SBD Dauntless released.

[Deano]

Brought to you by Vertigo Studios

£21 / $32 / €23

Built only for FSX SP1, SP2 and Acceleration (no planned version for FS9), the SBD Dauntless has a highly detailed virtual cockpit complete with 3d gauges and authentic textures, as well as switches to arm and drop the bomb.

With animations present and correct, including the crucial tail hook for those carrier landings. The authentic sound recordings also adds to the immersion as you open up the throttle and watch how the self shadowing, bump mapping and spectacular highlights bring any of the 6 carefully selected paint schemes to life.

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/sbd1.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/sbd2.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/sbd3.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/sbd4.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/sbd5.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/sbd6.jpg

[stiz]

picked it up when it was hot of the press, havnt flown it much but love it so far, got a nice bbq going after the first flight :icon_lol:

[Deano]

lol, go easy with her shes new you know.

[Rezabrya]

Sadly I will have to wait on this one. It looks great though!

[Paul K]

Very odd markings on that second one. Nice looking model, however.

[stiz]

Very odd markings on that second one. Nice looking model, however

No.25 Sqn RNZAF Bouganville 1944 acording to the manual :)

[Z-AZ1USN]

lol, go easy with her shes new you know.

I too have experienced the "Flaming" effects and smoke but also noticed that I
can trigger it off and on with the "L" Lights key. I opened the cowling and the
oil cooler and take off. Eventually the flames and smoke appear but I can dismiss
that effect by pressing the "L" key or make it appear. At least for me that has happened.

:isadizzy:

[spotlope]

A mighty fine rendition this is! I had a bit of a smoke-out after landing at Troutdale last night, but as long as I'm pointing into the wind I can still see. :icon_lol:

[stiz]

I too have experienced the "Flaming" effects and smoke but also noticed that I
can trigger it off and on with the "L" Lights key. I opened the cowling and the
oil cooler and take off. Eventually the flames and smoke appear but I can dismiss
that effect by pressing the "L" key or make it appear. At least for me that has happened.

:isadizzy:

mine was more a case of firewalling it :icon_lol:

[dsawan]

Nice work. Any chance on a cfs 2 version. that pit is awesome.

[gajit]

Its just fantastic and goes well with the Hellcat :jump:

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq119/GAJIT/SBDandHellcat.jpg

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq119/GAJIT/SBDSpair.jpg

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq119/GAJIT/SBDoffwing.jpg

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq119/GAJIT/SBDduskpair.jpg

[Mathias]

Congrats Deano and team, she looks beautyfull inside and out.
Will get her at next opportunity.:salute:

[warchild]

the only critique i could make on this plane is that the sound seems about 800 to 1000 rpm slow at the top end of the throttle.. but heh.. i aint no expert

[Paul K]

No.25 Sqn RNZAF Bouganville 1944 acording to the manual :)

Thanks, Stiz. It was the yellow on the fuselage roundel that threw me. The RAF had that early in the war, but I didn't know about the Kiwi SBDs.

[jmig]

Its just fantastic and goes well with the Hellcat :jump:





http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq119/GAJIT/SBDoffwing.jpg



I love these shot. Especially this one. (except for the lack of a pilot LOL) Gagit, you take nice screenshots. The evening one are beautiful.

[MudMarine]

Great plane, I love it!! It's right up there next to my Kitty which is one of my top five favorites!!:ernae::applause:

[Deano]

I hope your making room for our F4F Wildcat also :wiggle:

[deimos256]

I was a huge dauntless fan when I was a kid, I have a book laying around somewhere about naval bombers from WW2, showcasing the dauntless, helldiver, and avenger, I very well may have to pick this up.

[TeaSea]

One of the aircraft that single-handedly changed the war in the Pacific --- in just a few short minutes. History is often decided in minutes.

Very nice and like deimos I was also a Dauntless lover when I was a kid.....this will definitely be a future acquisition....(I'm rationing myself).

[italoc]

Hi Deano
is there any other way (than PayPal) to pay for your Dauntless ????
(I'm not in good terms with Paypal )
:isadizzy:
Italo

[Deano]

Hi Italoc, Im currently looking into another payment option, but this wont be happening over night.


Hi Deano
is there any other way (than PayPal) to pay for your Dauntless ????
(I'm not in good terms with Paypal )
:isadizzy:
Italo

[italoc]

Hi Italoc, Im currently looking into another payment option, but this wont be happening over night.

OK Fine:applause:
I'll wait patiently
Italo

[Nick C]

Looks fantastic, good look with sales Dean. :applause::applause::applause:

[Quicksand]

Deano, I can't quit flying this plane! I think the Hellcat is going to be a little jealous for a while, as I'll be punching holes in the sky with your SBD... As a sidenote, I noticed the early war scheme lacks markings on the wing bottoms.. I can't document it either way, bacause I have no photos of the underside of this particular aircraft. Just seemed a bit odd to me.. Regardless, I'll be flying nothing else for a good while. Thanks for putting so much love and hard work into this creation. I assure you that every bead of sweat and case of heartburn that you and your team endured during development has helped this plane mature into one of the most awesome planes I've ever flown.:medals::medals::medals::medals:

[MudMarine]

I hope your making room for our F4F Wildcat also :wiggle:

OMG FINALLY SOMEONE IS DOING A WILDKITTY!! OMG:jump::jump::jump:

[Helldiver]

I don't know why they wasted thier time with the SBD which was obsolete when the war started. It couldn't keep up with the Hellcat. Couldn't fold it's wings and got it's ass shot off in 1942. They would been better off building a SB2C that sank more ships than any other aircraft.

