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FlightGear Newsletter August 2011: Difference between revisions
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FlightGear Newsletter August 2011 (view source)
Revision as of 19:39, 29 August 2011
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''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) can edit the newsletter and every contribution is welcome. So if you know about any FlightGear related projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.'' | ''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) can edit the newsletter and every contribution is welcome. So if you know about any FlightGear related projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.'' | ||
== New FlightGear | == New FlightGear version finally released == | ||
On August 17 after a year and a half of hard work, [http://www.flightgear.org/announcements/flightgear-v2-4-0-released/ FlightGear v2.4 has finally been released!] | On August 17 after a year and a half of hard work, [http://www.flightgear.org/announcements/flightgear-v2-4-0-released/ FlightGear v2.4.0 has finally been released!] Thanks to the key developers that took the lead to overhaul the FlightGear release plan and create a regular release cycle. Thanks also to each and every developer in every portion of the FlightGear community who have contributed to make FlightGear such a success! [http://www.flightgear.org/download/ Please click here to jump to the download page]. | ||
== FlightGear.org | Starting with the v2.4.0 release, the development of FlightGear will now follow the [[Release Plan]], which will act as a guideline in upcoming development and regular releases of the FlightGear simulator in the form of a six-month development cycle. In other words, if this Release Plan's suggestions are followed thoroughly, stable releases of the simulator will be created twice a year, on the 17th of February and August. | ||
== FlightGear.org main website updated == | |||
Along with the [http://www.flightgear.org/announcements/flightgear-v2-4-0-released/ v2.4 release], the [http://www.flightgear.org FlightGear.org] web site has seen a complete overhaul during the month of August. The new website is based on "wordpress" which supports multiple editors and allows for much easier editing and updating of content. One interesting feature of wordpress is the ability to create "posts" and then allow anyone to add their own comments (pending approval.) Newsletter contributors (and anyone else) are invited to create a "post" for the main flightgear.org web site. This is a great way to promote your own project and do so in a context that allows more paragraphs, more detail, and more pictures than can fit in a newsletter article. So please continue to submit newsletter articles, but also please consider developing a longer version for the main web site! | Along with the [http://www.flightgear.org/announcements/flightgear-v2-4-0-released/ v2.4 release], the [http://www.flightgear.org FlightGear.org] web site has seen a complete overhaul during the month of August. The new website is based on "wordpress" which supports multiple editors and allows for much easier editing and updating of content. One interesting feature of wordpress is the ability to create "posts" and then allow anyone to add their own comments (pending approval.) Newsletter contributors (and anyone else) are invited to create a "post" for the main flightgear.org web site. This is a great way to promote your own project and do so in a context that allows more paragraphs, more detail, and more pictures than can fit in a newsletter article. So please continue to submit newsletter articles, but also please consider developing a longer version for the main web site! | ||
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=== AI/ATC interactions === | === AI/ATC interactions === | ||
[[File:Ehamrwyblock.png|thumb| Heavily congested taxiways at Schiphol after the 777-200 had been blocking active runway 24 for nearly 4 hours.]] | [[File:Ehamrwyblock.png|thumb| Heavily congested taxiways at Schiphol after the 777-200 had been blocking active runway 24 for nearly 4 hours.]] | ||
Even though the preparations for our upcoming release were still going on at full throttle, development for the next release had already started. In early August code changes were committed, which allow FlightGear users to interact with an artifically intelligent ATC system. Currently it is possible to request startup clearance, permission for push back, as well as taxi-clearances. A brand new, and highly experimental, ground network visualization system makes it possible to taxi from parking to runway along the route given by ATC. Hold position and resume taxi instructions can be be given in order to avoid collisions with other (AI controlled) aircraft. Hand-off to a tower controller has been inplemented.More interactive take off procedures, are in the planning stages. The aim is to have all stages of IFR commercial aviation traffic under ATC control before the release of | Even though the preparations for our upcoming release were still going on at full throttle, development for the next release had already started. In early August code changes were committed, which allow FlightGear users to interact with an artifically intelligent ATC system. Currently it is possible to request startup clearance, permission for push back, as well as taxi-clearances. A brand new, and highly experimental, ground network visualization system makes it possible to taxi from parking to runway along the route given by ATC. Hold position and resume taxi instructions can be be given in order to avoid collisions with other (AI controlled) aircraft. Hand-off to a tower controller has been inplemented. More interactive take off procedures, are in the planning stages. The aim is to have all stages of IFR commercial aviation traffic under ATC control before the release of FlightGear 2.6.0, which is planned for early 2012. | ||
=== Local Weather moving to a new rendering technique === | === Local Weather moving to a new rendering technique === | ||
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== Nasal for newbies == | == Nasal for newbies == | ||
== New software | == New software tools and projects == | ||
=== TerraMaster === | === TerraMaster === | ||
