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FlightGear Newsletter July 2011: Difference between revisions
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== Development news == | == Development news == | ||
=== Snapshot releases === | |||
== Snapshot releases == | |||
Some of you might know that James and Gene have spent a lot of time assembling a [[FlightGear Build Server|nightly build server]] for the FlightGear project. This monitors the [[git]] repository for any source code changes and then spawns builds for Windows, Linux, and Mac. | Some of you might know that James and Gene have spent a lot of time assembling a [[FlightGear Build Server|nightly build server]] for the FlightGear project. This monitors the [[git]] repository for any source code changes and then spawns builds for Windows, Linux, and Mac. | ||
You can find the build server at | You can find the build server at {{build link}} | ||
This is really great work and a huge contribution to the FlightGear project. Unfortunately, to run a nightly build from the build server, you still have to pull the latest data tree from the git repository. That's not all that hard, once you work through the details, but it's a bit "fiddly" for some folks. | This is really great work and a huge contribution to the FlightGear project. Unfortunately, to run a nightly build from the build server, you still have to pull the latest data tree from the git repository. That's not all that hard, once you work through the details, but it's a bit "fiddly" for some folks. | ||
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Does it basically work? Are there any major packaging blunders? Please note, FlightGear bugs and feature request should still be handled through normal channels. But I am interested in packaging issues right now. | Does it basically work? Are there any major packaging blunders? Please note, FlightGear bugs and feature request should still be handled through normal channels. But I am interested in packaging issues right now. | ||
To provide feedback please use | To provide feedback please use {{forum link|t=10488|text=this forum thread}}. | ||
For downloads please see: [http://mirrors.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Win32/Setup%20FlightGear%20v20110629.exe this location] | For downloads please see: [http://mirrors.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Win32/Setup%20FlightGear%20v20110629.exe this location] | ||
== New software tools and projects == | == New software tools and projects == | ||
==== FGAnswers ==== | ==== FGAnswers ==== | ||
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Happy answers, have a good summer. | Happy answers, have a good summer. | ||
== In the hangar == | == In the hangar == | ||
=== New aircraft === | === New aircraft === | ||
{{forum link|t=12745|text=Over on the forums}}, Intel-Qube has released a near-completed Kfir C2; an Israeli-made plane based on the Dasault Mirage 5. It features a highly detailed full 3d cockpit, although not all of the instruments are complete. The fdm is "fun to fly," but may not be particularly accurate. | |||
=== Updated aircraft === | === Updated aircraft === | ||
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The warning and advisory system of the [[Boeing 747-400]] has been dramatically improved. The new system is derived from the [[Boeing 777-200ER|777-200ER]]'s but has been fine-tuned for the 744. Besides this, the landing gear failure system is now more "realistic", as it supports single gear failures. The simmer can decide what gear will get stuck (and thus no longer listen to control inputs). When the gear is extended above the maximum extension speed (270kts), all gear units will automatically get stuck. | The warning and advisory system of the [[Boeing 747-400]] has been dramatically improved. The new system is derived from the [[Boeing 777-200ER|777-200ER]]'s but has been fine-tuned for the 744. Besides this, the landing gear failure system is now more "realistic", as it supports single gear failures. The simmer can decide what gear will get stuck (and thus no longer listen to control inputs). When the gear is extended above the maximum extension speed (270kts), all gear units will automatically get stuck. | ||
[[File:Short_Empire_panel.jpg|thumb|250px|The Captain's and the First Officer's dashboard of a Short S.23 Empire flying boat.]] | |||
[[File:livery_database_dhc-6_images.png|thumb|An example of a image-only page ([[DHC-6]]).]] | |||
==== Eurofighter Typhoon ==== | ==== Eurofighter Typhoon ==== | ||
