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/images/notams/notams22/dino0418.jpgFirst, we'd like to thank you once again for your support to ourF-35 project. Despite the initial stability problems experienced bysome users (thanks for your patience!) it has been a great success sofar, both in terms of sales and (more important for us) customerfeedback. During the weekend we have received several emails asking forupdates on this project in general, and in particular our progresswith the FCS system and XBox release, so here are some details onwhere we are. First, the general plan is to release a "quality of life" update(which will be 1.0.6) for the F-35 after Sim Update 9 isdeployed. This will be primarily targeted to solve a couple of minorbugs and mistakes and improve several small details in the avionics,and possibly take advantage of some of the changes of SU9. With regards to the two topics above: FCS - We have been doing quite a lot of work on the FCS, trying toimplement the native MSFS system. However we are not yet happy withthe results. In particular, the MSFS built-in fly-by-wire simulationseems pretty good for airliners, but not great for high-performancejets, especially in transonic and supersonic conditions. We will keep on working on it. As a temporary backup, we have tried restored the old XML-drivenautotrim system which is not super accurate but seems to work - but atthe moment we are focusing on the native MSDS fly-by-wireimplementation. XBOX - We have managed to significatively shrink the memoryfootprint of the F-35 down to approximately 730Mb. This is still wayabove the Asobo models (which are 200 to 300Mb) but *should* bemanageable. However, while the Microsoft/Asobo team thinks that thisis the main problem, frankly we are not totally convinced this is theonly issue with XBox compatibility, as there may be other things wehave not identified yet. The plan is to first complete the 1.0.6 improvements on PC and useit as baseline for a new XBox version - which will need to be testedby Microsoft. We hope this clarifies the situation. Source See IndiaFoxtEcho products at the FlightSim.Com Store
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Today In Aviation: First Flight of English Electric Lightning
Nels_Anderson posted an article in Aviation
Today we celebrate the first flight of the English Electric Lightning. The English Electric Lightning is a British fighter aircraft that served as an interceptor during the 1960s, the 1970s and into the late1980s. It remains the only UK-designed-and-built fighter capable of Mach 2. The Lightning was designed, developed, and manufactured by English Electric, which was later merged into the newly-formed British Aircraft Corporation. Later the type was marketed as the BAC Lightning. It was operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Kuwait Air Force (KAF), and the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). The Lightning has exceptional rate of climb, ceiling, and speed; pilots have described flying it as "being saddled to a skyrocket". This performance and the initially limited fuel supply meant that its missions are dictated to a high degree by its limited range. Later developments provided greater range and speed along with aerial reconnaissance and ground-attack capability. Following retirement by the RAF in the late 1980s, many of the remaining aircraft became museum exhibits. English Electric Lightning complete: If you're an FSX or P3D user and a fan of the Lightning (and who isn't?), why not check out the Aerosoft version in the store (highly recommended): Aerosoft - English Electric Lightning F6 for FSX/P3D - FlightSim.Com Store -
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F-35 Lightning II Publisher: IndiaFoxtEcho Review Author: Dale Ashcroft Suggested Price: $28.49 Aircraft Overview The following is an extract from Wikipedia: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft that is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions. It is also able to provide electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Lockheed Martin is the prime F-35 contractor, with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35B, and the carrier-based (CV/CATOBAR) F-35C. The aircraft descends from the Lockheed Martin X-35, which in 2001 beat the Boeing X-32 to win the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Its development is principally funded by the United States, with additional funding from program partner countries from NATO and close U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and formerly Turkey. Several other countries have ordered, or are considering ordering, the aircraft. The F-35B entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps in July 2015, followed by the U.S. Air Force F-35A in August 2016 and the U.S. Navy F-35C in February 2019. The F-35 was first used in combat in 2018 by the Israeli Air Force. The U.S. plans to buy 2,456 F-35s through 2044, which will represent the bulk of the crewed tactical airpower of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps for several decades. The aircraft is projected to operate until 2070. Purchasing At the time of this review, the aircraft is priced at a very reasonable $28.49 which is great as you get a lot of bang for your buck with this one. The purchase of the product was quick and painless from the FlightSim.Com Store and with a download size of around 2.2 GB. Install One thing that I have come to love of the new MSFS is the quick way of manually installing a product, no more needing to run through an auto installer that sends the files to the correct location such as a folder for the aircraft, gauges, etc. Simply drag and drop into the community folder and off you go. So easy, even my two-year-old could do it (most probably). Documentation The product comes with a 53-page document that includes: Change log for each update Welcome section Minimum hardware requirements Installation Credits External Loads Brief overview of the aircraft Performance information Sensors and avionics (Note that Sensors are not operational within MSFS as of yet) Cockpit orientation Details of each display page (HUD included) Operating information for the three different types (CTOL/STOVL/Carrier Ops) Overall, a pretty comprehensive document which tells you all you need to know. Cockpit Throughout the development of aircraft, cockpits have become less, and less cluttered with dials and switches, and are now very clean looking. The F-35 is a very minimalistic cockpit with very few switches and no dials. Instead, all the information is presented on a huge wide screen, that is broken up into four sections that can be manipulated to display whatever you wish. Think of it like a huge tablet. The shear amount of information that can be displayed is astonishing. All three variants have exactly the same cockpit layout, the only minor difference is to do with the avionics. For example, there is the option on the screen to fold the wings on the C model. There are some drawbacks to this rendition of the F-35 however. Not all pages are available in the aircraft though, such as the TFLIR, this is because (from what I understand at least) MSFS has not provided the means to be able to model several of the omitted functions. I had this aircraft when it was available for another platform, and the developer did have every page available, which was great. Knowing the developer, I do believe that once the functions are made available by Asobo/Microsoft, they will implement them so they can provide an even better experience for the user. The HMD is also not true to life. In the real world the HMD information is injected into the pilots helmet, which means no matter where you look, your information is always present. In the current build, the HMD is more of a HUD, static in its positioning in front of the pilot - again, a limitation of MSFS rather than a limitation of the developer. Visibility out of the cockpit is pretty spot on too, so much of the world available for you to observe as you thrash around at low level or simply cruising around taking in all the sights that MSFS has to offer. Having said that, the rear visibility isn't that of an F-16, but there is always a trade off with aircraft design in favor of performance, etc. Externals I always have to stop and just look at the aircraft these days with what is possible within MSFS 2020. If you did not know any better, you could be mistaken for thinking it was a real picture. To me the F-35 is not the most appealing aircraft in terms of beauty; more like the ugly duckling compared to the F-15's and F-16's of this world, although I am slowly changing my mind the more I see it. The developer has captured the aircraft perfectly though, the curved surfaces sculpted to perfection, the edges, carved so crisply you could almost cut paper with them. Each of the three variants are slightly different in appearance from an external perspective. The A model has a gun mounted inside the aircraft and this can be seen above the left hand intake. The B model is the same size as the A, but the B variant is almost like a transformer when you enter the STOVL mode. Huge panels open to distort the smooth surfaces so that air can be sucked into the giant engine for STOVL flight as well as having the exhaust at the rear moving downwards. The C model is the larger of the variants with a much increased wing area which means it can fly at a much lower speed that is needed in order to put this baby down on an aircraft carrier, it also has a much beefier undercarriage to withstand the impacts of such a controlled crash. Other than that, the aircraft are more or less the exact same. Here are views of each of the three variants: Secret compartments are chiselled into the aircraft to house weapons, so not to increase the aircraft's RCS (RADAR Cross Section). Weapons can be added to the aircraft via the payload menu, figures for weapons can be found in the manual. It is worth noting that weapons are only available on the aircraft if NOT bought through the MSFS marketplace (another reason to shop at the FlightSim.Com Store). The weapons are there purely as decoration and cannot be released from the aircraft, that has to be left to your imagination. I