[big-mike]

That`s an fanstastic aircraft,thank you very much!
Can`t get off the cockpit.
Michael

[Quicksand]

Helldiver, while it's true the SB2C carried on after the SBD, and was a much more capable aircraft, I don't think VS wasted their time. Both types have their place in history, although I will agree the Helldiver has not gotten the attention in FS that the SBD has attracted. Perhaps soon someone will take up the torch and bring the SB2C to life in FS like the SBD. I would very much like to see it myself, and I know all the WWII US Navy fans here would, too. I would happily pay for one... BTW, Helldiver, thank you for your service, my friend!:medals:

[PRB]

I hope your making room for our F4F Wildcat also :wiggle:

Mud, did you copy this...??!! Holy Moly, a Wildcat!!

[edit] : yep, I just saw you did... :icon_lol:

[gajit]

I don't know why they wasted thier time with the SBD which was obsolete when the war started. It couldn't keep up with the Hellcat. Couldn't fold it's wings and got it's ass shot off in 1942. They would been better off building a SB2C that sank more ships than any other aircraft.

I love your passion for the SB2C :salute:

But i think the Dauntless would be the first choice for me if I were a producer.

[Francois]

Nice ! But what's that bit of drainage pipe sticking out of the cockpit ? :icon_lol:

[raptor19]

Congratulations Deano & Co. Another quality warbird added to my growing collection, the boss will soon be stopping my pocket money LOL:icon_lol:. Really looking forward to the P-36 and particularly the Wildcat. Only the Bearcat and Tigercat to go then before you move onto the jets or back to the biplanes LOL! :applause::applause::icon29::applause:

[Old Crow]

Awesome Job, The texture weathering is to die for. :salute:
I have 21 screenshots of the SBD at Webshots if anyone is interested: http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2160867630012641883Sfdegm Be sure to click on the image and select "Full Size". All images are 1920 x 1200 resolution.

Thank You Very Much, for the SBD and for the Aircraft you have coming down the pike. :jump:

Deano, I have a couple of questions "not meant as criticism".
1. Is it possible to smooth the roundness of the Cowl Exterior?
2. Is there a missing texture/texture error on the Intake on top of the Cowl?
This shot shows what I am talking about: http://image81.webshots.com/81/7/80/92/2079780920012641883auRPdW_fs.jpg

Thank You Again for the awesome plane!

[DX-FMJ]

I can't stop flying this old bird, its incredible! :wiggle:

[Helldiver]

Gajit wrote, "I love your passion for the SB2C :salute:

But i think the Dauntless would be the first choice for me if I were a producer."

It only proves what distortion that has taken place since WWII happened. You people have a slant on the war that never happened. You read your funny books. written by people that never were around, and you believe it to be the truth.

I know what happened.

[Deano]

Hi Old Crow, Id love to help you out, but I cant see the images.



Awesome Job, The texture weathering is to die for. :salute:
I have 21 screenshots of the SBD at Webshots if anyone is interested: http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2160867630012641883Sfdegm

Thank You Very Much, for the SBD and for the Aircraft you have coming down the pike. :jump:

Deano, I have a couple of questions "not meant as criticism".
1. Is it possible to smooth the roundness of the Cowl Exterior?
2. Is there a missing texture/texture error on the Intake on top of the Cowl?
This shot shows what I am talking about: http://image81.webshots.com/81/7/80/92/2079780920012641883auRPdW_fs.jpg

Thank You Again for the awesome plane!

[gajit]

Gajit wrote, "I love your passion for the SB2C :salute:

But i think the Dauntless would be the first choice for me if I were a producer."

It only proves what distortion that has taken place since WWII happened. You people have a slant on the war that never happened. You read your funny books. written by people that never were around, and you believe it to be the truth.

I know what happened.

So did the Dauntless enter the war before the SB2C or after?
Which aircraft was produced in the largest numbers?

[mfitch]

Saturday I was able to pick this up, and I have enjoyed a few flights already. The model looks great. Being a bit of an older, slower plane is nice given my piloting skills at this time. I was even able to land it on a carrier on my first try.

The Wildcat, also outdated technology when the war began, will also be a welcome addition. It will be great to fly it onto my Gambier Bay model since Wildcats were used on the CVE's.

[forgeknight]

Another winner! I am already saving up for the next one you release. Great job Deano and Company!

[Old Crow]

Hi Old Crow, Id love to help you out, but I cant see the images.

