BMS Other Fighters Mafia (BMSOFM) Journal
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I just to mention that Smartaxe’s fixes to Dardo_01’s EF-18M as well as the rest of the EF-18M complete package have been incorporated into the release version of Libya 128 for BMS 4.35u1.
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I just to mention that Smartaxe’s fixes to Dardo_01’s EF-18M as well as the rest of the EF-18M complete package have been incorporated into the release version of Libya 128 for BMS 4.35u1.
Thx, Chuckles.
While I’m here, here’s a quick update…
As we discussed in the other thread, the Group majority doesn’t really desire further F-35 development. Brother Smartaxe, however has come up with a really cool F-22 cockpit diagram that I will be "tweaking for the F-35. I also plan a F-35 Main Checklist.
We also got requests to show some love to the EF-18M and the CF188 cockpits. Those files should be to you be the end of the weekend (I hope)
Work continues on the Fighters Manual and the Mafia Files. It’s kind of grown beyond the original “fix some hotspots/short term project” mindset. I’m working on a way to maybe just add appendix’s/updates without rewriting everything, kind of a multi-volume approach. -
Thx, Chuckles.
While I’m here, here’s a quick update…
As we discussed in the other thread, the Group majority doesn’t really desire further F-35 development. Brother Smartaxe, however has come up with a really cool F-22 cockpit diagram that I will be "tweaking for the F-35. I also plan a F-35 Main Checklist.
We also got requests to show some love to the EF-18M and the CF188 cockpits. Those files should be to you be the end of the weekend (I hope)
Work continues on the Fighters Manual and the Mafia Files. It’s kind of grown beyond the original “fix some hotspots/short term project” mindset. I’m working on a way to maybe just add appendix’s/updates without rewriting everything, kind of a multi-volume approach. -
And the RAAF F-18 copkit, which has the same problems as the EF-18M, and I think it has exactly the same solutions.
Thank you all
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And the RAAF F-18 copkit, which has the same problems as the EF-18M, and I think it has exactly the same solutions.
Thank you all
You’re very welcome, Fresco. You are illustrating what the Mafia is trying to do, cockpit-wise. We’ve come to realize that to update both the cockpits and things like checklists for every single BMS jet is beyond our time limitations. Fortunately, we have 2 really good pit’s in BMS, a Viper and a Hornet. So, we can do a plug and play.
All,
As previously mentioned, we are helping with the EF-18M. We should have the updated cockpit in the Mafia Files by tonight or tomorrow. Meanwhile, the other two issues with the EF were TGP location and HMS function. Now in the Files are “HMS ef18m fix” and “parent 1091 tgp fix ef18m” . They address those issues.
Also, I’ve been thinking about how to restructure the Mafia Files and the Fighters Manual. I’ve come up with an idea, and am seeking your opinions.
The idea is to have the zip form of the Mafia Files to be the Manual, which does not change( at least regularly). The unzipped portion of the Files has 2" Update Volumes". One is the collection of files and DOC that gives a brief discussion of what that particular file does, and a “Tips and Tricks” version. The TnT version has such things as the Tornado flying tips a friend sent me. People can come in and download what particular file(s) they need.
This seems like a good long term solution to me, what do you think? -
It is a good idea,
I understand and share that the BMS developers do not have time for other things than the best advance in the simulator, and I imagine that now, with the great prospects in doors, such as the new terrain, the implementation of VR, etc, they do not have time or resources in solving these issues.
However, it is a real shame that the work of so many official developers as well as the community, who have selflessly developed cockpits, flight models, even implemented really good naval operations, gets lost, WE LET IT lose, and I don’t mean only to the developers, but to the community.
So I think we should be as helpful as we can on at least these non-core simulator issues.
Fresco
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Good Day, All. One more update for today…
A DOC about current BMS F-22 functionality is now in the Mafia Files under “manual f22 pit”. Keep in mind that this is current functionality. As soon as I get a couple of files from Brother Smartaxe, I’ll be tweaking it for added f-22/F-35 functionality -
Ok, so I lied. One more update, for real this time
I was talking to someone on Discord about the AV8. While working on the Harrier is somewhat down the pipeline, The Mafia Files does now have a 3dbutton.dat that fixes the 4.35 hotspot issues. It’s in there under the title" 3dbuttons.dat (4.35 AV8 with restored jfs,llight,p.brk.)" -
Good Day, All,
The following is copied form my post in the "Looking for help in the AV-b " thread, and will be included in the Fighters Manual Tips and Tricks section
From the AV-8B NATOPS, our Manuals, and testing…- The V/STOL master mode of the Harrier is automatically engaged in BMS when the gear is down. (BMS Manual 8-87-8)
- The Cruise/STOL switch is modeled in BMS and automatically changes such things as LEF position.( UPDATE: I’m told the Harrier doesn’t have LEF’s, so what the display changes is unclear)
- NATOPS tells of 10 deg. nozzle posit. at the start of the takeoff run, and also about the STO Stop switch. It lets you quickly go to the calculated correct nozzle posit.
