Multi-crew, Improved-Fidelity Ground Vehicles with VR Support

[Andrew8604]

Multi-crew ground vehicles with completed interiors and modest systems simulation, fully VR-capable.

Start with the WWII M8 Greyhound scout vehicle, for example.  The M8 could be an up to 4-player vehicle:  a driver, a gunner, a loader/top gunner, a commander.  When occupied by a single player, the player will have to operate both driving and gunnery...or stop and switch positions/tasks...multi-task.  Perhaps, AI can be assigned to operate 1 or 2 of 3 tasks:  operate the .50-cal gun, to drive the vehicle following a route or lead vehicle, or to use the main gun and coaxial gun to attack enemy targets detected within range, stopping to fire the main (37mm) gun.  About 80% of the 3D modeling is already done in DCS.  Some of the textures need to be improved.

Each player in the vehicle would be able to occupy a position not occupied by another player:
1a-- driver's seat, head up, slightly out of the open hatch. Can use a hand-held M1 Carbine .30-cal rifle from here: as well as
    -- Mk2 Frag grenades, Mk3 concussion grenades, and smoke grenades.
1b-- driver's seat, "buttoned up", inside the vehicle, looking out the armored view window.  (2 positions for one player)

2a-- 37mm gunner's position on left side with telescopic aiming sight, 
    --can select 37mm AP or HE round and fire them, or fire the coaxial .30-cal M1919 MG.
2b-- gunner's position, heads up, looking over the top of the turret. Can use hand-held M1 Carbine .30-cal rifle from here.
    -- Can also use: Mk2 Frag grenades, Mk3 concussion grenades, smoke grenades, and lay anti-tank mines from here.
        (2 positions for one player)

3-- .50-cal gunner's position, up top.

4-- 37mm loader's position, low, to set the radios on the right wall of the hull.

Radio: an SCR-508 VHF FM radio 20-27.9 MHz, with 10 of 80 possible channels spaced 100 KHz apart, named "Channel 200" for 20.0 MHz, "Channel 235" for 23.5 MHz, etc., up to "Channel 279" [allow frequencies up to 39.9 MHz for more compatibility with other DCS aircraft].  The frequencies of these 10 channels to be set in ME, as is commonly done with aircraft.  1 transmitter and 2 receivers.  Transmit and receive on channel 241 and also receive on channel 255, for example.  (Which I think is the reason for the 2 whip antennas.)  Integrated with this radio set is an intercom to all the vehicle's crewmembers.  Perhaps allow a ME option to add other radios, such as an AM UHF radio with a few channels to talk with jets, or an AM VHF radio with a few channels to talk with WWII fighters.

--Realistic engine sounds
--Realistic vehicle performance of speeds and hill climbing
--Analog gauges for Speed in MPH (option in settings for km/h), Engine Tachometer, voltmeter, ammeter, oil pressure and coolant temperature and fuel quantity (E--F) at driver's position. (or whatever gauges the real vehicles had)
--Realistic fuel consumption and range.
--Speed reduction when off road, making use of roads necessary for best range and speed.  55 mph on road, 32 mph off road.

--Damage modeling: 
    --tires deflate, if hit, reducing speed
    --Engine damage - smoke and reduced performance
    --radiator damage - engine eventual overheat and failure
    --typical fire and explosion

If successful, do this type of modeling for about a dozen other WWII vehicles: 
    U.S. Army vehicles...
    *M4 Sherman and Firefly Sherman,
    M10 tank destroyer, 
    add an M5 Stuart light tank, 
    *add an M24 Chaffee light tank.
    *add M18 Hellcat Gun Motor Carriage 76mm gun and Whirlwind R-975 radial engine, 55 mph on road, 26 mph off road.
    *M3 Halftrack
    M16 Halftrack
    M4 High-speed tractor
    M40 155mm SPH
    GMC CCKW truck
    *Willy's MB Jeep

I realize this will take a while.  Maybe start with the Greyhound and the * items above.
    ...and vehicles of other countries.
    
 

[hannibal]

if there are analog axis controls.. for driving, and for weapon control.. much appreciate would like to make dedicated joysticks to add to the immersion!