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FlightGear Newsletter January 2011: Difference between revisions
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FlightGear Newsletter January 2011 (view source)
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First of all happy new year to all of you! | |||
Altough this might be a bit late, we forgot to say so in the last edition of the FlightGear newsletter. 2010 was an exciting year for FlightGear ([[FlightGear Newsletter December 2010#2010 annual|read the summarized annual]]) and there is no reason to think 2011 will be any worse. With another release being scheduled, we can finally show the mass what we all have been working on last year. But it ain't that far yet, first there is a brand new newsletter to enjoy! | |||
== Development news == | == Development news == | ||
===2.2.0 Release Status=== | ===2.2.0 Release Status=== | ||
The next stable FlightGear release is being assembled, with many bugs being fixed by various contributors, in different areas of the simulator - especially relating to JSBSim and resetting the simulator. Lots of work has been done to automate producing release builds (including installers) in a reliable, repeatable way, which will accelerate the release schedule in the future. | The next stable FlightGear release (2.2.0) is currently being assembled, with many bugs being fixed by various contributors, in different areas of the simulator - especially relating to [[JSBSim]] and resetting the simulator. Lots of work has been done to automate producing release builds (including installers) in a reliable, repeatable way, which will accelerate the release schedule in the future. | ||
The remaining task is gluing the 'base package' tarball into the installers for Windows and Mac, so they form a complete, finished installer. To this end, a release branch now exists for the 'fgdata' repository, and the final pieces of automation are being worked upon. Even with most of the aircraft removed, the base package for 2.2.0 has grown somewhat, coming in at around 400MB compressed - mostly thanks to improved scenery models, aircraft and sounds. | The remaining task is gluing the 'base package' tarball into the installers for Windows and Mac, so they form a complete, finished installer. To this end, a release branch now exists for the 'fgdata' repository, and the final pieces of automation are being worked upon. Even with most of the aircraft removed, the base package for 2.2.0 has grown somewhat, coming in at around 400MB compressed - mostly thanks to improved scenery models, aircraft and sounds. | ||
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=== Mouse acceleration === | === Mouse acceleration === | ||
Syd and Torsten implemented a mouse acceleration feature. This allows aircraft developers to make their levers/switches controllable by the click&drag principle. Extremely useful for thrust levers for example, where one can click on the lever and drag the mouse forward in order to advance thrust. Allowing for the most realistic simulations with a simple mouse. Amongst example aircraft that currently make use of this new feature is the [[ | Syd and Torsten implemented a mouse acceleration feature. This allows aircraft developers to make their levers/switches controllable by the click&drag principle. Extremely useful for thrust levers for example, where one can click on the lever and drag the mouse forward in order to advance thrust. Allowing for the most realistic simulations with a simple mouse. Amongst example aircraft that currently make use of this new feature is the [[Seneca II]]. | ||
== New software tools and projects == | == New software tools and projects == | ||
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==== Generic Boeing CDU ==== | ==== Generic Boeing CDU ==== | ||
[[User:Gijs|Gijs]] commited a generic - [[Boeing]] style - [[Control Display Unit]] (CDU) to [[Git]]. The CDU comes with two textures: a brown one (as seen on the [[Boeing 747-400|747]]) or a grey one ([[737]]). The number of simulated pages is growing rapidly and currently include at least: | [[User:Gijs|Gijs]] commited a generic - [[Boeing]] style - [[Control Display Unit]] (CDU) to [[Git]]. The CDU comes with two textures: a brown one (as seen on the [[Boeing 747-400|747]]) or a grey one ([[737]]). The number of simulated pages is growing rapidly and currently include at least: | ||
* one route setup (interconnected | * one route setup (interconnected with the well-known FlightGear [[route manager]]), from departure via waypoints to arrival airports. | ||
* various performance data, like takeoff speeds (V1, Vr, V2) and weights. | * various performance data, like [[Howto: Calculate V-speeds|takeoff speeds]] (V1, Vr, V2) and weights. | ||
A wiki article has been set up to explain aircraft developers [[Howto: Implement a Control Display Unit| how to implement the CDU]] in their aircraft. | A wiki article has been set up to explain aircraft developers [[Howto: Implement a Control Display Unit| how to implement the CDU]] in their aircraft. | ||
