Hi all,
more than a year ago I started this project based on a experimental fork of the 707TT: the KC-137R, which the author pointed me after talking about it in MP. At that time there where different (also fantasy) models: KC-137R, KC-137R (RT), E-3D, KE-3A and MD-137; I decided to focus only on the first two airframes. Code name: AATARS, Advanced Air-To-Air Refueling System.
Started reworking textures and liveries and a few basic coding changes (I was still a beginner at aircraft development) because I wanted to operate it into an FGUK FlightNight based at RAF Mildenhall, UK home of the 100th Air Refueling Wing.
Anyway, around this period last year I was at a good point with a large quantity of self-made liveries, including fictional ones. But then the project stalled because there were too much bugs.
In January I found again interest in the project and decided to write up in the JWOCKY's forum (can't remember why) if there was someone who could give me a hand with it by improving the cockpit and fixing a few bugs in it. Luckily I found it0uchpods who offered to help me and a few days we started a long "journey" which took us form a basic, old-school cockpit to an upgraded, 21st-century-standard one. In about 7 months we've done loads of things and I've learned a lot about development, coding and other, an opportunity to have a larger experience of how an FG aircraft is made and a lot more. I'd consider it an experience I'd never forget also because we both become good friends, each of us learning from the other a little day by day, improving a plane. A huge thank you Josh!
Currently, from two simple aircrafts we made 6 different airframes which feature (at least try to replicate) the very latest updates the real life aircraft have, probably making the KC-137R the best flying tanker FG has ever seen.
These models are:
- KC-137R Stratotanker base tanker model, CFM engines
- KC-137R-RT Stratotanker, base tanker model, ability to get refueled itself, CFM engines.
- EC-137R Sentry, AWACS model, glass cockpit, IAE engines.
- RC-137R Rivet Joint, Reconnaissance model, glass cockpit, CFM engines.
- E-8R Joint STARS, ground surveillance, command and control model, IAE engines.
- C-137R Stratolifter-Stratoliner, cargo, passenger, VIP transport model, glass cockpit, IAE engines.
All of this can be downloaded here: https://github.com/JMaverick16/KC-137R/ .
But, even if we've done a lot of work on 'em, there's still some stuff to do which me and it0uchpods aren't able to do presently and/or haven't got time for it.
Here's the "famous" TO-DO list which have been with us since months:
UPDATED TO-DO LIST IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE (deadline: TBD):
Italic means that the following are not going to be done.
COMMON:
1) Rework completely and integrate both engines display and systems display and feature an additional nav display to fit the Block 45.
2) update overhead panel. (rework EFB textures, update EFIS controller)
3) Work on new splash screens for all versions (done: KC, RT, E-8, C, EC). JMav
4) Improve Stby-AI instrument for EC/RC to make it more like a PFD.
5) Implement efficient TACAN nav system (replace DME with display).
6) rework engines 3D, UV map and animations (Martien VDP) + sounds (411, JMav).
7) add top tail light and fix AWACS' (Martien VDP).
8 ) Build new AP and AP status panels.
9) Rework completely the EADI.
KC-137R /-RT:
1) improve ATA refueling (create a working refueling code, RT 3D refuel hose) JMav
2) improve the airframe 3D models (Martien VDP)
3) New liveries (JMav)
4) Implement ECM with Northrop Grumman Guardian LAIRCM (RT).
EC-137R:
1) improve a lot the AWACS officer area by adding maps, NDs, upgrade/remove current instruments, reworking 3D, etc. (searching volunteers)
2) Create a new set of liveries. (JMav).
3) Implement ECM.
RC-137R:
1) rework livery texture according to new model + make a new set of liveries (JMav).
2) implement advanced military recon systems. (searching for experts...)
3) Implement ECM.
E-8R:
1) implement ground surveillance systems with targeting and similar. (searching for experts...)
C-137R:
1) Fix/add new textures. JMav
2) brand new livery pack (N-SCOT).
We would need some help with the bold points. So if there are some people out there who could help us or give some useful tips we'd be very glad about it.
We dedicated days on this project and I'd like to finish it soon.
Will post some screenshots soon.
Regards, Maverick