General Dynamics F-16/Development

This page will organize the development efforts for the F-16. See F16.

Efforts

Personnel

Erik Hofman has kindly granted username: Blackbird to continue development on the F-16 model. This page was created to organize all development for this aircraft.

Focus

Development will attempt to accurately model the FlightGear F-16. Since the documentation for the MLU and F-16 C Block 50 variant is available in the form of the MLU manuals, many aspects of the current aircraft can be improved.

System Development

High Priority

• Bind cockpit keys/buttons
• MFD/DED XML and Nasal scripts
• Steerpoint management
• EWMS for chaff/flare deployment
• MMC and CADC outputs (airspeed, GPS, system altitude, hack times, etc.)

Medium Priority

• Optimize nasal code(better scripting, OOP)
• IFF, transponder
• VHF/UHF radios, TACAN, IFF
• FCR in MFD format
• RWR

Low Priority

• Improve Cockpit Models
• Improve Textures

Avionics

Units

• AIFF (Advanced Identification Friend or Foe)
• MMC (Modular Mission Computer)
• UFC (Upfront Controls)
• GPS (Global Positioning System)
• EUPDG/MFDS (Enhanced Upgraded Programmable Display Generator)
• SMS (Stores Management Set)
• IDM (Integrated Data Modem)
• CADC (Central Air Data Computer)
• INU (Inertial Navigation Unit)
• EWMS (Electronic Warfare Management System)
• FCR (Fire Control Radar)

TDL

• Unified Logic development for ALL systems
• MFD Buttons
• MFD Display
• Steerpoint Management
• TACAN
• IDM/Radio Integration

Progress

• UFC buttons enabled, Nasal page/key handler, XML display
• MFD Nasal page/key handler, XML display

Resources

• Howto:Coding a Boeing CDU
• Howto:Implement a Control Display Unit
• Nasal CDU Framework
• Nasal Display Matrix Framework

Electrical

TDL

• Create buses and components for avionics units, lighting, and other systems
• Link panel buttons to relevant switches
• Update loops to run only when electrical power is supplied

Progress

• Nasal-Based Electrical System integrated into f16-set.xml

Resources

• A Nasal-Based Electrical System for Flightgear, v 1.1 by Gary "Buckaroo" Neely - [1]

Original TDL

Issues to be fixed shortly:

• The first time the user change the view (ie. by hiting "v") there is a 10/15 seconds pause.
  • This seems to be due to the liveries textures. Removing the Livery choice and all associated entry in the -set file doesn't change the delay. Then reducing and flatening (remove alpha channel) the main texture f16.rgb from 2048 to 1024 px reduce the delay to 6/7 sec, then flatening the transparent logo texture f16-trans.rgb reduce the delay to 3/sec.
  • Solution: switch to PNG textures, remove transparency on logos or even remove logos. Use a different mapping layout with 4 x 1024^2 textures instead of 1 x 2048^2 texture. Optimize surface usage in the textures, flaten textures as much as possible. (see much more complicated and detailled f-14b which doesn't suffer delay)

TDL FDM:

• Startup sequence
• Main U/C is above ground.
• Vibration when accelerating on the runway for takeof.

TDL Outside

• flaps are in wrong position and can't be triggered.
  • that's because the f16 is flight computer controlled, so this is correct and NOT an error. (this to be moved in flight documentation)
• pilot's shoulder patch is empty. (remove ?)
• engine turbines do not rotate (is it useful ?)

TDL Cockpit and systems:

• HSI 3d model and textures.
• internal/external lighting panel.
• FMD's buttons pick animation. Define a logic in the FMD interactivity ?
• ICP better texture. buttons pick animation. Define a logic in the ICP interactivity ?
• HUD modes:
  • A/A mode
  • Basic nav mode (those could be a first step in order to provide usability in short term)

Sounds: (Low priority)

• Establish a list of all sounds that can be produced by the F-16 and its driver:

Cockpit:

• • switches
  • knobs
  • levers
  • buttons
  • wheels (ICP)
  • rudder pedals
  • ejection seat
  • canopy **implemented**
  • canopy lock **implemented**

Audio:

• • "bitching betty"
    • missile launch
    • warning **implemented**
    • chaff/flare
    • jammer
  • RWR
    • radar signature identification sounds
      • radar spike
      • radar lock
  • gear horn (currently implemented as alert?)

Pilot:

• • breathing
  • movement
  • brevity comms

External-sounds:

• • engine **implemented**
  • landing gear
    • up
    • down
    • broken
  • ordnance
    • jettison store(s)
    • bomb drop
    • missile launch
    • 20mm cannon **implemented**
  • damage
    • airframe overstress
    • gun hit
    • explosion
  • Mid air refueling
    • refueling door
      • open
      • close
    • tank boom (tanker aircraft)
      • connect
      • disconnect