Community A-4E-C v1.4-beta-5

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 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-4

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 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-3

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 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-2

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 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 1

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.

Community A-4E-C Release v1.3.1

Hi everyone! We are releasing a new patch for the A-4E-C with some critical fixes and a number of new key bindings that have been requested by the community. This is not a major release with significant new features so we are naming it version 1.3.1. The primary fix in this patch is the new EDM 3D files which are required as of DCS Openbeta version 2.5.5. This is a required update for all versions post 2.5.5 which should eventually be required for the release version as well.

We have been working on some quality of life improvements such as additional key bindings and we have improved the function of the carrier catapult. Spawning on the carrier catapult will now automatically hook you into the catapult with no additional key presses.

Please take a look at the detailed changelog below for details. We hope you'll be able to take the A-4E to the skies once again and thank you for your support.

Calling for Testers

We are constantly looking for additional people who can help with functional testing and playtesting of the development builds of the A-4E-C. Due to the complex nature of the mod, the dev team isn't able to properly test every aspect of the mod and this has been pushing back our development time and release schedule.

We are looking for motivated individuals who are able to help perform functional testing when new features are added and playtesting when a release version is being built. We need individuals who are willing to file bug reports detailing the problem so that the devs can address the issues. Experience and knowledge of the A-4E while appreciated, is not a requirement. We need testers who could try to break the module with incorrect procedures as well. What is important is the willingness to learn the systems through the various documentation, the willingness to be procedural in testing, and filing bug reports in the issue tracker when bugs are found.

If you are interested in helping out, please get in contact with us through our discord channel.

Changelog: Version 1.3.1 - 17 June 2019

Added

• Added new quick start (instant action) missions (4 in Caucasus, 4 in Persian Gulf).
• New keybindings
  • Added "clickable cockpit" binding to mouse
  • Added AWRS keybinds
  • Added axis for white floodlights
  • Fixed lighting axis
  • Added APC keybinds
  • Added engine start/stop keybinds for joystick
  • Added View padlock bindings
  • Added BOMB ARM and BDHI keybinds
  • Added new incremental controls for lighting

Changed

• Corrected cockpit position with respect to external model (Gunsight alignment is slightly affected but the offset should be negligible)
• Aircraft will now be hooked into the catapult if spawned on the catapult.

Deprecated

• removed unused FC3 keybindings for HUD and HUD modes

Removed

• Some unused keybindings may be removed. Primarily leftover FC3 keybindings.

Fixed

• fixed floating nosegear
• Fixed init code where left wing tip nav light turns invisible when the master light switch is toggled at the start
• Updated anti-collision rotation angle to 180 degrees
• Fixed RWR initial volume to match volume position
• Added aggressor liveries to AUSAF
• Fixed condition where flaps indicator is invisible when power is not available
• replaced EDM8 files with EDM10 files as support for EDM8 was dropped with 2.5.5.31917
• updated theme to get loading image automatically loaded when A-4E-C is used

List of new keybindings

Mouse

• Clickable Mouse Cockpit Mode On/Off

Keyboard

• Lock view (cycle padlock)
• Unlock view (stop padlock)
• All missiles padlock
• Threat missile padlock
• Lock terrain view
• AWRS: Toggle multiplier
• AWRS: Quantity select increase
• AWRS: Quantity select decrease
• AWRS: Mode Select CCW
• AWRS: Mode Select CW
• APC: Power - OFF
• APC: Power - Stby
• APC: Power - Engage
• APC: Temp - Cold
• APC: Temp - Std
• APC: Temp - Hot
• BDHI - NAV CMPTR
• BDHI - TACAN
• BDHI - NAV PAC
• BOMB ARM - NOSE & TAIL
• BOMB ARM - OFF
• BOMB ARM - TAIL
• Function Selector: OFF
• Function Selector: ROCKETS
• Function Selector: GM UNARM
• Function Selector: SPRAY TANK
• Function Selector: LABS
• Function Selector: BOMBS & GM ARM
• Interior Lights: White Floodlight Increase
• Interior Lights: White Floodlight Decrease
• Interior Lights: Instrument Lights Increase
• Interior Lights: Instrument Lights Decrease
• Interior Lights: Console Lights Increase
• Interior Lights: Console Lights Decrease

