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Sunday, December 19, 1999
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New @ COMBATSIM.COM
- Feature: MiG Alley - Spring Offensive
Successful B-29 strikes on Seoul, Pyongyang and Seoul again. The morning strike was the same as every other SO I've played. Attack those damn airfields- Kimpo and Seoul, split B-29's evenly to each target, a huge furball with 48 Sabres and Stars against 40 MiGs. No contest as the good guys won 35-3. Three Forts also lost, however.
- Interview - Enemy Engaged: Comanche vs. Hokum
Some time back Razorworks released Apache-Havoc, simulating the AH-64 Apache/Mi-28 Havoc combination. Now the interoperable simulation of the Comanche-Hokum duo will soon follow.
Interview with MasterFung
- Our own Bubba "MasterFung" Wolford was recently interviewed by the folks at 3dfx Gamer. Check it out. Not only will you get to know Bubba a little better but many of the questions are quite humorous to say the least. Click HERE to go directly to the interview.
COMBATSIM.COM Welcomes Two New Writers
- Kurt Giesselman
Kurt has written reviews for the Home Theater industry including reviews of equipment (hardware) and software (movies). He also writes for two online magazines including Audiophile Audition and SMR Home Theater.
Kurt is primarily a flight simmer. He is a Falcon beta tester and also a naval simulation fan. Silent Hunter and AOD remain two of his favorites.
- Michael Kovacs
Mike has been pursuing a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry at UBC in Vancouver since Sept 1996. In addition to the skills necessary to be a synthetic chemist, his work involves a large amount of library research and writing, granting him the objectivity necessary to a solid reviewer.
Mike's earliest foray into the world of simulation was F-15 Strike Eagle on the Commodore 64. He also had some stick time with Falcon3 on his friend's brand new 286 16MHz with math co processor.
Jane's Longbow was his next love, and he bought Longbow 2 shortly after. Then came Jane's F-15... Finally Mike was was able to fly a Strike Eagle like in the old commodore days but with longbow 2 quality graphics and avionics. He flew F15 non-stop until European Air War came out in December.
When v. 1.07 of F4 arrived Mike had his first taste of online multiplayer flying; and when it worked it was amazing! On the advice of one of his squadronmates in JG11 he joined the 16th Flying Tigers in August 1999.
Voodoo3 3000/2000 Drivers
- Version 1.03.05 includes an updated OpenGL ICD, Intel CPU bugs fixed, and some game bugs fixed. It's for Windows 9X and requires DirectX 7.0. Click here to download from 3DFiles.com
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Friday, December 17, 1999
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New @ COMBATSIM.COM
Falcon 4.0 1.0.8 FAQ
- The Falcon 4.0 1.08 FAQ which was produced by the iBeta team has been updated to version 1.3 (12-15-1999). Recent updates inlclude:
- 14 - HARM Accuracy Issue Identified (New 12-13-1999)
- 15 - Dogfight Mode Crash to Desktop Workaround (New 12-13-1999)
- 16 - Object Repair (New 12-15-1999)
- 17 - Campaign Primer (New 12-14-1999)
- 18 - The Host x64 Clock Acceleration Bug in Multiplayer, and How to Avoid It (New 12-15-1999)
- 19 - How to Make HARM Shots More Accurate (New 12-15-1999)
- 20 - MPR97.DLL Not Found (New 12-15-1999)
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun 1.17 Patch
Westwood has released patch version 1.17 Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun. Click here for International patches and North American here from 3DFiles.com
New Mod @ Rogue Spear Database
- New map pack from Rodion -
Rodion has packaged the latest versions of two of his mods, Air Force One: Operation Lost Edge v1.06, and Korea DMZ:Operation Deep Knife v1.03.
Changes to Air Force One:
Changes to Korea DMZ:
- Added impenetrable obstacles (concrete walls and 50-gallon drums)
- Added more tangos
- Changed "korea" folder to "team_nkor" folder.
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Thursday, December 16, 1999
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New @ COMBATSIM.COM
SimPlates 2000
- Dauntless Software has released SimPlates 2000. SP2K contains over 8000 printable IFR approach plates for the 48 States in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. This includes approaches of all types--VOR, DME, GPS, LOC, SDF, MLS, FMS, Visual, and more, in addition to supporting plates covering airport diagrams, SIDs, STARs, takeoff minimums, radar minimums, and alternate minimums. Additionally, it features a comprehensive Airport/Facility Directory, with a wealth of information about
Airports, NAVAIDs, and preferred IFR routes. SimPlates 2000 is intended to work with any PC flight simulation that has relatively accurate NAVAIDs and Airports. This includes Microsoft Flight
Simulator 95/98/2000, Fly! (TRI), Pro Pilot / Pro Pilot 99 (Sierra / Dynamix), X-Plane (Laminar Research), and IFR-specific simulators such as those by ASA, Jepessen, and Elite.