can only assume it is a limitation within MSFS, and maybe one day this could be implemented into the add-on. Liveries The aircraft in the real world does not offer much in terms of variety in color schemes. It's very much 50 shades of grey, with the odd splash of high-viz paint, with the occasional aircraft that displays a daring side and has the entire fin painted (from what I could find only the demonstrators). The recreation of schemes are fantastic however, very detailed with all the expected decals, etc., and plenty to choose from. The included schemes cover more or less from the majority of operators both American and worldwide, which gives you the chance to fly your own country's aircraft. There is also a wide range of freeware schemes available for the aircraft too which are easy to install should you wish. Flight Model The three different variations of aircraft all present a slightly different way of flying, mainly in the take-off and landing phase of flight. During normal operations the aircraft really packs a punch when you engage reheat and start the take-off roll. I found that as soon as the wheels leave the earth, she really gathers some momentum allowing you to pull straight up into the vertical and simply climb like a home sick angel. I did find that by about 10,000 feet it was time to roll out and continue to ascend at a more manageable rate, otherwise I would have stalled and found the earth rushing up towards me. Unconventional take-offs in the aircraft are different however (unknown for the C variant as I do not have an aircraft carrier to operate from). In the B model, there is the ability to carry out a short take-off, and as I mentioned earlier, this is when the F-35B becomes a transformer and opens up several panels. What the short take-off allows you to do is to operate from small airstrips or carriers without the need for any assistance, a catapult for example. I can imagine it would be quite the rush in real life to go hurtling towards the end of a deck on an aircraft carrier, only hoping that you have enough thrust to keep you afloat and slowly loft you into the sky. The F-35 is intelligent when it comes to the vectoring of the exhaust. The Harrier used to have a throttle and then a separate lever to control the direction of the nozzles. Not in the F-35. The aircraft's computers are constantly calculating the best position to point the exhaust depending on the airspeed of the aircraft, and also the position of the throttle as set by the pilot, clever stuff when you think about what would be required to calculate all of that. Manoeuvring the aircraft is simple, as you would expect from a fly-by wire aircraft. I was able to pull plenty of G-force that soon put some nice fluffy clouds over my wings. Overall, trying to put an aerobatic sequence together isn't too difficult and the aircraft seems to be able to generate enough thrust to get you out of any pickle that you find yourself in. Standard circuit flying is not difficult either, just make sure you keep the power on if you are flying a tight circuit otherwise you could find yourself in a sticky situation. Now for the interesting part - the hover. Hovering the aircraft isn't as difficult as you might think. As I mentioned earlier, the aircraft is smart at deciding where to point the exhaust. This means you can concentrate on flying the aircraft rather than constantly switching between the throttle and the nozzle handle. Certain parameters must be met however before you can enter STOVL mode, such as flying at a sufficiently slow enough speed and not having the aircraft banking too steep, otherwise the aircraft's FCS will simply deny you the option to enter this mode. Entering STOVL mode is as simple as pressing a button. There is a function that is included for auto-hover, which is quite handy when you want to stabilize yourself before slowly descending down to the tarmac. Overall I think that the flight model is lovely, she handle's well and isn't too much like hard work. Sounds Overall, sounds can be slightly subjective, as I believe it depends on the set-up you have. I always fly with a headset on, which for me, really adds to the immersion. In the cockpit you can hear the little clicks of buttons being pressed which is a nice touch. It can be very noisy in the office if you have the canopy open, but I do like the effect of it getting slightly quieter once you have closed it up. Externally is of course where we really hear the magic going on. I've been around a few F-35's when they are up and running, and one thing they certainly are is noisy, and this rendition is no exception. The roar of the engine sounds impressive at idle, and then you increase the power and really feel the earth shake. Overall, a good sound system I believe. VR Virtual reality is very much a personal preference, I find it hard these days to not fly in VR. I love that extra layer of immersion, wanting to reach out and touch the displays, having to twist and turn in my chair to look around. I found the experience in VR to be good. I use the Oculus Rift, which by today's standards is starting to get on a bit and the image quality isn't as sharp as I'm sure the newer pieces of equipment are, so I think that it is only fair to exclude this VR section from the overall score at the end. In my Rift, I found it hard to read the displays clearly (again a limitation of the Rift, not the aircraft), but if I leaned in slightly, I was able to read them fine and in the end, I just got used to what things looked like and found the overall experience in VR to be very comfortable and totally immersive. It was incredibly handy when trying to hover, as I could keep peering out to make sure I was still lined up. System Requirements Recommended Specs CPU: 4 cores, 3.0 GHz or better GPU: Nvidia 1060 or better, with at least 4 GB dedicated video memory RAM: 8 GB minimum Hard disk space: 4.50 GB required Test Specs Intel Core i7-9700K 3.6 GHz (Coffee Lake) Socket LGA1151 Processor Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 PC4-25600C16 3200 MHz Asus GeForce RTX 2080 Dual OC 8192 MB GDDR6 PCI-Express Graphics Card Microsoft Windows 10 Home Advanced Samsung 1TB 860 EVO SSD 2.5" SATA 6Gbps 64 Layer 3D V-NAND Solid State Drive Overall My final thoughts of the aircraft are simple - Sublime. Whilst I don't think the aircraft can be labelled as study-level, and I have no doubt there is some serious challenges getting any sort of information on the systems for the aircraft, I believe the developer has done a standout job. Yes, there are some things missing in terms of systems, but these are a limitation of the sim and not the aircraft (at the time of writing that is). I have no doubt that if it was possible, the developer would implement as many systems as they could. The aircraft is fun to fly and extremely rewarding at the same time, especially when trying to hover. This aircraft will most definitely make it on to my flight line rather than gather dust in the hangar. Dale Ashcroft Purchase IndiaFoxtEcho - F-35 Lightning II for MSFS -
/images/notams/notams22/iron0202.jpgUpdate 1.0.3 is now available! This update mainly addresses theleft engine issue, but also has a a few other fixes andimprovements. ChangelogFixed CAT issue causing issues with the left engineImproved VR camera setupFixed spoilers not deploying in the airAdded Open Canopy simvar to support hardware usersThe Lockheed P-38 Lightning is an American single-seated, twinpiston-engined fighter aircraft that was used during World WarII. Developed for the United States Army Air Corps by the LockheedCorporation, the P-38 incorporated a distinctive twin-boom design witha central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament. Source
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/images/notams/notams21/dino1222.jpgFirst, we wanted to THANK YOU for your overwhelming support to ourdecision to put the F-35 release on hold. Having such a dedicated and understanding customer base is awesome. Also, we know that many of you have been anxiously waiting for theF-35 - and seeing it was delayed just few days before Christmas was ahuge disappointment. We'd like also to thank the test team - we had a very wide testbase for this project, and we experimented a public discussion on ourDiscord server (that was appreciated by most...and hated by afew). After extensive testing, we think we have SOLID EVIDENCE that theCTDs ARE NOT CAUSED DIRECTLY BY THE F-35. In particular, theaircraft: Does not generate errors in the MSFS console during package building, loading and flightAll the code and scripts have been checked for errors multiple times with different tools, no errors reportedMost testers reported no errors in extremely long flights and complex flight activitiesAlso, most of the testers who had CTD problems were able to fixthem. Problems were related, in most cases, to: Nvidia driversHags (especially with AMD cards)Scenery cache and content not up-to-dateEnglish (US) language package missing from WindowsAzure text-to-speech problemsAudio drivers Windows update...and the list goes on. Still, it remains a percentage of users with CTD problems, whichseem worse if they use the F-35, and we are trying to get to thebottom of this before committing to a new release date. We'll do more testing in the next few days and we'll keep you posted. Source
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/images/notams/notams21/iron1221/flyingiron1.jpgUpdate 1.0.2 is now available! It includes various improvements tothe flight model, systems and tablet. The AI & multiplayer sound hasbeen overhauled, and various visual bugs/inconsistencies have beenfixed. /images/notams/notams21/iron1221/flyingiron2.jpgChangelog:ArtRemoved SU7 compass "sticker"Fixed pedal animationVR Yoke supportExternal tank rotation fixedFixed attitude indicator plane heightAnimated bomb release buttons (for external tank jettison)Overhauled AI & multiplayer soundSystemsCustom CAT modelling (Carb Air Temp)Working Yoke drop tank release buttonsAP keybinds and hardware supportStats page added to the tabletAdded custom spotlight for cabin (less bright and Tungsten temperature)Added windshield deice capabilities to the Cabin Heat leversFixed various SU7 bugsImproved checklistsVR Camera fix /images/notams/notams21/iron1221/flyingiron3.jpgFlight ModelRefinements based on P38 pilot feedback to engine RPM/MPVarious improvements on propeller physicsTake-off roll a bit longer now, again matching real take-off timings perfectly.Various improvements on elevator incidence and liftDecreased wheel brake power after propeller rebalancing for more realismUpdated FM to take advantage of SU6Various improvements in stability, tuning and overall feelPlease note it will likely take 6-10 weeks for the update to arriveon the Marketplace. Wishing you all a very Happy Holidays, Alex, Dan & Rai Source
