Simskunkworks Starfighter

[peter12213]

This is one amazing and one loved aircraft!

22949

[Bone]

that's not what your wife said, lol

[peter12213]

LMFAO, how did you know??????? HAHAHHAHAHA

[Barfly]

Is this the Progetto F104S ( http://www.progettof104.102virtual.org/index.php ) or is it a completely separate project?

[flaviossa]

This is one amazing and one loved aircraft!

Yes it is!!!
http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshots/images/9782010_11_4_23_34_50_108_tn.jpg (http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshots/view.php?filename=9782010_11_4_23_34_50_108.jpg) http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshots/images/7662010_11_4_23_37_31_568_tn.jpg (http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshots/view.php?filename=7662010_11_4_23_37_31_568.jpg)

[cortomalteseit]

It's the Smoker!
It's the Fighter!
It's the Starfighter!!!

This aircraft makes feel the sensation of the respect. If you don't respect her, it's the end. But if you take care of her in the proper way, she gives the best!!!

[daisan]

Is this the Progetto F104S ( http://www.progettof104.102virtual.org/index.php (http://www.progettof104.102virtual.org/index.php) ) or is it a completely separate project?

It is the same project. But in a different home web.

[dougal]

I have the Captain Sim version with their FSX patch.

Can anyone say how it compares to that?

Thanks

[smoky942]

In my opinion, the C9 F104 beat the CS model hands down. The Simskunkworks F104 takes it to an entirely different level of realism. If you want "real as it gets", the Simskunkworks F104S is the way to go. And it's going to get better.

Russell.

[flaviossa]

Dougal,
I don´t have the CS one.
I did only a little flight without system procedures yesterday. But it handles very well (What i think it´s supposed to handle because of course i´m not a real f104 pilot) and the fde is impressive. Others can give you a more acurate vision of this. The sound package is one of the best i saw until now. I only managed to get the manual today, so i´m going to the reading because the plane IS very system deep with many of them simulated, including the weapons.
Of course, there are little things to work out like bump mapping the plane but the "fun factor" is so great that you almost forget this ...
And ... the price .... wow!

[Pluto12]

I have flew the CS, and the Cloud9 many years ago, before becoming a Virtual "Pluto" and entering in the Project. We have made many, many hours of flight Hours...to test and to verify, supported by the experience of Mario and other pilots.....have we reach the goal? I can say "yes" and I am sure of that...surely we can do better, and I can say that we are working again, and again.....

The model is in evolution..for sure, as Flaviossa says we work on bump mapping, and other features, as we say in our web-site, to complete the project.. :)

Just to let you Know I post a video, of a start up, and shut down, that Mario made in August of the new virtual cockpit....the cockpit is in development and soon we post a new video of the actual situation.....
enjoy :)

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qOWFL6zUQUc?fs=1&amp;hl=it_IT"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qOWFL6zUQUc?fs=1&amp;hl=it_IT" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

<object width="480" height="385"> Emanuele</object>

[Anneke]

Freeware? Payware? Released? Where can I get it?

Looking for a good FSX F104 quite some time now...:salute:

[kilo delta]

Freeware? Payware? Released? Where can I get it?

Looking for a good FSX F104 quite some time now...:salute:

http://www.vaafse.org/simskunkworks/ :)

[Anneke]

VERY SOON AVAILABLE !

[Pluto12]

VERY SOON AVAILABLE !

It is already avaiable....actually we distribute the 2.6 version for the S, and the 1.0 version for the ASA.
The video refers to the V3 with a complete 3D clickable virtual cockpit....
the actually version have already a VC :)...

Emanuele

[Kiwikat]

I can't wait for the updated VC! :jump::jump::jump:

[peter12213]

Best avaialable for realism!! This is really REAL!!!!

[Pluto12]

Best avaialable for realism!! This is really REAL!!!!

:) thanks Peter....that was our goal, and that is our goal for our future projects: "as real as it is"... always if we can, but we try to get possible

Just a thought...flying our zipper in the sim for test, and test and for the "operative" life :), with so many hours that I forget, I have understood that many things, or legends about the zipper are not true.

