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Offline Asid

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VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« on: September 08, 2018, 12:07:14 AM »
  F/A-18E SUPERBUG
High Fidelity Strike Fighter Add-on for FSX/P3D


Compatibility: FSX, FSX:SE & Prepar3D v1/v2/v3/v4
P3D and FSX:Steam Edition support requires TacPack
Home page
VRS Support Wiki
TacPack Combat System




Vertical Reality Simulations F/A-18 Superbug by Jaggyroad Films
Published on Jan 8, 2009 (old footage)





About VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG

VRS has created a truly remarkable and faithful reproduction of the F/A-18E Super Hornet - the U.S. Navy's front-line strike fighter. Crafted by a small, dedicated team of developers who also happen to be engineers in real life, the Superbug provides what we believe is by far the most comprehensive overall simulation of ANY combat aircraft ever created for any Flight Simulator derivative. The Superbug is the culmination of over a decade of work dating back to FS2004, and continues to be supported with frequent releases. From avionics to weapon systems, if it's in the real aircraft, it's probably in this simulation! VRS regularly receives input from active and retired F/A-18 pilots as well as aircraft maintainers serving with the U.S. Navy and Australian Air Force. We have continuously leveraged these invaluable friendships and resources for over a decade in order to bring you the most realistic experience possible. With the addition of the TacPack (optional for classic FSX, required for FSX: Steam Edition or P3D), the Superbug is taken to a whole new level of immersion and realism not previously attainable on the FSX/P3D platforms.

Feature-rich with Constant Updates



The Superbug is the single best-selling military aircraft of all time for Microsoft Flight Simulator, and is now also available for P3D Academic (or commercially for P3D Pro). The Superbug has been continually updated and improved upon since its initial introduction for Flight Simulator 2004, and continues to be updated regularly with significant new features and fixes. Your investment in the Superbug/TacPack is an investment in the future of military aircraft simulation.

The Superbug also includes a powerful external app called the Aircraft Configuration Manager (ACM), which may be used to manage aircraft systems and simulation preferences. The ACM provides functions to maintain and edit saved loadouts (weapon sets), program the Mission Unit (MU), set initial fuel loads, and even arm failures. Aircraft preferences are also available for everything from avionic to graphic options. Finally, the ACM can gather and export vital logging information for diagnostics/support.

Fully Combat Capable



Superbug for FSX and P3D is a professional-level, fully combat capable F/A-18E aircraft simulation. The Superbug and TacPack combat system (optional for classic FSX, required for FSX: Steam Edition or P3D), work together to bring dedicated aerial combat and ground attack capability to life for the first time in Flight Simulator or Prepar3D. Features include multiplayer-capable weapon, radar, transponder (team-based), countermeasures, and early warning systems that function seamlessly by leveraging the proven power of the TacPack. TacPack integration means sensor and weapon systems are fused just as their real-world counterparts. You can lock up AI aircraft and receive feedback to the HUD, radar and early warning systems. The radar simulation takes a number of factors into consideration, including signal strength (range), aspect angle, closing velocity (Doppler shift), and more. Every mode present on the F/A-18E AN/APG-73 airborne radar is simulated to exacting detail.

Fly-by-Wire



The Superbug is the first true 3-axis fly-by-wire combat aircraft designed for FSX/P3D. The flight control system is not a "fly-by-wire-like" CAS, it's a completely dynamic, fully control-law-dependent proportional system driving a single (ordinance independent) neutrally-statically-stable base flight model. The FBW system extends to 100% custom autopilot functions. Input signals from the stick, throttle and rudders are fed through I/O controllers where they're filtered, passed through control-law schedules, and finally sent to the control surfaces. The Control Augmentation System (CAS) is responsible for allowing an incredibly wide AoA range while maintaining excellent lateral and longitudinal handling qualities. In addition, neutral speed stability in conjunction with automatic longitudinal trimming means there is no need to trim the aircraft for pitch. Similar CAS algorithms are used to drive everything from engine FADEC control to dual-rate nosewheel steering and 100% custom flight director and autopilot modes.