Sorry Deano, I don't know why Webshots will not display the single image. :isadizzy:
Here is the link to the image at default size, be sure to click on the image and select "Full Screen". The image is 1920 x 1200 resolution.
http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2079780920012641883auRPdW

[Killbilly]

So did the Dauntless enter the war before the SB2C or after?
Which aircraft was produced in the largest numbers?

The SBD was already in service before the war. The SB2C didn't see combat action until around November of 1943. Initially, the SB2C wasn't very popular with aircrews, but they quickly learned that it had its advantages over the Dauntless. Principally, (and I'm sure that Helldiver could give you better info here) it could keep up with the fighter escort better, and it could carry a larger and more varied payload.

I'm not sure about the numbers produced, but the Helldiver has the better record of the two. I think developers and simmers (and a lot of WWII aviation buffs) prefer the Dauntless just based on looks. It's a better looking airframe imho (don't hit me, Helldiver). The SB2C looks somehow out of proportion. I guess it's the oversized tail, the huge wings, and the extended cylindrical body. She does look mean somehow, though -- kind of like a civil war cannon with wings and a cockpit.

Sorry, back to the discussion about the excellent VS SBD . . . :kilroy:

[Deano]

Re texture and cowl :

Texture: well spotted added this to the fix list.
Cowl: I could be wrong here but I think the modeler went as far as he dare go with rounding off the cowl.


Sorry Deano, I don't know why Webshots will not display the single image. :isadizzy:
Here is the link to the image at default size, be sure to click on the image and select "Full Screen". The image is 1920 x 1200 resolution.
http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2079780920012641883auRPdW

[Old Crow]

Thanks Deano, I can understand the issue, given the amount of detail that this model has. It does not really detract, just certain veiwing angles are where it is really noticeable. I keep thinking from the Solid Modeler's point of view and not someone who has created using Vertices.

Cheers :wavey:

[Deano]

I will be releasing development screenshots more frequently over the next few weeks as we have quite a few products in the pipeline, enabling us to catch any problems throughout the development phase.

So please, all current and future customers please signup to the newsletter for important product patches, special offers and also development updates, oh and dont worry your emails are safe with me.

The newsletter is located on the bottom left of our site and also via your account.

[raptor19]

Just a small point re WWII naval aircraft, amongst my collection I have a book called "Wings Of The Navy - Flying Allied Carrier Aircraft Of World War Two". The author is well known Royal Navy Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown who is in the Guiness book of records as having flown the most types of aircraft over a long career as a naval aviator and test pilot. He was most certainly around at the time and flew them all, Dauntless, Helldiver, Hellcat, Wildcat, Avenger plus all the British a/c of the periiod. His accounts of the naval aircraft of the period are very well detailed and for anyone interested I did see that second hand copies of this book are still available on both Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Every type covered has a wealth of detail including detailed cut away drawing and lots of detail on performance and what they were like to fly.

Deano I look forward to Vertigo Studios forthcoming Wildcat and must sometime get the MAAM Avenger.

[Z-AZ1USN]

If ya wanna know all about the history of both the SBD and the SB2C read this:

http://www.vectorsite.net/avsbd.html

Very detailed info and has all the specifications on both planes.

:salute:

[ijay]

Well done, great model and excellent customer service:applause::applause:
12 (http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9271/20102201244925.jpg)11 (http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9271/20102201244925.jpg)

[Deano]

Excellent screenshots you made there ijay.

Thanks for the kind words regarding customer support, Its top of my list hence me re-working the website to be as easy as possible for customers.

[muletrain]

Thanks for posting the vectorsite AZ1USN.
Very interesting history

[PRB]

This plane is too much fun! You just can't roll over and dive at a 70 degree angle from 20,000 feet down to 5000 and not die! You'll overspeed in seconds, and that's it. But this baby will. I know, it's supposed to. But it's still fun to actually do it!

(Oh, good web site, AZ1USN...)

451450

[stiz]

This plane is too much fun! You just can't roll over and dive at a 70 degree angle from 20,000 feet down to 5000 and not die! You'll overspeed in seconds, and that's it. But this baby will. I know, it's supposed to. But it's still fun to actually do it!



i can do it without overspeeding, drive brakes out, flaps full down, cut the throttle and roll it over, goes from 20k to 5k without going faster than 154knts :)

[PRB]

Yes, that's what I meant... The fact that you can go straight down from 20,000 to 2,000 feet without over speeding is, while normal and expected for a dive bomber, rather "abnormal behavior" for most planes in FS, which is why it's such fun! :jump:

[Deano]

Just a quick update, we have no released through fspilotshop for customers that are more comfortable with there payment system .

http://www.fspilotshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=2493

[Panther_99FS]

Phew! (Must resist...) :d

[warchild]

Phew! (Must resist...) :d


::chuckles:: Resistance is futile!! ::LOL:::

[RobH]

Just a quick update, we have no released through fspilotshop for customers that are more comfortable with there payment system .

http://www.fspilotshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=2493

Thank you for doing that Dean, now I can get her!:salute:

[CodyValkyrie]

Just wanted to chime in that I like this plane A LOT. Thanks!