It was called "the widow maker", or " Flying-coffing" (is it the right translation?) but when you fly it, you realize that it was not an "airplane's problem", it was always a "pilot's problem"...as a famous Italian's Pilot said: "with the Zipper, when an accident happened, it was always a pilot's training problem"....The zipper was not easy to fly...it is true....it had limits....it is true....but if you fly it, as it wants, as it asks..it gives you great satisfaction! :) For this reason as Mario always says: "the F104 Dash-one for the Zipper's pilot is as the Bible for the priest, You must know it...or you make big holes on the ground" :)

see you

Emanuele

[peter12213]

WELL IT'S REAL! Amazing!! I want A Helmet and Mask, ohh and Granizzze AFB lol :) YEAH Zipper = RESPECT fail and DIE... respect and HAPPINESS!!!!

[Dag]

Hi,

This one looks very tempting. I was one of the guys the painted the C9 version and the 104 is one of my favorite aircraft.
Would it be possible to have some screenies that are mode close up? All I've seen of this aircraft externally is from quite a distance. I want to have a look at textures, bump, spec and modelling details.

Thanks in advance

[smoky942]

Hi Dag,
I remember you well from the C9 forums. You did some great repaints. Do yourself a favour and download it, it's a steal at 8 euro's, and I'm sure you won't regret it. Also, your usual constructive criticism could be very helpful as this is still a WIP.

Russell.

[DaveQ]

Hi,

This one looks very tempting. I was one of the guys the painted the C9 version and the 104 is one of my favorite aircraft.
Would it be possible to have some screenies that are mode close up? All I've seen of this aircraft externally is from quite a distance. I want to have a look at textures, bump, spec and modelling details.

Thanks in advance


The amazing thing about this bird is its flight dynamics which are miles better than anything else. Visually the exterior and interior models and the textures are very good for the price (£7). We await vs 3 which promises significant improvement in the VC and a paint kit which I personally can't wait to get my hands on. Here's a close-up

23044

[Pluto12]

Hi,

This one looks very tempting. I was one of the guys the painted the C9 version and the 104 is one of my favorite aircraft.
Would it be possible to have some screenies that are mode close up? All I've seen of this aircraft externally is from quite a distance. I want to have a look at textures, bump, spec and modelling details.

Thanks in advance

Hi...it is a pleasure to see you here...I know your repaints for the C9, they were wonderful, at that time there were also some of my repaints for the C9 for a Service Pack :)
About the model there are some improvements and details such: the second Pitot, Auxiliary Inlet doors, APC, the radio and system antennas, the anti-roll fins, the Sparrow antennas, a totally new Nozzle (for the J79-19...the C9 was for the J79-11), new cinematics for the landing gear, the various inlets for the system on the fuse and others details.
Unfortunately, at this moment, the model has not a bumps-map, and a spec-map (the spec I made is quite totally opaque, I make so in the material editor of 3D studio, but I'm working on it). they will be present soon, so the new paint kit. At this moment the texture are quite similar with the C9 textures even if the model was totally remapped, and in some cases the texture of the C9 don't match well the new model. I hope that with the paint kit the "painters" would improve our model with new and beatiful "skins" :)

Any "criticism" would be very helpful for us to improve the model :)

Thanks for all

Emanuele

[Dag]

Hi,

Thanks for the screenie and information. Greatly apprecieated. Looking forward to seeing this aircraft develop:salute:

Thanks

[LUCE1]

The amazing thing about this bird is its flight dynamics which are miles better than anything else. Visually the exterior and interior models and the textures are very good for the price (£7). We await vs 3 which promises significant improvement in the VC and a paint kit which I personally can't wait to get my hands on. Here's a close-up

For the flying model we have to give credit to MARTE 21 aka Diego, I guess Daisan here.
a stubborn mind that never gives up, works as a virtual pilot, the surgeon as a hobby :medals:

[hschuit]

I just uploaded this:
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/new.png http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/zip.png Sim Skunk Works / Progetto F-104S-ASA 9°Stormo Repaint (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=2912) http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/download.png (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=3&id=2912)
<TABLE class=ldm_table_fullwidth><TBODY><TR><TD width=250 align=right>http://www.sim-outhouse.com/soh_ftp/thumbs/7/3/7/9/0/15881289065098.jpg (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=3&id=2912)

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/magnify.png (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_resize.php?linkid=2912&size=0)

