Community A-4E-C v1.4.1-beta-2

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs and not suitable for general use. This patch focuses on light fixes required by the lighting changes in DCS 2.5.6.50321.

IMPORTANT: As we are trying to avoid bloating the Git repo, I've attached the updated texture zip files below and will only be committed at the release candidate stage. Please download the texture zip and replace the one in the distribution

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

Changes in beta 2

• updated textures for annunciators and gear lever
• updated brightness values

Changes in beta 1

Added

• added dimming wheel on the angle of attack indexer
• ladder lights will now dim when INST LIGHT knob is in any position other than the OFF position for night operations
• glareshield lights will now dim when INST LIGHT knob is turned up past the first 20% (approximately)

Changed

• changed warning lights to use additive_self_illuminated shader as transparent_self_illum has been deprecated in DCS 2.5.6.50321
• updated brightness range for the gunsight
• updated cockpit lighting brightness for DCS lighting changes
• gunsight brightness is now a logarithmic function to allow for better brightness control

Deprecated

Removed

• removed payload option to load incomplete buddy pod

Fixed

• fixed clickspots on throttle where they do not track the position of the throttle
• fixed incorrect spelling for TRIMMER SWITCH - LEFT WING DOWN

Community A-4E-C v1.4.1-beta-1

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs and not suitable for general use. This patch focuses on light fixes required by the lighting changes in DCS 2.5.6.50321.

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

Note for beta 12: This version should pass IC pure models checks. Please provide feedback if any other files are causing IC fails.

Changes in beta 1

Added

• added dimming wheel on angle of attack indexer
• ladder lights will now dim when INST LIGHT knob is in any position other than the OFF position for night operations
• glareshield lights will now dim when INST LIGHT knob is turned up past the first 20% (approximately)

Changed

• changed warning lights to use additive_self_illuminated shader as transparent_self_illum has been deprecated in DCS 2.5.6.50321
• updated brightness range for the gunsight
• updated cockpit lighting brightness for DCS lighting changes
• gunsight brightness is now a logarithmic function to allow for better brightness control

Deprecated

Removed

• removed payload option to load incomplete buddy pod

Fixed

• fixed clickspots on throttle where they do not track the position of the throttle
• fixed incorrect spelling for TRIMMER SWITCH - LEFT WING DOWN

Community A-4E-C v1.4

Hello, DCS pilots! I’m Heclak and I’m one of the Community A-4E developers. Plusnine and I would like to thank everyone in the community for your amazing support and your patience for the project. We love seeing your liveries, videos, screenshots, and posts for the Community A-4E. The last version of the plane garnered over 15,000 downloads, so we would like to first thank you for trying the module out! We would also like to thank the testers and other community members who have donated time and effort to test and give user feedback over the past few months on Discord: Your issues and bug confirmation and reproduction have been invaluable!.

Version 1.4 Update

Version 1.4 is available today and marks another milestone in the Community A-4E project. This new version brings a ton of fixes and new upgrades to the A-4E. There’s too much to get in with just one short video, but I will highlight some of the biggest changes since the last version and check out the video description for the link to the full changelog.

The external model is one of the featured changes in the 1.4 update. Improved roughmet maps for matte, semi-gloss, gloss and ultra-gloss finishes have been assigned across the existing and new paints for this aircraft. Several improvements to trouble spots on the exterior have been fixed, and new details added. If you produced liveries for previous releases, make sure you grab the updated paint kit and update your work. Several new liveries have been included in this release, as well.

The aircraft’s external and internal lighting has been completely revamped, and the refuelling probe light has been added. The aircraft’s taxi lights and headlamp lights now illuminate the surrounding area, and the cockpit lighting has been improved to remove cockpit glare and adds new effects, like this soft glow emanating from the radar screen.

Several panels in the cockpit have been remodeled and retextured to both be more accurate, and also easier to read and use. Some of the remodeled panels have not yet had their systems coded but finishing these models and animations are the first steps toward adding these features.

The aircraft’s systems are now more accurately simulated: the engine, hydraulics, and electrical systems have all had their dependencies reviewed for accuracy. This allows for better simulation of emergency procedures when the engine is damaged, or when the pilot’s fuel tanks are empty. You’ll need to know which systems can operate on emergency power to safely get your aircraft on the ground. As we improve the damage model and add visual feedback to it in future versions, this vital groundwork will become more visible and additional details to models and textures will be completed.

