FlightGear Newsletter August 2011: Difference between revisions

== 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!

[[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 FlightGear 2.6.0, which is planned for early 2012.

The Local Weather package is currently undergoing a restructuring to make use of the Nasal interface to the system generating the default 3d clouds written by Stuart. This system has better performance, faster loading times of cloudlets and can move clouds in the wind far more efficiently, which in essence means improved framerate with higher detail level of clouds.

[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 update STG files. (this can be turned off with a command line option)

* Has an UNDO function.

Currently works with Linux.

Tested working with Cygwin in WINXP.

Not working with MINGW.

Windows Users: Avoid spaces in file paths.

 

[http://theomegahangar.yolasite.com TheOmegaHangar] has been working on this aircraft for the past two weeks and it's come to a stable state with a good JSBSim Flight Dynamics Model, Model and Systems. It also has a complete 3-class configuration cabin, an Airbus FlightDeck and some features like wing-flex, light-maps etc. The airplane is not available for download yet as it was hosted in [[Merlion Virtual Airlines]] forum which is temporarily down due to rebuild.

This project was initially started by [http://theomegahangar.yolasite.com TheOmegaHangar] about 2 months ago but was stalled due to other projects. Now, a completely new model has been made and currently, we're working on a good JSBSim FDM. All the animations are complete, the cockpit instruments are modeled (not animated yet) and some cool stuff like the ladder, cabin and wing-flex are also completed. You can track this project in [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13296 the forum].

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].

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.

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 :-)

 

VicMar started a few models on Helgoland with the airport terminal building (EDXH) with the nearby shop and Mobile home park.  

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.

The Azores, set in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, has had many names. Fortunate Isles, the Blue Islands, the Islands of Tin and Silver, the Islands of the Seven Cities. We can add, the Islands of Amazing Sights and Flights.

Set your plane at LPLA. This once was an emergency landing site for the space shuttle so you will have plenty of room to take off.

We will have to fly an odd pattern. The reason for that: If you don't fly to high (stick around 3000 while you can) you will have some amazing views.

Fly towards and over LPPD. Look out the window and enjoy the view.  

Head out towards LPHR. If you feel LPHR coming near, look out the window good, you might have to pull your plane up.

*Description and flight manual of [[Learjet 35-A]]. (incl.redirects Learjet and Canadair)

*New category created: Business Jet (includes Citation series).

*Major update on [[Cessna Citation Bravo panel]] with hints on how to use it.

The list should be complete but if an aircraft is missing I urge you to report it to me [http://flightgear.bplaced.de/index.php/flugzeugliste/report-a-missing-plane (pm or forum post or mail)] – Thanks! Furthermore feedback, criticism and new ideas are always very welcome in [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10536&start=45 the forum threat].

 

{{Template:Newsletternav}}

[[fr :FlightGear Newsletter Aout 2011]]