</TD><TD class="ldm_description ldm_spacer" vAlign=center align=left>This repaint can be used for the Progetto / Sim Skunkworks F-104S-ASA v1.0 (and the F-104S v2.6 although this livery was only worn by the ASA / ASA-M variants). I like to thank Andrea Arlotti who gave me kind permission to use his original repaint for the cloud9 F-104. You will need the Progetto / Sim Skunk Works F-104S-ASA v1.0 (or F-104S v.2.6) which can be found at: http://www.vaafse.org/simskunkworks/ </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[hschuit]

And another one:
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/new.png http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/zip.png Sim Skunk Works / Progetto F-104S 36°Stormo Repaint (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=2913) http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/download.png (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=3&id=2913)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/schuit/FlightSim/F104_36St.jpg

[cortomalteseit]

And another one:


Thanks a lot, Mr. Hschuit, your repaints are very appreciated!!! :wiggle:

[merida72]

And another one:
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/new.png http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/zip.png Sim Skunk Works / Progetto F-104S 36°Stormo Repaint (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=2913) http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/download.png (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=3&id=2913)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/schuit/FlightSim/F104_36St.jpg


There are two minor inaccuracies but definitely solvable ...

the color of the helmet,

crest on air intake... XII Gruppo

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd80/cenciotti/Crisponi/JP_597_F-104S-36-01_crisponi.jpg

[hschuit]

There are two minor inaccuracies but definitely solvable ...
the color of the helmet,
crest on air intake... XII Gruppo


Merida, well spotted; my bad... Thanks for your advise :salute:, I uploaded a new version:

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=2914

23071

[Pluto12]

These sKins are amazing....well done :)

I would only say that I made a mistake on the old thread about the Alphasim F104, when I say that the manual of the Zipper was "included"....my fault....it comes with....the original manual is not part of the installer.....the reason aer many....the most important is that it is more than 250 pages, which were been scanned, and corrected in many parts to match the original words, with the features in the sim-mod...it was a lot of work.....I hope that you understand the reason..... :)

thanks and sorry for my poor English, and for my mistake

Emanuele

[ColoKent]

....two tip tank and two underwing tank loadout.

Other than that, can't WAIT to get home and buy this baby. I LOVE -104s. Any hope of a -G and TF- in the future?

Keep up the GREATwork!

Kent

[Pluto12]

....two tip tank and two underwing tank loadout.

Other than that, can't WAIT to get home and buy this baby. I LOVE -104s. Any hope of a -G and TF- in the future?

Keep up the GREATwork!

Kent

Yes.....:).....if I remeber...the S version has the tipical FB configuration....Tip tanks, Pylons tank, Orion POD and Dispenser Bay.....
Tha ASA version not...it was only an interceptor...

G Version and TF?......the G version for sure....the TF it could be :)

Emanuele

[hschuit]

Just uploaded the 3rd updated paint, this one was originally done by Emanuele Luisi.
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/new.png http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/zip.png Sim Skunk Works / Progetto F-104S-ASA 37°Stormo Repaint (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=2916) http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/ldm-silk-icons/download.png (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=3&id=2916)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/schuit/FlightSim/F104_37St.jpg

[cortomalteseit]

Just uploaded the 3rd updated paint, this one was originally done by Emanuele Luisi.

i thank you especially for this repaint, because i grew up watching this beauty owling over my head, everyday... :jump:
i will upload soon a mimetic repaint for 37th wing!
cheers

[LUCE1]

will have a 8€ bonus to have F104S or F104S-ASA at his choice.
yes there is an error on the aircraft and not so little evident, i can't say more, just that has been discovered long ago and that was intentionally left for several reasons, may be the most important is that as old programmers we sometime love our bugs too !
However will be corrected in the next version.
Obviously the contest is void for all VAAFSE members :icon_lol:
btw: error can be discovered just carefully watching the forum without having the aircraft.

[dougal]

I see the different aircraft versions are purchased separately.

I don't know enough about the 104 to make an informed choice.

What were the different versions for guys?

[Pluto12]

I see the different aircraft versions are purchased separately.

I don't know enough about the 104 to make an informed choice.

What were the different versions for guys?

Hi...
here some differences between the S and ASA version:

About the exterior model, there is another antenna under the radome for the ASA, and the gun Bay is covered in the ASA version. The ASA, also, had a Sidewinde and a Sparrow in Interceptor configuration, while the S had two sidewinders. There are also some cosmetics differences in texturing and some particulars.

