New Aircraft Folders

Wolverine,

I'm thinking that we are probably at a point where enough interest exists to create three new folders under COMMAND HEADQUARTERS to add:

F-18 Ops
F-14 Ops
A-4 Ops

Maybe some of us can take the lead on one of those aircraft to help the rest learn how to fly and operate related systems. We might not want to try and learn all three at once, so each of us can select the one that they would like to concentrate on.

I'm going to download the F-18 and start the process of learning that aircraft (based on my experience with the Sabre, that could take until June or July). If I like it, then I might also download the Persian Gulf map.

We could then decide if we all wish to continue flying in the Caucasus map or all migrate to the Persian Gulf for some new scenery. We could create a multi-aircraft flight package where each of us flies their aircraft of choice and specializes on A2A or A2G. I could see a mission package based on the F-14 stand-off capability, escorted by a pair of F-18s with a couple more A-4s engaging ground/sea targets.

Learning curve will be steep, so moving in this direction will mean flying on our own server each week for an extended period. The Sabre is fun and I love flying it, but we've learned all we can from it (although we will continue to improve our flight ops skills).

Could you also add an aircraft graphic next to each similar to what you had for our missions below.

Cheers

Speed

I'm downloading the F-18 now. (it's done)

I was thinking of creating a common mission template that I can send to each of you should you wish to host a mission. The scenario will be based upon the Bosnian conflict using the Caucasus map to represent the north eastern portion of Italy (I'll use the island in the Northwest quadrant of the map) with the main coastal region representing Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo.

The tactical scenario will be based on a US lead carrier task force operating in the Adriatic Sea. I found a DCS user file to install an air base mod on that island next to one of the NDB towers so that we have a land-based location to fly from. The F-14 would launch from a US carrier, the A-4s would launch from an Australian carrier while F-18s from 401 Squadron operate from the land-based airport. For those who wish to fly the F-18 they can buy it, and if you don't want to spend any money at this time, then the A-4 is a free download.

The entire coastal region we normally fly from would become hostile territory with friendly Bosnia inland along the mountains. All of the airports would be populated with a variety of Soviet aircraft. Croatia along the coast, would operate the MiG-21, Serbia further inland would deploy the MiG-29 while Montenegro and Kosovo down to the South East would use the MiG-19 and assorted transport aircraft. These airports would stretch inland for as far as the map extends with a trigger radius around each launching interceptors any time we cross into the area around that particular airport. Various military and infrastructure ground targets will be added as well as coastal naval forces that will operate along the 12 mile international zone and threaten the carrier task force. Surface to air missiles and AAA will be added, but I'll keep the SAM sites to a minimum for now.

I'll try to work in some new features if I can that will allow us to select a mission brief from a drop-down menu similar to our current F-86 mission sheets, and I'll try to mock up some ATC and FAC radio traffic to help guide us onto our targets and I'll add some random events so that we don't fly exactly the same mission week after week.

We'll need to get used to punching in GPS coordinates into our various flight control and weapon systems, but that will come in time.

I'll put a map together tomorrow after I get back from the driving range to show you what I'm talking about.

Sure thing, we can revamp the forum a bit perhaps to coincide with our leap into the jet era.

I think everyone has the Nevada map, yes?

Why don't we create a dedicated training facility at an airfield on that map for our modern jet process. We can then perhaps do a series of tests and trials on various aircraft, perhaps even culminating in some kind of demonstration day when people fly their aircraft on a practice course for a score. Would definitely be interesting!

It seems like we already have our candidates (F-18, F-14, and A-4). Since one of those is free (A-4) everyone can participate regardless of purchasing another aircraft, though I'm fairly confident most of us have at least 2 of the 3.

The F-14 is a trickier one to consider since we have the option of flying it as a Human/Human and Human/AI aircraft. I'm dedicated to learning it as a co-operative venture with another player. I think it'll be far more enjoyable that way - but that does require someone willing to 'ride' instead of fly. Thankfully, Dev seems keen on RIO and it's working out. If anyone else is interested in the F-14 I highly recommend teaming up with someone and picking a job (Pilot or RIO). Doesn't mean you can't switch later, but the amount you need to learn (let alone bind keys) will make learning both at the same time a tall order.

Can't speak to the other two aircraft.

I think we can make a real interesting go of this actually, almost a competition of sorts! A friendly one, of course.

Let the trials begin!

That's a great idea. The Nevada map can represent our training base before deployment and need only provide the selection of aircraft needed for training.

That will give me some time to develop a new operational scenario based on the outline above.

So I'll tackle the Bosnian scenario, if you can create a training site on the Nevada map.

Then if you and Devil team up on the F-14, maybe Squiz and Kooka might be interested in taking the lead on the A-4 while I work on the F-18.

If Alpine want's to jump in with his Harrier then eventually he can fly from the Aussie carrier or fly one of the 401 Sqn F-18s.

So that leaves StiC with his F-18 and Hawk to decide on his aircraft of choice.

Should be a great evolution.

This sounds exciting.

For my part I would like to stick to the A4E for a while as it is a great transition aircraft to the more modern aircraft and the amount of ordnance it can carry makes it a great ground attack aircraft . It's manoeuvrability and ability to carry a couple of AIM9s gives it a fighting chance against more modern fighters, especially if it has some top cover.

I can envisage some fun missions with A4s in the role of low level strike packages being protected against Mig 21s/Mig 29s by F14s/F18s.

I have the Nevada map and am happy to purchase the F18 for future development.

