FlightGear Newsletter November 2020: Difference between revisions

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FlightGear Newsletter November 2020 (view source)

Revision as of 11:10, 30 November 2020

11,558 bytes added ,  30 November 2020
Add info on: LTS release, on-going development, hackathon projects. Add info on C172S, A320 LTS branch release, EC AS532, development videos
(Add info on: LTS release, on-going development, hackathon projects. Add info on C172S, A320 LTS branch release, EC AS532, development videos)
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== Development news ==
== Development news ==
<!-- News about FlightGear itself.  The FlightGear mailing list and/or core developers are a good source. -->
<!-- News about FlightGear itself.  The FlightGear mailing list and/or core developers are a good source. -->
===2020.3 LTS released===
'''2020.3''' was [https://www.flightgear.org/download/ released] on November 6th 2020. Read the release notice and [[Changelog_2020.3|changelog]] for what's new.
2020.3.x is a [[Release_plan#General_release_concept|Long Term Stable release]] (LTS). Bug fixes will be backported, and the build maintained, for a much longer period than development preview builds.
[[Keflavik_Airport|Keflavik Airport]] (BIKF), in south-west Iceland, is the featured airport.
There is an additional development preview binary of the work-in-progress [[Compositor]] bundled with the LTS, like in the 2020.1 preview build.
OSM2City scenery for the whole of Iceland was built for the LTS earlier this year, but is not bundled due to the innosetup installer size limit. It is available from the [[Areas_populated_with_osm2city_scenery|OSM2City download list page]].
The first version released on the flightgear.org website is labelled 2020.3.2. 2020.3.1 was a preliminary soft release to find bugs and installer issues.
For upcoming point releases of the 2020.3.x LTS, the current plan is to include some minor improvements like launcher UI tweaks, as well as bug fixes.
<gallery mode-"packed">
Iceland_in_FlightGear_2020_01_Volcanic_plume_and_snow_(Aerospatiale_Alouette_III).jpg|Eyjafjallajökull volcanic plume
Iceland_viewed_from_space_in_Earthview_(Flightgear_2020.x)_02.jpg|Iceland from space
Rainbow_sculpture_at_Keflavik_International_Airport_(BIKF)_in_Iceland_(Flightgear_2020.x)_01.jpg|Rainbow sculpture at BIKF
The_Jet_Nest_sculpture_at_Keflavik_International_Airport_(BIKF)_in_Iceland_(Flightgear_2020.x)_1024_04.jpg|Jet nest sculpture at BIKF
Reykjavik_at_sunset_with_OSM2City_output_(Flightgear_2020.x)_02.jpg|Rekjavik OSM2City (near BIRK)
</gallery>
===The road ahead===
'''See [[FlightGear_Newsletter_October_2020#Help_wanted|Help wanted]].'''
There are a lot of big infrastructure changes already nearly completed, well underway, and planned. These will be for the LTS after 2020.3.x.
With the LTS released, a lot of big changes have ''already'' been merged into the "next" branch:
* [[Compositor]] rendering framework - next has switched to the Compositor.
* [[World_Scenery_3.0_roadmap|World Scenery 3.0]] (next generation scenery) initial deploymement. WS 3.0 uses [[Virtual_Planet_Builder|Virtual Planet Builder]] instead of terragear for terrain building.
* [[CompositeViewer_Support|Composite Viewer]] - This allows Flightgear to have multiple top-level windows showing independent views of the scenery, and will also allow implementation of things like cockpit rear-view mirrors and cockpit displays of external views (tail cams, gear view etc). [[:File:Fg-cv-textures2.jpeg|Screenshot]]
Some of the big changes being worked on but not on next: [replacement of the in-sim UI, infrastructure for regular world builds, runtime airport generation, move to a higher version of [[OpenGL#Status|OpenGL]] (4.x is planned), OSM2City world build and [[OSM2City]] tech improvements etc.
If you are wondering when Flightgear will move to Vulkan using the newly released [[Vulkan Scene Graph]] (VSG) which is the successor to OSG that FG currently uses, VSG will be looked at after the current set of infrastructure and OpenGL 4.x according to plans mentioned by devs - as Vulkan Scene Graph hopefully should be mature and stable by then.
For those curious, keep and eye on the 'next' branch, or the [http://download.flightgear.org/builds/nightly/ nightly builds]. The history of changes on 'next' can be viewed by clicking the "History" link for each repository on the sourceforge website: [https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/flightgear/ci/next/tree/ FlightGear] , [https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/simgear/ci/next/tree/ SimGear] , [https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/fgdata/ci/next/tree/ FGData]
The 'next' branch will build towards the next Development Preview release, and ultimately the next LTS. As always, nightly builds of the next branch are available at [http://download.flightgear.org/builds/nightly/ download.flightgear.org].
Core development is coordinated via the fg-devel [[Mailing_lists|mailing list]], to get involved you can just sign up on the [https://sourceforge.net/projects/flightgear/lists/flightgear-devel sourceforge] page.
===Photo texture support===
Nathiniel Warner has submitted a patch to allow orthophoto textures to optionally be used and this is available in nightlies - see the [https://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=37866 forum thread]. This works with current WS 2.0 scenery.
====Updates to the FG homepage====
Developers, there is a wiki [[2020_LTS_Keflavik_news_post_draft|draft page here]] to write a description of improvements since 2018.3 LTS to your craft or feature, with several accompanying screenshots.
James has said he is willing to review and update the homepage if material is submitted to the wiki, or otherwise handed over to him:
: ''James Turner [[https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/mailman/message/37145199/ 1]] : If anyone wants to do an article on a particular aircraft or feature for the Website, that would be excellent: don’t be shy: if you can provide some text and a couple of screenshots, it can be turned into a post easily.''
These will be published as news posts after 2020.3 LTS release, maybe about a week apart, or when material is available. If there is not enough material, several small items can be collected into a news post.
For screenshots, it's possible to pause the sim and [[Howto:Make_nice_screenshots|turn up]] settings, if you normally have settings lower on an older laptop or similar - there may be suitable screenshots already submitted SOTM section in the [https://forum.flightgear.org/viewforum.php?f=88 forum] under CC-BY-SA-4.0 that have not been [[Special:UploadWizard|uploaded]] to the wiki [[:Category:Screenshots at high settings|high settings screenshots category]] yet.
The most important things are the points about what to write, and some screenshots. Don't worry if wording or English is not perfect, it can be adjusted later. Knowledge of wiki syntax isn't needed for a simple draft, just click edit and type. URLs to screenshots can simply be pasted if you don't know how to upload, along with a note giving CC-BY-SA-4.0 permission.
=== Virtual FSWeekend Hackathon 2020 report===
The Hacakthon was a success with a lot of contributors new to the project and contributors in non-core areas starting with core code and FGData contributions. See StuartB's writeup on the [https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/mailman/message/37153143/ Hacakathon and lessons learned]
Normally in mid-November a group of FlightGear enthusiasts participate in FSWeekend at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands. Over the years this has been a focal point for both finishing existing development/releases and a catalyst for new ideas in FlightGear, as well as an opportunity for FlightGear enthusiasts to share a beer. FSWeekend 2020 was cancelled, so to keep the spirit alive, a [[Virtual FSWeekend Hackathon 2020|Virtual FSWeekend Hackathon]] was held.
The current thought is to look at having a Hackathon every year, but at a different time to FSWeekend.
The hack projects/areas worked on were: [[Hackathon_Proposal:_CompositeViewer_and_Canvas|CompositeViewer and Canvas]],
[[CPDLC|Controller-pilot data link communication (CPDLC)]], [[Hackathon_Proposal:Feature_Scaling|Feature Scaling]], 
[[Hackathon_Proposal:_more_diversified_facade_textures_osm2city|OSM2City Facades]]
), [[Hackathon_Proposal:POH_Checklists|POH Checklists]] , [[Hackathon_Proposal:_Wake_from_multiplayer_aircraft|Wake from AI Aircraft]],
[[Hackathon_Proposal:_WS3.0_Effects|WS3.0 Effects/Scenery]]
A substantial amount of the results from the Hacakathon are already merged on the next branch (and available on nightlies).