The main difference is in the virtual cockpit. A Totally different layout for the ASA, New Ejection-seat, new cloche and other particular.

The two version had different use. The S version was Interceptor and Fighter Bomber, the ASA was only interceptor.


I hope this Helps

Emanuele
SIMSKUNKWORKS

[dougal]

Thanks for that

Guess it'll be the fighter/bomber for me then...

[hschuit]

WHO FIRST DISCOVERS THE ERROR.. will have a 8€ bonus to have F104S or F104S-ASA at his choice.
yes there is an error on the aircraft and not so little evident, i can't say more, just that has been discovered long ago and that was intentionally left for several reasons, may be the most important is that as old programmers we sometime love our bugs too !
However will be corrected in the next version.
Obviously the contest is void for all VAAFSE members :icon_lol:
btw: error can be discovered just carefully watching the forum without having the aircraft.

Just a guess: Several nav lights are not working on the ASA v1.0 (commented out in the aircraft.cfg)

[LUCE1]

Just a guess: Several nav lights are not working on the ASA v1.0 (commented out in the aircraft.cfg)
no, as i said before the error can be discovered also without having the model, so aircraft.cfg is not the guilty.
Some lights you see under remark into aircraft.cfg was used to carefully check/adjust weight and balance on the aircraft. Mass distribution, CG and center of lift are as in real bird and adjusted/sycronyzed internal within the model (.mdl) just to protect us with the obvious hackering of the .air file, who wants use the .air file into another similar .mdl will have bad surprises.
cheers

[cortomalteseit]

I've just uploaded a mimetic livery used by F-104S of 37th Wing 18th Sqn in Trapani-Birgi (Italy) during '80 years.

here the link:
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=2918

here the preview:
http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/8813/fsx2010110719102239.jpg (http://img809.imageshack.us/i/fsx2010110719102239.jpg/)

Good flights!

[Pluto12]

Just a guess: Several nav lights are not working on the ASA v1.0 (commented out in the aircraft.cfg)

Hi....the lights section of the aircraft.cfg in the ASA version is commented out, because all the lights are "IN" the 3D model, and as you can see they are visible :)

The S version has the Lights section because the lights are not in the 3D model...

Emanuele

[JohnC]

Just took it out for a spin, and overall it's a very pleasant aircraft. Three things stood out (3) much more than (1) and (2)

1 - I can go supersonic at Military thrust in low level and high altitude flight. It wasn't too much over M1.0, but I didn't think any of the Starfighters could super-cruise.

2 - I ran a mock landing/stall at 18,000ft to get a feel for the stalling characteristics before attempting an actual landing. I remember reading somewhere that one of the biggest problems the model (at least up to G) had was that they pitched nose up just before entering a stall...and this led to many many crashes for new pilots. But, the Skunkworks model has a fairly strong nose down moment at stall. Was this tendency fixed for the S model?

3 - On final approach for my first actual landing...immediately after deploying the flaps to landing position I heard a rooster crow*. I then lost control of the ailerons, which went full left and put me into a spin, sending me into a watery grave in the ocean below.

*It's definitely in the sound files; AERIT-F104S-Sound\dsd\Barn_fx.wav

[smoky942]

Haha, I heard him a few times on my first flights. The roosters telling you you've made a fatal error. Did you deploy the flaps to the landing position with less than 85% RPM. With landing flap, never let the RPM drop below 85% or the BLC (boundery layer control) will cause just such an action.

[Pluto12]

Just took it out for a spin, and overall it's a very pleasant aircraft. Three things stood out (3) much more than (1) and (2)

1 - I can go supersonic at Military thrust in low level and high altitude flight. It wasn't too much over M1.0, but I didn't think any of the Starfighters could super-cruise.

2 - I ran a mock landing/stall at 18,000ft to get a feel for the stalling characteristics before attempting an actual landing. I remember reading somewhere that one of the biggest problems the model (at least up to G) had was that they pitched nose up just before entering a stall...and this led to many many crashes for new pilots. But, the Skunkworks model has a fairly strong nose down moment at stall. Was this tendency fixed for the S model?