[baernhard]

Really, a beautiful bird ...

813

814

Thank's, VERTIGO :applause:

Bernhard

[italoc]

Just a quick update, we have no released through fspilotshop for customers that are more comfortable with there payment system .

http://www.fspilotshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=2493

Wonderful Sunday at home :applause::applause:
Thanks
Downloading now.
It(-alo

[Rezabrya]

Kind of off topic but I am trying to remember the name of the other major dive bomber in WWII. Thereis the Dauntless, theHelldiver, and one other one. What is it called?

[Deano]

A-35 Vengeance ?

[MCDesigns]

A-35 Vengeance ?

I was going to say that or the SB2U Vindicator

[stiz]

or even devastor :engel016:

[Ken Stallings]

Gajit wrote, "I love your passion for the SB2C :salute:

But i think the Dauntless would be the first choice for me if I were a producer."

It only proves what distortion that has taken place since WWII happened. You people have a slant on the war that never happened. You read your funny books. written by people that never were around, and you believe it to be the truth.

I know what happened.

I wish sometimes you would appreciate how frequently people show their respect for your service by overlooking your views on this subject.

The efforts of the Wildcat, Devastator, and Dauntless crews, with their sacrifices against the best the IJNAF could throw at them, ensured that later own more advanced aircraft such as the SB2C could enjoy the successes they earned.

Without question, the SBD earned immortal status due to the events of Midway. Some was luck, much was pure courage and sacrifice by the TBD crews who drew down the Zero's and prevented them reorganizing before the SBD's delivered a coup de grace on the Japanese carrier force the IJN never could recover from.

Nevertheless, in terms of relative qualities, the one aircraft that the USN had on hand in that vital first year that was superior to the Japanese equvalent was the Douglas SBD Dauntless. The Val wasn't as good. Thus it was also due to the quality of the SBD that when the opportunity presented itself, those crews were able to deliver the punch that lives on in human history.

When an aircraft and their crews deliver the blow which was the turning point of the PTO, it cannot be ignored, nor expected to be. This is why so many people are thrilled by the many releases of this classic warbird. Why you seem to so consistently wish to rain on that parade is vexing and disappointing. My personal respect for your service is without qualification, and is based upon a detailed study of the war which I've spent a large portion of my life doing.

My own rather limited experience has given me an added insight into the personal courage you demonstrated on each sortie you flew. And again, that personal respect has no bounds. But I cannot understand how your own courage and service can translate into the comments you make each time the SBD is rendered in virtual form. And I would please ask you consider what is being said here in reply. Too many people respect you and feel uncomfortable replying in this way. Perhaps you think I'm being unfair, but unfortunately, I think I'm being very fair and I wish I didn't feel it necessary to be so.

Sincerely,

Ken Stallings

[roger-wilco-66]

Ken, exactly what I thought....

I bought the Vertigo SBD Dauntless last week, and am really impressed with the beautiful looks and the nice flying with it.
It also fits very nice in my FSX Solomon 1943 project.
The only thing I would nag about is the front upper canopy frame when looking out the VC. It looks a bit rough-textured.

I look forward the Wildcat and hope that a Airacobra will be on a future release list!

Cheers,
Mark

[MudMarine]

Some people lack big picture perspective because the historical event that they experienced first hand was VERY personal. I've been involved first hand in a few "historical" events. What I saw and experienced was much diffrent than what others saw; the human experience I guess. I've spent over 20yrs of my life speaking with vets of many conflicts ALL of them have a diffrent story/experience to tell. Just an observation.

Example: As much as I dislike the M-16A1/2 rifle it has saved my life a few times, there for I love the little piece of junk! LOL

I'm off to fly my dive bomber!!:salute:

[WillKGTF]

I wish sometimes you would appreciate how frequently people show their respect for your service by overlooking your views on this subject.

Wow! How do you know this? Did I miss a poll or something?

I would never go out on a limb and speak for other members like this since I, nor anyone for that matter, really have any way of knowing beyond assumption how other people feel about Helldiver's comments. But, I can speak for myself and I have no problem with them. Given his experience, maybe he knows something the rest of us don't.


But I cannot understand how your own courage and service can translate into the comments you make each time the SBD is rendered in virtual form.

Regardless, his comments seem quite benign to me. Afterall, they largely pertain to renditions of airplanes in a video game and are opinion. I don't know why this would become an issue to the extent that a post of this nature would be necessary, and I have a hard time understanding how his comments are "raining" on some parade.

Maybe you can enlighten me as to how Helldiver's comments are of such concern that they are an issue. And, please tell me to whom they are an issue.

Thanks

[fliger747]

I for one am glad to see development and release of these historic aircraft. The SBD was a design of the famous Robert Hineman who later designed the equally classic and capable A4. His guiding principle in the A4 design was "simplicate and add lightness", believing that bigger is often.. lots bigger. The SBD might be summed up as "less is more".