=== New aircraft === | === New aircraft === | ||
[[ | A small selection of aircraft of which development started in January. | ||
{{Gallery| | |||
[[#ATR 72-500|ATR 72-500]]|ATR_72-500.jpg| | |||
[[#DC-9-32|DC-9-32]]|DC9promo.png| | |||
[[#Spitfire Vb|Spitfire Vb]]|SpifireVb-snapshot_001.jpg| | |||
[[#Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA|PAK-FA]]|PAK-FA.png | |||
}} | |||
==== ATR 72-500 ==== | ==== ATR 72-500 ==== | ||
[[User:Skyop|Skyop]] has started his latest aircraft project, the [[ATR 72-500]]. This turboprop airliner currently features a lighting system, an engine control system (autostart), [[pushback]] | [[User:Skyop|Skyop]] has started his latest aircraft project, the [[ATR 72-500]]. This turboprop airliner currently features a lighting system, an engine control system (autostart), [[pushback]] and [[livery over MP]]. A 3D [[cockpit]] will follow in the upcoming months. | ||
====DC-9-32==== | ====DC-9-32==== | ||
A group of developers have started developing the DC-9 with the kind help of Buckaroo. Currently, the aircraft still requires animations and some adjustments to the autopilot. However, the cockpit and other parts are almost complete. | A group of developers have started developing the DC-9 with the kind help of Buckaroo. Currently, the aircraft still requires animations and some adjustments to the autopilot. However, the cockpit and other parts are almost complete. | ||
====Spitfire Vb==== | ====Spitfire Vb==== | ||
A new version of the [[Spitfire]] has been added to the hanger. The Spitfire V, although a stopgap version, became the second most numerous variant to be produced. It was widely exported to foreign airforces both during and after WWII. The version modeled here is the B version with | A new version of the [[Spitfire]] has been added to the hanger. The Spitfire V, although a stopgap version, became the second most numerous variant to be produced. It was widely exported to foreign airforces both during and after WWII. The version modeled here is the B version with two 20mm cannon and four .303 machine guns. The cannon ammunition was carried in drums, limiting the supply to 60 rounds per gun, and necessitating blisters on top and underneath the wing. The particular aircraft depicted is preserved, and is still flying today. You can see a walkround [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEOab7KiDlc at YouTube]. | ||
==== Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA ==== | ==== Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA ==== | ||
Ummon and pjedvaj have started the [[Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA|PAK-FA project]]. The PAK FA, also known as the T-50, is a fifth generation jet fighter prototype developed by Sukhoi OKB in Russia. It is scheduled to enter service by 2014. The FlightGear version features a new high-poly model and set of animations, along with three liveries. The FDM has been redone in JSBSim and features thrust vectoring control and fly by wire stability augmentation. Cockpit instruments are not modeled yet. | Ummon and pjedvaj have started the [[Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA|PAK-FA project]]. The PAK FA, also known as the T-50, is a fifth generation jet fighter prototype developed by Sukhoi OKB in Russia. It is scheduled to enter service by 2014. The FlightGear version features a new high-poly model and set of animations, along with three liveries. The FDM has been redone in JSBSim and features thrust vectoring control and fly by wire stability augmentation. Cockpit instruments are not modeled yet. | ||
=== Updated aircraft === | === Updated aircraft === | ||
A small selection of aircraft updated in January. | |||
[[File:Nordstern.jpg|thumb|The control car of the Zeppelin LZ 121 ''Nordstern''.]] | [[File:Nordstern.jpg|thumb|The control car of the Zeppelin LZ 121 ''Nordstern''.]] | ||
====LZ 121 ''Nordstern''==== | ====LZ 121 ''Nordstern''==== | ||
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== Scenery corner == | == Scenery corner == | ||
This month, we reached '''2000''' unique models in the scenery database! | This month, we reached '''2000''' unique models in the scenery database! Help us get to 3000 even faster... [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org Please contribute a scenery model today]. | ||
===Scenery Models=== | ===Scenery Models=== | ||
The highest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa, former known as the Burj Dubai, has been added to the database. Landmarks have also been added to Lyon, France. Finally, skyscrapers for both Montreal (Place Ville Marie) and Vancouver (One Wall Centre) in Canada have been added. | The highest tower in the world, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Khalifa Burj Khalifa], former known as the Burj Dubai, has been added to the database. Landmarks have also been added to Lyon, France. Finally, skyscrapers for both Montreal (Place Ville Marie) and Vancouver (One Wall Centre) in Canada have been added. | ||