3 - On final approach for my first actual landing...immediately after deploying the flaps to landing position I heard a rooster crow*. I then lost control of the ailerons, which went full left and put me into a spin, sending me into a watery grave in the ocean below.

*It's definitely in the sound files; AERIT-F104S-Sound\dsd\Barn_fx.wav

Hi,
I try to answer...

1)It is not true....I can say that Starfighter could fly in "Super Cruise" before of the Eurofighter or F22. There is some factors to consider: Loadout and weight. I can say that in our model is implemented the relationship between Mach and Drag, and altitude.....for example: If you fly with tips, pylons, pod and dispenser you will never reach the maximum speed of Mach 2.2 at high altitude, you will fly With AB at mach 1.2 or little more. At low Level you can reach Mach 1.1/1.2 (there is the limit of 750KIAS, to not exceed the Compressor Inlet Temperature(CIT), as it wrote in the Dash-one)), but for Mach 2.2 you need to fly the clean version, or the Tips version, at least at FL450 to not exceed CIT Limit, and destroy the engine.

2)A real stall practice was impossible to train with the zipper. I explain. The Zipper had the famous behaviour, called, Pitch-up if it reached the stall airspeed. The consequence was an uncontrollable spin and the consequent ejection...the pitch-up start with a great nose-up action of the airplane.
The behaviour you describe is the reason for which was impossible to practice a stall with the zipper. There are two system to avoid a stall and the consequent pitch-up..with spin. They are the Stick-Shaker, and the Kicker.

I have to make a clarification: the Zipper has the Automatic Pitch Control (APC) which was the automatic system connected to the two little fins, one on the left, and the other on the right of the nose, that calculated the attitude of the airplanes, and you can read those values on the APC Meter in the cockpit.The stick shaker and the Kicker are connected to the APC.

When you reach an attitude of 4 in the APC the stick shaker start (in the real planes the stick really shakes....and in the sim model you can feel it with a FF joystick). It is a warning, if you continue to pull the stick, when you reach 4,5 on the APC, it's time for the Kicker to start...The Kicker was only a great idraulical nose down action on the stick...for this reason you saw the big nose down action in the sim...it was the kicker (in the sim you have also a sound, and the caution light lighted up)
For sure, this system could be ovverride with the classic Switch in the left console (never reccomended), or if you try many times and with more strength to pull the stick..with catrastrophic consequences......

Just a Tip...there are 3 instruments that are the best friends for the Zipper's Pilot: the Airspeed Indicator, the Automatic Pitch Control (APC), and the Compressor Inlet Temperature (CIT)

3)This behaviour is connected with what I say before.
Two things are happened:
- I am quite sure that when you deployed the landing flaps your RPM were under the 83%. With the zipper never go under the 83% RPM with the flaps in Land Position. The behaviour is connected to the BLC (Boundary Layer Control)...the airplane rolls to the left, or to the right...and start to sink, if the RPM are under 83%.
-I suppose that your pitch was too high...so near the limit, as I described before....

Just a last thing. I tried to explain and to clarify, but there are several factor that could bring in that situation: Speed, configuration and weight are important.
When you tried to land: which was your weight, fuel, speed on the approach?..For Example, if you try to land with more than 2000Lbs of fuel, you have to maitan different airspeed on final.


The crow is a feature that Mario introduced, to remember us that "we are a crow", if we put in an uncontrollable situation, as a spin...due to our poor pilot's skill :) it's only a funny thing. I can say that I heard that sound...many times....

Sorry for the long post, but I hope this helps.

Emanuele
SIMSKUNKWORKS

[JohnC]

(1) Good to know, I thought I was a Starfighter buff...but apparently I was wrong! I just looked at one of my F-104 books and saw the cruise speed jumped from 440 knots to 530 knots from the G to S variant.

(2) Great response!

(3) Guilty on the low RPM. I was coming down on a steep approach at 215KIAS with tip tanks and about 2,500lbs of fuel when I went from half to full flaps. I don't remember exactly where the engine speed was, but it was definitely below 83%.

Thanks for your responses, I think it really shows off the dedication you've put into this aircraft!