We’ve made some significant changes to make long-term missions on carriers easier for users. Once you are hooked in, you can cancel or launch, even if you aren’t perfectly aligned to the catapult. We’re still working to find ways we can improve the carrier launch experience.

Another significant change is a complete rewrite of the aircraft input bindings. In previous versions, many bindings were incorrect, unimplemented or had confusing or duplicate entries. We’ve gone through all bindings, cleaned them up, and added a host of new ones that allow you to use their favorite hardware to better control the A-4E. Thanks again to all the testers for helping us add and review all these new input options!

Updating Your A-4E Install

Because of all these changes to the inputs, if you’re upgrading from previous versions of the module, you will need to delete your old bindings before using the new version and rebind all the controls for the aircraft.
We weren’t able to address all the A-4E’s issues in this patch, but we are glad to have achieved what we have with our limited time and resources. Here are a few quality of life improvements to the module: a new navigation log page is available in the kneeboard, which lists the coordinates of the waypoints created in the mission editor. We’ve made compatibility fixes with the new rendering system in DCS World 2.5.6. New clickable interactions for the aircraft’s mirrors, and the ability to hide the control stick. You can now wear NVGs and fuel dumping has been enabled. A new set of default bindings for gamepads are included, as are a wider selection of quick-start missions across all of DCS World’s available maps.

Our New Project Page

Our new Project Page includes all the important information about this release, including the changelog, and upgrade and vital installation instructions. https://heclak.github.io/community-a4e-c/

What's Next

We’ve also begun developing tutorials and missions to include in future updates submitted by the community. If you’re interested in participating or think you have any other skills to offer the project, join the Community A-4E Discord server and introduce yourself!

For new and old users of the A-4E alike, I’ll be releasing videos that explain some of the systems of the aircraft, including some developer perspectives, and shine some light on the lesser-known functions of this aircraft. Make sure you subscribe to this channel to receive updates.

Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy version 1.4 of the Community A-4E. We’ll see you in the virtual skies!

Version 1.4 Changelog: Featured Items

• Updated carrier launch procedures to support more carriers (DCS:Supercarrier workarounds included)
• More catapult launch options. Configuration for catapult behavior added to module options in the DCS main menu. From the DCS World main menu, see Options > Special > A-4E-C
• Updated cockpit model, interior and exterior lighting
• Updated collision model, critical damage, and IR profile
• Improved systems modeling
• Added SRS functionality to radio
• Complete rewrite of inputs to accommodate additional input scenarios
• Updated and added new liveries and RoughMet maps
• Added new Instant Action missions
• Removed AN-30, AN-57, and AN-65 models and textures (official versions of these munitions are now provided by DCS World)
• Lots and lots of bug fixes

See full changelog

Community A-4E-C v1.4-beta-12

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs as there have been very significant changes to the code, especially with key bindings. It is expected that you will need to rebind all your controls as there has been a major rewrite of all the input binding files. If the beta goes well, we will compile a release version.

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

Note for beta 12: This version should pass IC pure models checks. Please provide feedback if any other files are causing IC fails.

Changes in beta 12

• removed AN-M30, AN-M57, and AN-M65 from distribution
• updated module to use AN-M30, AN-M57, and AN-M65 from DCS Core
• updated weapon payloads to use newer TER model
• added payload options for 2 x AN-M57A1 and 3 x AN-M57A1 using the TER
• reverted glare shield THREAT light back to original IFF light. SAM and RADAR warns are available from ECM panel

Changes in beta 11

• turbine fan blur material changed to be opaque to fix rendering issues
• fixed turbine fan blade animation for player aircraft in single-player and multiplayer

Changes in beta 10

• updated default binding diff files with previous naming changes
• fixed issue in beta 9 where the Wheelbrake - ON/OFF was not working
• added engine exhaust smoke
• fixed issue where the compressor fan will not spin with AI and multiplayer

Changes in beta 9

• fix: removed message for shooter countdown cancelled when using the catapult for the second time.
• refactor: renamed wheel brake axis and commands
• fix: fixed incorrect TAXI light switch binding
• fix: added categories to axis bindings
• refactor: removed unused binding from mouse
• feat: added ability to map two axises to the brake axis. Both axis still functions as one combined brake axis and does not perform differential braking.
• refactor: tweaked code and timings for catapult salute
• fix: add net animation for engine fan blade

