Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[SAS~Csocso]

Just to let you know that it isn't dead. 





Any further public updates will be posted here.

[SAS~Anto]

*BUMP*

Update! We are actively working on this, adding in final features. The cockpit is progressing, though it has been slower than expected. Gauges are being finished as we speak. Here a few screenies showing some features, new and old!


MiG-21PFM carrying GP-1 gunpod and 2x UB-16-57U rocket pods, containing 16x S-5 rockets each. New UB-16-57U pods by Lisek


MiG-21PFM carrying PTB-490 drop tank and 2x R-3A missiles. Airbrake is deployed (notice aft brake is closed) and drag chute deployed (new feature by Anto)


MiG-21FL, Sirena-2 Radar Warning Reciever system is active in this picture, detecting an enemy aircraft on six with radar-ranging gunsight (N.B. code currently doesn't detect missile launches). Sirena code by Anto


MiG-21PF and FL cockpit WIP, by CsoCso.

[SAS~Anto]

Hey everybody,

It's been a while since an update on this project. Just confirming, this isn't dead by any means but it's best I take the time to explain what is going on.

When this project was first announced, it received a lot of hype. Probably more than the team could handle. I came along probably halfway through the development cycle, when the original coder Sani decided to retire from modding. The build process had been difficult, as CsoCso was still learning the ropes of 3D, but has done a fantastic job. In order to support such an aircraft, quite a few changes to the games code needed to occur (such as addition of missiles, radar etc). We have now reached that stage in the evolution of the game where we can properly support a MiG-21.

During the process of development, we've had team members come and go, and for those who have stayed, we've been held back by numerous other commitments. Namely both CsoCso and I are full time students, both studying very difficult courses. So when we've had time to work on this, it has been limited and pressured. I've personally been involved in many projects here but in recent times they have been put on hold to deal with site admin issues (including some very bitter and horrid flame wars etc). Both of us though became highly discouraged by some members of the community who thought it was hilarious to make jokes and insults about the delay in release at this project's expense. The result: their predictions almost came true. At many stages, the team has thought about walking away from this project. This is probably the number 1 reason why this project has been delayed, as we simply lost motivation to work on it (and well, the game couldn't support the MiG-21 until JetWar and the AI Engines Hotkeys mod were done)

Luckily today I'm bringing some better news. After a break from the MiG-21, we both got back onto this, in hope of a Christmas 2011 release (which didn't happen due to CsoCso and I both going on holiday, funnily enough both in Hungary!) In that time, the cockpit has reached a functional state (with major instruments animated) and is now ready to be properly skinned. Greif11, who is famed for his work, has kindly offered his assistance. The cockpit will not be 100% complete for release, but we hope to animate the remaining instruments and add warning lights etc shortly after. Regardless it should be functional for gameplay's sake (and look damn sexy too).

During the last month or so, the MiG-21 has also been moved into a new phase of closed beta testing amongst the contributing modders here at SAS. We've been able to do some important debugging and use a fine-tooth comb to take care of every minor detail. With help from some friends at Freemodding, the flight model has been revised and is as close as we can come to real life performance in game. In particular, this close beta has given a few modding teams an opportunity to compare their Vietnam war projects and has allowed a few of them to be released. With this extra info, I'm hoping to have a second closed beta out for modder testing this weekend, bringing us one more step closer to release

Anyway to summarize, we ain't dead and please don't be alarmed that newer projects are being release before this. This is what you should expect on first release (no time given):
- Three unique highly detailed and well animated MiG-21 models: MiG-21PF, MiG-21PFM, MiG-21FL
- New MiG-21PF cockpit: skinned by Greif11, major instruments working, stick/rudder/canopy animated. Working gunsight. Radar may or may not be working initial release (definite after). Tweaks for PFM model to come later. Remaining instruments/warning lights later
- Unique weapon set
- Sirena-2 Radar Warning System (will be improved in future)
- Drag chute system on all models
- Rocket-assisted take-off system for MiG-21PFM
- Individually adjusted flight models (including blown flap system on MiG-21PFM)
- New engine sounds
- Hopefully a short 'pilot's guide'

To run the MiG-21s, you need an install running JetWar v1.2 or later, or DBW1.71 or later. No other game versions will be supported (though after release, other communities are welcome to adapt it to their needs). This package will be worth the wait, but please, patience is a virtue and if you continue to be faithful, these will be on your install sooner than later

[SAS~Malone]

Phantoms beware!