Capt "Winkle" Brown , well known test pilot for the Royal Navy seemed a bit astounded, "This is the plane that was the terror of the Pacific war"? His conclusion, a plane that suceeded despite itself, a tribute to the skill of it's crews. It did have the lowest loss rate per mission of any USN aircraft of the war.

Perhaps just good enough at everything.

Dive bombers are fun to fly, I did the FM for the Outhouse one of several years ago. Especially tucked into a nearly verticle dive trying to keep the sights and lead on the target.

Cheers: T

[Henry]

Gentlemen?
please keep this thread Non Personal
it is about a SBD Dauntless
not about any other reason or comparison
H

[Quicksand]

:medals::medals::medals:

[PRB]

Eric Brown is great. Here's some more words from his chapter on the SBD:

"My primary interest in the Dauntless lay in its dive bombing characteristics and so I staggered up to 15,000 feet..." Love that guy! :icon_lol:

[fliger747]

I did have to laugh a bit when "Winkle" Brown refered to it as a "decidedly pre-war in appearance".... especially in comparison to what the Fleet Air Arm was using at the time....

T

[Ken Stallings]

I for one am glad to see development and release of these historic aircraft. The SBD was a design of the famous Robert Hineman who later designed the equally classic and capable A4. His guiding principle in the A4 design was "simplicate and add lightness", believing that bigger is often.. lots bigger. The SBD might be summed up as "less is more".

Capt "Winkle" Brown , well known test pilot for the Royal Navy seemed a bit astounded, "This is the plane that was the terror of the Pacific war"? His conclusion, a plane that suceeded despite itself, a tribute to the skill of it's crews. It did have the lowest loss rate per mission of any USN aircraft of the war.

Perhaps just good enough at everything.

Dive bombers are fun to fly, I did the FM for the Outhouse one of several years ago. Especially tucked into a nearly verticle dive trying to keep the sights and lead on the target.

Cheers: T

I remember reading about a comparison between the war experiences of two aircraft with somewhat similar performance -- the Fairey Battle and the Douglas Dauntless. The experiences could not have been more diametrically opposed. Opposed except in one area -- the boundless courage of the men who flew them into harm's way.

Yet, up against two of the best fighters of the opening of the war -- the Me-109 and the A6M Zero, the Battle was butchered at a shocking level and the Dauntless succeeded to a history making level.

In looking at payload, speed, range one thing was not compared -- maneuverability. The Dauntless was surprisingly nimble for a two-man dive bomber. It was also better armed with two .50 cal machine guns on the top cowling. Among the many missions the SBD was pressed to perform was fleet defense, and it was able to shoot down a Val or Kate attack aircraft. The aircraft was also rock solid and stable in the dive, which meant that a well trained pilot could ram home the bomb with amazing accuracy.

This stability when combined with excellent maneuverability for a bomber was a nice combination. When you add in the stability during an approach to land on a carrier, it's really little surprise the aircraft was so loved by their crews.

Yes, more raw speed to escape a fighter attack, and more payload to deal more damage to the enemy were undeniable qualities later aircraft like the Avenger and Helldiver enjoyed. But no other aircraft in the USN earned such a war-changing record. In looking at raw impact to the enemy, the closest second place likely goes to the Hellcat which effectively destroyed the remainder of the IJNAF fighter arm in the Marianas Turkey Shoot. The great difference is that the Dauntless accomplished its achievement when the outcome of the war remained in doubt.

Destroying one quarter of the enemy's total carrier force as it existed in June 1942, in one day, is an achievement no other single aircraft can claim.

Ken

[FLighT01]

Just a quick update, we have no released through fspilotshop for customers that are more comfortable with there payment system .

http://www.fspilotshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=2493

Perfect! I was hoping you would as that's how I acquired your F6F.

[stiz]

Yet, up against two of the best fighters of the opening of the war -- the Me-109 and the A6M Zero, the Battle was butchered at a shocking level and the Dauntless succeeded to a history making level.


appels and oranges comparison :kilroy:

[warchild]

I gotta admit, i dont know much about the dauntless, nor its successor, and frankly i have damned little time for reading anything that isnt aerodynamics related.. Part of senility i guess, always having to relearn everything over again.. some of those formu;as though can be well,, daunting.. But i digress..
Having been in combat, as others here have as well, i know this much. The first rule of battle is that when the fighting starts, all plans are null and void.. Midway was a cluster ******, we all know this, but i cant fault anyone for "botching" it up.. That had to be hella confusing and scary beyond imagination. The dauntless did a wonderful job with the men that were flying her, But i think back to another battle, where another plane made history, and that was the battle for the Bismark.. Again botched, but sheesh, the brits had taken two major blows and disarray was the mode of the day. yet, it was one little world war one kingfisher with one guy hanging out of the cockpit, held onto the plane only by his feet so he could judge the top of the waves, that got the job done.. The helldiver was a good plane. maybe not as historical as the dauntless, but the men who flew her were no less heros. They helped end the war..
We hold machines up to the light and put them on pedestals, but always, its the human element that is the true history maker.