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/images/notams/notams21/engl1203.jpgAerosoft announces an updated v2.3.0.0 for their English Electric Lightning F6 for FSX and Prepar3D. A bonus modelof the F2A has been added and the aircraft is also now compatible withP3D v4 and v5. About Aerosoft English Electric LightningThe English Electric Lightning was designed in the late 1950's as an interceptor. This class of aircraft had to have great speed and even better climb speed to intercept the Russian bombers before they could reach their targets. With the latest version comes a new model of the Lightning F2A, and the F53 model is also included. All F6 customers receive these models for free. The F6 version in this product is not an easy aircraft to fly. It’s complex and full of systems you have to manage without the aid of modern electronics. Landing especially is hard as the landing speed is awfully high and there are many things you have to check. Aircraft of this type are rare for Flight Simulator and we feel the Lightning fills a niche that needed filling. FeaturesFour models and ten liveriesHighly detailed and accurate modeling with specialized animations throughoutAll instruments are faithfully reproduced in 3DAdvanced flight dynamics.Choice of Firestreak or Redtop missiles (or none) (TacPack required)Cockpit ladder and array of ground equipmentCustomized taxi lightsArrester hooks, Overwing tanks, ventral (gun) tank models includedMulti zoned dimmable cockpit lightingMore realistic brake chute by use of additional codingRealistic in-flight refueling rate (Refueling can take place when set parameters are reached to simplify the task for the less experienced fliers) (TacPack required)Wing to wing fuel transferAerosoft Sound Module that adds sound to switches, controls and events for a more immersive environment. Engine sounds recorded during ground runs at the LPG (Lightning Preservation Group)Navigation in Direct TACAN and ILS modes (VOR/TACAN conversion card included)Full Autopilot and Flight DirectorRadar showing coastlines, runways and/or air traffic (TacPack required)Many special effects including engine start, engine fires and day and night reheat etcEjection sequence (for when things go badly wrong)Extensive documentation with authentic Flight Reference Cards for Normal and Emergency procedures, and a set of Pilots notes all reproduced from the service Air Publications, and a manual to explain specific usages in the simulatorTacPack compatible*Purchase Aerosoft - English Electric Lightning F6 for FSX/P3D
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/images/notams/notams21/iron1013.jpgMSFS: P-38L Update 1.0.1 Now Available! G'day everyone! Our first update for the P-38L is now available. Update 1.0.1 includes various fixes and improvements in systems,flight model, art and the tablet. SystemsTablet and Radio renamed to prevent conflicts with other modsThermodynamics model improvedOxygen Gauge + Logic FixedOil Cooler 'Auto' Mode fixedFMImproved ground handling, most notably nosewheel steeringImproved control in runway crosswind conditions (weathervaning effect)Improved landing characteristicsAdded Canopy dragSmall tweaks to liftArtAdded Fuel Selector DecalsAdded Aircraft PlacardAdded more polygons to dash for better curvatureFixed reversed decalsFixed Elevator animationAdded landing light 3d modelAdded stow & wing fuel level test tooltipsAdded Cockpit light bulbFixed Right Wing Light colourTabletAdded loadout managerAdded pushback serviceFixed AutopilotAdded new Tablet click spot*Remembers open page when stowed, will activate again upon unstowing.A lot more data on the Live Data page as well as more Units of MeasurementSettings page now has brightness controlPerformance optimizationsChecklist page: improved Engine StartupV-Speed page: added max speed with drop tanksAdjusted fuel consumption and range dataTablet Click Spot (Port Side, Fwd of Wing Fuel Warning Lights)* The additional click spot can be accessed on the port side,just aft of the Outer Wing Fuel Warning panel. Source
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/images/notams/notams21/iron0930.jpgUnmistakeable. Terrifying. Master of the skies: The fork-tailed devil. With over 10,000 built between 1941-1944 (and nearly 4000 of theseas the P-38L), the P-38 Lightning is an iconic American Warbird,easily distinguished by its unique twin-boom and central nacelledesign. The "Fork-tailed devil" inspired terror across Europe & thePacific as not only a fighter, but a highly effective fighter-bomber,night fighter and long-range escort. The Lightning is capable of speeds up to 414 mph and an excellentrate of climb, powered by its powerful twin Allison V-1710Engines. The Allison engines drive a 3-bladed Curtiss ElectricConstant-speed propeller, counter-rotating to eliminate yawtendencies, generating up to 1600 HP in each engine at a 2:1 gearreduction ratio. Dogfight performance is improved drastically with theaddition of innovative technology for its time, such as thehydraulically powered Aileron Boosters, Manoeuvre flaps and DiveFlaps. Our simulation aims to bring to life each facet of the incredibleP-38; from the unique flight dynamics excellently captured byGotGravel (our newest FlyingIron Team Member), the muffled roar of thetwin engines; from the finesse of managing the complex engine &cooling systems down to the minute details of the electricalsystem. FeaturesHigh-quality, extensively detailed and accurate 3D model & texturing brings to life every rivet, screw & oil streak of the P-38LImmersive Wwise Sound design built from professional recordings of a real P-38 and Allison V-1710. Highly dynamic sound design captures each detail of flight in stereo; dynamic wind noise, drag & buffer sounds, high-g effects, airframe stress & so much more!9 included liveries, including Richard Bong’s iconic livery. Professional quality nose art included in many liveries.Detailed & Extensive simulations of the Lightnings core systems, including accurate, code-driven replications of the Lightnings Fuel, Engine, Cooling and Electrical Systems.Incredibly realistic Flight Model created by our newest team member, the highly respected GotGravel!Custom code-driven heat & thermodynamics modelling, extensive engine management simulationRealistic Engine Start-up modelling (don’t forget your checklists!)Optional Drop TanksCustom damage modelling & failures, including heat damage & operating limits3D GNS 430 fully integrated into the cockpit (optional)Modern Radio / Transponder UnitInclusion of FlyingIron’s UI Tablet (optional). The tablet incorporates many useful GUI features and puts them in an easily accessible and realistic in-cockpit Touchscreen Tablet.Interactive checklists available to guide you through start-up and flight proceduresSource
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Lockheed P-38 Lightning From Flying Iron Simulations By thecorporatepilotdad Professional pilot hitting the highlights for a quick but thorough preview of the Lockheed P-38L Lightning by Flying Iron Simulations for MSFS 2020. Known as the "Fork Tailed Devil" by the Axis powers, the LockheedP-38 Lightning by Flying Iron Simulations brings the classic twin-engine warbird to Microsoft Flight Simulator. Interior,exterior, textures, flight model, sound, and much more are covered.The P-38 is a work in progress and should be releasing for Microsoft Flight Simulator soon. The attention to detail and the sounds are incredibly done. If you love detailed aircraft and historic aircraft, be sure to watch the video. As a professional pilot, I am very impressed by what I have seen so far with the P-38 by Flying Iron Simulations. Switch functions and controls can change over time in the simulator with updates. This video was made in September 2021 after Sim Update5 and World Update 6. About The Flying Iron P-38L Lightning For MSFS Our P-38 has been in development for the last 6 months or so and has been in closed beta testing for the last month. With the final polish being added now, as well as some new niceties such as an installer and updater app, we are just around the corner from our website release! As with the Spitfire, the MS Marketplace launch will be slightly behind our website launch (approximately 4-6 weeks) as we wait for Asobo to sign off and upload the P-38 to the marketplace. We are expecting to launch the P-38 on our website towards the end of September! Features Incredibly detailed modelling, texturing, lighting and artwork Hi-fidelity Wwise sound package, using sounds recorded from a real P-38 Lightning Highly realistic flight model, fine-tuned down to the smallest details Realistic simulation of the twin, counter-rotating Alison V-1710 1600 HP engines powering the Curtiss 3-blade constant speed props. This includes our custom temperature model, realistic engine management, prop feathering and failures for an immersive flight experience. Detailed custom systems modelling, including fuel, electrical, oxygen and starter systems powered by over 9000 lines of code! Modern radio and transponder integration, as well as an optional in-cockpit Garmin 430 GPS Optional drop-tanks for extended range flights Unique features such as Particle FX, canopy blowouts and blackouts! Plus much more! thecorporatepilotdad Youtube channel Flying Iron Simulations web site About The Author This video is produced by thecorporatepilotdad. He has been a FlightSim.Com member for close to twenty years and using Flight Simulator since back in the day of FS98 and FS2000. He is also a professional pilot with over 8000 hours of real world flight experience ranging from Cessna 152s to super-mid size business jets.
