By: Len 'Viking1' Hjalmarson
Date: 1998-02-04
Click for 640x480 shot of Kuznetsov
Su27 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 has been up there with the very best. Su 27 v.2 will surpass 1.5 in almost every area, but better still we will soon be flying ohter aircraft in the same environment! In fact, Su27 2 is the basis for a digital battlefield including ground vehicles! In this interview Nick Grey provides more background on the development of 2.0.
Csim: Lets start with some history. Who are "Eagle Dynamics?"
Nick: Eagle Dynamics is a limited liability company based in the UK with a Russian subsidiary.
Csim: How did Eagle get into a relationship with Mindscape/SSI?
. Nick: We were introduced to Jim Mackonochie and have never looked back.
Csim: What is your personal role in the project?
Nick: Managing Director.
Csim: What are the design goals for SU 27 2.0?
Nick: THE MAIN OBJECTIVES ARE:
- - HIGH FIDELITY FLIGHT
- - SUPERB GRAPHICS, GROUND, EXPLOSIONS, OBJECTS .....
- - REALISTIC AND EXCITING 3D SOUND
- - IMPROVED WEAPON FIDELITY, (TRAJECTORIES, BALISTICS, ETC)
- - INNOVATIVE MESH GENERATION: REAL 3D LANDSCAPE
- - INCREASED AREA
- - MORE POWERFUL AND USER FRIENDLY MISSION EDITOR
- - POWERFUL USER INTERFACE AND FRONT END
- - INSTANT ACTION, "ARCADE" EASY MODE FOR TOTAL BEGINNERS
- - CAMPAIGN ENGINE
Csim: What other AI aircraft and weapons systems will we see in SU 27 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: SU27 has been considered near the pinnacle in avionics, weapons and flight modelling, and with 1.5 came up a notch in AI. Where does 2.0 take us?
Nick: Even further, the systems and avionics package will be updated and be even more realistic than the previous versions.
Csim: There have also been great strides this past year in physics and ballistics modelling, in sims like A10 Cuba and Janes Longbow and others. What will we see in this department?
Nick: You'll see much improved aerodynamics and ballistics. The modelling will be as accurate as available bandwidth will allow. Obviously we are tied to current limits but with new innovations and rising machine specs the targets we have set ourselves are close to being achieved.
Csim: What level of detail will see in terms of damage modelling?
Nick: This is still in discussion but there will be damage modelling beyond v. 1.5.
Csim: Tell us about your graphics engine; the screen shots are amazing.
Nick: I can't go into as much detail as I would like or everyone would know what we're up to. But suffice it to say that new technologies have come with new ideas and the last eighteen months have made this new engine the best out there. We are moving huge amounts of data and with satellite image and real-time processing of the world it will make a totally immersive environment.
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.
Csim: Will we see light source shading? What about dynamic lighting?
Nick: Yes and yes. Both of these will be supported on 3d cards.
Csim: Frame rate is often a snag for the newest simulations. What can we expect to see with all detail options on running on a P233 MMX with 3dfx, and what will be the recommended base system?
Nick: There will be substantial options and a tuning module which will make sure that everyone gets the best from their system. Remember that the bigger the better when you start using complex textures, models and math.
Csim: Running under 3d hardware is a big step forward. What kind of hardware will 2.0 support? Will there be proprietary support as well as D3d support?
Nick: We are still undecided but OpenGL will be at the forefront of the APIs we support. Other options are still open to us and should we feel that using our own technology to supplement the others packages is useful then thats the way we will go.
Csim: Will AI pilots use the same flight model as the virtual pilot?
Nick: Yes, bar certain simplification essential to the fluidity of the whole program. Over loading the CPU with too much math is not desirable even with today's machines.
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!
Csim: Tell us about the command structure for a flight? How does it work? And how does a pilot progress to command, or can we simply step into the role?
Nick: Still in the works. Its unlikely that we will have a ranked progress system as do with most products.
Csim: If we can command a flight, will we also be able to plan the mission structure?
Nick: Yes.
Csim: F16 FF has a great mission planner. What has been your model for Su27 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: 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: Tell us about the dynamic campaign structure.
Nick: Sorry, this too is still secret.
Csim: Will resource management be a consideration in the campaign?
Nick: Yes.
Csim: What kind of briefings will the player get? What about debriefing?
Nick: Detailed but simple. The briefings will supply enough information to ascertain what occurred, when and to whom. We dont want to bog the user down with unnecessary information. So although we have finalized the details feedback from the beta team will assist in this area.
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: Will we see a wind model in the sim?
Nick: Clouds and wind both.
Csim: Can you tell us how padlock and views will be handled? Will we see a virtual cockput as well as fixed views?
Nick: You'll see pretty much what we already have. But full cockpit head down track mode.
Csim: I understand that a MiG add on is already in the works. What can you tell us about it?
Nick: Yes you will see dissimilar combat coming to this digital battlefield.
Csim: What new aircraft will we see in 2.0? Will we see the Su37? What about the Su32?
Nick: No 37 or 32 but as you know carrier operations are included in 2.0 so the "K" variant of the 27 will be available.
Csim: Su27 has been a top LAN sim. Tell us about multiplayer support. How many pilots will be able to fly on each team at the same time?
Nick: Same as before ie. realtime engine with the users being able to drop in and out of the fray when required. An improved interface will be there and it will significantly more stable.
Csim: Is SU27 2.0 breaking new ground? In what areas?
Nick: Both in graphics and weapons modelling.
Csim: Some companies have begun shipping their sims with spiral bound manuals, a BIG improvement in my mind. Will we see this trend with Mindscape/SSI also? Might we see a map included?
Nick: Yes, and yes!
Click for an 800x600 screen.. 55K
Csim: I've been a tester for a number of sims. Its an interesting experience! How important is the beta program for development?
Nick: We have found the beta team to be an invaluable asset. Our testers are a very professional and committed bunch and we owe them a lot. Thanks a million!
Csim: Will we see copies of SU 27 2 under the Christmas tree this year?
Nick: Definitely!
Csim: Thanks, and best of luck!