== New software tools and projects ==  
== New software tools and projects ==  
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===== Test server available! =====
===== Test server available! =====
I was able to get a small virtual linux server and deployed a test bed onto it.
I was able to get a small virtual linux server and deployed a test bed onto it.
* The adress is mumble://fgcom.hallinger.org for mumble
* The address is mumble://fgcom.hallinger.org for mumble
* A status page can be viewed at http://fgcom.hallinger.org
* A status page can be viewed at http://fgcom.hallinger.org


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We should gather around to get a small testing event :) Feel free to chime in at the {{forum link|title=forums thread|f=32|t=37644}}!
We should gather around to get a small testing event :) Feel free to chime in at the {{forum link|title=forums thread|f=32|t=37644}}!


=== Red Griffin ATC 2.0 released ===
Antonello Biancalana (Red Griffin) has released [[Red Griffin ATC|version 2.0]] of his speaking Air Traffic Controller (ATC) [[Addon]]. This addon uses TTS, and simulates an AI ATC. This is also available from FGAddon.
For feedback see the {{forum link|t=36755|title=Red Griffin ATC - Speaking ATC addon for FlightGear}} thread.
Demo of a previous version of the ATC addon:
{{#ev:youtube|ZOxDTGj9UnQ|480px||Demonstration video of a previous version of the Red Griffin ATC addon for an older version of Flightgear. Video from March 2020.}}


== In the hangar ==
== In the hangar ==
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<!-- === Instruments === -->
<!-- === Instruments === -->


<!-- === New aircraft === -->
=== New aircraft ===
====C172S with FG1000====
[[User:wlbragg|Wlbragg]] and the C172 team are working on the Cessna 172S SkyHawk SP, with the [[FG1000]] glass cockpit.
 