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/images/notams/notams20/iron0826.jpgUnmistakeable. Terrifying. Master of the skies: The fork-tailed devil. With over 10,000 built between 1941-1944 (and nearly 4000 of theseas the P-38L), the P-38 Lightning is an iconic American Warbird,easily distinguished by its unique twin-boom and central nacelledesign. The ‘’Fork-tailed devil†inspired terror across Europe & thePacific as not only a fighter, but a highly effective fighter-bomber,night fighter and long-range escort. The Lightning is capable of speeds up to 414 mph and an excellentrate of climb, powered by its powerful twin Allison V-1710Engines. The Allison engines drive a 3-bladed Curtiss ElectricConstant-speed propeller, counter-rotating to eliminate yawtendencies, generating up to 1600 HP in each engine at a 2:1 gearreduction ratio. Dogfight performance is improved drastically with theaddition of innovative technology for its time, such as thehydraulically powered Aileron Boosters, Manoeuvre flaps and DiveFlaps. FeaturesHigh-quality, extensively detailed and accurate 3D ModelUltra-realistic, high-res Texture work (built with the aid of photogrammetry)Immersive FMOD Sound design built from professional recordings of a real P-38 and Allison V-17109 included liveries, including Richard Bong’s iconic livery. Professional quality nose art included in many liveries.Detailed & Extensive simulations of the Lightnings core systems, including accurate, code-driven replications of the Lightnings Fuel, Hydraulic, Propeller, Cooling and Electrical Systems. All systems are programmed to function virtually identically to the real-world P-38 Systems. Almost all default X-plane systems have been overridden and/or enhanced significantly.Incredibly realistic Flight Model made possible with carefully data-matched simulations of the NACA 23016 & NACA 4412 Airfoils. Flight performance has been verified against real-world Performance & handling tests to ensure extensive realism. We’ve gone so far as to model the drag from individual coolant flaps!Custom heat & thermodynamics modelling, extensive engine management simulationRealistic Engine Start-up modelling (don’t forget your checklists!)Realistic External Tanks IntegrationCustom damage modelling & failures, including heat damage & operating limitsFitted with 4 x .50 Cal Nose guns and a 20mm Nose Gun by default, and also compatible with X-planes weapons systems (bombs).3D Garmin 530 GPS fully integrated into the cockpit (optional)Modern Radio / Transponder UnitAviTab IntegrationInclusion of FlyingIrons UI Tablet (optional). The tablet incorporates many useful GUI features and puts them in an easily accessible and realistic in-cockpit Touchscreen Tablet.VR ReadyCustom Particle FXDetailed User Manual & ChecklistsSource FlyingIron 2020 And Beyond
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/images/notams/notams20/iron0702/flyingiron-p38-1.jpgToday we're happy to share some more images of our upcoming P-38Lightning for X-Plane 11. As you can see, Art is progressing tremendously, with liverycreation now taking place as well as Particle FX development. Workcontinues refining the sound, including exact spatial positioning andcarefully tuned distance attenuation. Flight Model development islargely complete, with programming now focusing on weaponsimplementation, further developing our Flight Control & hydraulicssimulation system, and further optimising. We also have some very happy news regarding optimisation: despitebeing by far our most complex simulation and best-looking model, theP-38 is our smoothest running module so far in terms of frame-rates &performance. We are getting a smooth 75+fps in OpenGL, and betterframes still in Vulkan testing. For comparison, we normally expect tosit around ~60 fps with our Spitfire simulation. Without further ado, the preview images: /images/notams/notams20/iron0702/flyingiron-p38-2.jpg /images/notams/notams20/iron0702/flyingiron-p38-3.jpgSource
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/images/notams/notams20/iron0624/iron0624.jpgG'day guys, We've had a few requests for some updates on the P-38; today we arehere to deliver on that. Firstly we apologise for the radio silencerecently; we've been hard at work trying to continually enhance thequality of the aircraft as much as possible before we release. /images/notams/notams20/iron0624/p38-1.jpgSpeaking of release, let's get that out of the way first. Althoughwe announced earlier that we were hoping to have released by now, wehave ultimately decided to keep working on development for justa little while longer. We can't give a solid date right now, but we areplanning in terms of days, not weeks and months, if that gives you anyidea. We expect to have you all flying around in the fork-tail devilbefore mid-July at the very latest. /images/notams/notams20/iron0624/p38-2.jpgUltimately the reason for the delay was quality; while we have beenvery proud of development so far, maintaining our standard of ensuringeach release is better than the last, we decided we want to take abigger 'leap' with the P-38 and really push development into the nexttier of quality. This means for you, you will receive the bestpossible rendition of the P-38, ready to fly on release day. /images/notams/notams20/iron0624/p38-3.jpgSource
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/images/notams/notams20/iron0528/flyingiron-p38-1.jpgFlyingIron Simulations have released some WIP screen shots of theirP-38 Lightning for X-Plane 11: The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is a World War II-era Americanpiston-engined fighter aircraft. Developed for the United States ArmyAir Corps, the P-38 had distinctive twin booms and a central nacellecontaining the cockpit and armament. The P-38 was the only American fighter aircraft in large-scaleproduction throughout American involvement in the war, from PearlHarbor to Victory over Japan Day. /images/notams/notams20/iron0528/flyingiron-p38-2.jpg /images/notams/notams20/iron0528/flyingiron-p38-3.jpgSource
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/images/notams/notams20/iron0506/lightning-1.jpgP-38 Lightning Announcement and Stay-at-Home Sale! Today we are very excited to be announcing our next release forX-plane 11: The Lockheed P-38L Lightning With over 10,000 built between 1941-1944 (and nearly 4000 of theseas the P-38L), the P-38 Lightning is an iconic American Warbird,easily distinguished by its unique twin-boom and central nacelledesign. The "fork-tailed devil" inspired terror across Europeand the Pacific as not only a fighter, but a highly effectivefighter-bomber, night fighter and long-range escort. /images/notams/notams20/iron0506/lightning-2.jpg /images/notams/notams20/iron0506/lightning-3.jpg /images/notams/notams20/iron0506/lightning-4.jpgThe Lightning is capable of speeds up to 414 mph and an excellentrate of climb, powered by its powerful twin Allison V-1710Engines. The Allison engines drive a 3-bladed Curtiss Electricconstant-speed propeller, counter-rotating to eliminate yawtendencies, generating up to 1600 HP in each engine at a 2:1 gearreduction ratio. Dogfight performance is improved drastically with theaddition of innovative technology for its time, such as thehydraulically powered aileron boosters, manoeuvre flaps and diveflaps. Source
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Hunting Lightning A pictorial insight into the most popular animated feature of FS2004 By Ulrich Klein (2 February 2005) Dangerous Skies Stormy, husky, brawling, that's what the sky looked like when I took off at KORD 14R late in the afternoon. All the way along the taxiway up to the area where I had to hold short and wait for the Cleared for Takeoff message I had been watching the strange dark color of the sky that had an extremely low ceiling that day. The way nature was roaring in FS impressed me deeply. Gosh, I hadn't expected such a turmoil in the Chicago area. Panning my field of vision around I noticed that the sky around me almost seemed to explode with dozens of lightning bolts turning the clouds into a sea of magnificent and menacing colors. Both clouds and lightnings were absolutely mind-boggling. For a moment I remembered the times of FS history when clouds were but little white bubbles filling the sky and so I could hardly believe what was going on outside my old Cessna 182 RG. In addition to a somewhat limited view the wind was heavily rattling the aircraft and it took some effort to stabilize heading and climb alike. Flying the Cessna under these conditions was a real challenge to say the least. Seconds later, it suddenly occurred to me that I should find out more details about the animated feature of lightning in FS2004 and so I quickly paused the simulation. Swapping out to spot plane view I could now watch my aircraft with the airport buildings in the background. A little further trick helped me keep the plane at its position slightly above the runway while I allowed the simulation to go on working in the