[stiz]

it was one little world war one kingfisher

or even a 1930s fairy swordfish :engel016:

[Ken Stallings]

appels and oranges comparison :kilroy:

No, it was not.

Of course, if you wish to expand upon your claim I would read your points.

Ken

[deathfromafar]

First off, to Team Vertigo, you folks did a hell of a job building this Dauntless. I have bought both this one and the Hellcat and feel they were two of the best buys I've made in FS models in some time.

With regards to the debate on the two Dive Bombers, hell, they both did their jobs and with brave crews. Like any other air crewmen, aviators defend their birds against any and all comparisons. We know the reputation garnered by the Dauntless and it's crews. Based on accounts in a couple of WW2 Naval Aviation books I have from the 1970's, the Helldiver had a lot of things going for it numbers wise. The one constant pilots noted was the bugs the plane had up till the SB2C-4 came along. Like a lot of planes(even the B-29), sometimes it took time to iron out all the wrinkles. Nonetheless, I always liked the look of both planes. They and their crews earned their place in history.

[warchild]

or even a 1930s fairy swordfish :engel016:

errr ummm.. http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon11.gif
ya got me there ::LOL:: sory, and thanks for the correction..
Pam

[Ken Stallings]

First off, to Team Vertigo, you folks did a hell of a job building this Dauntless. I have bought both this one and the Hellcat and feel they were two of the best buys I've made in FS models in some time.

With regards to the debate on the two Dive Bombers, hell, they both did their jobs and with brave crews. Like any other air crewmen, aviators defend their birds against any and all comparisons. We know the reputation garnered by the Dauntless and it's crews. Based on accounts in a couple of WW2 Naval Aviation books I have from the 1970's, the Helldiver had a lot of things going for it numbers wise. The one constant pilots noted was the bugs the plane had up till the SB2C-4 came along. Like a lot of planes(even the B-29), sometimes it took time to iron out all the wrinkles. Nonetheless, I always liked the look of both planes. They and their crews earned their place in history.

Your post sums up the situation extremely well.

Cheers,

Ken

[FLighT01]

Downloaded this yesterday and it’s a great job. Two questions come to mind:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The F6F is by Vertigo Studios / Real Flight Simulations<o:p></o:p>
The Dauntless is by Vertigo Studios<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
One and the same? They ended up in different folders in Sim Objects / Airplanes.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
A sound question: As I’m sitting in the pit looking around and familiarizing myself, or when taxiing, or when sitting on the runway waiting to take off, I’m hearing the sound of a Dauntless (?) flying overhead, approaching from one direction and receding in its opposite. I pan around but see nothing. I then thought it could be the sound set for the Dauntless that is used in the flyby view being activated somehow? Anyone else experience this. (And no, I haven’t been fortifying my morning coffee with a shot of anything, lately).<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
For the record I’m on Vista64 with MOBO sound.<o:p></o:p>

[Deano]

Hi there, yes when sat on the runway you will hear a SBD fly-over (ambient sounds) Realflight and Vertigo Studios are indeed the same outfit, we changed name a few months ago.

The ambient sounds will become more apparent when we release the P36 as we're looking to add AI P36 traffic and also stationary aircraft.



Downloaded this yesterday and it’s a great job. Two questions come to mind:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The F6F is by Vertigo Studios / Real Flight Simulations<o:p></o:p>
The Dauntless is by Vertigo Studios<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
One and the same? They ended up in different folders in Sim Objects / Airplanes.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
A sound question: As I’m sitting in the pit looking around and familiarizing myself, or when taxiing, or when sitting on the runway waiting to take off, I’m hearing the sound of a Dauntless (?) flying overhead, approaching from one direction and receding in its opposite. I pan around but see nothing. I then thought it could be the sound set for the Dauntless that is used in the flyby view being activated somehow? Anyone else experience this. (And no, I haven’t been fortifying my morning coffee with a shot of anything, lately).<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
For the record I’m on Vista64 with MOBO sound.<o:p></o:p>

[FLighT01]

Hi there, yes when sat on the runway you will hear a SBD fly-over (ambient sounds) Realflight and Vertigo Studios are indeed the same outfit, we changed name a few months ago.

The ambient sounds will become more apparent when we release the P36 as we're looking to add AI P36 traffic and also stationary aircraft.

Sweeeeeeeet :jump:

[dswo]

I've wanted a native-X Dauntless for at least two years. This is better than I hoped for.

Some dive bombing questions:

1. Can the wing pylons be armed?

2. Can you set a key to deploy the swing carriage? I ask because I'd like to watch the animation from outside.

3. Can you set a key to drop the bomb? Again, I ask because I'd like to watch the bomb fall from outside.

4. Anyone figured out how to link bomb impact with an effect? (Cf. Iris F-16.)

[dswo]

Engine settings, temps from the 1942 "Pilot's Handbook: Model SBD-3," which I found here: http://avialogs.com/douglas/douglas-sbd-3-dauntless/

[dswo]

If there's a patch planned, here are some suggested fixes:



Reference tab on kneeboard refers user to non-existent checklist tab on kneeboard
On the brown and white "Aruba" paint, the "swiss cheese" holes are white or untextured on the inside. This looks odd in bright sunlight. Or maybe it looked odd in real life!
The autopilot switch moves slightly to the left when you click "on," but it still points in the general direction of "off."
The clock has a 24-hour face, but hands indicate time like a 12-hour clock. E.g., actual time 0645 shows as 1245 on the clock.