====New York City==== | ====New York City==== | ||
[[File:Statue of Liberty.png|thumb|400px|Statue of Liberty with magnificient lighting.]] | |||
A collaborative effort has been launched to model as many skyscrapers and landmarks of New York City as possible. This month, the following New York buildings were contributed, by several different people: | A collaborative effort has been launched to model as many skyscrapers and landmarks of New York City as possible. This month, the following New York buildings were contributed, by several different people: | ||
* Empire State Building | * Empire State Building | ||
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* Verizon Building | * Verizon Building | ||
* Penn Plaza and Madison Square Garden | * Penn Plaza and Madison Square Garden | ||
At the sametime, Statto is working on detailed landclassing (terrain), so the new buildings will look accurately placed (rather than in the middle of the Hudson). | |||
We still would like as many custom buildings as possible in this area! If you are interested in contributing to the New York City scenery project, [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10531 | We still would like as many custom buildings as possible in this area! If you are interested in contributing to the New York City scenery project, please [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10531 visit the forum]. | ||
====Eastern Asia==== | ====Eastern Asia==== | ||
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* Saigon Trade Center (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) | * Saigon Trade Center (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) | ||
If you would like to fly near them you can use TerraSync or | If you would like to fly near them you can use TerraSync or [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org download an updated objects file]. | ||
=== Airports === | === Airports === | ||
[[File:KCHOdevJan.png|thumb|KCHO under development]] | |||
====Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (KCHO)==== | ====Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (KCHO)==== | ||
Catchatyou made some significant progress since December, after taking a few weeks off. He made the rain canopy (or whatever it's called) almost completely accurate, the building more realistic (height-wise), and he added the cylinder part of the airport. Chatchatyou's goals to get to by February are completing the doors, add-in the second waiting room (external of course), and add the windows to the cylinder. | |||
====Samedan Engiadina Airport (LSZS)==== | ====Samedan Engiadina Airport (LSZS)==== | ||
[[File:REGA_LSZS_1.jpg | [[File:REGA_LSZS_1.jpg|thumb|left|REGA helicopter at LSZS (by F-SIG)]]Eventually the Engiadina Airport (LSZS), close to Sankt Moritz (Sant Murezzan, in Ladin), is available on Terrasync. You may reach it comfortably from [[Innsbruck Airport]] (LOWI) following upstream the Enn River (Engiadina); after the flight you may have a Calanda Beer at the cafeteria aside of Terminal C. | ||
The building have been done with the contribution of HHS, who provided the untextured blend files, and ot-666, who gave precious hints. F-SIG took the screenshot. | The building have been done with the contribution of HHS, who provided the untextured blend files, and ot-666, who gave precious hints. F-SIG took the screenshot. | ||
For those not using | |||
For those not using TerraSync the files (including the .stg file) are available for download at | |||
http://digilander.libero.it/scighera_fg | http://digilander.libero.it/scighera_fg | ||
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* HHS and ot-666 continuously improve the LOJO heliport, showcased in a video featuring the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTn2PIcRz1g movable helipads]. | * HHS and ot-666 continuously improve the LOJO heliport, showcased in a video featuring the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTn2PIcRz1g movable helipads]. | ||
* Active road vehicles are something FlightGear lacks compared to other sims. Luckily there are people trying various methods to implement traffic. One of them is Tuxklok, who [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTJnbuxdWtQ placed some nice traffic] near Insbruck, Germany. Definitely something we'll hear more of in the future! | * Active road vehicles are something FlightGear lacks compared to other sims. Luckily there are people trying various methods to implement traffic. One of them is Tuxklok, who [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTJnbuxdWtQ placed some nice traffic] near Insbruck, Germany. Definitely something we'll hear more of in the future! | ||
*A look back at last month: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqED3XM4KxU Christmas! A FlightGear Movie] by Oscar. | |||
* A look back at last month: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqED3XM4KxU Christmas! A FlightGear Movie] by Oscar. | |||
=== Forum news === | === Forum news === | ||