MiG-29A Fulcrum
Development Progress
The primary MiG-29A development efforts are focused on the design of the external model, cockpit, avionics, and general aircraft systems.
The DCS: MiG-29A is our first aircraft based on photogrammetry. The cockpit reference aircraft is located in Aircraft Museum Kosice, and we greatly appreciate their generous assistance. The textures and geometry of the new cockpit have been created from scratch, using new technologies that include high-polygon models for baking-in normal maps. This technique has provided many quality improvements whilst also presenting plenty of challenges.
We generated a huge number of photos and videos of the aircraft, and we completely reworked the external model. Based on this reference data and factory diagrams, we were able to include an exceptional level of detail for items such as surface materials and treatment, rivets, screws, and panel joints. The new normal map reflects the structure of the aircraft skin to a high degree of accuracy, with texture resolution increased by 400%.
A lot of work has been completed on avionics and systems, including the Optical Laser System (OLS), which is an important component of the MiG-29 targeting suite. Its main elements are the InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) system and laser range finder. Most of the air-to-air targeting modes are progressing well and nearing completion.
The gun sight development was not a trivial task, with a complex simulation of both the tracked-target mode and the non-tracked, “funnel” mode. The gun sights have been significantly redesigned for a highly accurate representation of the real unit. A new mode has been added which was designed to engage invisible aerial targets in cloud, haze or at night with the gun.
Weapon modes for engaging ground targets with rockets and guns at fixed and moving targets in the presence of wind are in active development. We have also scheduled the development of the basic bombing modes in the near term.
We have totally recreated the Fire Control Radar (FCR) architecture and the main modes.
After primary work on the OLS and FCR is complete, we will model the interaction between the OLS and the FCR.
The SPO-15LM radar warning receiver, also known as Product L006LM, has been completely rewritten. The new SPO-15 uses the same physics-based approach as the SPO-10, but with greater attention being paid to its second iteration of directivity patterns for transmitting and receiving antennas. The latter being of particularly high importance to Soviet RWR designs due to the independent processing of an output from each azimuth sector antenna. Additionally, the database has been expanded, with each radar having a unique signature in terms of signal properties and with the properties themselves covering additional details.
Thanks to these improvements, the new SPO-15 can be modelled to closely emulate the algorithms used in the real system, and it simulates many of its real-life quirks and limitations. Pilots will find themselves having to pay attention to these limitations to utilize its full potential. These include, but are not limited to, non-linear range indications that will properly display the signal power, blinding by high power radars, and many cases of incorrect threat type determination due to limited resolution with which the signal parameters are measured. This depth and accuracy of the simulations will make our new implementation of SPO-15 in DCS the most realistic and detailed simulation of this system of any PC simulator.
A Mission Editor data programming panel is being developed for the navigation system. This will allow you to program the flight before the start of the mission and use this program in flight. Access to the panel and modification of data will be possible during the simulation, when the aircraft is on the ground.
We are developing the MiG-29A INS and its interaction with the navigation system. Special attention is being paid to the modes of ground INS alignment and its accuracy and drift in flight. This will be affected by the alignment mode and the presence or absence of radio correction from the programmed beacon.
Work remains on the Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) system, but we'll release the core functionality of IFF at early access, and then continue to work on the more advanced IFF features.
Aircraft systems are being added and refined to a deep level of functionality. This includes the new hydraulic and electrical system, procedures and physics of engine startup and shutdown, expansion and reconfiguration of automatic control systems. Numerous new modes are also being introduced, and transients are being improved.
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