background: I pressed the Y-key and then released the pause function again. This way the weather procedures of FS could go on working. What I encountered in the next two hours was pretty stunning. I just watched the screen and systematically captured screen shots until I had quite a number of different lightnings in store. I subsequently changed the seasons and the daytime, thereby creating slightly different weather environments. However, what remained were the thunderstorm with its lightnings, and a lot of precipitation all around. Rain droplets fiercely splashing against the cockpit window. Almost photographic in appearance. It looked just like the real thing! It dawned upon me that I had better try a landing approach and get down my plane as soon as possible. Drat, easier said than done, because with winds at 18 knots from 60 degrees it turned out to be a tricky thing to get her down safely. And all the time the whole area was ablaze with lightnings. LIGHTNINGS...LIGHTNINGS...LIGHTNINGS. Oh geez! What would all this be without the tremendous sound of thunder penetrating my ears. SWELLING, ROARING, RUMBLING, FADING. And the whine and hum of the wind. Constantly, no moment of relief. I never experienced such brawling weather in any version of MSFS before. AWESOME, you guys at Microsoft. Nicely done, indeed. (If you asked me to be really picky and find something that's not quite perfect, I'd have to say that the effects may be a bit exaggerated from time to time, but sure they are a BIG contribution to eye-candy which seems to be the wave of the time. And I welcome it.). Now again, rain pounding the windows and clouds skimming my little aircraft. Phew! How can I get out of this helluva storm? ABSOLUTELY FANTASTICALLY AMAZING! For a while, I dived deeper into hunting lightnings produced by the latest version of this granddaddy flightsim of all time. Many pictures were taken the way I have explained above, but some were indeed captured during actual flight in the sim. This time I went out to chase lightnings in the LAX area. And my eyes almost popped out of my head once again. Yep, the effects were truly outstanding, and what is more, seldom did I discover forms of lightnings that were fully alike. Down in the screen shots you can see one of the rare exceptions. With the purple illumination of its dome-like Encounter Restaurant the LAX site also forms an impressive background for screen shots in MS Flight Simulator. Just like in real life its popularity shows no sign of decreasing in my sim. So I decided to go there next. Yep, capturing the following night scenes over there, I was again gob-smacked by the terrific animated effects. And boy do I mean t-e-r-r-i-f-i-c! Do you like them? I bet! Wow, wow, and triple wow! Let's have a look at these: Huh, after checking the lightnings as part of the FS weather engine it is high time to continue my flight. However, time has passed and it has completely grown dark at KORD by now, but at least there is no rain, wind and thunderstorm around in this area any longer, which promises to be a steady flight to Gary (KGYY) airport in the very southeast of the mighty heart of Chicago. But I am sure I'll always remember today's flightsim moments. I sure believe FS2006 will even be better. Maybe they'll even give us back the old Cessna 182RG as a Gmax model (dreaming on huh?). Heck, FS2004 is the most exciting and realistic "seat-of-your-pants" flightsim I have ever used to date. This feature story is my thanks to the developers at Microsoft. Once again a BIG thank to the boys and girls at MS who have created this sim for us. For me too. Thank you for these true flightsim moments, and give yourselves a pat on the back, you deserve it! It doesn't do justice to lump all the other forms of lightnings together, but in the interest of not turning this into a book I will add a link down at the bottom to download the whole lightning package from the file library at FlightSim.Com. Enjoy your flights and hopefully safe landings, in spite of pouring rain, dazzling snow, and awesome thunderstorms! Ulrich Klein huki.klein@t-online.de Download the FS9LIGHT.ZIP for FS2004 -
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Modeling a P-38 Lightning Fighter Lockheed P-38 Lightning model In this tutorial you will create the exterior of a WWII classic warplane, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. You'll use primitive objects and modifiers to create the parts. You'll use viewport background bitmaps as a guide to shape your plane. Note: This tutorial is a basic tutorial, but we suggest that you do this after completing the Getting Started tutorialGetting_Started_with_gmax. You'll need to know how to select objects and vertices and navigate around the viewports. Finding the Files Most of the tutorial topics ask you to begin by loading a starting file. You will find these files in the subdirectories under gmax\tutorials. These scene and map files are not installed as part of the basic gmax install. You get these files when you download and install gmax_tutorials.exe. If you can't find a file, trying searching for it using Windows Explorer or My Computer; you might have inadvertently installed the files to a different location. Note that this tutorial is an exception, in that it doesn't ask you to load many starting files, due to a peculiarity in the behavior of viewport backgrounds. It does ask you to load some bitmaps which you should find the gmax\tutorials\P38 directory. In This Tutorial Setting Up UnitsSetting_up_units Setting Up Viewport BackgroundsSetting_up_Viewport_Backgrounds Creating the WingsCreating_the_Wings Adding the Stabilizer and RuddersAdding_the_Stabilizer_and_Rudders Creating the FuselagesCreating_the_Superchargers Creating the GondolaCreating_the_Gondola # $ + K Setting Up Units The first task is to change the modeling units to feet and inches. Since the P-38 is a vintage US plane, the specifications are in US standard measurement types. As a default, gmax is set to generic units, so you'll need to change this. Set up units of measurement 1 From the Customize menu, choose Units Setup. The Units Setup dialog appears. 2 Choose US Standard, then click OK. Now when you create anything, the dimensions will be displayed in feet and inches. 3 In the Create panel, on the Object Type rollout, click Cylinder. Look at the Parameters rollout; the values are now displayed in feet and inches. The next step is to set up the viewport backgrounds. Next Setting Up Viewport BackgroundsSetting_up_Viewport_Backgrounds # $ + K Setting Up Viewport Backgrounds You can load images or drawings in viewport backgrounds to use as patterns for building your warplane. Each viewport can have its own background, so you can load a corresponding image in the Front, Side, and Top viewports to guide you as you build the model. In general, when modeling something you've previously visualized or seen, it's best to start with sketches from several different viewpoints, such as top, side, and front. Also, the drawings should all be to the same scale, if possible. In this exercise, you'll use three drawings of an P-38 Lightning taken from WWII plane-spotting cards. Three views of the P-38 Lightning from plane-spotting card Set up viewport backgrounds 1 Activate the Top viewport. 2 On the menu bar, choose Views > Viewport Background. 3 In the Viewport Background dialog's Background group, click Files. 4 Navigate to the \gmax\tutorials\p38 directory and choose p38topview.jpg. 5 In the Aspect Ratio group, choose Match Bitmap. Click Apply. A sketch of the top view of the fighter is visible in the Top viewport. Top viewport displays the Top view background image. 6 Click OK to close the Viewport background dialog. 7 Turn off the grid display by pressing the G key. 8 Choose Views > Viewport Background to again open the Viewport Background dialog. 9 In the Apply Source And Display To group, click the arrow by the Viewport field, and choose Left. The Left viewport should become active. 10 Click Files and choose p38leftview.jpg for the Left viewport. Again, choose Match Bitmap. Click OK. Turn off the grid display again. Top and Left viewports with background images 11 Click the Front viewport, then choose Views > Viewport Background. Click Files again and choose p38frontview.jpg for the Front viewport. Choose Match Bitmap, then click OK. Turn off the grid display. The three images are displayed in the appropriate viewports Zoom the background images You can zoom and pan the background images in the viewport if you want to center or enlarge them. To zoom or pan the background images do the following: 1 Activate the viewport, then choose Views > Viewport Background. 2 Make sure Match Bitmap is on, then turn on Lock Zoom Pan. Now you can use the zoom or pan buttons in the viewport navigation controls to make the background image larger or shift it horizontally or vertically. 