All,
I know I said a couple of months ago, that I was pushing for a June release of an updated version of the jet, and here we are....almost mid-July. Please know that we are still diligently working on the jet and have made A LOT of progress. I'm thinking many will be very pleased with the results.
What's the hold up?
-BLUF: We are working/redoing Avionics.
--We've decided to start the process of recoding all of the avionics on the jet for a few reasons.
1. Since the current avionics where borrowed from the Acceleration F/A-18 Hornet, and they were compiled using C++ in 32 bit, there is no chance that they will be able to work in the new releases of FSX based sims, such as P3Dv4 and Flight Sim World. They would need to be recompiled and released in 64 bit, and I personally don't see that happening anytime soon...
2. Since we've made the jet functional in TACPACK, we eventually wanted to start integrating avionics, such a functional Stores Management System (SMS) into the aircraft.
3. We are redoing the avionics in XML vs. C++, although C++ is a little easier on the computer, XML gives us the freedom to make the changes we want to make for the project.
Some of the bigger things you can expect with the upcoming release as compared to the 16.1 version:
1. Integrated Payload Manager. No more multiple variants of the aircraft to have to select from. Only 2 versions now, the Fleet version and the Blue Angel one. The fleet one comes with a payload manager that allows you to select from a myriad of ordnance to load on the aircraft. The manager works in both TACPACK and Non-TACPACK aircraft, but you will need TACPACK to fire, drop or shoot ordnance.
2. 3D Model Improvements. Weapons and stores can now be seen from inside and outside of the jet. Refueling Probe, Tail Hook, and Wing fold can now be seen in multiplayer.
3. Improved Flight Control System (FCS). FCS refined and updated for better handling and for better transition between control modes. FCS also recoded to work with P3Dv4 (64-bit).
4. Updated Avionics. As mentioned previously, upgraded avionics that will be compatible with newer releases of P3D and FSW. New DDI displays include the Stores Management System (SMS), and Flight Control System (FCS) pages.
5. Over 50 paints/textures included.
That's it for now, but we are making some good progress on the project every day. I'm really looking forward to releasing this bird soon!
Jimi