Game Commander MX Now Shipping
- Mindmaker released has Game Commander(TM) MX, an enhanced version of Game Commander that can
operate simultaneously with voice chat software (chat software not included). Game Commander's exceptional voice command recognition allows PC gamers to say commands instead of using awkward and hard to remember keystrokes. Users of Game Commander MX no longer have to choose between controlling their game with voice commands and chatting with their friends during game play using software such as Roger Wilco(TM) or BattleCom(TM), because the two systems can now run simultaneously. Click here for more information.
New Mod @ RogueSpear dB
- OmniPotent v2.5 - Version 2.5 of the OmniPotent Infantry Mod has been released. The new new version includes 12 additional weapons along with the weapons from the old version. Some bug fixes in this new version as well.
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Wednesday, December 15, 1999
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New @ COMBATSIM.COM
- Review: Falcon 4 v1.08
With the release of F4 1.08 and the iBeta patch Falcon 4.0 has truly come of age. Possibly the most amazing simulation of all time, we have decided to re-review the mature product that is Falcon 4.0.
- NEWS FLASH: F4 1.08 iBeta Patch
When Hasbro decided to close the MPS Alameda labs (of which the F4 team was a part), the Falcon 4.0 team of programmers (Robin Heydon, Dave Power, Mike Mortimer and others), led by their Producer, Steve Blankenship, got together for an emergency meeting.
New @ RogueSpear dB
The Winter War for MS CFS
- GreenMice has released The Winter War a new add on for Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator.
8 Aircraft of finland and Urss ,30 mission,original Finland scenery with dynamic objects and original textures. For more information visit the Greenmice's Website.
Linux and Matrox G400 graphics cards with Quake3
- Matrox has released drivers to allow Linux owners using the G400 video cards to play games suchs as Quake3. OpenGL GLX driver developed by members of the Linux community and John Carmack of id Software. GLX is the first driver to allow owners of Matrox G400 and G200-based graphics cards to play games based on the Quake engine, including Quake II and Quake III, on the Linux platform. Click here to download the new OpenGL GLX drivers.
Jane's F/A-18 Goes Gold
- Electronic Arts announced yesterday that Jane's® F/A-18 has gone gold and will be available in stores on January 14, 2000. Jane's F/A-18 features the Navy's newest front-line carrier strike fighter, the F/A-18E Super Hornet.
Jane's Defence Weekly for 15 December
- USAF set to develop mini-JDAM
Following its highly successful combat debut, the US Air Force (USAF) has decided to develop a smaller version of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) to expand the utility of the low-cost tail kit that turns dumb bombs into smart weapons.
- US Navy to delay key shipbuilding projects
The US Navy is expected to delay some key shipbuilding programmes in its long-term budget plan, according to sources familiar with deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2001 (FY01) to FY05 Future Years
Defense Plan, to be completed by year-end.
- Germans urge UK to back Meteor missile
German Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping has written to his UK counterpart, Geoff Hoon, urging him to back the all-European Meteor missile for the UK Royal Air Force's Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air
Missile (BVRAAM) programme "without delay".
- Next NMD tests aim to integrate all systems
The next two flight tests for the USA's National Missile Defense (NMD) programme aim to integrate all of its vital components critical hurdles to clear if the controversial $10.5 billion system is to work as planned.
- USAF to expand anti-radar attack capability
In a bid to improve its ability to attack enemy radar installations, the US Air Force (USAF) is moving ahead with an upgrade to the AN/ASQ-213 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System that will enable it to pass targeting information to the Raytheon AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon.
- Snecma works on lightweight TV nozzle
France's principal aero-engine company, Snecma, is working on a thrust-vectoring (TV) nozzle design for the M88 engine in the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter.
- Pakistan discusses Al-Khalid's entry into Turkish MBT race
A delegation of Chinese and Pakistani defence officials were in Ankara last week to discuss with the Turkish authorities the possibility of entering Islamabad's new Al-Khalid into Turkey's multi- billion-dollar main battle tank (MBT) co-production project.