[LUCE1]

Just to add some technical notes to what Emanuel correctly wrote.
Kelly Johnson did the zipper unconventional in many aspects, some of the less conventional are the wing shape and the position of the stabilizer (taileron).
The wing shape, low aspect ratio and laminar profile, have the effect that there is no stall, or better before the stall other phenomena came on play.
http://www.vaafse.org/simskunkworks/images/stories/varie/polare.jpg
Looking at the picture above you see that as the angle alpha cames to max there is not a sudden fall of the CL as in other more conventional wing profiles, the wing enter into the pitch-up area before stall. Another consequence of the unconventional profile of the wing is the position of the taileron just over the rudder, the well know T-shape of the zipper. That position was imposed by the need to remove the taileron from aerodynamic shadow that high angles of attack of the wing produce, this position in turn causes considerable stability and inertia in the roll axis, which is why the wing has a negative dihedral angle, another unconventional aspect of the zipper.
Describing the pitch-up:
increasing angle of attack, CL (center of lift) moves forward until he goes before the CG (Center of gravity), this happens before the conventional wing stall.
At this point the aircraft becomes unstable and tends to further increase the angle of attack until the fuselage is also involved in making the phenomenon "divergent", airplane goes "upside down" and the structure collapse.
To avoid the pitch up the zipper has an APC (Auto-pitch-control) system that first warn the pilot with stick "shacker" and then "kicks" (so called kicker) the stick forward to abruptly cut angle of attack, as all systems APC is not perfect, if you insist on insulting the zipper you will know the pitch-up and most likely also the infamous "chorus of chickens" that warns you that also the engine is leaving you.
When the zipper model goes into pitch-up most likely it won't recover, however there is timed random number generation that under some circumstances gives you the possibility to recover it, the probability that you can recover from a pitch-up is higher if you have a good altitude margin.
When this happens you ear a "you are lucky, very lucky" voice and you have few seconds to recover the airplane, not more.
As you can imagine modelling all such behaviours using the "conventional" FSX physics engine was really a challenge for us, we guess to have won it, thanks to having all needed tecnichal data and table came from real tests done at AERITALIA and LOCKEED during zipper project developing and also to hundreds test flights done with our model by real zipper pilots both italian and german, actually one of the F104S model developers is a former zipper pilot with more than 2000 hours of flight on the F-104 G and S.
cheers
THE SIM SKUNK WORKS

BTW:
Just to give you a nice little gift, here down the link to a funny collection of cartoons from the S.U.R.E. (Starfighter Utilization Reliability Effort) project. Drawings by P.P "Pete" Trevisan, Aeritalia/FIAT test pilots in the early 60s.
http://www.vaafse.org/simskunkworks/goodies/SURE-project.pdf
The purpose of the S.U.R.E. project was to highlight the F-104 limitations and operation restrictions to the aircrew in order to reduce the then very-high loss rate experienced by the European F-104 operators.

[Stickshaker]

Did the S-version not have two small ventral fins left and right of the big fin in the middle?

My compliments on the aircraft; i will certainly buy it when the new VC is ready. And a -G would really be wonderful too.

[Pluto12]

Did the S-version not have two small ventral fins left and right of the big fin in the middle?

My compliments on the aircraft; i will certainly buy it when the new VC is ready. And a -G would really be wonderful too.

Hi,
the S version has the two little fins......and so the ASA version.....and also the new nozzle for the J79-19....

for sure there will be the G version....with che C2 seat....:)

Emanuele
SIMSKUNKWORKS

[hschuit]

I've just uploaded a mimetic livery used by F-104S of 37th Wing 18th Sqn in Trapani-Birgi (Italy) during '80 years.

Thank you Daniele :salute: ! Reminds me of the 1st time I saw a 37° Stormo F-104 when they visited the 1993 Norvenich airshow in Germany.

cheers, Henk.

[StormILM]

Emanuele, I just bought the model and gave it a good testing. Very nice and it's a very good evolution from the C9 version with some obvious refinements for FSX.

Please forgive my asking this question as I may have missed other asking and answers from you. When V3 becomes available, do the current customers get this as a free update or will it cost extra?
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[Pluto12]

Emanuele, I just bought the model and gave it a good testing. Very nice and it's a very good evolution from the C9 version with some obvious refinements for FSX.

Please forgive my asking this question as I may have missed other asking and answers from you. When V3 becomes available, do the current customers get this as a free update or will it cost extra?
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Thanks, I can say that it is particulary different from the Cloud9.