This is a great idea.I will go with the F-18.The Harrier is fun but there seems to be little interest in finishing the product by Razbam,or even publishing an accurate manual.I'm looking forward to this.

Great to see this gaining traction.

I will take the training facility map on and get that ready ASAP. I'll start with the base environment but I'll add training exercise locations and tasks as we go.

So far it sounds like we've got:

F-18: StiC, Speed, Alpine
F-14: Wolverine (Pilot), Devil (RIO)
A-4E: Squiz, Kooka

That leaves Hawk and Cavey to make a selection for training. Might make a good F-14 pair actually.

Also, if anyone wants to pick an aircraft that they don't have, but aren't able to find the cash for it, let me know. I'm sure between us all we can find the means to help everyone get involved and having fun.

Excited for this!

Just bought the f18 and installed 401 skin.Can someone tell me how to take a screenshot as the controls section will not allow me to map a control,thanks.

I'll also look into getting the dedicated server running so we can keep our training map up at all times for people to jump in whenever they get time.

I am planning to purchase an F18 in the near future.

In the meantime I enjoy flying the A4 and its enormous array of weapons will keep me interested for some time. However, there are some serious limitations to this new aircraft which hopefully will be addressed in future updates. The main one being that an aircraft carrier can only support one A4 on the deck. If you allocate from two to four A4s to a carrier they will be held from spawning until the previous aircraft has launched. Also there are additional difficulties and restrictions that apply to the launch procedure when more than one manned aircraft is allocated to a carrier.

Cavey has a dedicated server which he has yet to get working properly. (It currently runs for 24 hours before it rotates the one A4 training mission. He is away camping this weekend so will try to fix it next week)

Looking forward to our new direction.

Squiz

Thanks Squiz, I think you might have just solved a problem I'm having with the F-18. I loaded four onto the carrier Vincent but when I try to get into one of the client aircraft it tells me that my flight is delayed and asks me to wait. So maybe that's the problem. I'll try deleting one to see if that will work.

Otherwise, I made significant progress on our new scenario. I was so GD excited that I laid awake until 0300 hrs then said "screw it" and just got up and worked on the scenario until 0630. Took a shower then off to the driving range to mash some golf balls. Back before lunch and worked on it all afternoon.

The scenario shaped up pretty much as I explained above. The Black Sea coastline matches the Croatian/Montenegro coastline quite well so I used my personal memories of Bosnia and set up the "blue" camps throughout the mountains north of the Sochie/Gudauta coast with Krasnodar and Maykop fitting nicely for main airports at and near Zagreb and the flat farmland to the East representing Serbia (I remember landing with my contingent at the airport at Zagreb and being amazed at the sight of half a dozen MiG21s sitting in the parking apron.

I'm now working on the triggers so that we have a mixed force of interceptors, bombers, cargo and recon aircraft to deal with (including AAA and SAMs). One tactic will be necessary, and that's flying at the coast at 90 degrees. If you fly up the coastline, you'll scramble every fighter and make yourself very busy. Croatia stretches down the coast with all these airports launching MiG21s within their radar detection zones. Montenegro is represented in the area around Kutaisi with Kosovo northwest up the valley with those airports supporting the older MiG19s. Serbia is represented by the flat country north of the mountain range with three closely located airports sporting the MiG29 and advanced SAMs. We'll also have B52s and C130s to escort, Croatian naval destroyers messing with the task force ships and armed speed boats to deal with. I'm also working on a pilot rescue scenario that will require our coordinated suppression of A2G targets to protect the rescue helos and the gunships dealing with dismounted enemy in the hills. The fast flyers will then maintain top cover over the area. I ran the overall scenario and F7'd through all the ground units to get a visual from that perspective and I was amazed at how much it looked like the mountains and valleys in Bosnia. Hopefully you'll won't get that view unless you get tapped by some AA.

I'm also trying dynamic weather versus static weather to improve frame rates and I'll let you know if it works when I get around to testing.

The scenario is still based on a two-carrier task force with a missile frigate/destroyer screen (which I built today) but I've not be able to figure out how, or even if it's possible to build a modern airport where none currently exists. I wanted a ground base along the far north west region of the Caucasus map to represent the NATO base in Italy. So as it stands, we'll all be launching from and recovering to an aircraft carrier.  

So far I've not had a chance to fly the F-18. It's a big load of new dope for my brain so I'll get at it ASAP.

P.S.

Great job on the pics Wolvie!! Looks cool.

I am absolutely thrilled with the news and changes. Exciting times!

If Speed brings half as much to the F-18 platform as he did with the F-86 my brain is in for a world of hurt. The Bosnian map is brilliant and I'm willing to purchase the Persian Gulf map if needed.

See you tonight.

+1.

Well,

I've not seen so much excitement since the Spice Girls performed at the Fading Light Retirement Home.

Should be fun fella's (at least till that first time you get whacked by a missile you didn't see coming!)

Looking forward to learning all about the F-18. I'll try not to blow up your brain StiC. So long as mine doesn't detonate first!!

Speed

I, too, am very excited about this new direction we're taking! I had a great time Saturday evening getting familiar with the A4....even though most of that was spent on the ground discovering the basics around the cockpit! Eventually managed take-off, a short flight and a safe landing back at base...….thoroughly enjoyed flying alongside the other A4's and Stic in his F-18. I think, for the time being, I'm going to stick with the A4.....with intent of transitioning to the F-18 in the near future...….Hawk