| Flanker 2.0
By Leonard "Viking1" Hjalmarson
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Su 27 has a reputation as a military simulator that is unique in its class. In short, its flight modelling has been second to none, and weapons modelling and AI have been up there with the very best.
With the version 1.5 revision, AI achieved new heights. Enemy aircraft became much more aggressive and more intelligent in their tactics. A pilot who attempts 1V2 will have a difficult time as the enemy perform a bracket. Enemy AI is dedicated to keeping you away from their base … at all costs. ACM manouvers are diverse, unpredictable, and appropriate.
Version 1.5 also added an extended Mission Editor allowing single missions over several days. Known as the "Complex Long Mission" or CLM, up to 100 day missions became possible. The potential is truly incredible, especially for extended LAN sessions. And LAN play, btw, is where SU27 has had a particular shine: with a dedicated server and an AWACS view multiplayer action is quite spectacular. The AWACS or F10 view gives you information by clicking on the desired item: including plane type, altitude, speed etc. So whats all the hype about version two? Simple! Put some very solid multiplayer action together with great flight avionics and weapons modelling, toss in new textured mapped terrain based on de-classified data from Russian satellite imaging, and a dynamic campaign system, improve the avionics and AI even further.... presto! A new and completely state of the art sim!
Flanker 2.0 will feature a fully dynamic campaign system plus a mission editor/generator. If you like to create your own missions to share or fly with friends, you can continue to do so. If you want to fly in an unpredictable campaign under standard military doctrine a la F4 and imf22, you'll have it. In fact flexibility seems to be the name of the game in 2.0. SSI intends to offer choices in realism this time around. Padlock choices will be in place, as well as choices in avionics options. This will mean flight modelling superior to 1.5 at the high end, but selectable to a simplified model for beginners. The simplified options will likely extend to radar and targetting as well.
The shots included here are taken from a system running 3d hardware. All shots were taken at 800x600 and 32,000 colors. The sim will also run at decent rates without 3d hardware, and in fact is being designed to reach down to the low end Pentium system at 640x480 in 256 colors. Detail levels will be selectable along a number of axes, allowing users to configure according to installed hardware and the frame rate they consider best. Will there be VOX support in SU27? No clear answers are available yet, but given that network play is rock solid and the sim will run under 3d hardware, freeing the CPU for other tasks, its possible that in sim comms will be beefed up to allow real time voice. However, if the goal is to allow a broader network with more players VOX support may not make it.
Not long ago we interview the managing Director and here are some excerpts: Csim: What are the design goals for SU 27 2.0? Nick: The main objectives are:
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Csim: What other AI aircraft and weapons systems will we see in Flanker 2? Nick: Planes: Su-33, F-14 Tomcat, Tornado F.2, Su-30, F/A-18 Hornet, A-10 Thunderbolt, Tu-160 Blackjack, B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, E-3 Sentry, IL-78 Midas, KC-10 Extender, C-130 Hercules, Tu-143, Tu-141 Ships: Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, Komsomoletc Ukraine frigate, Nikolaev frigate Other: BTR-70 vehicle, BRDM-2, Maz-543 Fire car, Maz-543 Smerch, Maz-543 (bereg. gun) Maz-543 (bereg. command), Maz-543TZ, UAZ-469, Ural-375, Ural (ATMZ-5), Ural (ATZ-10), Ural (VM-21-40), Ural-command, Ural-APA, Zil-135 Uragan, Zil-135 Reis, Carrier car. Csim: What can we expect in terms of resolution options and detail options?
Nick: 640 X 480, 800 X 600 with full texturing and up to 1024x768 using the gourad/flat shaded options for those with limited hardware or this kind of preference. Color depths up to 24 bit if the user prefers. Light source shading and dynamic lighting will both be present with 3d cards. Csim: Tll us more about the AI for the computer driven aircraft. Is the AI identical to 1.5? Nick: No, much improved, increased integration cycles and smooter decision model. You'll find that the enemy in 2.0 will react in a logical and decisive manner. If you set the AI to the top difficulty then you'll experience a very realistic fight, although they will also make mistakes that you can take advantage of if you're watching! Target date for release is Q3, 1998.
Csim: We've seen some great mission planners. What has been your model for Flanker 2? What kinds of features will we see? Nick: We have aimed for both more powerful and more realistic than F16FF. The editor will have the functionality of the previous one and functions will also be greatly enhanced. Most of the ideas and improvements have come from feedback from our customers and from the Flanker mailing list. This info has been invaluable and many will be happy to see that their ideas and comments have been heard. Csim: Will we see a wind model in the sim? Nick: Clouds and wind both. Csim: What kind of AWACS interaction will we see? What kind of control options will be possible from the Theatre Commander? Nick: We are using a live command model. Details are under wraps for the moment. Csim: Integration of the ground war with the air war adds a lot of depth to the newer simulations. What approach have you taken in this area? Nick: We are developing the platform for an integrated digital battlefield. Things will be getting much more involved as tanks, helicopters and ships come on line.
Csim: I understand that a MiG add on is already in the works. What can you tell us about it? Nick: You will see dissimilar combat coming to this digital battlefield. Sounds to me like a REAL TIME dynamic campaign system may be in the works! Combine this with Dissimilar air to air combat against human opponents and Flanker 2 becomes a rival for Falcon 4! Go to the E3 Flanker 2.0 update
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