UH-1H Revamp by Massun92

[Massun92]

Video 12/09/2024 = Talking a little about the project. 
 

Hello community, I present to you the first test of the UH-1H Huey cockpit. In this particular case, it is for you to observe and help me correct proportions and general shapes. Much of the work is based on photographs, and while I try to be as precise as possible, perhaps someone with real experience with the aircraft might notice things that need correction. Don't expect anything usable, just a white structure of the larger components of the cockpit.

In the file, you will find a .jpg image with the steps to follow for installation (it may break the integrity check, meaning multiplayer mode might not work). Please remember to back up your files, and I am not responsible if you need to clean up the installation after use.

You can leave comments here on the forum (but please quote me so that I get notifications). Thank you very much for your time. Best regards!

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Hello community! Today, I want to introduce you to a project I started a few days ago. I'd love to hear your opinions and perspectives on it.

About the Project:

The main idea of the project is to update our beloved but somewhat outdated UH-1H Huey. As a 3D artist, my primary focus will be on updating the module's graphical aspects with new 3D models and textures (we’ll discuss the scope of these changes and their implications later). However, I don't rule out the possibility that, with the community's help, the changes could be more comprehensive. Considering that the Huey's flight model is excellent, and its systems are quite complete, any improvements beyond aesthetics would likely involve adding new weapons or features.

Images (WIP):

 

Progress So Far:

Currently, I have partially modeled the Huey's cockpit. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but so far, I think it's looking pretty good. I've attached images of the work in progress. I managed to run some tests in the simulator with the new cockpit added to the old model, and it looks quite promising. I still need to figure out how to make the file changes through the "saved games" folder to avoid breaking the Integrity Check (IC), which I currently have no idea how to do. If anyone is willing to help in this area, your contribution would be more than welcome.

-- We need to replace the file located at: "C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World OpenBeta\Mods\aircraft\Uh-1H\Cockpit\Shape" named "Cockpit_UH-1H.edm" with a new file of the same name placed in the "saved games" folder.

Project Scope:

Regarding the project's scope, I envision several possible options. Over the past few days, I've conducted a series of surveys to gauge the community's reaction to the project.

For now, the goal is the following: A completely free mod for the community that updates the cockpit with new 3D models, textures, and animations. There would be no new functionalities. We would need to find a way to include it as a mod that doesn’t break the Integrity Check. If that’s not possible, based on the survey responses, there would be little community interest in the mod (and therefore, not much reason to continue its development). For those who have installed the mod, the helicopter will function as usual, but with a significantly enhanced level of detail in the cockpit.
For the moment, both the exterior model and the interior cargo area of the helicopter would remain as they are currently. Improves on those parts would cost lots of time for a free proyect. 

The Reason for the Project:

Essentially, I usually do things out of pure enjoyment or whim. The Huey is one of my favorite modules; it’s easy to use, fun to fly, not too complex, yet you can spend quite a bit of time mastering it. Despite this, its graphics, especially the interior, are quite outdated. Therefore, a few months ago, I started thinking about updating its textures to the PBR format. This led to multiple challenges due to the way its UVs were created, preventing the proper use of an AO pass. So, I decided to start modeling the interior in 3D from scratch.

Estimated Timeframe:

There’s no ETA; this is a project I’ll be working on in my spare time.

Other Possible Versions:

For now, I would focus on the version we currently have. I’d love to be able to choose whether to add or remove the radar altimeter and the flare dispenser at will, to make it closer to versions used in earlier periods of the Huey’s history. I’d also love to add the option for side-mounted M60s without the external hardpoints, as used by Hueys in Vietnam. If I were to develop other versions, I would be interested in a "C" version with various weapon systems used during Vietnam. I’m not a big fan of glass cockpits, so I’m not interested in modeling more modern versions of the Huey. However, these ideas are more like "dreams" rather than concrete goals, and they would largely depend on community support (since beyond 3D art, aspects that require programming are not my strong suit).

Conclusion:

For now, this is all. I hope the project interests you, and that together we can build this improvement. I look forward to your feedback!

Best regards!

Edited September 13, 2024 by Massun92
added video

[HIGHLANDSPRING]

I don’t have the skills to contribute but a big THANK YOU for the effort!

[Stratos]

Hope you succeed, good luck!

[Rudel_chw]

24 minutes ago, Massun92 said:

I managed to run some tests in the simulator with the new cockpit added to the old model, and it looks quite promising. I still need to figure out how to make the file changes through the "saved games" folder to avoid breaking the Integrity Check (IC), which I currently have no idea how to do.

 

Hi Patricio,

Unfortunately, I believe that the only way to place it at Saved Games would be to create a "clone" of the UH-1 at /Saved Games/ that would include the /bin/ of the regular UH-1 but with your shapes and textures, the way that Patrick & Erick Cuesta did with the P-51. I have no idea of the details involved, but if you contact @Patrick56 he may be able to guide you on this subject.

 

24 minutes ago, Massun92 said:

For now, the goal is the following: A completely free mod for the community that updates the cockpit with new 3D models, textures, and animations. There would be no new functionalities. We would need to find a way to include it as a mod that doesn’t break the Integrity Check. 

 

If you reduced the scope of the project, and only update the textures and not the 3D shapes, then this could be packaged in the form of a Custom Cockpit, which would not break the IC.

