This update brings the public branch up to the same version as the current beta and includes a wide range of improvements and fixes....
Main Updates
Streaming Terrain SystemThe "Central Libya" map has now been upgraded to use a new streaming system. This effectively removes any limitation on the size of the map as terrain tiles will be streamed in and out as needed.
The main effect of this is to reduce RAM requirements to well below 8Gb.
Fixed Wing Support AssetsSu-25, Su-25T & A-10A support units are now available to be used in missions. They differ from the Reaper Drone as they are fully autonomous. Simply tell them were to focus their attacks and they will prioritise targets as they see fit.
These units are designed to be used on the Central Libya map where the terrain is fairly flat. They will be less effective when used on terrain with sharp changes in elevation such as Norway where units can hide in valleys etc.
Update Foliage System and Terrain TexturesCentral Libya has been upgraded to use a new foliage & tree system that makes use of GPU instancing as well as a collider streaming system to reduce CPU workload.
Trees will also react to rotor wash as you approach them!
The terrain also now uses more textures to give a more varied landscape.
New U.I. SystemThe U.I. has been given a bit of a workover to make it a little more slick than the previous "chunky" version.
Other Updates
1. Most weapons have been given new sounds effects.
2. HUD has a new glow/holographic effect. You can adjust this effect in the Game Settings menu if you want more or less glow (or turn it off completely).
3. Weapon tracers now dim more realistically as they get further from you
4. UPK-23 Gunpod is now available for all version of the Hind giving even more "dakka dakka" options!
5. Harrier now has manual nozzle control. You can bind joystick (or keyboard) controls to the new "Thrust Vector" control under "Aircraft Controls".
For Joypad users you can change the "Collective" (left stick up/down) into "Thrust Vector" mode by holding "Modifier 1" (left bumper).
There is a new information display above the "TRIM" setting that will show you your current "NOZZ" (nozzle) angle.
6. Joypad users can now access an analgue trim system by holding "Modifier 2" (right bumper) which will switch the "Collective" (left stick up/down) into "Trim" mode.
7. Improved wingtip contrails.
8. Heat blur for the Harrier now follows the nozzle direction.
9. AT-6 missiles have a better guidance system
10. Shilka and Strela turrets have been updated so that they can turn faster allowing them to track an engage faster moving targets.
11. Reworked the flight models for fixed wing aircraft so they act more like proper aircraft. The Harrier should feel a little "looser" when in flight.
12. A.I. Helicopters now land a little faster rather than being very hesitant.
13. Applied a low pass filter effect to all cockpit views simualting a muffling effect
14. Remastered all the audio settings so sound attentuates more accurately with distance.
15. Added in Doppler Shift effect for suitable audio sources.
16. Updated flight path for the AGM-65 Mavericks so that they do a sensible loft attack rather than something similar to the Hellfire's top down attack.
17. All Apache's apart from the early A version can now equip Maverick missiles.
18. Updated the support unit selection page so that support units are represented by "trump style" cards.
19. Fixed HE blast zone damage calculations so damage is now applied correctly. This will improve the effectivness of pretty much every weapon!
20. Moved the keybinds for "Modifier 1" & "Modifier 2" from SHIFT and CTRL to "*" and "/" on the keypad. This is because other MFD commands are asssigned to "Keypad 1", "Keypad 2" etc but holding SHIFT will actually change "Keypad 1" to "END" etc messing up the MFD controls. Thanks to Darloth for spotting that one!
21. Updated the "Altitude Hold Up" & "Altitude Hold Down" buttons so that the input now repeats when they are held down allowing to change altitude more rapidly. Single presses are still possible for fine altitude control.
KNOWN ISSUES1. When calling in fixed wing support there will be a slight stutter as they load in.
2. Support units outside the player bubble i.e over 12km away from you may not be able to locate targets to destroy.
3. Infantry units outside the player bubble i.e over 12km away from you may not be able complete their mission correctly.