Changes in beta 8

• fixed issue where ECM panel can operate without power
• added option to choose between MIL Power or Manual catapult launch
• added feature to salute the shooter for the catapult launch
• fixed normal on the top surface of spoilers

Changes in beta 7

• fixed incorrect export of external model in beta 6 where the shrike adapters are missing

Changes in beta 6

• BAE livery tail bort update
• fixed issue with pylons for AI and multiplayer.
• minor uv fixes for pylons
• canopy glass material fixed.
• added animated brake pedals to the cockpit
• tweaked radar warning annunciator lamp brightness for DCS World 2.5.6
• renamed radio in mission editor to ARC-51A

Changes in beta 5

• updates to some liveries
• removed unused RWR option in A-4E options panel
• added ability to remove ECM control panel via the mission editor
• renamed tooltips on ASN-41 for clarity

Changes in beta 4

• added navigation log to second page of the kneeboard
• modified build system to exclude the root folder in the zip file

Changes in beta 3

• fixed issue where the 3D cockpit was not loading

Changes in beta 2

• feat(FM): tweaked carrier code and FM to allow catapult launches from Sao Paulo A12 and Charles de Gaulle carriers
• fix(systems): changed brightness of lights to match lighting changes in 2.5.6
• fix(systems): fixed issue where probe light is not connected to the master exterior light switch

Community A-4E-C v1.4-beta-11

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs as there have been very significant changes to the code, especially with key bindings. It is expected that you will need to rebind all your controls as there has been a major rewrite of all the input binding files. If the beta goes well, we will compile a release version.

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

Changes in beta 11

• turbine fan blur material changed to be opaque to fix rendering issues
• fixed turbine fan blade animation for player aircraft in single-player and multiplayer

Changes in beta 10

• updated default binding diff files with previous naming changes
• fixed issue in beta 9 where the Wheelbrake - ON/OFF was not working
• added engine exhaust smoke
• fixed issue where the compressor fan will not spin with AI and multiplayer

Changes in beta 9

• fix: removed message for shooter countdown cancelled when using the catapult for the second time.
• refactor: renamed wheel brake axis and commands
• fix: fixed incorrect TAXI light switch binding
• fix: added categories to axis bindings
• refactor: removed unused binding from mouse
• feat: added ability to map two axises to the brake axis. Both axis still function as one combined brake axis and does not perform differential braking.
• refactor: tweaked code and timings for catapult salute
• fix: add net animation for engine fan blade

Changes in beta 8

• fixed issue where ECM panel can operate without power
• added option to choose between MIL Power or Manual catapult launch
• added feature to salute the shooter for the catapult launch
• fixed normal on the top surface of spoilers

Changes in beta 7

• fixed incorrect export of external model in beta 6 where the shrike adapters are missing

Changes in beta 6

• BAE livery tail bort update
• fixed issue with pylons for AI and multiplayer.
• minor uv fixes for pylons
• canopy glass material fixed.
• added animated brake pedals to the cockpit
• tweaked radar warning annunciator lamp brightness for DCS World 2.5.6
• renamed radio in mission editor to ARC-51A

Changes in beta 5

• updates to some liveries
• removed unused RWR option in A-4E options panel
• added ability to remove ECM control panel via the mission editor
• renamed tooltips on ASN-41 for clarity

Changes in beta 4

• added navigation log to second page of the kneeboard
• modified build system to exclude the root folder in the zip file

Changes in beta 3

• fixed issue where the 3D cockpit was not loading

Changes in beta 2

• feat(FM): tweaked carrier code and FM to allow catapult launches from Sao Paulo A12 and Charles de Gaulle carriers
• fix(systems): changed brightness of lights to match lighting changes in 2.5.6
• fix(systems): fixed issue where probe light is not connected to the master exterior light switch

Community A-4E-C v1.4-beta-10

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs as there have been very significant changes to the code, especially with key bindings. It is expected that you will need to rebind all your controls as there has been a major rewrite of all the input binding files. If the beta goes well, we will compile a release version.