- BMS does not have the STO Stop. But , the good news is there a way to emulate it.
- The issue of GWT in Harrier launched is spot on. In fact, 26K is a fairly hard limit for STO launch. Store drag does not seem to enter into it, so you can carry more stores if you offload fuel. One test was full load (see below) with 2k less fuel. That worked but combat radius was only about 130 miles on a tactical flight profile.
- The jet was tested with a loadout of 2 MavG’s,2 AIM-120B, 2 AIM-9M, a TGP, and full fuel. That yielded a 25,989 GWT. 10-60 deg. nozzle posit’s and different weights were tested. It can be confirmed the procedures in the BMS Manuals do work. However, to be as true to NATOPS as possible, and from test results, the following procedure is offered.
A) Do the slow taxi toward spot 6, stopping the moment Ground starts speaking to switch to Tower.
B) Confirm Cruise/STOL switch is STOL
C) Nozzles to 10 deg. A convenient graphic is in the upper right corner showing posit.
D) When on Button 4 and given launch clearance, hold brakes hard on and advance to full throttle(the Harrier does not have afterburner), releasing brakes when the jet starts to overcome the brakes.
E) Here’s the tricky part, we have to emulate the STO Stop. You have to map the nozzle controls (increase and decrease) to either your HOTAS or a keyboard command easy to reach with your left hand. This is easy to do via the Alternate Launcher. One way to do that is as shifted functions “under” the trim control on the stick. On the test rig every time the VTOL Inc control is hit, the nozzle posit. changes by 10 deg. If your’s is the same then just as you about to leave the deck, “bump it” 4 times to take you to 50 deg.
F) Hold about half back stick and get the gear up ASAP
G) From NATOPS"2. Set attitude
3. Nozzles — gradually rotate the nozzles aft. Nozzle rotation rate should enable the aircraft to maintain a slight climb. (Maintain a nozzle angle of 25° or greater while in STOL flaps)."
H) When in stable climb- Cruise/ STOL switch to cruise, nozzles to zero
And to follow, how to land the sucker on the Ship!
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I land in vtol mode.
Low fuel and no bombs -
I land in vtol mode.
Low fuel and no bombsExactly, Compadre . NATOPS straight up says do not attempt VTOL landings at high weight.
Plus, I was looking at the AV8’s 3dbut.dat and saw SimAltFlapsNorm -2.49529 1.218174 -2.894409 30 124 2
SimAltFlapsExtend -2.49529 1.218174 -2.894409 30 124 1
Do you think that’s the callbacks for the cruise/stol switch? I’d like to include the c/s switch into BMS-Full so we can map to HOTAS with AL, perhaps as a shifted function under our Hornet flaps -
_(cough, cough)_Please find the time to make some room in your PM boxes, fratello. (cough, cough)
Many tanks in advance and with best regards.
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_(cough, cough)_Please find the time to make some room in your PM boxes, fratello. (cough, cough)
Many tanks in advance and with best regards.
Your wish is my command…
Done.
FYI, I just sent you a pm, will be testing the Nam TE tonight -
Got it, thanks.
Oh, that awesome tank effect… 120mm. means so much, you know.
Beware of fuel management out there, fratello…
Good luck!
With best regards.
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Joe/Gianni, Smartaxe just sent me an Installer for you know what. Public release happens once I get it uploaded to my Mediafire Account. I sent you guys a pm about the next project sitting on my shelf.
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Joe/Gianni, Smartaxe just sent me an Installer for you know what. Public release happens once I get it uploaded to my Mediafire Account. I sent you guys a pm about the next project sitting on my shelf.
Hi, Compadre. Downloading now, than I’ll start testing
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Joe, your mailbox is full.
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Joe, your mailbox is full.
It isn’t now-lol. In fact , I just sent you a pm
All, Here’s the Update for today, from another thread…
You should definitely try the Harrier, and the Mafia Files contains a 4.35 jfs, etc. fix. Just launching is a challenge, and don’t even get me started on VTOL landings. That’s what makes BMS fun, right?
I’m currently floating an idea within the Mafia. In other threads we talked about whether having either austere stock pits or fully functional Viper (land-based jets) / Hornet (naval-based, except Harrier) . The response seemed to prefer the latter. I have asked our core group of theater Devs if that is something they would like the Mafia to do. The same has already been offered to the DEV’s. What do you think?
As for the Harrier, I/we will be giving it some love. Also, BTW, the F-35B is kind of a pet project, too.
I’ve also been thinking about the Harrier’s launch procedure I’ve come up with a “STO button emulator” using Voice Attack. in the BMS-Full keyfile, shift+. is nozzle angle increase. I made a VA command that enters that 4 times pressing and holding 0.1 sec. each, and mapped that to my HOTAS. It works. For experimentation, I set it up with the NATOPS 10 deg. at start of takeoff rule, yielding 50 deg. when you “hit the button”. But, it could easily be adapted to starting at zero deg. When I have some time to test, I’m going to try the various 0 or 10 at start and 50 or 60 leaving the ramp -
Joe/Gianni, Smartaxe just sent me an Installer for you know what. Public release happens once I get it uploaded to my Mediafire Account. I sent you guys a pm about the next project sitting on my shelf.
