Forrestal Update?

[The_Tau]

On 3/31/2021 at 2:20 PM, Dudikoff said:

 

That's a rather narrow-minded way of looking at it which conveniently ignores what generally constitutes a DCS aircraft module. Do other similarly priced DCS modules come with a freebie such as the aircraft carrier?

 

From a somewhat more realistic perspective, one could say they have generously (or perhaps stupidly, given how they get pestered about these) decided to throw in some extras with the module like the A-6E AI and Forestall carrier because the DCS World is lacking some important Tomcat-era assets.

 

If the module price was much more than other modules so that these extras were realistically factored in the price of the module, then I would understand your insistence on these being part of the module that should have been delivered ASAP, but the price was more than fair given two variants of F-14, plus LTS, plus Jester AI included.

 

RAZBAM did made Tarawa and KC-130 for harrier, so it is possible

[Dudikoff]

True, though I guess an LHA seems like a simpler affair as its smaller and it has no catapults and arresting gear. 

 

But the point wasn't that it can't be done; the point was that having such extras is not standard for modules and if pressuring developers on releasing such extras is warranted given that it's a free extra.

[Banzaiib]

4 hours ago, Dudikoff said:

True, though I guess an LHA seems like a simpler affair as its smaller and it has no catapults and arresting gear. 

 

But the point wasn't that it can't be done; the point was that having such extras is not standard for modules and if pressuring developers on releasing such extras is warranted given that it's a free extra.

It's not a free extra if they include it in the purchase contract. Sorry, but it's just not. I'm not trying to be myopic here. I am grateful to get the A-6 and Forestal, but I refuse to give them credit for giving something freely to the community. They entered into a contract with the community to deliver it vis-a-vis a paid F-14 module. They didn't have to do that, but they did.

Edited April 1, 2021 by Banzaiib

[Castor Troy]

They had to have overhauled something. IIRC, it was supposed to be originally released in November of 2019.

[Cobra847]

We're working on a final art pass/overhaul on the Forrestal. We're just not happy with the level of detail and accuracy as it was in the state about a month ago. 

 

I'll quote myself from hoggit on this topic;
 

Quote

 

We'll be doing a separate update on the Forrestal ASAP. We're doing a large overhaul of it; basically in its' entirety, with significantly ramped up detail and accuracy. I hate this being so delayed and so sorry to disappoint, it's certainly becoming a source of stomache ulcers at this point for myself.
 

We're sinking a lot of additional money and resources into it at this point, far beyond expected - but it's important to get it as right as we can considering how important it is to our future aircraft. Together with getting the Viggen out of RC; it's our top priority with a few of the other outstanding major irritating F-14 stuff (JESTER Lantirn & MAK-79s, for example). Part of this work is also so that we can continue the discussions with ED to make it Supercarrier compatible.

 

 

[toni]

Will be a good job, Im sure.

Keep on track !

[Skysurfer]

Interesting. I hope the wait will be well worth it after more than 2 years of EA and minimal new content flow thus far.

[Heimz]

I'm stoked to hear Cobra mention future aircraft that would use the Forrestal.   Aside from the obvious A-6, hopefully they plan for more U.S. Naval airplanes and helicopters that would have graced the deck of the Forrestal during her career.  

[Skysurfer]

4 hours ago, Heimz said:

I'm stoked to hear Cobra mention future aircraft that would use the Forrestal.   Aside from the obvious A-6, hopefully they plan for more U.S. Naval airplanes and helicopters that would have graced the deck of the Forrestal during her career.  

 

Agreed. A HB F-4J or S would literally be a dream come true after the Tomcat. 

[toni]

ED need  to expedite with Electronic warfare and ASW,so platforms like E-2C/D , Prowler ,Growler , S-3A , SH-2 Seasprite, SH-3 Seaking  can see the light.

[Paladin1cd]

Thanks for the news! Stoked for its arrival someday!

[LanceCriminal86]

On 4/15/2021 at 7:23 AM, toni said:

ED need  to expedite with Electronic warfare and ASW,so platforms like E-2C/D , Prowler ,Growler , S-3A , SH-2 Seasprite, SH-3 Seaking  can see the light.

 

Pfff, too small.

 

Bring on the mighty Whale!

 

 

[Jackjack171]

1 hour ago, LanceCriminal86 said:

 

Pfff, too small.

 

Bring on the mighty Whale!

 

 

Oh nice one brother! Mister "All 3 dead" himself! 

[LanceCriminal86]

4 hours ago, Jackjack171 said:

Oh nice one brother! Mister "All 3 dead" himself! 

 

I mean there's two planes that could make a Tomcat seem small, the A-5 and the A-3. And EA-3s and/or KA-3s were on carriers through the 80s until VQ-1 stopped deploying carrier based Dets apparently, so there was Tomcat era crossover. 

 

Seems like a nice candidate for another AI bird at least, covers having an older carrier based tanker alongside the KA-6, if we ever get EWARish modeling it could be interesting too. Even without that being robustly modeled, planes like the EA-3 can make for fun scenarios for escort missions or even more if you want to make a scenario off how the "spooky" versions of A-3s and P-3s like to fly right on the edge of international borders and do listening ops. Perfect Tomcat scenario to buster in to cover them from being harassed by Sukhois or Migs.

[Jackjack171]

8 hours ago, LanceCriminal86 said:

 

I mean there's two planes that could make a Tomcat seem small, the A-5 and the A-3. And EA-3s and/or KA-3s were on carriers through the 80s until VQ-1 stopped deploying carrier based Dets apparently, so there was Tomcat era crossover. 