3 Be sure to turn Lock Zoom Pan off when you finish with each image. Tip: gmax automatically turns on Lock Zoom Pan when you maximize a viewport or save your work and exit the program. Sometimes the background image can shift out of alignment with your geometry when this happens. This is inconvenient, but there is a workaround. If you open up a saved file and the background has shifted do the following: · Use the viewport navigation Zoom and Pan buttons to make the background images the correct size and position in the viewports. · Turn off Lock Zoom Pan, and then use the same navigation tools to align the geometry with the bitmaps. You can use CTRL+ALT+B to toggle Lock Zoom Pan. · After doing this, don't maximize, zoom, or pan the viewport. Turning display of the Tab panel on or off can also cause viewport backgrounds to shift. Next you will make a calibration box, to make sure the 3 viewports are in the same scale, and that the plane will be an appropriate size . Calibrate the viewports The P-38 has a wingspan of 52 feet, and a length of 37’10". With the wheels extended, it has a height of 9'10". You'll use this information to make a box of that size, then align the viewports to that box. 1 Activate the Top viewport. 2 In the Create panel, on the Object Type rollout, click Box. The Box button turns orange to show it's active and ready to create. 3 Open the Keyboard Entry rollout, and enter the following values: · Length: 37'10" · Width: 52'0" · Height 9'10" Tip: You can use the Tab key to move from one field to the next. 4 Once these values are entered, click Create. A box appears in the viewports. 5 In the command panel, name the object calibration box. 6 In the viewport navigation controls at the bottom-right corner of the interface, click Zoom extents all. The box is now visible and centered over the three background bitmaps. It doesn’t matter if your box is a different color than the one in the illustration. Calibration box centered over the background images Now starting with the Top viewport you will zoom and pan each view to match the box and the bitmap background. 7 In the viewport navigation controls, click Zoom. Zoom the Top viewport until the width of the box matches the width of the wings. Match the wingspan as closely as you can. 8 Click Pan in the viewport controls, and then pan the viewport to center the box over the bitmap vertically. It won't be perfect, the two rudders will extend slightly beyond the calibration box. Top viewport aligned with calibration box 9 Zoom the Front viewport. Again match the wingspan first using zoom, then pan to adjust the vertical height. You'll have to imagine where the wheels should be, they aren't illustrated in the plane-spotting card. Front viewport aligned with calibration box 10 Now repeat for the Left viewport. Left viewport aligned with calibration box All three viewports are now calibrated so the picture in the viewport represents the approximate dimensions of the P-38. Hide the calibration box 1 You don't need the calibration box now, so you can hide it. To do so, select the box in any viewport, right-click, and then choose Hide Selection from the quad menu. You can always unhide the calibration box and repeat the above procedure to recalibrate. To unhide the box, go to the Display panel and choose Unhide By Name, then in the dialog, select the box. 2 Save your work as myp38_backgrounds.gmax. Next Creating the WingsCreating_the_Wings # $ + K Creating the Wings There are many different modeling approaches you could take to building the wings. Here, you'll use a Box primitive with a Taper modifer. You'll be continuing from the previous section, Setting Up Viewport BackgroundsSetting_up_Viewport_Backgrounds. Create the wings using a box 1 In the Create panel, on the Object Type rollout, click Box. 2 In the Top viewport, do the following to draw a box from upper left to lower right, approximately around the front wingspan: · Click once at the upper left, then drag to the lower right with the mouse button down. As you move the mouse, the values for length and width change in the parameter fields. · When you release the mouse button, you have set the length and width of the box, and now are setting the height, which you can see increasing in the Perspective viewport. Moving the mouse up creates a positive height, moving down creates a negative height. As you move the cursor the values change in the parameter fields. · Click again to set the height. 3 In the Create panel, you can immediately adjust the values in the Parameters rollout. Enter the following values: · Length Segs=3 · Width Segs=12 · Height Segs=3 Box with 12 width segments You need to increase the number of segments so the modifiers for tapering and bending the wings will work correctly. 4 You can also make adjustments to the dimensions of the box at this time. Edit the Width so it is exactly 52’, Length so it is 10’, and make the wings’ height an even 1 foot. 5 In the Name and Color rollout, type wings. The object is now named wings. Now you'll change the shape of the wings using a Taper modifer. Add a taper modifier 1 Activate the Top viewport, and make sure the wings are selected. 2 From the menu bar, choose Modifiers > Parametric Deformers > Taper. An orange taper gizmo appears in the viewport over the box. 3 On the command panel, in the Taper Axis group, change the Primary value to X. 4 In the same group, turn on Symmetry. 5 Set the amount of the taper to -1.3. Now the box is starting to resemble the wing shape. Next you'll move the Taper Center to affect the wing’s shape. 6 In the modifier stack display, expand the Taper hierarchy by clicking the box marked with a plus sign. When the Taper expands, click Center. At the Center sub-object level, you can adjust the location of the center of the Taper. Moving a modifier’s center can alter its results. 7 In the Top viewport, move the center of the taper forward along the Y axis toward the nose of the plane, until the wings’ shape more closely matches the background bitmap. 8 When you've finished moving the center, click Taper in the modifier stack to turn off the Center sub-object selection. 9 The Taper has affected the height of the wings. In the modifier stack, click Box, then increase the wing height to 1’5". 10 In the Front viewport, move the wings up so they are centered over the background bitmap. Move the wings up in the Front viewport. Next you'll convert the box to an editable polygon object, and then move some vertices to round the wings. Convert the box 1 Save your file as my_p38_wings.gmax. It's good to save your file before you convert your object. Since the conversion removes the stack parameters, saving will allow you to return to this point in the future. 2 In any viewport, select the box. 3 Right-click and choose Convert to: > Convert to Editable Poly. The box is now an editable poly object. Round the wingtips 1 In the Selection rollout on the command panel, click Vertex. Look at the box in the top viewport with vertex selection on. Each dot you see is actually four vertices lined up on top of each other. So when you want to select and move them, you need to drag a selection window, rather than clcking them. Otherwise you will only select one vertex, rather than all of them. 2 In the Top viewport, draw a selection rectangle to select the vertices in the upper-left corner of the wing. Use a selection rectangle rather than clicking. 3 On the main toolbar, click Select And Move. Then move the vertices in the top view so the ends of the wingtips are rounded. Use the Transform gizmo to restrict the vertex movement to a single axis or plane. Move vertices to round wings. 4 Now, in the Top viewport, slowly go around the outline of the wing moving the blue dots to within the black shape of the P-38 wingspan. Use the Transform gizmo’s Y arrowhead to move the vertex selection only in Y. Use the Transform gizmo corners to move the points at the end to create the rounded wingtip. The wings need have their edges tapered and narrowed. Here's the process to do this. Taper the wing edges In the top viewport you need to select all the vertices on the outside edges of the wings. You can accomplish this by using the selection rectangle with the CTRL key. 1 Hold down the CTRL key and use the selection rectangle to slowly build up the selection set, as in the following illustration: Select these red vertices on the exterior edges of the wings. 2 Click Lock Selection on the status bar or press SPACEBAR to lock the vertex selection. This prevents you from losing the selection if you inadvertantly click elsewhere in a viewport.00 3 On the main toolbar, expand the Scale flyout, and choose Non-Uniform Scale. 4 In the Left viewport, scale all the edges about the Y axis, so the wings are narrowed. Use the Transform gizmo, when the Y turns yellow, you are scaling only along the Y axis. Watch the status bar while you scale. It changes as you move the mouse. Scale to 30 (percent). Narrow the edges using Non-Uniform Scale. 