 

24 minutes ago, Massun92 said:

If that’s not possible, based on the survey responses, there would be little community interest in the mod (and therefore, not much reason to continue its development).

 

Maybe little interest from the MP public, but I'm sure there are plenty of DCS users that are Single Player-only, and they wouldn't be bothered by the IC-issue   

Cheers,

 

Eduardo

 

[Massun92]

7 minutes ago, Rudel_chw said:

 

Hi Patricio,

Unfortunately, I believe that the only way to place it at Saved Games would be to create a "clone" of the UH-1 at /Saved Games/ that would include the /bin/ of the regular UH-1 but with your shapes and textures, the way that Patrick & Erick Cuesta did with the P-51. I have no idea of the details involved, but if you contact @Patrick56 he may be able to guide you on this subject.

 

 

If you reduced the scope of the project, and only update the textures and not the 3D shapes, then this could be packaged in the form of a Custom Cockpit, which would not break the IC.

 

 

Maybe little interest from the MP public, but I'm sure there are plenty of DCS users that are Single Player-only, and they wouldn't be bothered by the IC-issue   

Cheers,

 

Eduardo

 

Thanks Eduardo! I will contact to mi tocayo  

[Rudel_chw]

30 minutes ago, Massun92 said:

Thanks Eduardo! I will contact to mi tocayo  

 tocayo=namesake , in case someone doesn't understand the term  

[01G8R]

This is AWESOME!  I don't have any of the skills needed to contribute to the graphical aspects of the project, but I'd be happy to "Buy you a Beer" or support in some financial way.   

[Slippa]

I like the sound of it.

It flies and operates great as you say but it could do with a touch up graphically. Externally too probably but you’ve enough to be getting on with .

Reminds me, I keep meaning to look for some big ol speakers to hang out of it. Ride of the Valkeries style. Maybe a PBR to sling underneath with a couple of surfboards? Ok, I’m getting a bit carried away.

Good luck with it .

 ED, sign him up. ED, ED sign him up 

[FTV-Randy]

Will be cool to have a proper version for sling load operation, with a bubble door and mirror

 

[Setzer]

Great news! Thank you!

[NightFlier]

I would use it even if it breaks the IC as public servers are not attractive.

There are tons of casual and milsim groups with own servers that are usually set to allow mods.

Even if it breaks the IC, if the result will be a much nicer cockpit, it might be considered to be implemented as the standard one by ED.

Go for it!

[Massun92]

6 hours ago, FTV-Randy said:

Will be cool to have a proper version for sling load operation, with a bubble door and mirror

 

I will have to investigate how mirrors works but it will be cool for sure! 

[Mistermann]

Seeing your name associated with a Huey revamp makes me smile.  Thanks for taking on this task, Massun92.  Really looking forward to seeing the progress and eventually flying with it.

[Czar66]

I cannot even express how much exciting this is. Thank you! A new cockpit alone would be amazing but new features too?

I love the Huey since buying it when it released. This might the biggest bump in value a mod has done for a module. I hope ED is watching.

Love for the Huey in the update department is long overdue....too long....

[ReapDaddy]

You sir ROCK!  You are truly what is great about this community. Those with talents to do this stuff putting time and effort to produce these fantastic mods leaves me in awe. Please continue to work on whatever you want; at whatever pace you need.  As DCS enthusiasts we are used to waiting for stuff, two weeks right?

 

[shinobi61]

very interesting, although im of the thinking it would be alot more widely used if it was only a texture update therefor being able to be a custom cockpit livery and usable by all, will watch this thread

[EagleEye.DCS]

nice idea! good work massun!

[Tomcatter87]

Wow! The Huey was my first module, I still love it. A revamp would be so great - maybe you can change the pylon system that's being used to a more common one. But an update in animations and modeling would be superb, too.

[Stratos]

Hi! Any update? I'm really interested in this mod. Thanks!

[Jonbloor7]

Great work already @Massun92 and you've definately read the room regarding the UH-1H needing some love. Still a great module but the visuals are getting slightly long in the tooth, and there's plenty in the forum category asking for (at least) a graphical overhaul.

If there doesn't seem to be a straightforward way to pass IC, have you considered speaking directly to ED to incorporate this either as part of the existing or an "upgrade" module? I suspect there's a reasonable market for either and I'd love to see both a talented individual and a great product both get their due success. I know there's mixed results as to their receptiveness to something like that, but it's worth a punt.

Have you got a discord or something similar to follow your progress, especially in regards to your 3D art? Either way I'll be watching this closely

[Spino]

You can probably tell which Huey variant I'm most interested in based on my DCS wishlist in my forum signature, but even a UH-1N would be nice (twin engines but old-school cockpit).  Great work!

[Gideon312]

I have always been a big fan of your mods and I am really looking forward to your new project to enhance the UH-1H Huey. Your attention to detail and craftsmanship have always elevated the DCS experience, and I am sure this project will be no exception. The idea of updating the graphical aspects with new 3D models and textures sounds fantastic. Best of luck with it, and I can't wait to see the final result!

[Stratos]

Bump!

 

[Devil 505]

We really need the 40 Mike Mike added if possible. We even have the switch for it in game right now. 

[ebabil]

If you update this module, you will be considered as a saint for dcs community

I wish you all the best luck. Rotorheads’ hearth will be with you.