A way to simulate "realistic" refueling procedures without scripting

[sirrah]

I purposely placed realistic between quotes in the title, because currently AI formation (follow) flying is very VERY poorly and erratically implemented... I have the idea that the closer you let them follow each other, the more erratic they behave.

 

 

But theoretically it is possible to have AI:

• Join up on port side of a tanker
• Have them connect to the tanker one by one, while keeping in (close) formation
• Make them wait for each other on the tankers' starboard wing

without using scripting.

 

 

(yes I know.. poor video quality, but I don't have any recording software and this was the quickest way to record )

 

AI AAR test (flying straight)

 

 

 

 

AI AAR test (race track orbit)

 

 

 

I found a pretty simple way to create a flag when an AI aircraft is done refueling, in order to let the next AI know it's his turn. The way I've done this now, is to first make the topped off aircraft to drop a few 100ft behind the tanker (follow action) and have a "unit outside moving zone X" trigger activate a flag. (before moving to his position on the starboard wing)

 

The most "tricky" part actually, is to set a flag when an AI has been commanded to start refueling and is within the tanker's moving zone X. Luckily the AI behaves pretty good and smooth as soon as the refueling action is initiated. So by using a "time since flag" trigger its quite safe to say the AI will always be within the tankers' moving zone X at that time.

 

I does require about 13 triggers and as said, the AI follow abilities are abominable* at best, but hey, it is possible!  

 

*the AI follow accuracy is different every flight. Where they might follow flawlessly at one time, they go all over the place the next time (without changing anything)

 

 

 

For those interested, attached you'll find the miz files as well as the track files I used for the above videos.

AI AAR - straight flight.miz AI AAR - orbit.miz AI AAR Orbit.trk AI AAR Straight.trk