FlightGear Newsletter September 2018
We would like to emphasize that the monthly newsletter can not live without the contributions of FlightGear users and developers. Everyone with a wiki account (free to register) is welcome to contribute to the newsletter. If you know about any FlightGear related news or projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.
Documentation
The FlightGear Manual - 2018.3.1 Edition
The FlightGear Manual has received some nice updates. Most notable are the new screenshots to better represent FlightGear's current capabilities. Significant effort was also invested in reviewing and editing content to improve accuracy and readability. Chapters 9 and higher will be updated at a later time. Non-English versions will immediately benefit from the updated screenshots and improved accent/graves support, but the other content aspects require some translation work to align with the updated English version.
Development news
Parking Positions command line string
In 2018.3, —parking-id is now an alias for —parkpos. This means that either of them may be used to specify a parking position, fixing a bug introduced a few years ago.
JSBSIM update
The JSBSIM team synced their latest work to FlightGear: changes include:
- Fixed the Calibrated Air Speed (CAS) computations for supersonic velocities
- Fixed the Nlf (Normal load factor) sign
- Nlf can now be specified as an initial condition via the property ic/targetNlf
- Added blocking sockets to the input features
- Added a property to piston engines to get the AFR (Air to Fuel Ratio)
- Added conversion from m/s to ft/s
- Restored the initial conditions for engines running (-1 means all engines)
fg-from-scratch
Build folders (e.g. simgear-build) are now created when missing during subsequent executions. Prior versions of the script only created these folders during the first execution. This prevents the script from breaking if you subsequently delete the build folders.
TerraGear: GenApts
Bug Fix: Genapts no longer duplicates entries when executed multiple times.
TerraSync.py
Bug Fix: Specifying command-line options top, bottom, left, right will no longer skip regions when the specified boundary excludes the 10x10 origin.
In the hangar
Updated aircraft
SpaceShuttle: Milestone 10
Milestone 10 of the SpaceShuttle was released on the 16th of September, adding 3D panels for the O14-O16 circuit breaker panels, various effects for the cockpit, displays, and windows, experimental support for "dogleg" offplane targeting, addition of Lajes Air Base, Wake Island, Ascension Island and NAS Oceana as a landing site, addition of a leakage simulation for propellant, addition of canvas dialogs, and many bugfixes. This is now available on FGADDON. We highly recommend giving the SpaceShuttle a try!
Extra 500
Version 5.1.0 was released on the 7th of September: changes include:
- Possibility to hide all human models
- several fixes to canvas dialogs
- Init menu
This version was made for FlightGear 2018.3+, and may not work correctly on earlier FlightGear versions.
Viggen
The Viggen in FGAddon is now at version 4.311. Major changes in this version include:
- refined autopilot by it0uchpods
- it is now possible to map input control devices directly to display cursors
- Damage code, radar, and weapon updates
- addition of a state system compatible with auto state in 2018.2
F-15
The F-15 (V1.8, 2018-08) has improved aerodynamics, can be fitted with Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT), and has some long standing faults in the mass properties fixed. Noticeable changes will include better handling with heavy stores, increased drag from stores. Also in this version of the F-15 is support for air to ground guided missiles, i.e. the MK-84.
A focus of this version of the F-15 is optimisation of resource usage which will hopefully improve the framerate on all systems, I've seen an improvement of upto 100% (i.e. from 30fps to 60fps). For the technically inquisitive this extra performance has been achieved by merging the entire cockpit interior into a single 3d model and texture; together with use of the props.UpdateManager to improve the canvas rendering, and reduction of the aircraft Nasal rate to a maximum of 30hz.
The autopilot has been improved Autopilot by Josh (it0uchpods), this new autopilot more closely models the actual autopilot in terms of both modes and how it functions.
The version version is available directly within the launcher or as a download from FGADDON.