Additions?



As I understand it, the gyro in the center of the main panel was used to adjust the autopilot heading. Would it be possible to make it do the same here?
Make the SBD-3 bombsight telescopic. (Could be more trouble/FPS-unfriendly than it's worth.)
I believe the SBD-5 had a reflector bombsight.

1756

[dswo]

A paintkit is now available. See http://vertigostudios.co.uk/node/218. Unfortunately, to read the whole post (and I think to download the paintkit) you have to register and login.

[muletrain]

dswo...thanks for posting the location for SBD-3 "Pilot's Handbook".
Just what I was hunting for!

Roy Marsh

[peter12213]

Yeah thanks for that David!

[boxcar]

.
Haven't seen anyone post yet about the SBD's role in Vietnam/Indo-China (the French Navy flew some) & I thought it worth mentioning. This SBD Dauntless is mighty tempting, though am still holding out for their F8f Bearcat... same power plant but lighter, smaller, climbs like crazy comparatively. It will keep my F6f good company. May just end up purchasing this one as well, as it is obviously a fine piece of FS work. Am also interested, as David asks, if a bomb effect has been able to be linked with the release of the 1000 pounder. Thanks.
.

[Lateral-G]

Just got this one. It's really nice.....

However, after reading thru the manual I still can't figure out how to get the rear guns to deploy.

Can anyone tell me the correct key combo to do this?

-G-

[dswo]

Shift-e, release everything, then very quickly hit 2 opens the middle window.
Shift-e, release everything, then very quickly hit 3 opens the rear window and sets up the gun.

[peter12213]

Yeah Dave's right Lateral, but my FPS is aweful with this aircraft I'm gutted!

[Lateral-G]

Shift-e, release everything, then very quickly hit 2 opens the middle window.
Shift-e, release everything, then very quickly hit 3 opens the rear window and sets up the gun.

Thanks Dave!

-G-

[dswo]

The map tray is a good idea, but I wanted a different image. Happily, it's easy to substitute your own. The file you want is in the Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\VS_SBD\texture subfolder and is named SBD_map.dds. Make a back-up before you do anything else.

You can edit DDS files directly with the free Paint.NET program. (I know there are other ways too, but I wanted to try Paint.NET.) It's 512 by 512, which is a bit grainy for up close, so I expanded the canvas to 1024 by 1024 and popped in a map of the Solomon Islands c. 1943. Don't save it yet: you need to flip it vertically first. NOW you can save it. Reload the sim (or just load a different plane and reload the SBD). See how it looks.

Attached is my Solomons map, with a screenshot of how it looks in the VC (with the ENBseries bloom plugin).

-- I updated the chart a little bit; scroll down to my next post for the new file.

[Deano]

Nice touch David, appreciated.

[dswo]

I added some items to the top of the chart board: MP settings and speeds from the SBD-3 Pilot's Handbook, and a recognition silhouette for the Zuikaku carrier.

[roger-wilco-66]

Wow, David! :applause:

[Merkava]

Is iny way to reduce size of lights? Formation lights looks very... hmmm... funky maybe. Try turn them On and see. :)

[peter12213]

A lot of use programs like REX 2 which chage the light halo's on aircraft and scenery, this might be your problem also!

[dswo]

Yeah Dave's right Lateral, but my FPS is aweful with this aircraft I'm gutted!

I haven't noticed any problems here. Is anyone else having trouble with framerates?

[stiz]

i get a slight hit of a couple of frames but nothing drastic, frames in the VC are better than when looking at the external model though.

[peter12213]

Its the opposite for me Stiz, think its down to the 2048 x 2048 textures on my poor system.

[gajit]

I have the same prob - its self shadows that seem to do it (smooth FPS if turned of but stutters with them on) - Had the same trouble with the Hellcat until an update.

[Deano]

.
Haven't seen anyone post yet about the SBD's role in Vietnam/Indo-China (the French Navy flew some) & I thought it worth mentioning. This SBD Dauntless is mighty tempting, though am still holding out for their F8f Bearcat
.

Do you mean this one Boxcar ?

<img src="http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f1.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f2.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f3.jpg" />

<img src="http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f4.jpg" />

[stiz]

oooooo thats looking really nice! :jump:

[krazycolin]

nice!

[peter12213]

Please include 1024 x 1024 textures for us with lesser systems, Please Please lol!

[MudMarine]

BearKitty!!:jump::salute:

[Deano]

Please include 1024 x 1024 textures for us with lesser systems, Please Please lol!

I guess we can do that and apply it to the easy flight model or just have different folders and allow the end user to choose there ideal setup or even create a simple interface for changing.

