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FlightGear Newsletter June 2011: Difference between revisions
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Please refer to the [[release plan]] for details on the rest of the release-process. | Please refer to the [[release plan]] for details on the rest of the release-process. | ||
[[File:D-eeqa4fg.jpg|thumb|270px|left|FlightGear, still just outside]] | |||
== New projects == | == New projects == | ||
Martin and Torsten started a project to convert a real [[Cessna 172]] (F172N to be precise) into a static simulator for presentation at [[LinuxTag]] and [[FSweekend]]. | |||
Martin and Torsten started a project to convert a real Cessna 172 into a static simulator for presentation at [[LinuxTag]] and [[FSweekend]]. | |||
The first step was a ferry-flight piloted by Martin to get the aircraft closer to it's final destination where the conversion will take place. | The first step was a ferry-flight piloted by Martin to get the aircraft closer to it's final destination where the conversion will take place. | ||
Some images of the arrival at the small airstrip of [http://eddh.de/info/landeinfo-ergebnis.php?eicao=edhw EDHW] (Wahlstedt) can be found [http://www.t3r.de/d-eeqa/ here]. | Some images of the arrival at the small airstrip of [http://eddh.de/info/landeinfo-ergebnis.php?eicao=edhw EDHW] (Wahlstedt, Germany) can be found [http://www.t3r.de/d-eeqa/ here]. | ||
== In the hangar == | == In the hangar == | ||
*The lightmap has been extended by a "factor property". Aircraft authors can now bind the intensity of a lightmap to a property (eg. <tt>/controls/lighting/panel-norm</tt>), making the lighting more vivid. Read more in the [[Howto: Lightmap|lightmap howto]]. | *The lightmap has been extended by a "factor property". Aircraft authors can now bind the intensity of a lightmap to a property (eg. <tt>/controls/lighting/panel-norm</tt>), making the lighting more vivid. Read more in the [[Howto: Lightmap|lightmap howto]]. | ||
*[[JSBSim]] welcomed a new feature this month. Setting the <tt>(/fdm/jsbsim/)propulsion/tank[n]/external-flow-rate-pps</tt> property will either draw fuel from, or insert fuel into the respective tank. This allows one to simulate complex fuel systems, relatively easy. See [[Howto: Write a fuel system in JSBSim]] for a guide on writing such systems. | *[[JSBSim]] welcomed a new feature this month. Setting the <tt>(/fdm/jsbsim/)propulsion/tank[n]/external-flow-rate-pps</tt> property will either draw fuel from, or insert fuel into the respective tank. This allows one to simulate complex fuel systems, relatively easy. See [[Howto: Write a fuel system in JSBSim]] for a guide on writing such systems. | ||
=== Updated aircraft === | === Updated aircraft === | ||
==== Bf-109 G14 ==== | ==== Bf-109 G14 ==== | ||
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==== IAR-80 ==== | ==== IAR-80 ==== | ||
In anticipation of the new release, the [[IAR 80]] has been subjected to a revision of its [[YASim|YASim FDM]], as well as many cosmetic improvements. | |||
In anticipation of the new release, the [[ | |||
The appearance of the details of the [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmap effect]] has been much improved by switching to .dds files for textures. This also brings a slight increase in performance, as well as lower loading times. | The appearance of the details of the [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmap effect]] has been much improved by switching to .dds files for textures. This also brings a slight increase in performance, as well as lower loading times. | ||
Animations and particle effects are now made visible over multiplayer. | Animations and particle effects are now made visible over multiplayer. | ||
{{Gallery|IAR-80 over water|IAR80-in-flight.jpg|Ready for startup|IAR80-onrwy.jpg|Wing detail|IAR80-wing-detail.jpg}} | {{Gallery | ||
|IAR-80 over water|IAR80-in-flight.jpg | |||
|Ready for startup|IAR80-onrwy.jpg | |||
|Wing detail|IAR80-wing-detail.jpg | |||
}} | |||
=== Instruments === | === Instruments === | ||
James started to work on extending [[navigation display]] (ND) functionality, which is important for many modern glass cockpits. A prototype version derived from the existing weather-rader instrument was created, and based on this a more complete, style-able version is being created which will appear in Git once the tree opens for new development. The instrument can display route, waypoint, navaid and traffic data, using symbols supplied by the panel developer, and with control over text labels and colors. The goal is to be able to approximate most real-world displays of this type closely, but not necessarily supporting every feature! | James started to work on extending [[navigation display]] (ND) functionality, which is important for many modern glass cockpits. A prototype version derived from the existing weather-rader instrument was created, and based on this a more complete, style-able version is being created which will appear in Git once the tree opens for new development. The instrument can display route, waypoint, navaid and traffic data, using symbols supplied by the panel developer, and with control over text labels and colors. The goal is to be able to approximate most real-world displays of this type closely, but not necessarily supporting every feature! | ||