 

Seems like a nice candidate for another AI bird at least, covers having an older carrier based tanker alongside the KA-6, if we ever get EWARish modeling it could be interesting too. Even without that being robustly modeled, planes like the EA-3 can make for fun scenarios for escort missions or even more if you want to make a scenario off how the "spooky" versions of A-3s and P-3s like to fly right on the edge of international borders and do listening ops. Perfect Tomcat scenario to buster in to cover them from being harassed by Sukhois or Migs.

Indeed! Some AI of all of this would flesh out an 80's style Air Wing. E-2D's and SH-60F 's on the Forrestal will look odd. That pic you have of the Ranger is so nostalgic, reminds me of the days with good color books with lot's of pics. The Whale is definitely an interesting aircraft. The fact that they dubbed the A-3D as "All 3 dead" was crazy. It had ejection seats and the Navy removed them to make the aircraft lighter for Carrier ops! It's like an E-2 with jet engines, big and beautiful! But she's bigger than the E-2 obviously! 

[LanceCriminal86]

14 hours ago, Jackjack171 said:

Indeed! Some AI of all of this would flesh out an 80's style Air Wing. E-2D's and SH-60F 's on the Forrestal will look odd. That pic you have of the Ranger is so nostalgic, reminds me of the days with good color books with lot's of pics. The Whale is definitely an interesting aircraft. The fact that they dubbed the A-3D as "All 3 dead" was crazy. It had ejection seats and the Navy removed them to make the aircraft lighter for Carrier ops! It's like an E-2 with jet engines, big and beautiful! But she's bigger than the E-2 obviously! 

 

With the Intruder and Corsair II coming we're getting there, but as said a lot of air wing gaps for 80s plus. We need those older E-2C + Ds, older C-2 maybe even a C-1 Trader since it wasn't retired until 1988. Need the SH-3 obviously, redone S-3A/B, and I think that covers the general period we're trying to cover of 80s+ with the Tomcat modules. By the periods HB is focusing on the A-3 and C-1 were about gone but they were still in service until the late 80s on carriers, which includes the 81 Sidra shoot down as well as some other Persian Gulf ops during that era.

 

The SH-2 would be needed I think for the Destroyers though, so maybe some of this stuff can come with the Supercarrier's supposed rework of assets but they're doing way more modern era than we need. Sadly that puts the weight back on modders, but at least there are folks capable of doing it like the Military Aircraft Mod. Challenge though is finding or creating models good enough for them to convert for DCS usage and having to support it as ED continues to change/break/add features.

[Jackjack171]

Agreed! This is a very exciting time!

[Blinde]

Although new highly detailed carrier sounds good but how many actually want to start using simplified carrier without actual deck crew instead of the EDs Super Carrier? I mean, I haven't used the old Stennis since the release.

 

I assume that like said before, there isn't animated deck crew planned.

Edited April 19, 2021 by Blinde

[Skysurfer]

16 minutes ago, Blinde said:

Although new highly detailed carrier sounds good but how many actually want to start using simplified carrier without actual deck crew instead of the EDs Super Carrier? I mean, I haven't used the old Stennis since the release.

 

I assume that like said before, there isn't animated deck crew planned.

 

 

I honestly don't care as long as it's HB level of detail and the IFLOLS works for the Tomcat specifically. 

[KWard]

Just a few posts up Cobra said they were working with ED to make it Supercarrier compatible. I assume that includes animated deck crew--eventually if not at launch.

[Baco]

I really don't care much about the animated crew... I am happy with the statics (now moving) we have.

Besides its gonna be hell if every Asset Carrier needs to be coordinated with ED.. I am expecting a nice Essex ith my F4, and maybe a nice Modified Essex in the future with the F-8 or A-7...

I rather have more carrier classes tan animated crew... 

[AG-51_Razor]

8 hours ago, Baco said:

I really don't care much about the animated crew... I am happy with the statics (now moving) we have.

Besides its gonna be hell if every Asset Carrier needs to be coordinated with ED.. I am expecting a nice Essex ith my F4, and maybe a nice Modified Essex in the future with the F-8 or A-7...

I rather have more carrier classes tan animated crew... 

THIS!! +1

[Uxi]

I remember their art of a deck crew in various colors went on social media last year, though...

[Skysurfer]

7 minutes ago, Uxi said:

I remember their art of a deck crew in various colors went on social media last year, though...

 

That's before ED planned the SC afaik. 

[R. Winters]

Would love to see a 70's-80's air wing. F-14A's, A-6E's, F-8's/A-7s. F-4's because phantoms are cool and would be a lovely touch. AI aircraft such as A-3/A-5/RA-5c and updated and new models of other stuff. Kitty hawk class, the Forrestal-which we are obviously getting- but the Ranger, Saratoga, Independence. The Enterprise. Various support ships, like destroyers and cruisers of the time. A Iowa class BB. Just imagine you're in a virtual squadron, so in my case JTF-1 VF-2. Now you do a Vietnam era campaign or "tour" aboard one of the various carriers as a F-4 squadron. The whole air wing, so about 4-5 squadrons all switch to the appropriate air wing aircraft of the late 60's, early 70's. And you do the various missions that the aircraft actually did over Vietnam, so F-4's cap/strike or what ever. A-6/A-7 strike a bridge. The F-8s also doing cap. "AI" Ra-5c's doing recon missions. Then the -4 squadron transitions into a -14 squadron and yea. That is my dream for this game, very ambitious and will never happen because of reasons but food for thought.