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

Changes in beta 10

• updated default binding diff files with previous naming changes
• fixed issue in beta 9 where the Wheelbrake - ON/OFF was not working
• added engine exhaust smoke
• fixed issue where the compressor fan will not spin with AI and multiplayer

Changes in beta 9

• fix: removed message for shooter countdown cancelled when using the catapult for the second time.
• refactor: renamed wheel brake axis and commands
• fix: fixed incorrect TAXI light switch binding
• fix: added categories to axis bindings
• refactor: removed unused binding from mouse
• feat: added ability to map two axises to the brake axis. Both axis still function as one combined brake axis and does not perform differential braking.
• refactor: tweaked code and timings for catapult salute
• fix: add net animation for engine fan blade

Changes in beta 8

• fixed issue where ECM panel can operate without power
• added option to choose between MIL Power or Manual catapult launch
• added feature to salute the shooter for the catapult launch
• fixed normal on the top surface of spoilers

Changes in beta 7

• fixed incorrect export of external model in beta 6 where the shrike adapters are missing

Changes in beta 6

• BAE livery tail bort update
• fixed issue with pylons for AI and multiplayer.
• minor uv fixes for pylons
• canopy glass material fixed.
• added animated brake pedals to the cockpit
• tweaked radar warning annunciator lamp brightness for DCS World 2.5.6
• renamed radio in mission editor to ARC-51A

Changes in beta 5

• updates to some liveries
• removed unused RWR option in A-4E options panel
• added ability to remove ECM control panel via the mission editor
• renamed tooltips on ASN-41 for clarity

Changes in beta 4

• added navigation log to second page of the kneeboard
• modified build system to exclude the root folder in the zip file

Changes in beta 3

• fixed issue where the 3D cockpit was not loading

Changes in beta 2

• feat(FM): tweaked carrier code and FM to allow catapult launches from Sao Paulo A12 and Charles de Gaulle carriers
• fix(systems): changed brightness of lights to match lighting changes in 2.5.6
• fix(systems): fixed issue where probe light is not connected to the master exterior light switch

Community A-4E-C v1.4-beta-9

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs as there have been very significant changes to the code, especially with key bindings. It is expected that you will need to rebind all your controls as there has been a major rewrite of all the input binding files. If the beta goes well, we will compile a release version.

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

there is a bug in this build where the brakes are not working correctly. Please download the attached fix file and replace it in your download. I'll include the fix in the next build

Changes in beta 9

• fix: removed message for shooter countdown cancelled when using the catapult for the second time.
• refactor: renamed wheel brake axis and commands
• fix: fixed incorrect TAXI light switch binding
• fix: added categories to axis bindings
• refactor: removed unused binding from mouse
• feat: added ability to map two axises to the brake axis. Both axis still function as one combined brake axis and does not perform differential braking.
• refactor: tweaked code and timings for catapult salute
• fix: add net animation for engine fan blade

Changes in beta 8

• fixed issue where ECM panel can operate without power
• added option to choose between MIL Power or Manual catapult launch
• added feature to salute the shooter for the catapult launch
• fixed normal on the top surface of spoilers

Changes in beta 7

• fixed incorrect export of external model in beta 6 where the shrike adapters are missing

Changes in beta 6

• BAE livery tail bort update
• fixed issue with pylons for AI and multiplayer.
• minor uv fixes for pylons
• canopy glass material fixed.
• added animated brake pedals to the cockpit
• tweaked radar warning annunciator lamp brightness for DCS World 2.5.6
• renamed radio in mission editor to ARC-51A

Changes in beta 5

• updates to some liveries
• removed unused RWR option in A-4E options panel
• added ability to remove ECM control panel via the mission editor
• renamed tooltips on ASN-41 for clarity

Changes in beta 4

• added navigation log to second page of the kneeboard
• modified build system to exclude the root folder in the zip file

Changes in beta 3

• fixed issue where the 3D cockpit was not loading

Changes in beta 2

• feat(FM): tweaked carrier code and FM to allow catapult launches from Sao Paulo A12 and Charles de Gaulle carriers
• fix(systems): changed brightness of lights to match lighting changes in 2.5.6
• fix(systems): fixed issue where probe light is not connected to the master exterior light switch

Community A-4E-C v1.4-beta-8

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs as there have been very significant changes to the code, especially with key bindings. It is expected that you will need to rebind all your controls as there has been a major rewrite of all the input binding files. If the beta goes well, we will compile a release version.

