Visual markers on deck for spawnpoints etc. in mission editor

[twistking]

I think it would be very helpful if the deck could be overlayed with markers in the editor to donate spawn points and maybe even areas that are needed for AI taxi. Only having the spawnpoints shown would already help though.
(Since i know that i only need a limited amount of spawnpoints for my missions, i like to use spawn points for static aircraft, because statics on spawn location seems to be the safest way to make the deck "busy" without interfering with AI taxi routes)
Of course you can build your deck with trial and error, but i think setting up a carrier group is already quite tedious, so every little things helps and sometimes suboptimal spawns only show in a MP session, because in SP you'll always spawn at the same position...

Ideally you could also set preferred spawn position. Basically like on an airfield. If the spawn is taken, the aircraft would be spawned on the next free position...

[Minsky]

I know it's not what you're asking for, but this might help a little when planning your missions:

[twistking]

2 hours ago, Minsky said:

I know it's not what you're asking for, but this might help a little when planning your missions:

cool. this helps a lot actually. thanks!!!

are the spawn the same for larger ac like the hawkeye?

the only way to force AI to a specific spot would be to block all prior positions with static objects or player aircraft. correct?

[Minsky]

53 minutes ago, twistking said:

are the spawn the same for larger ac like the hawkeye?

the only way to force AI to a specific spot would be to block all prior positions with static objects or player aircraft. correct?

FA-18 and F-14 can spawn anywhere.
S3 - anywhere but spots 1-4.
E-2D - only at elevator spots.
Modded aircraft (such as MAM's C-2A) have to be spawned at the end, or they will likely create a jam and break the whole flow.

If a larger aircraft (E-2D, S-3) is spawned first, then spots 1-4 are not used at all, and the whole routine starts from the #5.

To "book" a specific catapult, you have to occupy all of its spawn spots with statics. Note that if you place statics at spots 1-4, AI will happily taxi through them - that's why you might want to spawn a large aircraft first.

On this screenshot I booked CAT2 and forced an E-2D to spawn first to free-up spots 1-4 for taxiing:

It is still very much a trial-and-error process, the diagram just makes it a tad more predictable.
 

 

 

[twistking]

thanks! @Minsky

i like to have statics on 1,2,3 and 4 because it's a good way to make the deck look busy without adding a ton of stuff, but it needs a lot of blocking unfortuantely to keep the AI from taxiing through those spots. but your info surely helps!

i think i want to rephrase my original wish: better than have markings in the editor would be the ability to block certain spawn for AI and ideally block certain catapults for AI (but then AI would need the option to go to alternative catapult from the same spawn pos).

Edited July 29, 2022 by twistking

[Cathnan]

+1 for the request, and actually selectable spawn points like we have on airfields would be a HUGE help. I really don't want an E2 that I need on position when I launch be blocked again because my INS is not aligned yet.

[Nealius]

On 7/29/2022 at 10:19 AM, Minsky said:

I know it's not what you're asking for, but this might help a little when planning your missions:

This is a fantastic resource for blocking AI spawns with deck templates that have aircraft parked along one (or both) the bow cats.

[AvgWhiteGuy]

I guess as an idiot or maybe as an exclusive SP flyer/mission builder I don't understand 'spawning', and can't figure how to do something I thought would be logical and easy.
MY F/A-18 is on Late Activation (5secs) sitting on Elevator 1. All other elevator slots on starboard side are occupied with statics.
The mission starts with an E2-D taking off from Cat 1. I have a row of static F/A-18 sitting on Cat2 as in Minksky's image above.
Then, I simply want to have a 2 ship AI F/A-18 flight taxi and launch from Cats 3-4.

Right now AI F/A-18#1 waits to launch from Cat1 and AI F/A-18#2 crashed thru the statics on Cat2!!! I tried blocking Cat2 with a static, now AI F/A-18#2 just sits there waiting for ????? (not very 'green friendly')
Is it that complicated? Please help.....

[draconus]

Put a static on spot #2 (orange) to stop the AI from going to cat#2.