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[WxTech]

I discovered that the original threshold distance for triggering the commencement of flak is the line of sight distance, NOT the separation as measured along the ground. The original threshold was set at 10km. This means that if a plane is more than 10,000m higher that the flak barrage object (when placed on the map is located on the ground) no bursts will be created, even if the plane is directly overhead.

I've altered the code so as to use the ground distance, meaning that no matter the plane's altitude the flak will commence at the same ground distance from the flak barrage object. Actually, I think I'll make this variable with height, such that the triggering distance increases with plane altitude.

I've been experimenting with dynamic variability, based on the plane height, for:
- The areal coverage, increasing with altitude.
- The dispersion in height, increasing with altitude.
- The rate (and hence number) of bursts, increasing with altitude.

In the 2-panel image above, the views are captured at the same distance from my B-17. In the top frame the altitude is 24,000' or 7,300m. I have the code structured so that from ground level up to 10,000m:

- The box area increases from 1km x 1km to 4km x 4km.
- The 1-sigma dispersion in depth increases from 75m to 188m.
- The rate of bursts increases by a factor of about 4 (to partially compensate for the much larger volume).

The two images above show the differences in these three parameters over a large range in plane altitude.

I have more testing to do, especially to see what happens when there are two or more flights passing within the triggering distance, and when they are at different altitudes.

[WxTech]

I've set the threshold distance (as measured along the ground, not the slant range) for activation to vary continuously such that when the plane is near ground level the flak starts up when within 4km of the object, and when the plane is upstairs at 10,000m the flack kicks in when getting within 10km.

Note that the old threshold distance, as I pointed out previously, was 10km, but as measured along the line of sight from the plane downward to the ground point at the object, which meant that for higher plane altitudes it would have to get rather closer to the object.

If anyone has any suggestions, my earholes are open.

[Wing Walker]

I really liked this CC feature, but the time I used it the bursts were far too many, too rapid, and too concentrated.

[tomoose]

Thanks for having a look at this WxTech.  Given that I've just done 25+ B17 coop missions I've used the flak object extensively and living with some of the quirks you have pointed out.

Because of the 1km x 1km box I would zoom in in FMB to see the 1km grids and arrange a few flak objects to get 'realistic' coverage.  While it really added to the immersion and avoided the need to place numerous 88s around a target, the initiating trigger was a bit frustrating.  As you've mentioned however the way the distance is calculated meant that sometimes I could pass a flak area way off to the side and it would start firing at nothing so to speak.

In addition, for some reason..........no sound to the barrage unless I included a couple of 88s.

I think you're approach will make this a much more immersive tool to use. Thanks for taking the time.  Looking forward to the end product.
cheers,
Tomoose

[WxTech]

Hmmm.... I get sound for the flak bursts. As should occur because the code calls method Explosions.AirFlak(), in which resides the call for sound via

SfxExplosion.zenitka()

[tomoose]

Maybe I've just been distracted (leading the mission, playing navigator/bombardier, gunner) LOL.  I'll whip up an FMB mission to check.

[WxTech]

I tweaked the variable activation distance for the flak barrage object. From ground level up to 10km flight level, the threshold distance a bomber will kick off the flak varies linearly from 2.5km (I had it at 4km) to 10km. At high altitude, then, as seen from the ground point of the flak object, when a bomber on approach reaches an angular elevation of 45 degrees the flak starts. Conversely, if you're in a bomber flight that will cause this flak, when your look-down angle toward the location of the object becomes steeper than 45 degrees the flak will be starting up. This is largely maintained down to mid levels. At lower flight levels the flak starts when the plane is angularly nearer to the horizon.

To remind, at all altitudes the areal coverage over the object was formerly fixed at 1x1km. I have it vary linearly with height such that from ground level to 10km altitude the size of the coverage box increases from 1x1km to 4x4km. If your plane is 10km up (mighty high!), the flak starts when you are 10km from the point directly over the object (and you are looking downward at a 45 degree angle toward it), and you are 8km from the near edge of the box. To a fair approximation, at flight levels of about 2km and higher this geometric relationship scales directly. The line of sight between plane and object at the point of flak commencement is always about 45 degrees. Only at low levels does the line of sight become less steep.

[WxTech]

Mod update for all 5 of the C&C FX objects I released a half year ago. I re-worked 4 of the 5, most significantly the flak barrage object. Go here:

https://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php/topic,71358.0.html

[Mick]

... Fly! has just released the perfect skin to illustrate this topic ...!   

https://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php/topic,72332.msg787496.html#msg787496