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

Changes in beta 8

• fixed issue where ECM panel can operate without power
• added option to choose between MIL Power or Manual catapult launch
• added feature to salute the shooter for the catapult launch
• fixed normal on the top surface of spoilers

Changes in beta 7

• fixed incorrect export of external model in beta 6 where the shrike adapters are missing

Changes in beta 6

• BAE livery tail bort update
• fixed issue with pylons for AI and multiplayer.
• minor uv fixes for pylons
• canopy glass material fixed.
• added animated brake pedals to the cockpit
• tweaked radar warning annunciator lamp brightness for DCS World 2.5.6
• renamed radio in mission editor to ARC-51A

Changes in beta 5

• updates to some liveries
• removed unused RWR option in A-4E options panel
• added ability to remove ECM control panel via the mission editor
• renamed tooltips on ASN-41 for clarity

Changes in beta 4

• added navigation log to second page of the kneeboard
• modified build system to exclude the root folder in the zip file

Changes in beta 3

• fixed issue where the 3D cockpit was not loading

Changes in beta 2

• feat(FM): tweaked carrier code and FM to allow catapult launches from Sao Paulo A12 and Charles de Gaulle carriers
• fix(systems): changed brightness of lights to match lighting changes in 2.5.6
• fix(systems): fixed issue where probe light is not connected to the master exterior light switch

Community A-4E-C v1.4-beta-7

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs as there have been very significant changes to the code, especially with key bindings. It is expected that you will need to rebind all your controls as there has been a major rewrite of all the input binding files. If the beta goes well, we will compile a release version.

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

Changes in beta 7

• fixed incorrect export of external model in beta 6 where the shrike adapters are missing

Changes in beta 6

• BAE livery tail bort update
• fixed issue with pylons for AI and multiplayer.
• minor uv fixes for pylons
• canopy glass material fixed.
• added animated brake pedals to the cockpit
• tweaked radar warning annunciator lamp brightness for DCS World 2.5.6
• renamed radio in mission editor to ARC-51A

Changes in beta 5

• updates to some liveries
• removed unused RWR option in A-4E options panel
• added ability to remove ECM control panel via the mission editor
• renamed tooltips on ASN-41 for clarity

Changes in beta 4

• added navigation log to second page of the kneeboard
• modified build system to exclude the root folder in the zip file

Changes in beta 3

• fixed issue where the 3D cockpit was not loading

Changes in beta 2

• feat(FM): tweaked carrier code and FM to allow catapult launches from Sao Paulo A12 and Charles de Gaulle carriers
• fix(systems): changed brightness of lights to match lighting changes in 2.5.6
• fix(systems): fixed issue where probe light is not connected to the master exterior light switch

Community A-4E-C v1.4-beta-6

Hi everyone,
This is a beta release for testing only. It is expected to have bugs as there have been very significant changes to the code, especially with key bindings. It is expected that you will need to rebind all your controls as there has been a major rewrite of all the input binding files. If the beta goes well, we will compile a release version.

Please review the changelog before conducting your tests.

If you find any outstanding issues, please file a report on our issue tracker so that we can handle it.

Join us on Discord to discuss the module.

Note: This build was created using an automated build system. Please test with this distributable so we can check if there are any issues with this build system.

Changes in beta 6

• BAE livery tail bort update
• fixed issue with pylons for AI and multiplayer.
• minor uv fixes for pylons
• canopy glass material fixed.
• added animated brake pedals to the cockpit
• tweaked radar warning annunciator lamp brightness for DCS World 2.5.6
• renamed radio in mission editor to ARC-51A

Changes in beta 5

• updates to some liveries
• removed unused RWR option in A-4E options panel
• added ability to remove ECM control panel via the mission editor
• renamed tooltips on ASN-41 for clarity

Changes in beta 4

• added navigation log to second page of the kneeboard
• modified build system to exclude the root folder in the zip file

Changes in beta 3

• fixed issue where the 3D cockpit was not loading

Changes in beta 2

• feat(FM): tweaked carrier code and FM to allow catapult launches from Sao Paulo A12 and Charles de Gaulle carriers
• fix(systems): changed brightness of lights to match lighting changes in 2.5.6
• fix(systems): fixed issue where probe light is not connected to the master exterior light switch