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Milviz F-16

fsxar177 said:
Colin group's a lot of people into "coder" for the layman's understanding.
Click to expand...
Here are a few daffynitions (yes, I spelled it that way on purpose):

  1. Modeler - creates, uwv maps, and generates diffuse, specular, bump, and lighting files for the basic mesh of any project
  2. Model Detailer - animates, tags, and scripts XML for the project, exports and compiles model files, calibrates any 3d gauge objects
  3. Texture Artist - creates liveries for project aircraft
  4. Coder - creates custom systems code in C++/GDI+ etc. for the project

This is a basic outline of the responsibilities for each team member, but reality dictates that a lot of dependent interaction must occur during the entire process. :encouragement:
 
Daube said:
I really think this is an excellent news and I'm really looking forward to a TacPack Falcon ! :applause:
However, I'm worried about Milviz ability to create the avionics of such a complex airplane.
Can we hope a simulation close to the F-16 in Falcon 4.0 BMS ?
Click to expand...

Daube said:
I understand and agree with your remark Rick, and I know Milviz coders are good of course ! The Phantoms are a pretty good example.
But I believe the avionics of a Falcon are slightly more complex than the usual aircrafts they did until now.
I mean, look at the time they are taking to model a modern aircraft like the KingAir, which has only civilian instruments ? How much time will they need to program all of the avionics of a modern military jet, which has also military instruments and weapon systems to model ? This is what worries me.
Click to expand...

As one of the glass capable programmers in the company, I will try to give a little insight into the intricacies of our job :)

First of all, glass is actually considerably easier to program (at least, for those who know how to do so) than steam. It is a lot faster to design, especially recently when we made some new tools that allow us to design and test the system logic in a program completely independent of the simulator, a lot easier to debug, and also has a fun factor that adds to the enthusiasm. To give you an idea, I tried a making a proof of concept set of T-45C MFDs and HUD with our new tools. A job which would have taken 4 months in the sim was compressed into just over 3 weeks (and no Milviz isn't doing a T-45C. I am giving the code to Dino though). One final plus is that we can remove almost all the framerate impact with our tech.

Now to dispel a little myth regarding military vs civvie avionics....Civilian glass cockpits are actually way more complex than military fighters (not talking about cargo/tanker birds which are more like civvie aircraft + some combat systems). The FMS and navigation displays are the biggest parts that can slow things down. On the military side, the navigation systems are by far simpler. Even things like UFCs and HUDs are a piece of cake compared to a Proline 21 system (don't get me started on Proline 4, Fusion, or Garmin displays) as you don't have to deal with SIDs and STARs and all that stuff.

Now as to our capabilities...Aside from the T-38A and F-4 ADVs coming up (completely external flight models like the MJC Q400 although not using the same engine), one the stars which isn't far from completion is our T-38C (which is actually older than the KA as it was waiting for a programmer who wasn't tied up with higher priorities and willing to do it). It has the most complex set of avionics I have ever seen on a fast jet (not even the F-15E comes close), but it is still not nearly as complicated as an FMS3000/Proline 21 setup. There are some as yet secret features in it that you will find to be quite a pleasant surprise.

In short, the systems of the F-16 are well within our capability.

wombat666 said:
Be great if they finish a few of their other aircraft first, considering that this will be a duplication of other releases, albeit with (apparently) TacPack capability.
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Yep, T-38C is more overdue than anything else and is nearing completion.
 
Naruto-kun said:
To give you an idea, I tried a making a proof of concept set of T-45C MFDs and HUD with our new tools. ...(and no Milviz isn't doing a T-45C. I am giving the code to Dino though).
Click to expand...

Is that an accurate simulation of the T-45C MFD's (not just a duplicate of Dino's)?
 
I have been helping test the T-38C. I will say it is a fun airplane to fly. The Up Front Control Panel (UFCP) is slowly coming to life. Each revision allows us to do more with the electronics. I am looking forward to when I will be able to program a flight plan and go x-country. If you like the T-38A, I think you will love the T-38C.

As for the F-16, another airplane I am itching to get my hand on, it isn't even on the testing list yet. I hope it doesn't take as long as the T-38C has taken. However, when it is released, I am sure jet fighter types will be happy.
 
Ka350

Milviz should Finnish the king air that they have been paid for by 400 customers,another new product is not what they need to add to the ever growing list,so instead of telling us how capable of producing complex add on,s you are,show us complete the King Air! if you really can
 
wizzards said:
Milviz should Finnish the king air that they have been paid for by 400 customers,another new product is not what they need to add to the ever growing list,so instead of telling us how capable of producing complex add on,s you are,show us complete the King Air! if you really can
Click to expand...
The KA350i is in the hands of a dedicated team having the PL21 system coded. What are the rest of us employees supposed to do? Sit on our hands? Please believe me, everyone at Milviz has their specialty, and we are all being kept busy working on multiple projects! :adoration:
 
wizzards said:
Milviz should Finnish the king air that they have been paid for by 400 customers,another new product is not what they need to add to the ever growing list,so instead of telling us how capable of producing complex add on,s you are,show us complete the King Air! if you really can
Click to expand...

I understand your desire to see the King Air finished. I too, purchased it when it came out in Alpha. I have watched it develop both within the Beta team and from email updates from Milviz. I can assure you it hasn't been forgotten. Some aircraft just don't come together as well as you would like. They give headaches to the developing team, and in this case frustration to users. Colin has managed to get more than one problem child fixed and out the door. He doesn't quit on a project. The King Air will be finished, and I am sure, to the standards for which Milviz is noted.

Please bear with us Wizzards. As Bill (n4gix) said there is a team of professionals working on the systems coding. I have been on projects where it has literally taking months to get one little feature correct. However, in the end it is correct.
 
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