[http://code.google.com/p/terramaster TerraMaster] is a Java-based application that lets you pick-and-choose which scenery tiles you would like to sync with the | [http://code.google.com/p/terramaster TerraMaster] is a Java-based application that lets you pick-and-choose which scenery tiles you would like to sync with the FlightGear scenery server. Ideal for those people who prefer to [[TerraSync]] preflight rather than inflight. | ||
=== FGXMLBUILDER V1.0 === | === FGXMLBUILDER V1.0 === | ||
[http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16229825/fgxmlbuilder1.0.tar.gz fgxmlbuilder] is a BASH script that automatically generates animation XML's for X-plane scenery that has been converted to FlightGear by [ | [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16229825/fgxmlbuilder1.0.tar.gz fgxmlbuilder] is a BASH script that automatically generates animation XML's for X-plane scenery that has been converted to FlightGear by [[Howto: Convert objects from X-Plane|xplane2fg]]. | ||
* Automatically activates texture swapping for DAY and NIGHT textures. | * Automatically activates texture swapping for DAY and NIGHT textures. | ||
* Work with a single file or a whole directory. | * Work with a single file or a whole directory. | ||
* Works in or out of "source." | * Works in or out of "source." | ||
* Automatically update STG files. (this can be turned off with a command line option) | * Automatically update STG files. (this can be turned off with a command line option) | ||
* Has an UNDO function. | * Has an UNDO function. | ||
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Windows Users: Avoid spaces in file paths. | Windows Users: Avoid spaces in file paths. | ||
== FlightGear | == FlightGear addons and mods == | ||
== In the hangar == | |||
=== New aircraft === | |||
==== Airbus A310-300 ==== | |||
[[File:A310-snap.png|thumb|Mahan Air A310-300 over [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]].]] | |||
A few months ago, Icecode and Star started the development of the [[Airbus A310-300]]. The latest version of the model includes a detailed cockpit and a realistic YASim FDM. You can view the development progress at [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12790 the forum]. | |||
==== Tecnam P.92 Echo ==== | |||
[[File:Tecnam-P92.PNG|200px|thumb|Tecnam-P92]] | |||
A french team who likes to be called "The Flightgear France patrol" has been working on many aircrafts. It is composed of many specialists in various fields (3D, texture, FDM, nasal, xml, sound...). | |||
The France patrol is proud to offer you a new airplane: the Tecnam-P92. It is probably the best ultralight aircraft available by now in FlightGear. All the instruments, electrical systems and most of the sound are realistically simulated. | |||
You can download this airplane in [http://helijah.free.fr/flightgear/hangar.htm Helijah's hangar] here as well as in the GIT repository. | You can download this airplane in [http://helijah.free.fr/flightgear/hangar.htm Helijah's hangar] here as well as in the GIT repository. | ||
This team is currently working on other planes and helos, such as the R44, | This team is currently working on other planes and helos, such as the [[R44]], [[Douglas C-47|C-47]] and [[D510]]. Those aircrafts can also be found in Helijah's hangar and in Git. | ||
==== Grumman E-2C Hawkeye ==== | |||
==== | [[File:Grumman-E-2C-early-model-20110626.png|200px|thumb|Grumman E-2C Hawkeye]] | ||
[[File:Grumman-E-2C-early-model-20110626.png|200px|thumb| Grumman E-2C Hawkeye | At that time being the bird is in a very early stage of development, but with a little bit of time it could become a very nice carrier based flying ATC, needing (1) a pilot to stay on station flying flat "8s" against the wind and (2) a skilled air controller to "control" the kind of nasty boys one can usually see around the Nimitz. Right now, the model available in Git is very crude (but the Landing gear) and the FDM isn't completely tuned. There is the minimal set of instruments, but no lights and no fancy details in the cockpit yet. Anyway she can already land and take of from a carrier (with day light). This model is coming out of xiii's factory, so be sure it will be over detailed and accurately modeled :-) | ||
At that time being the bird is in a very early stage of development, but with a little bit of time it could become a very nice carrier based flying ATC, needing (1) a | |||
=== Updated aircraft === | === Updated aircraft === | ||
=== Liveries === | === Liveries === | ||
== Scenery corner == | == Scenery corner == | ||
=== Airports === | === Airports === | ||
VicMar started a few models on Helgoland with the airport terminal building (EDXH) with the nearby shop and Mobile home park. | |||
If you know of any such photos on the internet, which cannot be found by searching with the obvious names, details would also be welcome. | It is hard to find photos of local landmarks, or interesting buildings there. Anyone who has visited Helgoland and is prepared to show VicMar their photos could make a valuable contribution here. The church for example would be a welcome addition. If you know of any such photos on the internet, which cannot be found by searching with the obvious names, details would also be welcome. | ||
Any help much appreciated. | Any help much appreciated. | ||
== Aircraft of the month == | == Aircraft of the month == | ||
* The [[Bombardier CRJ700]] series was reviewed as this week/month's feature aircraft. You can read the full review at our wiki's [[Bombardier CRJ700 series#Aircraft of the Week/Month|Bombardier CRJ700 series]] article. | |||
The Bombardier CRJ700 series was reviewed as this week/month's feature aircraft. You can read the full review at our wiki's [[Bombardier CRJ700 series#Aircraft of the Week | * The second aircraft reviewed this month, was the M-18 Dromader. You can read the full review at it's wiki page as well: [[PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader#Airplane of the Week/Month|PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader]], or watch the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t_upZYrxFw video review] on YouTube. | ||
The second aircraft reviewed this month, was the M-18 Dromader. You can read the full review at it's wiki page as well: [[PZL- | |||
== Airport of the month == | == Airport of the month == | ||