- New Zealand review threatens F-16 lease deal
New Zealand's prime minister-elect Helen Clark has confirmed that her Labour-Alliance coalition government intends to scrap the deal to lease 28 Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighters as long as the cost "isn't too high".
- ADF satellite communications programme moves ahead
The Australian Department of Defence and Cable & Wireless Optus have signed a contract to supply the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a new satellite communications capability under Phase 3d of Joint Project 2008.
- Trio to set up UAE-based international shipbuilder
A triumvirate of France's Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie, Newport News Shipbuilding of the USA and Abu Dhabi Ship Building has agreed to establish a new international shipbuilding grouping based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- EADS structures itself for different futures
The complex ownership structure proposed for the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) created by the merger of France's Aerospatiale-Matra, Germany's DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (Dasa) and Spain's CASA will provide a variety of ways forward for the company, and will also appease concerns of Dasa over French state ownership and French government and union officials over workforce security.
Jane's International Defense Review for December 1999
- Waging war with weather
Bad weather can seriously affect the conduct of modern warfare so military meteorologists are stepping up efforts to provide better predictions. Increased use of the Internet is just one of the many new methods being established to provide globally accessible weather data.
- Stemming the flow of combat casualties
Medical equipment that is smaller, lighter and less-power-hungry is poised to bring improved life-saving capabilities to the battlefield and provide massive emergency aid in case of natural or man-caused disasters. New design concepts, coupled with advanced technology is bringing about radical changes.
- Remote hunting is key to littoral waters
Development of various forms of remotely controlled minehunting and reconnaissance is becoming increasingly important with new demands being placed on mine countermeasures forces as enablers for maritime expeditionary operations.
- Young guns line up for shoot out
Today's fighter guns are being further developed as useful and highly cost-effective weapons against ground targets such as fuel storage tanks or when supplies of precision guided munitions are running low. The Joint Strike Fighter offers by far the largest potential new market for aircraft guns in the foreseeable future.
Jane's Defence Upgrades for 16-30 December 1999
- India agrees aircraft carrier deal
Russia's deputy prime minister, Ilya Klebanov, responsible for the armament industry, has signed a protocol covering military and technical co-operation with India, which includes the modernisation
and transfer to India, of the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov. The details of the deal were concluded during Klebanov's visit to Delhi in November. The contracts are to be signed during Russian President Boris Yeltsin's visit in the early part of 2000.
- Further delays for RAN LPAs
The entry into service of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) two amphibious transport (LPA) ships, being modified and upgraded by Forgacs of Newcastle, New South Wales, has been further delayed by
about three months. This is due to difficulties in returning to work the main and auxiliary machinery systems, which have been idle for almost four years.
- Testing delays for M2A3 upgrade
The initial operation test and evaluation of the US Army's upgraded United Defense M2A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle has been delayed following a programme review by the US Army after persistent TRW Embedded Battle Command software integration problems. Instead of November 1999, it will now start in the later part of Fiscal Year 2000.
- Greece considers new role for its F-5s
The Hellenic Air Force General Staff is studying plans for the retention of its younger Northrop F-5A/Bs, which are being withdrawn from active service. These would be modernised and used as fighter
lead-in trainers for third generation aircraft such as the F-16 and Mirage 2000.
- TECHNOLOGY INSERTION: C-17 upgrades detailed
It is not only older aircraft that require upgrading. As new aircraft roll down the production line and the user gains operational experience, desired improvements and modifications get filtered back to the manufacturer, who initiates changes during construction. These modifications can then be applied as upgrade retrofits to the existing
in-service aircraft. Michael J Gething relates this to the C-17.
- BACKGROUND BRIEF: US FY 2000 upgrade funding
The US Congress has increased defence funding in its treatment of the Fiscal Year 2000 Defense Authorization and Appropriation Bills. The former won US$8 billion more than requested. Some of the additional funding was allocated to modernisation and upgrade programmes other than those in the original budget requests, but such re-allocations have been largely around the margins. Congress has not cancelled any major defence acquisition programmes to fund upgrades. David C Isby reports.
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Tuesday, December 14, 1999
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New @ COMBATSIM.COM
- Feature: DI's Super Hornet vs. Jane's F/A 18
On Saturday afternoon I visited Viking1 to check out DI's Super Hornet and JANE'S F/A 18. So began my descent into a hellish nightmare of Hornet addiction. Almost six hours later I dragged myself home, crawled into bed, and shook in anticipation of these coming sims....