[SAS~Anto]

Some progress shots. A HUGE amount of work has gone into these as of late and we are much closer to release. This includes new default skins, updated flight models, further expansion of the loadouts, tuning of the animations and adjustment to the cockpit (on top of a lot of beta testing). Still much to be done but getting there

For now, would like to show off the lovely new RATO and afterburner effects, as well as the great new default skin for the PFM by FM-Wasted.

[SAS~Anto]

Small update. FM-Wasted and I had made a temporary damage texture but it wasn't adequate. VPmedia recently gave it a touch-up and with a few of my own tweaks, here are the damage textures (highest damage level currently shown):

[SAS~Anto]

Been quite a few weeks since I've done a public update. At the moment I am focussing on getting other projects up to a stage where others can take over so progress from my end has slowed. Most of my effort recently has been fine tuning the animations and trying to get them as realistic as possible. Unfortunately the default game code sets limits on the flap and airbrake deployment speed which I've worked around. There is one new feature which I successfully got working with the MiG-21: custom ejection seats.

I wanted to be able to add custom ejector seats to aircraft in-game besides the German defaults. I've done just that and added some extra features. (Ignoring the Martin-Baker seat stand-in), may I present to you the SK-1 pod system:



And from the MiG-21PFM onwards, the KM-1 rocket-boosted system:



There are a few more bits we will announce with time, but everything is slowly progressing. Flight models have been thoroughly tested and we think we are done on that end. There is no further update on the cockpit, as Greif11 has gone away for work for the next few months. Luckily our own 'Big Boss' Malone has stepped in to do the texturing. In coming week or so, hope to do another little update.

To finish, I leave you with some fine work by one of our collaborators, Jafa

[SAS~Anto]

Another 'not dead yet' post. I've been away for two months and only this week have I been able to post an updated beta for the team. Luckily my absence didn't slow progress one bit The flight model has now been tested and validated by a large group of modders, and the general opinion is that it is spot on. Thanks to Sani, 4S_Vega and Wasted for their brilliant efforts with it, plus the plethora of modders who have helped with the testing.

I have no further news about the cockpits expect that Malone is working hard on the textures for the PF/FL pit. We are currently waiting for S323 to help finish off the remaining 3D for the PFM cockpit. Maybe some pictures in the next updated

From the last update I can confirm I've fixed the problems mentioned with the flaps, airbrakes and control surfaces. They now operate at realistic speeds. The new ejection systems are also done and is working fine. One feature I was working on and neglected to mention previously was the addition of a new missile: the Kh-66 air to surface missile. This was the first Soviet anti-ground missile to be put into operational service and was used in Vietnam.




Today is also time to reveal another surprise. With the addition of Wasted, 4S_Vega and S3231541 to our MiG-21 project, they have brought with them their talent and their extra hands. Those hands have been busy and I like to present to you two additional MiG-21 variants: the MiG-21MF and MiG-21Bis. 3D work is by S323, flight models by 4S_Vega and texturing (internal and external) by wasted. Please note that whilst these two models are in development (with their own cockpits), they will be released separately from the initial PF, PFM and FL package. Cheers guys for the hard work

MiG-21bisD Number 108 Croatian Air Forces 2008

To finish, here are some screenies our testers have been taking. Enjoy

YEEEE-HAAAWW!!!   