[peter12213]

Well that would be much appreciated as I find the dauntless with its 2048 x 2048 textures to stressing on my system personally!:salute: If you could do this it would be much appreciated by me at least!

[Deano]

Well that would be much appreciated as I find the dauntless with its 2048 x 2048 textures to stressing on my system personally!:salute: If you could do this it would be much appreciated by me at least!

We are testing the final patch as we speak and are also uploading the additional 1024 textures as a direct download from our downloads page for those with FPS issues and lastly, we're working on a new Radio but this will come a little later.

[Deano]

The 1024 textures are now available :

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/node/231

[peter12213]

Thanks SO much Deano and whoever else is responsable, this is very much customer care and consideraation, if only more companies were like yourselves! :salute:

[Deano]

Guys is anyone having problems with the textures not loading correctly in FSx as Ive had 3 new support requests stating that some textures are missing on the SBD.

[peter12213]

Mine seem to load fine, but I was wondering will you be making 1024 x 1024 textures for the VC in the main texture folder as those seem to be 2048 x 2048 still? :salute:

[PRB]

No issues here (Vista 64)

[Deano]

Mine seem to load fine, but I was wondering will you be making 1024 x 1024 textures for the VC in the main texture folder as those seem to be 2048 x 2048 still? :salute:

Good point Pete, I'll look into that. :wiggle:

[muletrain]

Probably a dumb question; but what opens a .rar file?
The textures download as "SBD_1024_textures.rar"

:isadizzy:

Thanks...

[Lateral-G]

Probably a dumb question; but what opens a .rar file?
The textures download as "SBD_1024_textures.rar"

:isadizzy:

Thanks...

look for winrar.exe on the web.....

http://www.rarlab.com/

-G-

[peter12213]

Good point Pete, I'll look into that. :wiggle:
Thank you!

[Deano]

Thank you!

Hi Peter Im uploading the VC textures now as 1024 size and will be available for download via our downloads page.

[Deano]

The 1024 Internal textures are now available for the SBD via our website located under the Downloads (http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/downloads) section.

[peter12213]

You are a true Gentleman and an absolute hero I only wish some other developers would pay us the same courtesy! THANK YOU MATE!!! :salute:

[peter12213]

Just had my first real flight in her and now I see why you guys are the masters, I love the hellcat but damn this one is something else, its a shame it took me so long to finally enjoy her!

Some shots!
3798
3797
3799
3800

Deano thank's so much! :salute:

[Deano]

Dont worry guys I have not forgot about the Patch.

We're just trying to figure out why the on some systems the bomb sticks out of the fuselage.


Cheers
Deano

[Snaker]

Just took it up for the first time today. A real treat. Excellent job by the developers!! I posted some pics in a seperate thread below......

:ernae:

[jimjones]

After recently buying and installing the SBD my problems include:
Unable to drop bomb even though I've found and used the bomb release lever.
Unable to open the cowling with the cowl knob. Must use keys:ctrl-shift v or c.
Unable to move landing or diving flaps.
I'm very happy with the exterior and interior, but the inability to use the special features
mentioned above takes away from the plane.
Any suggestions?

[TeaSea]

Probably a dumb question; but what opens a .rar file?
The textures download as "SBD_1024_textures.rar"

:isadizzy:

Thanks...


That was not a dumb question....it was a smart one....and I wish I had asked it several months ago as I tried to figure out what a RAR file was.

I eventually figured it out but it became my research hobby for a while. :)

[peter12213]

After recently buying and installing the SBD my problems include:
Unable to drop bomb even though I've found and used the bomb release lever.
Unable to open the cowling with the cowl knob. Must use keys:ctrl-shift v or c.
Unable to move landing or diving flaps.
I'm very happy with the exterior and interior, but the inability to use the special features
mentioned above takes away from the plane.
Any suggestions?

Check advanced animations & you are an Accel user right?

[spotlope]

I use WinRAR for opening RAR files. It works great for Zips as well.

[jimjones]

Pete,thanks for responding. I am an accerartion user and Advaned Conrol button is on. But no contol for those knobs mentioned earlier. Was there ever a patch? Does it work witout one?

[bruce448]

Pete,thanks for responding. I am an accerartion user and Advaned Conrol button is on. But no contol for those knobs mentioned earlier. Was there ever a patch? Does it work witout one?


have you armed the bomb on the bomb fusing panel see pic below

12834

as for the various levers if you have a mouse with a wheel as the third button, whilst holding down the left button move the wheel up/down.

Bruce

[jimjones]

Thanks Bruce for the tips. All is well now. Why in the world does a designer spend month's on a model and NOT spend an hour documenting its features? Does he think he wants to give us enjoyment finding them on our own?

[Deano]

Sorry about that Jim, it all adds to the excitement :running:

[Cleartheprop]

David Wilson-Okamura has reviewed the Vertigo Studios SBD Dauntless; Read it there! (http://www.avsim.com/pages/0710/Vertigo/Dauntless.htm) :ernae:

[Deano]

its s good review, thanks David, appreciated.