F-14
My main focus on the F-14 has been to improve the low-speed handling; particularly to aid Case 1 (daytime) carrier recoveries. This has resulted in revision to the aerodynamic model, including new data for the flaps, slats, spoilers now have yaw moments and are more effective at higher alpha based on pilot reports. The APC will now aim to hold alpha rather than airspeed, it works reasonably well however if you are too low or descending too quickly it is wise to take control of the throttles. Indicated alpha (units) as displayed on the indexer has been adjusted based on the touchdown geometry of the hook a 15degrees indicated. Also improved is the initialisation code for starting on a carrier, the positions have been adjusted for the FG carrier fleet, this was a particular problem when starting on the Truman.
The wingsweep, wing bend and wing damage are now better modelled, with a long standing bug fixed that caused the wings to sweep instantly to the oversweep position. Manual sweep will work better (and can also be bound from the new joystick configuration dialogs)
The Cockpit model has had some bug fixes, the disappearing HSD displays are fixed, together with a general tidy up of materials and textures.
The external model has now got the AOA indexer repeat on the nose gear.
Finally the F-14 will be able to replay carrier landings (and tanker refuellings) properly. Although note that after the replay stops it is possible that the carrier will become unsolid.
The version version is available directly within the launcher or as a download from FGADDON.
F4U Update
Lbrenta updated the F4U Corsair, implementing the following changes:
FDM:
- switched to YASIM_VERSION_CURRENT, allowing multiple-part wing. Changed the wing+mstab+mstab configuration into a 3-part inverted gull wing (stub, main wing, wingtip).
- (ballast): add armor, self-sealing fuel tanks; adjust CoG to 25% MAC.
- Tune for more realistic engine RPM, like the F6F Hellcat.
Keyboard:
- (Ctrl+L): delete, redundant with the standard key binding l.
- (u, U): replace with Alt+S for consistency with the F6F and Lockheed1049h.
- (f, F): reassign to opening and closing cowl flaps for consistency with the Lockheed1049h. Implement the bindings here.
- (Alt+Q, Alt+S:) shift supercharger speed
Multiplayer:
- Transmit values for cowl flaps, canopy and wing folding.
- Do not pollute the property trees of remote aircraft over multiplayer.
- Models/F4U-1.xml (nasal/load): alias the above properties to animate remote Corsairs.
3D:
- replace the rotate animation for the magnetos switch with a knob animation. This makes it possible to turn the switch with the mouse.
- Make a knob animation for the fuel selector switch. This makes it possible to select fuel tanks from the cockpit and eliminates the need to "Magically start engine" from the menu. Note: the fuel selector selects only one tank at a time for now; only the main tank has a gauge (as in real life); look at the Fuel and Payload dialog to see which tank is selected.
Systems:
- implement cooling when the engine is not running.
Liveries
New Lufthansa Livery for the 747-8i
Lars0817 made a nice new livery for the 747-8i with Lufthansa's new blue livery. It is now available on FGADDON or directly through the launcher.
AI
Contributions this month include:
- Ellinair livery added
- Malaysia Cargo / Turkish Cargo corrected
- Cargolux liveries / traffic added
The AI team makes FlightGear more realistic, colorful and lively every month. You can support the important development of Interactive Traffic and contribute at the FlightGear AI forums.
Scenery corner
Jan Mayen
The Arctic island of Jan Mayen, north east of Iceland, received a makeover with corrected elevation data and coastlines, and is now available via TerraSync. The volcano, Beerenberg (2277m) is also now one of the volcanoes simulated in FlightGear, making for an impressive sight as the snow covered peak belches out smoke and ash. The island's airstrip, Jan Mayensfield (ENJA), has a 1600m dirt runway, perfectly suited for the DHC-6 or c172p's skis!
Note: Torsten Dreyer posted on the mailing list: I am currently trying to get the latest terrasync data upstream to our master copy at http://flightgear.sourceforge.net/scenery/ which for whatever reason is painfully slow. The rsync is now running for more than 36hours and still processing data. Because of this, there might occour some inconsistencies and sha1 mismatches in the Terrain folders for the Oahu and Jan Mayen area. Some of the folders of recently modified /Objects may also trigger errors. Once the rsync has completed, those errors should go away.