The team are requesting thorough testing to find any needed tuning changes and missing elements.
 
The engine and systems work is already available, done, or will be completed shortly.
 
The team are placing a request/call for help with "exterior and interior cabin modeling" to make this a complete C172S.
 
See the [https://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=38240 forum thread] for more information and screenshots (Newest: [https://i.imgur.com/q2DeuhL.png 1], Older: [https://i.imgur.com/QsjgtGc.png 2], [https://i.imgur.com/TlsZ5dw.png 3], [https://i.imgur.com/rA8a2D0.png 4]).
 
Github repository and downloads:
* [https://github.com/c172p-team/c172p/tree/FG1000-variant C172S with FG1000] and [https://github.com/c172p-team/c172p/archive/FG1000-variant.zip download]
* [https://github.com/c172p-team/c172p/tree/Issue-1307 C172S compositor branch] and [https://github.com/c172p-team/c172p/archive/Issue-1307.zip download]
 
====A320====
The [[Airbus_A320_Family|Airbus A320]] is available on the 2020.3 LTS release. This is a complete overhaul/replacement that has been worked on for many years by a team before releasing on LTS. It has the most detailed systems of glass cockpit airliners currently released in FGAddon, and a JSBSim FDM.
 
[[File:A320-family-cockpit.png|400px|A320]]
 
===Eurocopter AS532 Cougar===
FGUK have released the {{wikipedia|Eurocopter_AS532_Cougar|Eurocopter AS532 Cougar}} now known as the Airbus Helicopters H215M and it's military variant the {{wikipedia|Eurocopter_AS332_Super_Puma|Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma}}. This is a twin engine multi-purpose helicopter.
 
Features: 90% Accurate FDM. 7 Configuration options, 15 Liveries. Multiplayer crew / Passenger function. ALS Glass and fuselage effects with livery specific reflection levels. Rotor wash on grass effects. Functional Winch man. Search and Recovery function for recovering other downed choppers over Multiplayer ( just for fun ).
 
For more details, screenshots, and download see the [https://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=38259 forum thread].
 
{{#ev:youtube|UKEGI9EH7bk||480|||Airbus AS352 Cougar - a development video showing a return trip to oil rigs at sea}}


=== Updated aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
* The [[Cessna 182S]] ([https://github.com/HHS81/c182s git version]) got some enhancements:
===Cessna 182S===
** The Airspeed Indicator was reworked based on photos of a C182T and now corresponds to the real model.
The [[Cessna 182S]] ([https://github.com/HHS81/c182s git version]) got some enhancements:
** The Alternate static air system was modeled, and now the outer static ports can ice, causing the static port to be blocked. If this occurs, one can pull the red static air knob in the cockpit to switch the static system to a port inside the cabin. The Venturi effect will introduce some errors/misreadings, because cabin pressure is lower than the outside atmosphere based on speed. This was the last Cockpit item missing, so the Cockpit can be considered complete!
* The Airspeed Indicator was reworked based on photos of a C182T and now corresponds to the real model.
** Flap operation does consume electrical power now, which can be used in the preflight check to test the electrical system.
* The Alternate static air system was modeled, and now the outer static ports can ice, causing the static port to be blocked. If this occurs, one can pull the red static air knob in the cockpit to switch the static system to a port inside the cabin. The Venturi effect will introduce some errors/misreadings, because cabin pressure is lower than the outside atmosphere based on speed. This was the last Cockpit item missing, so the Cockpit can be considered complete!
** Currently we have multiplayer enhancements in the works, involving a canvas redo for the registration number; and the damage system is nearly finished. Once we completed that, Heiko wants to do a FGAddon release.
* Flap operation does consume electrical power now, which can be used in the preflight check to test the electrical system.
* Currently we have multiplayer enhancements in the works, involving a canvas redo for the registration number; and the damage system is nearly finished. Once we completed that, Heiko wants to do a FGAddon release.
 
===FGUK development videos===
 
{{#ev:youtube|JCzNF3qwmWo|480||Harrier GR9 - sound model development. By FGUK}}
 
{{#ev:youtube|4Ie0DLF47G8|480||Westland Sea King alpha - hovering and maneuvering. By FGUK}}
 


<!-- === Liveries === -->
<!-- === Liveries === -->
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<!-- === Wiki updates === -->
<!-- === Wiki updates === -->
===Flightgear on youtube===
GinGin has re-created a [[Space Shuttle|space shuttle]] landing video of the Terminal Area Energy Management (TAEM) and Landing phases, overlayed with real voice communications between astronauts and mission control in the shuttle mission STS 155. The FlightGear's simulation of the space shuttle is the most detailed simulation outside NASA's internal ones, and has a JSBSim FDM backed by extensive windtunnel data.
{{#ev:youtube|ECJjC-i_3l8|700px||FlightGear [[Space Shuttle]] external view video recording TAEM and landing phases. View fullscreen for 2k video.}}


=== FlightGear on Facebook ===
=== FlightGear on Facebook ===
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