Done, dearest bro, thanks for having told me this.
Deeply sorry for having answered so late, I was a little busy.
With best regards.
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Good Day, All,
We have been asked to give “some Mafia Love” to the Harrier and the Tornado cockpits. I took a long look at them last night, and have some thoughts I’d like to share and get the Group’s views on.
Option One- Tweak the stock pits. I know this is what our friends really want, so that is the WIP. Both pits need help, even to ramp start. So, work will be continuing, and I hope we can achieve our goals. It will be time well spent, as it includes procedures I haven’t learned but want to. So, it will be fun( in my crazy kind of way). However, as it will entail “3-4 Mafia Weeks”, I thought I’d invest last night in other options.
And, so…
Option 2_ Voice Attack- Given our recent work with the Harrier’s “STO Button Emulator” in VA, I thought about taking it further. With the Alt. Launcher it’s easy to assign keyboard commands to a callback, and from there use VA. For example , both jets lack a jfs hotspot and other things needed to RAMP. So, say with AL you make jfs 2 shift+j in BMS-Full, then make a vocal command from that. I just did it with “Start 2” and it works.
This would get people who want the stock pit in the air.
Would it be of use to the Group if I were to tweak my VA profile to fix the missing hotspots, then share that profile?? It’s a personal preference thing, if you want to tweak your own profile, it’s fairly easy to do.
Option 3, otherwise known as “what I did last night”- Plug in the Viper/Horent Pits
The Tornado was easy to drop the Viper pit into, using Section VII of the Fighters Manual. The wing model you want to end up with is 1196. It would also work with Mafia Pit, if you like. Lately, I’ve kind of been doing Viper for land based/MP for naval.
It took a bit more work to put the MP in the Harrier due to the lack of hotspots for nozzle lever and cruise/STOL switch. But, thanks to Brother Axe Tech Mafia mAN(hereby immortalized as BATMAN), we got it done.
In the Mafia Files there is now a folder “4.35 AV8 with Mafia Pit” Put it’s contents into 4.35>data>your theater>art>ckpitart> av8 folder, replacing what is there.
What it does 1) Puts THE MP in
2) changes wingmodel to a functional 607 ( thanks again, Brother Axe. That was making my head hurt)
3) Adds-SimAltFlapsNorm -1.88413 1.198688 -2.041121 30 311 1
SimAltFlapsExtend -1.88413 1.198688 -2.041121 30 311 2
It turns out Cruise/STOL cockpit switch controls something BMS-Full calls Alternate Flaps( I haven’t checked if that’s what they’re called in the Harrier) The entry above puts it on the Flap switch hotspot in the MP(left click cruise/right click STOL). Don’t worry, the flaps still work in the F-18. One of my goals is to make a setup you can still use in different jets.
Nozzle posit. is easily set with AL. I have mine on Stick POV up/down for inc./dec. nozzle angle , with trim as shifted functions
I have our VA STO Emulator, mentioned previously, on Stick POV right. Of course, Noz. posit. and STO are purely personal preference. Have your own fun
Fortunately, the upper right corner display is still there to show Noz.posit. Also, Brother Stevie pointed out the Harrier doesn’t have LEF’s. But, the “LEF” value is actually showing the Alternate Flap extension. So, if it’s 0 deg. it’s in Cruise, and 21 deg. is STOL.
So all this in place, you’re good to go.
Also as previously mentioned, I was going to do some takeoff testing with the Harrier. I " killed 2 birds with one stone" and combined it with MP cockpit testing. I found that I could get consistent take offs at a GWT of 26811 and a loadout of full fuel,4 Mav G, and 2 AIM-120B. , using the following procedure…- Cruise/STOL to STOL.
- When given taxi clearance , slow your taxi forward when you get close to Spot 6. You want to be as far aft as possible and still have the Tower call you. At my TIr settings, the “6” on the spot was just at the top of my instrument panel. Practice helps.
- Nozzle to 10 deg. down. Cancel NWS. When given takeoff clearance, hold brakes HARD and advance to full throttle, releasing the brakes as soon as the jet overcomes them
- When you cross the “painted line” for landing spot 1, hit your STO button
- The moment ( as in have your hand on the gear switch/lever) you leave the deck, gear up and pull about 15 deg. nose up.
- Once in positive climb, start cycling nozzles aft.
- When at nozzle 30 deg and established in climb C/S to Cruise. ( PER NATOPS, do not go below 25 deg. in STOL Mode). Continue nozzles aft to zero
Give it a try, and let me know what you think
Today, I’m finally going to learn how to land the Harrier. :shock: Or die repeatedly trying. It’s been nice knowing you…