the MiG-21 and AJS 37! Stay tuned for a trip report and some cool photos! :)

 

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Thank you all for reading!

Make sure to like us on Facebook for more updates:

 

 

Thank you for your support!

 

 

Sincerely,

Team Heatblur

 

 


Edited by Cobra847
  • Like 1

Nicholas Dackard

 

Founder & Lead Artist

Heatblur Simulations

 

https://www.facebook.com/heatblur/

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Great update Cobra. This is going to be a great year for DCS if everything falls into place on time. And that road crew implementation is a very nice surprise. It is April 1st here in NZ already so I am hoping that is just coincidence :)

InWin S Frame with Asus Z170 | i7-6700K @ 4.5 Water Cooled CPU and Graphics | 16GB DDR4 | GTX1070 | 240GB M.2 SSD | Warthog Hotas | MFG Crosswind | 40" Samsung 4K | CV1 | Replica MB Mk10 Ejection Seat with Gametrix 908

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Thanks a lot for the update ... I own every DCS aircraft, with the single exception of the L39, and your Viggen is the one I have enjoyed the most ... its been a real pleasure to learn its systems and weapons, end even tough it is not a dogfighter, flying it has been very fun and fulfilling ... thanks again for your hard work on this aircraft.

 

... and of course, I will purchase the F14 as soon as it gets available :)

Cheers!

  • Like 1

 

For work: iMac mid-2010 of 27" - Core i7 870 - 6 GB DDR3 1333 MHz - ATI HD5670 - SSD 256 GB - HDD 2 TB - macOS High Sierra

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Killer news on the modules gents. The upcoming functionality updates sound amazing! Wish you all good hunting for the research trips

"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return."

Leonardo Da Vinci

 

 

"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came."

John F. Kennedy

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Thanks for the update! :)

 

I'm very happy to hear the FM is almost complete.

Mission: "To intercept and destroy aircraft and airborne missiles in all weather conditions in order to establish and maintain air superiority in a designated area. To deliver air-to-ground ordnance on time in any weather condition. And to provide tactical reconaissance imagery" - F-14 Tomcat Roll Call

[sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]

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Are there any benefits to you, Heatblur, in people buying the module through your website rather than the DCS Store?


Edited by LevelPulse

[sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]

Director | Team Coordinator

PC Specs:

 

 

  • Intel I7 8700k 4.7Ghz
  • Gigabyte Aorus Ultra Gaming Z370 Motherboard
  • 16GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4 3000MHz Ram
  • 500GB Samsung Evo 850 SSD

 

 

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Are there any benefits to you, Heatblur in people buying the module through your website rather than the DCS Store?

 

Not in particular, but we have some surprises in store for people who have purchased on our store. So it may be beneficial to you in the future! :)

Nicholas Dackard

 

Founder & Lead Artist

Heatblur Simulations

 

https://www.facebook.com/heatblur/

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That changelog, Just WOW :thumbup:

F/A-18, F-16, F-14, M-2000C, A-10C, AV-8B, AJS-37 Viggen, F-5E-3, F-86F, MiG-21bis, MiG-15bis, L-39 Albatros, C-101 Aviojet, P-51D, Spitfire LF Mk. IX, Bf 109 4-K, UH-1H, Mi-8, Ka-50, NTTR, Normandy, Persian Gulf... and not enough time to fully enjoy it all

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if afm is finished, i can buy it without weapons :D

FC3 | UH-1 | Mi-8 | A-10C II | F/A-18 | Ka-50 III | F-14 | F-16 | AH-64 Mi-24 | F-5 | F-15E| F-4| Tornado

Persian Gulf | Nevada | Syria | NS-430 | Supercarrier // Wishlist: CH-53 | UH-60

 

Youtube

MS FFB2 - TM Warthog - CH Pro Pedals - Trackir 5

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