- Review: CH Pro Pedals USB
Three years ago I had my first experience with rudder pedals while flying in Longbow II, when my wife surprised me with a set for Christmas! I had been struggling along for a few weeks using key commands to control the tail rotor, and suddenly a whole new world opened up to me!
- Training: Tactical Formation Flight in F4
In order to maintain flight integrity, one of the most critical aspects of a combat mission, formation flying remains the most fundamental principal. Not only does it provide much needed Situational Awareness, but creates a tight and effective combat unit.
FlightSim 2000 Patch
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Microsoft has released a patch for both the Pro and Standard editions of Flight Simulator 2000. Click here to download.
SimPlates 2000
- Dauntless Software has released SimPlates 2000, a CD-ROM based product that provides users
of PC flight simulation products access to virtually every approach plate in the 48-states, including airport diagrams, SIDs, STARs, and more. It will also provide a fairly complete
Aircraft/Facilities Directory, including airports, navaids, preferred routes, and more. Click here to visit their site.
Warship Database Project Version 4.4
- V4.4 is now available for download.. many fixes and enhancements have been implemented. Several fixes include:
- Weapon fixes so that AGM-65G Maverick IIR, AGM-114K Hellfire MMW and many others now attack their targets as expected.
- Iron bombs have been redone with penalties vs ships to account for evasive maneuvers.
- Several other corrections with aircraft not firing weapons have been made.
- Aircraft should no longer crash into the ground when making low altitude attackes.
- Self Guided bombs (GBU-15(V)-2, AGM-62A, KAB-1500Kr, and AGM-130A) now have a 20% penalty vs ships..this penalty covers the following: countermeasures and evasive maneuvers, these bombs can now be targetted by air defenses.
- Plus many more. Examine the readme file for details.
Click here to download. Includes WORD Doc. Requires FC v. 1.2.
Hercules Releases GeForce
- Hercules has announced that, as of yesterday, the 3D Prophet DDR-DVI is the first GeForce 256(tm) DDR based board to hit the retail shelves in North America. 3D Prophet DDR-DVI(tm) can be found at various computer stores in the US for $319.99.
Airport & Scenery Designer
- Abacus has upgraded heir Airport & Scenery Designer which takes advantage of some of the new features in the FS2000 scenery engine. ASD users will be able to take an FS98 scenery and import it into FS2000 elevated mesh terrain. Also implemented a new feature for adding FS2000-style buildings.
The ASD V2.1 upgrade will be free to registered users of ASD V2.0 and will be available about mid-January. Click here for more info.
Aces High Updated
- HTC has updated their free-for-now beta of Aces High. Click here to download from 3DFiles.com
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Monday, December 13, 1999
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New @ COMBATSIM.COM
- Feature: F4 Version 1.08
It's mixed emotions for Falcon 4 fans, with this week heralding the end of an era as well as the crowning achievement of the F4 team in the latest patch release.
- Preview: JANE'S F/A 18 Air to Ground
Yesterday I flew a practice mission on ground targets. I loaded up with a huge diversity of weapons solely for the sake of checking out systems and employment.
- Preview: B17 Flying Fortress II
The damage modeling in B17 Flying Fortress II will be some of the most sophisticated ever seen on the PC. Here are some new screens showing damage.
Rogue Spear Mods @ RSdB
- RS Map Pack v2.0 - Includes 160 server-side maps made from various authors within the past three weeks
- Japan Self-Defense Force Mod - includes three primaly weapons (Type64 assault rifle, Type89 assault rifle, Type89 assault rifle folding stock), two secondly weapons (M1911A1, SIG220), two ranger uniforms and "HINOMARU" armpatch.
- Killas Map Pack v1.2 - features six new maps along with the six from the first release (with some minor bug fixes). All maps are designed to target a specific type of engagement.
- Morgana's Miscellania Mod - contains 20 new primaries, 15 new secondaries, 17 new ammo types, huge C4, concussion grenades and extra zoom for the first five SMG's on the list.
- Real Troops 1.0 - provides 26 new real-life uniforms. It contains Australian, Canadian, Danish, German, Norwegian, Rhodesian, South Africa and Swedish uniforms. (7.4 MB)
Shadow Company Patch
- Bumps up to version 1.31 from 1.30. The small patch fixes the bug that would occasionally render player controlled AI (i.e. Benjamin Scholfield) "immoveable". It also includes all updates from previous patches. Click here to download from 3DFiles.com (800 Kb)
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