About the V3, it would be another model. The external model and the VC will be totally new with new texture mapping, particulars, and animations. There will be totally new features as droppable payloads, and more improvment in the dinamics and Handling.
Other infos soon :)

Emanuele

[LUCE1]

When V3 becomes available, do the current customers get this as a free update or will it cost extra?


This is a matter still to be discussed, however as a guideline: since we plan to mantain the "cheapware" model, so low prices should not expect free upgrading.
Differently all manual or checklist upgrade should be free of charge.
cheers
SIM SKUNK WORKS

[harryrupert]

Hi everybody,

I have downloaded the s version which is fantastic, may I ask how can I unlock or activate the HSI on the right side of the panel? being a bit of a dummy, I guess I should get the manual tomorrow if that sort of info is on there.

Thanks.

Harry:confused:

[LUCE1]

Hi everybody,
I have downloaded the s version which is fantastic, may I ask how can I unlock or activate the HSI on the right side of the panel? being a bit of a dummy, I guess I should get the manual tomorrow if that sort of info is on there.
Thanks.
Harry:confused:
really would be a PHI (Position & Homing Indicator), both PHI and main attitude are driven by the inertial platform, so you need to align it to correctly use PHI and main attitude.
Once you get the DC bus powered (engine running):
QUICK ALIGN PROC:
- IN switch on "align" (quick align it takes 60")
- when IN green light flashes switch on NAV
- both attitude, heading card and PHI became alive
However we have published PILOT CHECK LIST today, is free of charge and should be of great help.

cheers
SIM SKUNK WORKS

[harryrupert]

really would be a PHI (Position & Homing Indicator), both PHI and main attitude are driven by the inertial platform, so you need to align it to correctly use PHI and main attitude.
Once you get the DC bus powered (engine running):
QUICK ALIGN PROC:
- IN switch on "align" (quick align it takes 60")
- when IN green light flashes switch on NAV
- both attitude, heading card and PHI became alive
However we have published PILOT CHECK LIST today, is free of charge and should be of great help.

cheers
SIM SKUNK WORKS

Thanks Luce1,

All ok now I have it, every thing is working, I think I will download the manual as well as its such a great aircraft, am I right that the manual on your website with the Italian front page is for the 104S?

Thanks,
Harry:jump:

[LUCE1]

Thanks Luce1,
All ok now I have it, every thing is working, I think I will download the manual as well as its such a great aircraft, am I right that the manual on your website with the Italian front page is for the 104S?
Thanks,
Harry:jump:
Yes it is,
don't worry about, just the cover is in Italian, the manual is in english.
cheers
/Mario

[LUCE1]

Has been loaded into our server.
You can get it free of charge, visiting the "Manuals" section of our site store at:
http://www.vaafse.org/simskunkworks

Above check list will help you on:
- Use of aircraft configuration/loading panel
- Use of optical sight in ground and air-to-air mode
- Use of Ground Speed Error Readout feature
- Weapon delivery / shooting Procedures
- Use of the radar both in Air-To-Air and Ground Mapping mode
- Special weapon delivery using Dual Timer Bombing method
It conclude the condensed pilot checklist series:
NORMAL PROCEDURE PILOT CHECKLIST
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PILOT CHECKLIST
WEAPON SYSTEM CHECK LIST
All above check list has been taken from the original manuals and pilot check- lists of the AERITALIA-LOCKEED F-104S "Super Starfighter", modified and adapted for the sim model SKUNK WORKS F-104S.
We hope to have done something pleasing to our users, we emphasize that the model wanting to be as close as possible to reality is necessarily complex and needs to be known and used in accordance with the manuals and checklists provided by us.

[LUCE1]

F104-S Version 3 developing is still in progress.
We plan to release a beta version for the first 2011 quarter
Version 3 will have
a completely revised exterior model with new textures, bump maps, etc.
a remade from scratch, completely 3D modeled virtual cokpit with originals photoreal textures
animated weapon loading/delivery and weapon effect as well
a further improved, 99% close to real flight dynamics model
We are looking for experienced simmers as beta-testers, those interested should contact staff@102virtual.org
NOTE: interior cockpit shown in to the clip is a "worksheet", the final version will be different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBgUb0f7_GE

[cortomalteseit]

mmm.... looks very pretty...
I can't wait to discover the new virtual cockpit and new features :jump:
good work!

