F-35 Variants (FS9, FSX and P3Dv4)

[bismarck]

Love it!!!

[clickclickdoh]

John was kind enough to let me get my hands on the development level model to start working up the scenery and flight plans for these.

JYAI F-35B STOVL flight model testing on the seawall helipad at MCAS Iwakuni



low quality video because I saved it in garbage format. They really do look quite stunning:

[hawk_sh]

That looks nice

[MIKE JG]

Did you model that crazy ass helmet those guys wear? Those things alone are quite complex.

[John Young]

At the moment I'm using the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System used on the F-15E Mike, but I want to try the proper F-35 helmet.

John

[MIKE JG]

Sounds good!

[maverick69]

John, may I ask if you plan to release all models together or every single model as soon as finished?

[John Young]

Good and timely question Maurizio. Coincidentally, I've actually been discussing that with Brent earlier today.

I'm likely to release the F-35B first and that could be with Brent's reworked Iwakuni. He still has to finish the scenery and I still have to make the LODs for the aircraft and the FSX/P3D versions plus 14 paints. Steve is also lending a hand with different FDE choices.

The 5 Test aircraft contingent at Pax River for Hartwig should be fairly straight forward, at least for FS9. The scenery doesn't work well in FSX because of the coastlines. I've done the colourful BF-1 paint already and the BF-2 USS Wasp paint.

I've also done the master UK paint, but the 11 aircraft are spread over 3 airfields - Edwards, Beaufort and NAS Ft. Worth. I don't yet know what's required scenery-wise with the existing packages. 21 USMC F-35Bs are also at Beaufort with VMFAT-501, so that's a pretty key airfield to tackle.

Similarly, the 9 US Marine Corps aircraft at Yuma will also need a scenery mod, but I haven't explored that yet too. I also need to check the situation with the F-35B's for the Italian Navy for Giorgio.

Once I have the F-35B's sorted, I'll move on to map and paint the F-35C. The F-35A will follow that.

John

[MIKE JG]

John Stinstrom did a nice version of Beaufort already, should be able to use or link to that.

[clickclickdoh]

The question regarding Beaufort was, do we simply re-code the existing AFCAD for the new squadron assignments, or try updating the scenery. There's a new simulated LHD at the end of 23, the east ramp has been extended to the end of 32 and there are four vertical landing pads.

We are having the same conversation about the upgrades that were made at MCAS Yuma

Obviously, simply re-coding the already existing AFCADs would be the easier and quicker way... which pretty much means we have trouble even acknowledging it's an option. Easy way? Pssh!

[bismarck]

Hi John, the only Italian B is in testing at Cameri, but it is not yet decided if it will be an Air Force one or a Navy one.
For the A, 8 in service (4 in the USA) and the 9th close to enter in service.
Let me know when and if you need the serials that can be found on the site I forwarded a ccouple of weeks ago.

Giorgio

[maverick69]

Thank you for your exhaustive answer...as usual

[MIKE JG]

I don't think John would mind you updating Beaufort as long as you gave him the proper credits. Has anyone been able to contact him recently regarding any of these older sceneries??

[Greg]

I tried sending him an e-mail two days ago, but the e-mail bounced back as undeliverable.

[campbeme]

I don't think John would mind you updating Beaufort as long as you gave him the proper credits. Has anyone been able to contact him recently regarding any of these older sceneries??

Hey Mike,

the last time I was in touch with John S, was about 3 years ago, I was working on his not released Florence scenery. He was more than happy for MAIW to use his work for future productions (which would mean updating AFD for new parking / buildings / FSx Conversion etc), as long as credit was kept for the original author.

I still have the email should we need it, but I dont think it will be.

Cheers

[VulcanDriver]

Anyone fancy doing the new Queen Elizabeth class carriers for the UK ones?

[Garysb]

We know someone who has done a carrier
Some chap called John Young, I believe, we could try and contact him lol

Anon

[John Young]

Yes a carrier or two, is possible a bit later Gary.

I’ve been trying this week to finalise the “B” model before making the LODs and bulk painting makes changes prohibitive. I’ve managed to:

Re-model the canopy to give it a narrower width and to push the arch back a tad. It also has a more smoky texture applied.

Add the animated leading edge slats.

Re-model the pilot helmet to the F-35 style. The visor is also animated and lowers at the runway hold!

Add the lightmap for the slime lights and RBF ribbons and chocks.

Test 3 model/FDE types:

- Short take off vertical landing
- Short Take off, short landing (no animated lift)
- Vetical take off vertical landing

Make 5 initial paints, including the UK and 3 of the5 BF (Pax River) schemes:



While I give Steve and Brent the opportunity to sign-off the models before I make the LODs and FSX/P3D versions, I’ll be getting on with mapping and painting the F-35C model I made earlier.

John

[petebramley]

It may not be the prettiest of fighters but you have done a damn fine job there Mr Young.

Just imagine if the beast from Boeing had won the competition

Looking forward to getting this in my sim !

[Garysb]

Yes a carrier or two, is possible a bit later Gary.