Sweden OSM2CITY
Custom scenery is now available for Sweden, covering Stockholm (coordinates W=17.00, S=59.00, E=19.20, N=60.00 (Uppsala, Stockholm, Nynäshamn)). The custom scenery is available through github at https://github.com/saul-rodriguez/SWEDEN . Use a git client or directly the "download" button on the web interface.
Community news
FlightGear on YouTube
FlightGear on Facebook
Since early December 2010, FlightGear has an official Facebook page. If you have a Facebook account please feel free to join the page.
FlightGear on Google+
Since November 2011 there is a FlightGear page on Google+. If you haven't done so already, please add us to your circle and stay up to date on the latest FlightGear news, cool screenshots and release info.
FlightGear on Instagram
In January 2018 the @flightgear_sim Instagram account was brought back to life. If you've got nice screenshots to be featured, feel free to contact the maintainer.
FlightGear on FlightSim.com
Flightgear has also a sub-forum on flightsim.com - just like the commercial flightsims. It is an opportunity to showcase what FG can do, get people curious and answer any questions they may have with regard to the software or the project.
Multiplayer events
Contributing
Translators needed
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The FlightGear Wiki still needs help for translating it into various languages. If you are interested in making the FlightGear Wiki multilingual, you can start by looking at Help:Translate. |
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Le wiki de FlightGear a toujours besoin d'aide pour être traduit en différentes langues. Si vous êtes intéressé par le rendre multilingue, commencez par lire Help:Traduire. |
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Das FlightGear Wiki benötigt immer noch Hilfe bei der Übersetzung in verschiedene Sprachen. Wenn Du Interesse daran hast, das FlightGear Wiki mehrsprachig zu machen, dann fang mit dem Help:Übersetzen an. |
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De FlightGear Wiki kan nog steed hulp gebruiken bij het vertalen van artikelen. Als je interesse hebt om de wiki meertalig te maken, raden we je aan om een kijkje te nemen bij Help:Vertalen. |
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La wiki de FlightGear todavía necesita ayuda para traducirla a varios lenguajes. Si estás interesado en hacer la FlightGear wiki multilingüe, entonces comienza en Help:Traducir. |
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La wiki de FlightGear encara necessita ajuda per traduir-la a diverses llengües. Si esteu interessat en fer la wiki de FlightGear multilingüe, llavors comenceu a Help:Traduir. |
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A wiki de FlightGear ainda necessita de ajuda para traduzi-la em vários idiomas. Se estás interessado em tornar a wiki de FlightGear multi-lingual, por favor começa em Help:Traduzir. |
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FlightGear 百科仍然需要志愿者将其翻译为各种语言。如果你有兴趣让FlightGear百科支持更多语言, 你可以查看 Help:Translate. |
FlightGear logos
If you want some graphic elements for your FlightGear-related site (such as a hangar or YouTube channel), please feel free to visit FlightGear logos for a repository of logos. And if you have some art skills, please don't hesitate to contribute with your own design creations.
Screenshots
The FlightGear project always needs screenshots, which show features that were added since the last release. These should be of good quality, especially in content and technical image properties. It is therefore recommended to use the best viable filter settings (anti-aliasing, texture sharpening, etc.). More info at Howto:Make nice screenshots.
Screenshot of the Month
FlightGear's Screenshot of the Month September 2018 is Welcome to Switzerland by Thorsten
If you want to participate in the screenshot contest , you can submit your candidate to this forum topic. Be sure to see the first post for participation rules. For purposes of convenience and organization, after all the entries have been submitted, a new forum topic will be started containing all shots in an easy-to-view layout. The voting will then take place there. Once the voting has finished, the best screenshot will be presented in the Newsletter.
Thanks for reading FlightGear Newsletter September 2018!