Joystick

• Lock view (cycle padlock)
• Unlock view (stop padlock)
• All missiles padlock
• Threat missile padlock
• Lock terrain view
• Engine Start
• Engine Stop
• AWRS: Toggle multiplier
• AWRS: Quantity select increase
• AWRS: Quantity select decrease
• AWRS: Mode Select CCW
• AWRS: Mode Select CW
• APC: Power - OFF
• APC: Power - Stby
• APC: Power - Engage
• APC: Temp - Cold
• APC: Temp - Std
• APC: Temp - Hot
• APC: Power - STBY/OFF
• APC: Power - STBY/ENGAGE
• APC: Temp - STD/COLD
• APC: Temp - STD/HOT
• BDHI - NAV CMPTR
• BDHI - TACAN
• BDHI - NAV PAC
• BDHI - TACAN/NAV CMPTR
• BDHI - TACAN/NAV PAC
• BOMB ARM - NOSE & TAIL
• BOMB ARM - OFF
• BOMB ARM - TAIL
• BOMB ARM - OFF/NOSE & TAIL
• BOMB ARM - OFF/TAIL
• Function Selector: OFF
• Function Selector: ROCKETS
• Function Selector: GM UNARM
• Function Selector: SPRAY TANK
• Function Selector: LABS
• Function Selector: BOMBS & GM ARM
• Interior Lights: White Floodlight Increase
• Interior Lights: White Floodlight Decrease
• Interior Lights: Instrument Lights Increase
• Interior Lights: Instrument Lights Decrease
• Interior Lights: Console Lights Increase
• Interior Lights: Console Lights Decrease

Joystick Axis

• Lighting: Instrument
• Lighting: Console
• Lighting: White Flood
• AWRS Drop Interval

Community A-4E-C Release v1.3

Hello everyone! Today we have a very big announcement for you all. Today we’re releasing the biggest content update to date, bringing with it much requested features and bug fixes. A new carrier mechanic, new RWR system, and enhanced Shrike systems are just a few of the big changes dropping in Version 1.3 of the A-4E-C.

We’d like to thank the incredible work of two newcomers who have been responsible for nearly all of these new features; Heclak and Nero. Together, they’ve brought with them an immense amount of enthusiasm and coding skill to this project, resulting in the new content you’ll see in 1.3. The amount of work they put into this mod truly shows, and we hope you’ll enjoy that work as much as we do.

Top New Features:

• New carrier catapult mechanic
• New RWR System, complete with originally produced sounds
• Aircraft chocks now available, allowing carrier cold starts
• Enhanced Shrike Usage, with originally produced sounds
• Reworked Internal Lighting
• New Menu Music by Eric Haugen (Thanks!)

Top Bugfixes:

• New collision Mesh (Hitbox), aircraft no longer invincible
• Huffer now works on carriers
• Fixed TrackIR issues

Project Roadmap:

Going forward, there are a few features on the horizon that we look forward to development. Check out these sneak peeks at what comes next.

Visible Damage Modelling and Texturing - Fixing the collision mesh, which calculates damage taken from weapons, is just the first step in much bigger plans we have for damage modelling on the A-4E-C. Our current model does not yet have visible damage animations, something we’d greatly like to fix. Our focus will be turning to this very big feature as we head into summer.

Additional RWR Options - In real life, the A-4 was an incredibly modified aircraft, with no two squadrons operating identical aircraft in US service. Systems were mixed and match to fit the mission sets and preferences of each squadron. For our mod, we hope to introduce a greater degree of options when it comes to the RWR, whose functionality varied wildly based upon the systems used in it.