Algernon is planning to publish a new alpha release of the ongoing Eurofighter Typhoon project. This will coincide with the next release of FlightGear, and will only be compatible with that new version - some code is used which is not backwards compatible (development of the aircraft for version 2.0 and earlier is not currently taking place, and may not be resumed if FGFS 2.4 is widely adopted). New features include a revised flight control system and autopilot, improved Multi-Function Displays and HUD (good approximations of the real aircraft), and a pared-down Manual Data Entry panel which gives mouse control over navigation systems, autopilot, radar and communications equipment. More comprehensive information of the systems found in the upcoming release can be found in the [[Eurofighter_Typhoon:_Flight_Manual|Flight Manual article]]. | Algernon is planning to publish a new alpha release of the ongoing Eurofighter Typhoon project. This will coincide with the next release of FlightGear, and will only be compatible with that new version - some code is used which is not backwards compatible (development of the aircraft for version 2.0 and earlier is not currently taking place, and may not be resumed if FGFS 2.4 is widely adopted). New features include a revised flight control system and autopilot, improved Multi-Function Displays and HUD (good approximations of the real aircraft), and a pared-down Manual Data Entry panel which gives mouse control over navigation systems, autopilot, radar and communications equipment. More comprehensive information of the systems found in the upcoming release can be found in the [[Eurofighter_Typhoon:_Flight_Manual|Flight Manual article]]. | ||
====Short S.23 Empire flying boat==== | ====Short S.23 Empire flying boat==== | ||
The [[Short Empire|Short Empire flying boat]] has been updated by Anders. The flight model has been tuned to match know performance numbers, the fuel system more completely modeled, a number of controls has been added to the flight deck, new propeller and cowling gills models and, finally, flare paths have been added to selected staging posts. | The [[Short Empire|Short Empire flying boat]] has been updated by Anders. The flight model has been tuned to match know performance numbers, the fuel system more completely modeled, a number of controls has been added to the flight deck, new propeller and cowling gills models and, finally, flare paths have been added to selected staging posts. | ||
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== Scenery corner == | == Scenery corner == | ||
=== | === Belgian scenery === | ||
''It's still all work in progress, and still not yet available in the official FlightGear scenery (nor TerraSync). But of course, it's licensed under GNU GPL v2 and its goal is to be included into the official scenery, or at least stay GPL'ed. If you are curious, you can look at the work in progress which is {{gitorious source|dvanmosselbeen|flightgear-custom-scenery|text=available through Git}}.'' | |||
''It's still all work in progress, and still not yet available in the official FlightGear scenery (nor TerraSync). But of course, it's licensed under GNU GPL v2 and its goal is to be included into the official scenery, or at least stay GPL'ed. If you are curious, you can look at the work in progress which is | |||
Some more work has been done at the EBBR airport. Some texturing has been started to a few buildings to improve this airport and at the same time Brussels got its turn too. Thanks to http://imageafter.com website, the "Heysel palais 5" got a free photo realistic texture! | Some more work has been done at the EBBR airport. Some texturing has been started to a few buildings to improve this airport and at the same time Brussels got its turn too. Thanks to http://imageafter.com website, the "Heysel palais 5" got a free photo realistic texture! | ||
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There is a work around for models which have see-through textures, but it is a chore to do, so it is recommended you use the existing exporter. If you would like details of the work arounds, yes there are two, just ask. | There is a work around for models which have see-through textures, but it is a chore to do, so it is recommended you use the existing exporter. If you would like details of the work arounds, yes there are two, just ask. | ||
Any feedback will be welcomed at | Any feedback will be welcomed at {{forum link|t=12778|text=the forum}}. | ||
== Screenshot of the month == | == Screenshot of the month == | ||
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From Gigha head east over the Mull of Kintyre, to the hilly isle of Arran, then north east to the Isle of Bute. Both islands have very small grass airstrips, which are sadly not present in FG. From Bute you can head south east to Prestwick International (EGPK), famous for being the only place Elvis touched down in the UK, and a fine place to end our tour. | From Gigha head east over the Mull of Kintyre, to the hilly isle of Arran, then north east to the Isle of Bute. Both islands have very small grass airstrips, which are sadly not present in FG. From Bute you can head south east to Prestwick International (EGPK), famous for being the only place Elvis touched down in the UK, and a fine place to end our tour. | ||
== Wiki updates == | == Wiki updates == | ||
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* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2TUSiDAwEk video uploaded by El Flauta] performing some aerobatic maneuvers in a [[Zlin 50 lx]] over Chubu International Airport, Japan. | * A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2TUSiDAwEk video uploaded by El Flauta] performing some aerobatic maneuvers in a [[Zlin 50 lx]] over Chubu International Airport, Japan. | ||
== And finally ... == | == And finally ... == | ||
=== Contributing === | === Contributing === | ||
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* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer. | * The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer. | ||
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 07]] | |||