A motivational screen shot, lol

[SAS~Anto]

Tonight another beta has been released to the team and we've reached a big milestone. Thanks to Jafaem, the engine sound effects are now finished. Also thanks to the hard work of 4S_Vega and wasted, we've overcome a problem with Il-2's flight engine and now have properly modelled the afterburner system and how it is affected by altitude. This wasn't talked about much previously but after extensive flight model tests (including some by ex-MiG-21 pilots), it was noted that there were some inconsistencies with the flight model with afterburner applied. We've now resolved this and the afterburner is working correctly Whilst at it, the landing gear system animation has been slightly tweaked to represent the real life setup.

Still not much news on cockpits but we are getting closer to showing it off. Some hard drive failures with two of our members almost set us back a few months but luckily nothing was lost. The MF and Bis pits are in a much further state of completion because of this, but hope that the PF and FL/PFM pits will catch up soon. Once they have reached a similar standard, we'll post another media update. At that point, we can realistically talk about a release date for these aircraft

For now, just would like to share another fantastic screenshot by our local photographer BravoFoxTrot:

[SAS~Anto]

It's been a while since an update, but thought I'd let you know where we are at. We promised we would announce a release date once the cockpit was in a state to show off. I'd say we are very damn close to this point. Quite literally, it could be hours to days away That said, there is PLENTY that has been happening with this bird and I'd like to show you where it is at now.

Another beta came out today, the most advanced so far. Here are a list of the new features that have appear:

- Missile selection code: You can now easily select which missile you want to fire when carrying 2 or more different types.
- Sduv Pogranichnovo Sloya a.k.a. Boundary Layer Blowing: On the MiG-21PFM, the SPS system was introduced. This blown flap system increases lift by diverting hot air from the engine over the flaps. This is now fully functional on this model
- New main landing gear: Our previous model was using the incorrect smaller main wheels from the MiG-21F-13. This is now fixed and working
- Nav, Landing and Gear Lights: Last night finally finished off the lights for this pack. The MiG-21 has 3 standard nav lights, two landing lights and in addition, a light on each gear. These gear lights are used to service the aircraft at night but also to notify ground crew if the gear fail to lock.

So to finish today's update, going to leave you with the following pics of some night ops. More updates to follow in coming week.

[SAS~Anto]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone. We were going to surprise you and release the MiG-21 for Christmas. Despite our best efforts, we didn't quite get there. Before it can be released, both the SAS Engine Mod and Jet War v1.3 will need to be released but have been delayed due to unforseen circumstances (though the RC of the Engine mod is available). In addition, the cockpit needed to be finished and with any good AMT mod, a proper manual is needed. We didn't get these done and considering the circumstances, it won't be out this year.

But I did promise you once we posted an updated picture of the cockpits, we can start talking release dates. So as our Christmas present to you, here are the cockpits as of today's beta test:
MiG-21PF/FL


MiG-21PFM:




Thanks to Texx and S323 for working overtime to get these 'unfinishable' pits nearly finished. There are some minor bugs to knock out, but almost all the instruments and moving parts are animated. We need to calibrate the gunsight as well and add in all warning lights/night lights. The cockpits will be customizable. You will be able to choose whether you have blue-green or grey interior of your cockpit. Historically, most PFs were grey, all FLs were grey and the blue-green became standard during PFM production. To familirize yourself with the instruments and controls, here is my translation of a MiG-21PFM pit walk-thru (originally from www.mig21.wg.am):

https://www.mediafire.com/view/?rhq3iunb101ydm6

To top it off, we probably should include a manual for you all to read so you can fly this complex beasty! That will be released when it is done, but hopefully in the next fortnight. As for the official release of this pack to the public, it will be once JetWar v1.3 for 4.11.1m and the SAS Engine Mod v2.6 full are out. Currently, this would mean we are expecting to release in Mid to Late January 2013

Thank you all soo much for your patience and support. We are almost there

[SAS~Anto]

Apologies for the lack of updates.

As far as we're concerned, the MiG-21s are ready for release. As per the previous post, the reason they aren't out yet is due the reasons listed above. We've been held up getting the above mods out which are required to support these aircraft. Hopefully they won't be too far away.

If I remember, there will be another media update this weekend in preparation for release.