Integrity Check Issues – Multiplayer compatibility is a serious issue in the mod, and one of our most requested fixes. We’re working to resolve these fixes going forward, however we can make no promises due to the nature of the mod. The scope of our mod is much greater than others, with many points of failure with IC. We’ll continue our eternal struggle with it going into the next patch.

The features are expected to be released in a Late Summer 2019 Update. Stay tuned for more!

Full Changelog – Community A-4E-C Version 1.3

Contributors:

• Heclak
• Nero
• Merker
• Plusnine
• LevelPulse
• Storm (AIM-9P Fixes)

New Features:

• Chocks now hold aircraft in place, selectable via Ground Crew Interface. Carrier starts now possible.
• RwR now integrated. Including sounds.(AN/APR-23)
• A-4E can now be launched with the catapult. (see the A4E-Community Guide for details)
• Carriers can now have TACAN and ILS. (see the A4E-Community Guide for details)
• Reworked AWRS for more accurate system simulation
• Added joystick mapping axis for inst light and console light.
• Lights inside cockpit reworked. Now “Combat Red”
• Reworked CBUs release code for more accurate simulation
• New option to change trim speed in aircraft options menu
• New implementation of the AN/ALE-29A Chaff Dispensing System.
• New mission planner options for setting options for the AN/ALE-29A programmer
• New shrike search and lock system added. Behavior is similar to AIM-9 Sidewinders arming procedure.
• New volume control for shrike and sidewinder volume (placeholder model)
• Added carrier catapult launch sounds (cockpit-only)
• New menu music by Eric Haugen
• Completely new collision and damage model. Fixes previous damage issues.
• Wheel brakes can now be bound to a (single) Axis.
• Improved ground handling
• Options/special/A-4E: several options have been added like "hide Stick" and "trimspeed"

Bug Fixes:

• Fully functional collision mesh
• Red floodlight switch no longer stuck.
• No CTD when spawning on carrier.
• Fixed canopy visibility in cockpit when open.
• CBU visibility has been fixed.
• Huffer now works on carriers.
• Standby compass bug fixed. UV mapping of backlight rotated 180 degrees.
• Fixed RAT animation when deployed
• Fixed CBU bomblet visual placement in SUU-7 dispenser
• Fixed issue where turning a knob with the scroll wheel will cause it to jump back to the beginning when it reaches the end.
• Tweaked weight of SUU-7 dispenser
• Fixed anti-collision light switch on exterior lighting panel
• Fixed TrackIR issues

Other Changes:

• Console and Instrument Backlighting now controlled by appropriate knobs.
• AWRS now selects appropriate ripple quantities.
• Increased Pilot Size to reflect reference imagery.
• Updated keybinding. Countermeasures release is now known as the JATO firing button. Function is the same.

Weapon Systems:

• SALVO mode will now correctly only dispense one weapon from each readied station per weapon release pulse from AWRSAWRS QTY SEL will now correctly limit the number of times the weapons are released in the RIPPLE modes.
• AWE-1(AWRS) now powered from the monitor dc bus. Master arm switch no longer turns off the AWE-1
• Weapons will no longer be released from centerline station when in STEP PAIRS or RIPPLE PAIRS
• Station of equal priority are now required for weapon release in PAIRS modes.
• CBU bomblets are now released in tubes (CBU-1/A, CBU-2/A, CBU-2/B)
• Added kneeboard page for CBU config to change the number of tubes of bomblets released per weapon pulse. (CBU-2/A, CBU-2B/A)
• Added options to set CBU config from the mission planner/editor
• Tweaked start condition of weapon system when spawning hot

Important:

You need to rebind your "Throttle Axis" and "Rudder Axis".
Read the A4E-Community Guide by heclak to avoid issues with the new carrier mechanics.

As always, happy flying from the Community A-4E-C Dev Team!