5 Turn off Lock Selection. Next, you'll add a Bend modifier to the wings. Add a Bend modifier 1 In the Selection rollout, click Vertex to turn it off. 2 Click the arrow to the right of the Modifier List. In the drop-down list, find the Parametric Modifiers group, and choose Bend. 3 Set the Bend Axis to X. 4 Change the Bend Angle to -15. Bend the wings up. 5 Just for fun, spin the Direction spinner. Watch the wings stroke in the air. Right-click or press CTRL+Z to undo when you're done having fun. 6 Save your work as myp38_wing.gmax. Next, you'll add the stabilizers and rudders. These are easy to do. Next Adding the Stabilizer and RuddersAdding_the_Stabilizer_and_Rudders # $ + K Adding the Stabilizer and Rudders Continue from the previous lesson, Creating the WingsCreating_the_Wings. The next step is to add the horizontal stabilizer and the twin rudders. You'll use cylinders and editable poly techniques to build these pieces. Add the horizontal stabilizer 1 Click the Top viewport to activate it. 2 In the Create panel, click Cylinder. 3 In the Top viewport, drag out a cylinder in the center of the horizontal stabilizer. When you release the mouse button, you are setting the height of the cylinder. Moving the mouse upward gives a positive height; moving it downward gives a negative height. Give it a positive height. Create a cylinder to make the stabilizer. 4 Edit the Parameters, as follows: · Radius=2'2" · Height=0'2" · Height Segments=1 · Sides=12 5 In the Name and Color rollout, type stabilizer. Naming your objects proves useful later. 6 Right-click the cylinder and choose Convert to: > Convert to Editable Poly. 7 In the Modify panel, on the Selection rollout, click Vertex. Now the vertices are visible in the cylinder. 8 Select half the vertices, and move them to the right. Select the other half of the vertices and move them to the left. Move the vertices to match the top view of the stabilizer. 9 Click Vertex selection again to turn it off. 10 In the Left viewport, raise the stabilizer up so it is at the correct height. Raise up the stabilizer. Wingspan and stabilizer in Perspective viewport Next, you will make the twin rudders. Create the twin rudders Again you'll use cylinders converted to editable poly objects. In this case, you'll use the soft-selection feature when you select and move vertices. 1 Click the Left viewport to active it. 2 On the Create panel, turn on Cylinder. 3 In the Left viewport, draw a cylinder over the rudder. Start with a cylinder to make the rudder. 4 Change the cylinder Height parameter to 2". 5 In the Name And Color rollout, enter the name rudder. 6 Click the Modify panel tab, and then right-click the Cylinder in the modifier stack. Choose Convert To: Editable Poly. The modifier stack no longer shows the cylinder; it now shows Editable Poly instead. 7 In the Selection rollout, click Vertex. 8 In the Left viewport, drag a selection window around the top vertices. There is a single red dot in the viewport. Select the top vertex 9 Open the Soft Selection rollout, and turn on Use Soft Selection. Now the red dot is flanked by yellow dots. Soft Selection display 10 In the Soft Selection rollout, increase the Falloff value to 5'. The selection expands in the viewport. 11 Using the Transform gizmo, move the selection upward to shape the rudder. 12 Select the bottommost vertex, and move it down to finish the shape. 13 In the modifier stack, click Editable Poly to turn off sub-object selection. 14 In the Top viewport, select and move the rudder to the left into position. Clone the twin rudder You can create a clone by holding down the SHIFT key while you move, rotate, or scale any object. Here, you'll make the twin rudder using this clone feature. 1 Hold down the SHIFT key, and move the rudder to the righthand position. The Clone objects dialog appears. 2 Name the object starboard rudder and click OK. The second object is visible in the viewports. Wings, stabilizer, and twin rudders 3 Save your work as myp38_02.gmax. The next step is to create the twin fuselages that hold the engines and the fuel tanks. Next Creating the FuselagesCreating_the_Superchargers # $ + K Creating the Fuselages The P-38 was a deadly aircraft because it had twin fuselages, each housing an engine and a fuel tank. The warplane could sustain damage to either side, and still fly, thus presenting a formidable challenge to an opponent in a dogfight. In this section, you'll model the twin fuselages using the same techniques you've already practiced on the wings. You'll also use the Extrude and Bevel features to create the engine coolant radiator housings. Create the fuselage 1 Continue from the previous lesson, Adding the Stabilizer and RuddersAdding_the_Stabilizer_and_Rudders. 2 On the Create panel, click Cylinder. The Cylinder button turns orange, showing it is active and ready to use. 3 In the Front viewport, drag a cylinder out over the left fuselage so the radius approximates that in the background image. Don't worry about the height, you'll adjust that in a moment. Set the height to any value. It doesn't matter. 4 Edit the Cylinder parameters, as follows: · Radius=1'10" · Height=33'7" · Height Segments=6 · Cap Segments=1 · Sides=10 5 In the Name and Color rollout, enter the name of the object as supercharger. 6 In the Top viewport, move the cylinder so it is over the left fuselage. 7 Go to the Modify panel. From the Modifier List, find the Parametric Modifiers group, and choose Taper. 8 In the modifier stack, expand the Taper hierarchy so the Center and Gizmo are visible, then click the Center to select it. 9 In the Top viewport, move the center so it is at the front of the cylinder. 10 In the stack, click Taper to turn off sub-object selection. 11 Now adjust the taper Amount to 0.8. Tapered fuselage aligned with background image (The front of the fuselage is just behind the rounded propellor hub.) 12 In the Front viewport, rotate the fuselage about its Y axis so the left and right sides are vertical. To further shape the fuselage, you'll repeat the same technique as before. Convert to Editable Poly, then select rows of vertices and move them into position over the background image. Add the propeller hub spinner The propellor hub cap is called the spinner, and you'll create this component using a hemisphere and AutoGrid at the end of the cylinder. 1 Zoom into the Perspective viewport so you have a close view of the front end of the cylinder. Right-click the viewport label, and set the shading mode to Smooth+Highlights and Edged Faces. 2 Go to the Create panel. In the Object Type rollout, click to turn on Sphere. 3 Turn on AutoGrid, the check box below Object Type. Now move your cursor over the surface of the end of the cylinder. An axis tripod follows your cursor, showing you where the sphere will be drawn. 4 In the Parameters rollout, turn on Base To Pivot. This lets you draw a sphere off the end of the cylinder. 5 Move your cursor over the end of the cylinder, and draw a sphere. It doesn't matter what size; you will adjust the parameters after you draw it. 6 Edit the Parameters, as follows: · Segments=10 · Hemisphere=0.5 Now instead of a sphere, there is a hemisphere. 7 Rotate the hemisphere so the ten segments of the cylinder and the hemisphere are at the same angle. 8 On the main toolbar, click the Align button, then click the cylinder. In the Align Position (World) group, turn on X Position and Z Position. This aligns the hemisphere and the cylinder. 9 Adjust the radius of the hub so it matchs that end of the cylinder. Don't spend too much time on this, it's all going to change in a few steps. Spinner hub aligned to the end of the fuselage Finish the fuselage shape 1 Select the fuselage cylinder object and right-click. Choose Convert To: > Convert To Editable Poly from the quad menu. 2 In the Selection rollout, click Vertex. 3 In the Left viewport, select a column of vertices and then on the main toolbar, choose Non-uniform scale from the scale flyout. Non-uniform scale them closer together, watching the bitmap as a guide. Then right-click, choose Move from the quad menu, and position the row. 4 Repeat this process for all seven columns of vertices in the Left viewport, so the outline of the fuselage matches the background more closely. Select one column at a time, scale, then move. 5 Click the Vertex selection button to turn it off, then select the hemisphere in the viewport. 6 Move the propellor spinner away so you can see the end of the fuselage. 7 Select the cylinder again and turn on Vertex selection. 8 Select the vertices in the end of the cylinder and non-uniform scale them about the X axis only. Use the Transform gizmo X arrowhead, and watch the coordinate display in the status bar. Scale down to 60 percent along the X axis. This returns the end of the cylinder to a more circular shape. 9 Turn off sub-object selection by clicking Vertex again in the Selection rollout, then move the hemisphere back into place. Change its radius so it fits over the end of the fuselage again. Finish the propeller spinner 1 Collapse the hemisphere to an editable poly by right-clicking, and choosing Convert to: Convert to Editable Poly. 2 In the Perspective viewport, select the vertex in the center of the hemisphere. 