[Vox]

will have a 8€ bonus to have F104S or F104S-ASA at his choice.
yes there is an error on the aircraft and not so little evident, i can't say more, just that has been discovered long ago and that was intentionally left for several reasons, may be the most important is that as old programmers we sometime love our bugs too !
However will be corrected in the next version.
Obviously the contest is void for all VAAFSE members :icon_lol:
btw: error can be discovered just carefully watching the forum without having the aircraft.

Wow, this is really challenging!! :cost1:

First of all I greet you all, I'm a new member (don't know if there's a specific section in the forum for first introductions), I'm Italian but I'm currently living in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Pilot (PPL), old simmer (I started with FS2 on a fancy Commodore 64) and crazy about the sky and its feathered and ironed inhabitants, I've always loved our outstanding "Spillone" but since a dear friend of mine published a great illustrated history book about the 104 for the AMI, I decided I had to find something for FSX that could be worth it. I still use the lovely old CS TF104 with some FSX modifications signed by the great HSCHUIT (dank u wel, Henk! :salute:) but after enjoing the beta of the Skank work I came here for the "real" thing...I'm just still doubtful about waiting for the release of v3.0 :confused:

Back to the main topic, I already privately shared my knowledge with Luce1 (because my profile here took a month to be allowed to post something!) but I want to do it also with the rest of the "pack":



As far as I know (probably not that far) the only remarkable thing that I have noticed (apart from the already mentioned details of fins, lights, antennas...) is that in the ASA version the weapon systems panel (left of the radar screen) is actually from the ASA-M version. Real ASA had still the plane-shaped display (like the S version).
The low-vis livery of the 37° Stormo has two green pylons...really NOT low-vis! :icon_lol:


Apart from these, so far I'm really unable to find any other well concealed "error".

In the end, sorry for the long post, I just wanted to make a good impression as a new member :cool:
So cheers to all of you and Merry upcoming Xmas!
:snowman::santahat:
And by the way, guys, your work is just AWESOME!
My greatest compliments!!

[LUCE1]

Hi Vox,
as i said before to discover the error you do not need to have the model itself, it is enough browsing pictures on the forum, and the error is not microscopic.
At this point i would raise the prize, who will discover the error will have a 8 € of bonus to purchase 2.6 version and will receive a free copy of the preview of soon coming version 3.0.
/mario

[Pluto12]

Hi Vox,
first of all thanks for the compliments.....
As MArio said the error is macroscopic :icon_lol: it is my work......just for fun....:)

I can say that there are all the details that had the real zipper (antennas, fins and more, version 2.6 of the S and 1.0 of the ASA are complete of details for the external model))....
about the cockpit layout of the ASA version I am sure about the weapon system.
I post a screen of the cockpit layout of the Interceptor (the FB is the same, just minor diferences) version as reported on the Dash-One of the ASA version (1987) which is the base for all the work.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/5351/layoutasa.jpg

As you can see the weapon system of the model is the same of the original one.....

I see the green BL104, but it is not my fault...:)....we have to ask to the repainter....

Emanuele
SIMSKUNKWORKS

[Vox]

Hi Luce and Pluto!

Thanks for the answer.

Oh yes, I'm just looking at the pix and making comparisons, I don't have the model.
And as I was expecting, my info about the cockpit of the ASA were probably not updated: I don't know what version of the Dash One I have got but this is what I was basing my thesis on:

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7668/104asaa.jpg

Now I'm getting more and more curious about the solution...and the stakes are teasing too! :icon_lol:
Hehe, as soon as I'll have time to go a little deeper I'll make another attempt...

About the green BL104: yes, we really have to poke our Flying Dutch Man! :173go1:

Christian

[findus]

Congratulations to your zipper. I´ve flown it for a while and can really comply with the fact of an (for FSX) outstanding flight model. Especially in comparison with the Alphasim F-104. It reminds me to the Cloud9 version for FS2004.3223532236

[daisan]

One of our pilots has recorded a video showing the freeware version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o543734jYzY

Enjoy it!

[daisan]

New tutorial for the V2 ( and some shots of the S V3...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ruk_GlqLZKw&feature=feedu