Longer term, James hopes to integrate the existing weather-rader instrument with the current environment code, and to create a similar instrument modelling the EGPWS terrain display layer, which can be selected in many navigation displays. | Longer term, James hopes to integrate the existing weather-rader instrument with the current environment code, and to create a similar instrument modelling the [[EGPWS]] terrain display layer, which can be selected in many navigation displays. | ||
=== Liveries === | === Liveries === | ||
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* '''62 aircraft''', based on | * '''62 aircraft''', based on | ||
* '''277 airlines''', airforces and other aircraft operators | * '''277 airlines''', airforces and other aircraft operators | ||
Growth is remarkably constant as you can see in the graph on the right. If it continues like this we'll double every 12 mounths. You can help us by sending in your liveries! Contributions are accepted at the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php contribute page]. | |||
Contributions are accepted at the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php contribute page]. | |||
== Scenery corner == | == Scenery corner == | ||
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nowadays home to the tallest structure in the world, the largest shopping mall and it has more supertall skyscrapers than any other city. A perfect city to discover by [[C172p]], or one of the [[Helicopter|helis]]. With a great deal of challenging landing spots for the later vehicles. | nowadays home to the tallest structure in the world, the largest shopping mall and it has more supertall skyscrapers than any other city. A perfect city to discover by [[C172p]], or one of the [[Helicopter|helis]]. With a great deal of challenging landing spots for the later vehicles. | ||
So far little over 20 buildings have been modeled, some of which are currently untextured and low-poly. Nevertheless they help give you the right Dubai-feel! | So far little over 20 buildings have been modeled, some of which are currently untextured and low-poly. Nevertheless they help give you the right Dubai-feel! All the buildings are available through [[TerraSync]] | ||
== Community news == | == Community news == | ||
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The [http://flightgear.org/forums forum] is still the place to be when you're looking for support; the facebook page should be seen as a way to provide a periodic dose of what's new, cool or fun in FlightGear. | The [http://flightgear.org/forums forum] is still the place to be when you're looking for support; the facebook page should be seen as a way to provide a periodic dose of what's new, cool or fun in FlightGear. | ||
=== Multiplayer events === | |||
=== Multiplayer === | |||
The [http://fgrc.tk/ Flightgear Rotor Club] is kicking off it's 2nd multiplayer event on July 2, 2011. This month's event is a Combat Search and Rescue scenario, which involves going deep behind enemy lines into Laotian territory to rescue two downed airmen. | The [http://fgrc.tk/ Flightgear Rotor Club] is kicking off it's 2nd multiplayer event on July 2, 2011. This month's event is a Combat Search and Rescue scenario, which involves going deep behind enemy lines into Laotian territory to rescue two downed airmen. | ||
See the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12379 forum topic] for more information about the event. | See the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12379 forum topic] for more information about the event. | ||
---- | |||
[[BRT Virtual Airlines]] is proudly announcing that their will be event! | [[BRT Virtual Airlines]] is proudly announcing that their will be event! | ||
* '''When:''' Saturday July 2nd 2011 | * '''When:''' Saturday July 2nd 2011 | ||
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More info at http://www.brtvirtualairlines.com and the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12503 forum post]. | More info at http://www.brtvirtualairlines.com and the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12503 forum post]. | ||
== And finally ... == | == And finally ... == | ||
=== Contributing === | === Contributing === | ||
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* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer. | * The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer. | ||
* 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 06]] | [[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 06]] | ||