3 In the Soft Selection rollout, adjust the Falloff so the second ring of vertices turns yellow, but the last rows do not. Move the selection forward along the Y axis. 4 Lower the soft selection so only the vertex at the tip is selected, and move the tip forward to form the bullet shape. The fuselage is almost finished. There is a blister on either side of the fuselage that serves as the exhaust waste gate outlet. You'll create this next, using the Extrude and Bevel features. Create the exhaust gate outlet 1 Turn off Vertex selection for the propeller hubcap, and then select the fuselage. 2 Turn on Vertex selection for the fuselage. 3 In the Top viewport, select the third row of vertices from the top and move them down so they are at the end of the exhaust gate. 4 Select the fourth row and move them up, so they are positioned at the start of the exhaust gate. Select and move these red vertices. The vertices now line up in the top view, but need adjustment in the left view. 5 In the Left viewport, scale the selected vertices smaller along the Y axis, as necessary against the profile of the background image. 6 In the Selection rollout, choose Polygon. This lets you select polygons instead of vertices. 7 Select the polygons shown in the illustration below. Click to select the first polygon, then hold down the CTRL key. Right-click the Perspective viewport label, and be sure you have Smooth + Highlights and Edged Face chosen. You can also choose Configure and then in the Viewport Rendering options group, turn on Shade Selected Faces. Select this polygon. 8 Use the Arc-Rotate button in the viewport navigation controls to see the other side of the fuselage, and select the second polygon. Add this polygon to the selection. 9 In the Edit Geometry rollout, turn on Bevel, then move your cursor over the selected polygon in the Perspective viewport. 10 Drag the bevel out so the Extrude field is approximately 0'6". When you release the mouse button, you are setting the Outline value. Create a Outline amount of approximately -1". 11 Now select the newly created polygon at the front of the exhaust gate. 12 Bevel this face inward, with the extrusion about -0'2", and the Outline very slight. 13 Click Bevel again to turn it off. 14 In the modifier stack, click Editable Poly to turn off sub-object selection. Next, you’ll clone the fuselage and spinner to make the second side. Clone the fuselage 1 Select the fuselage, if it isn't selected already. 2 Hold down the CTRL key and click the propeller spinner. Now both objects are selected. 3 In the Top viewport, hold down the SHIFT key and move the selected objects to the right. The Clone Options dialog appears. 4 Name the clone starboard supercharger. Tip: Feel free to change the colors of all the objects so the plane looks more realistic. P-38 wings and twin engines 5 Save your work as myp38_nogondola.gmax. All that remains is the central gondola and canopy. Next Creating the GondolaCreating_the_Gondola # $ + K Creating the Gondola The plane is starting to look like a P-38, but it's missing the central gondola, the pilot cockpit, and canopy. You will create the gondola using the same techniques you learned when you shaped the fuselage. Load a start file · Continue from the previous lesson, Creating the FuselagesCreating_the_Superchargers, or you can load gm_p38start_gondola.gmax found in the gmax/tutorials/P-38 directory. Note: If you load the file you will need to adjust the viewport backgrounds by following these steps: · Click in a viewport. · Zoom and pan until the background image is the appropriate size and position. · From the menu bar, choose Views > Viewport Background. · In the Current group, turn off Lock Zoom Pan, then click Apply and OK. · Zoom until the scale of the geometry matches the size of the background image. · Pan to align the geometry with the background image. · Do this for the Top, Front, and Left viewports. Create the gondola 1 Go to the Create panel, and on the Object Type rollout, click to turn on Cylinder. 2 In the Front viewport, drag out a cylinder over the gondola, until the radius approprimately matches the background image. Watch in the Top viewport as you drag out the height of the cylinder, since the Front viewport will not show any difference. 3 Edit the Cylinders Parameters, as follows: · Height Segments=9 · Cap Segments=2 · Sides=10 4 In the Name And Color rollout, name the object gondola. 5 Move the gondola object in the Top viewport so the end lines up with the edge of the wing. Line up the cylinder with the rear edge of the wings. 6 On the Modifiy panel, adjust the height of the cylinder so it is even with the end of the twin fuselages, as illustrated below. Start with a cylinder. Shape the gondola 1 Go to the Display panel, and hide everything but the gondola by clicking Hide Unselected in the Hide rollout. 2 Go to the Modify panel. In the modifier stack, right-click Cylinder and choose Convert To: Editable Poly. Now you can reposition the vertices over the background images. 3 On the Selection rollout, click Vertex. 4 Now go one row at a time, in the Left viewport and do the following: · Select a row of vertices. · On the main toolbar, choose Non-Uniform Scale from the Scale flyout. · Scale them to the approximate size to match the background image. · Move them down to match the background image as well. Alternate between scaling and moving until they are correct. Scale and move the vertices to match the background. Placement of vertices from Left viewport 5 Activate the Top viewport and repeat the previous process. Select one row at a time and position the vertices over the background image using Scale and Move tools. Using the Transform gizmo, scale each row only along the X axis. Vertex placement from the Top viewport 6 In the Left viewport, scale columns of vertices to match the outline of the cockpit. 7 To create the nose, select the single vertex at the center of the cylinder cap, then turn on Soft Selection and adjust the Falloff so the next ring of vertices turns yellow. Now move the soft selection out toward the nose. Turn off Soft Selection, and move the single end vertex to create the point. 8 To unhide the rest of the airplane, on the Display panel, choose Unhide By Name. Select all the components you have created (everything except the calibration box). 9 Change the color of the object to match the rest of the plane. 10 Make adjustments as needed. Select the row of vertices at the rear of the gondola and move them up along the Z axis in the Perspective viewport, so the rear taper is visible above the wing. P-38 with gondola Add the canopy You can create the canopy using a couple of editable poly tools. You'll cut and chamfer to create the last piece of the P-38. 1 In the Perspective viewport, zoom in so you can see a close view of the cockpit area. 2 On the Selection rollout, click Edge, then turn on Ignore Backfacing. 3 On the Edit Geometry rollout, turn on Cut. 4 Cut new edges into the cockpit. Click to set the beginning of an edge, then move to mouse to draw the new edge. Click again to set the end of the edge. Cut these new red edges into the canopy. 5 Click Cut again, to turn it off. You can chamfer edges to create the metal frame of the canopy. 6 Select the edges above the forward windshields, as illustrated below. Select these red edges. 7 In the Edit Geometry rollout, turn on Chamfer. Using the Chamfer spinner, increase the chamfer value while watching the viewport. This creates the metal windshield supports. Chamfer edges to create windshield supports. 8 You can repeat this technique of cutting and chamfering as needed to finish the canopy. We won't walk you through every step, now that you know the technique. You can apply a transparent material to the canopy faces for extra detail. If you don't know how to create materials and appy them to polygons, see Adding Materials and MappingAdding_Mapping_and_Materials_to_the_Character . P-38 gondola with completed canopy. Of course there are lots more details you could add to this plane, such as propellers, machine guns, and landing gear. Feel free to continue on your own. Propellors and machine guns added 9 Save your work as myp38.gmax. Or you can open the completed file p38_lightning.gmax. # Modeling_a_P-38_Lightning_Fighter $ Modeling a P-38 Lightning Fighter + GMAX_P-38:0 K Modeling a P-38 Lightning Fighter # Setting_up_units $ Setting Up Units + GMAX_P-38:0 K Setting up units # Setting_up_Viewport_Backgrounds $ Setting Up Viewport Backgrounds + GMAX_P-38:0 K Setting up Viewport Backgrounds # Creating_the_Wings $ Creating the Wings + GMAX_P-38:0 K Creating the Wings # Adding_the_Stabilizer_and_Rudders $ Adding the Stabilizer and Rudders + GMAX_P-38:0 K Adding the Stabilizer and Rudders # Creating_the_Superchargers $ Creating the Fuselages + GMAX_P-38:0 K Creating the Superchargers # Creating_the_Gondola $ Creating the Gondola + GMAX_P-38:0 K Creating the Gondola -
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