History in the [re]Making

The Superbug is the recipient of multiple awards including the coveted Avsim Gold Star, PC Pilot's Platinum award
, and the SimFlight Award for Best Military Aircraft. These are the highest review awards available in their respective mediums. However VRS hasn't been resting on our laurels; The Superbug has been constantly updated for over a decade. If you've tried military aircraft for MSFS before, and they've left a bad taste in your mouth, give the Superbug a try and see why VRS has been called The PMDG/Level-D of military add-ons. Explore all the Superbug has to offer by seeing the features and media below. We think you'll agree, the depth of the simulation is second to none, making this an investment you can be proud to add to your collection.


















































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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2018, 05:20:44 PM »
Superbug Features


Actual F/A-18E Full Cockpit Simulator (left) vs Superbug


The TacPack-Powered Superbug takes the "vanilla" Superbug and super-sizes it by adding amazing live weapon systems modeling as well as a host of new avionic features not otherwise possible. These include FLIR video, true A/G radar with full terrain masking and geo-stabilized SAR simulation, spawnable AI, including moving carriers with pitching decks and point-defense systems, true HMD support, and of course the ability to actually destroy other aircraft and other FSX SimObjects in both single and multi-player. We were able to do many, many things that will have you seeing far past previously explored boundaries, particularly where military aircraft are concerned.

1.1 Fly-By-Wire Flight Control System

We're certainly proud of our models and other visuals, but that's only a very small part of the overall simulation. We have without a doubt the finest flight model/control law schedule that's ever been produced for a PC military aircraft simulation. It's based on two components: A neutrally statically stable base flight model and a robust fly-by-wire Control Augmentation System (CAS). The term "fly-by-wire" tends to get thrown around loosely in many circles, but true fly-by-wire requires the interception and processing of control inputs prior to sending those signals to the actual aircraft surfaces. Unless it's doing that, it's not fly-by-wire. Auto-trim alone does not make a fly-by-wire system. We can use this system for aircraft stability and control throughout the entire range of AOA (and in the F/A-18, that's a BIG range). We can use it for custom autopilot, failures (total or partial lack of control), nosewheel steering (high and low gain), anti-skid, and a vast range of other uses that are simply not possible to achieve in FS without such a system. We basically take control away from Flight Simulator and use our own processing.

1.2 Live Weapons

Yes! TacPack means weapons are no longer benign figments of your imagination; Flight Simulator becomes a live battle space. Your aircraft can destroy (or cripple) your adversaries, and you yourself can become the prey, taking partial or critical damage. Note that only multi-player users who own the TacPack (and have it enabled) will be vulnerable to its systems. Weapons ranging from AGMs to LGBs and guns are all modeled with realistic physics, performance, effects and lethality envelopes rivaling stand-alone simulators. Not only will you be able to take out AI aircraft in single-player, you'll be able to dogfight multi-player, take out SAM and AAA, or bomb a hostile airfield - all in free-flight.

1.3 Physics Modeling

The VRS F/A-18E models all the physics associated with carrying and delivering payload. Properties of mass, including drag (multiple forms) and weight are all simulated based on the payload being carried. We can shed the weight, reduce the drag, and adjust the aircraft centers of gravity both laterally and longitudinally, all on the fly. We do not use multiple flight models and aircraft meshes to achieve this; Using a separate flight model for each combination of weapons fundamentally impossible if one wishes to provide anything but a basic set of predefined, limited loadouts. Nor can that approach account for shedding the weight and drag upon payload release. The aircraft must be able to dynamically adjust its flight characteristics.

1.4 High Realism

Most of the systems we simulate are based on a series of manuals developed by Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS). These manuals are sometimes referred to as having been "written in blood." Some of the procedures and standards developed are the result of accidents, mishaps, and tragedy associated with the hazards of naval aviation. These NATOPS manuals are serious stuff. As a civilian organization producing consumer software, we don't have access to the restricted areas of these manuals, nor would we ever wish to disseminate that information. However we do have access to unclassified F/A-18E/F flight manuals pertinent to the simulation, and these are extensive. If you're not already an active or retired F/A-18 pilot, you're going to know more about how an F/A-18E/F really works than anything you've experienced before could possibly demonstrate.

1.5 Advanced Avionic Systems

We simulate a robust multi-mode Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground radar system based on the AN/APG-73 radar in Block 1 Super Hornets. The radar system is a true B-sweep design with search, track and ACM A/A modes, as well as full terrain masking and SAR simulation in A/G mode. In addition, we simulate the first and only FLIR system in FSX (or P3D), with complete target designation and tracking, field-of-view control, and precise, responsive manual control.

AI aircraft can be tracked and fired upon by air-to-air missiles and guns thanks to the TacPack. Each missile type is individually modeled for range, acceleration, and maneuverability, and features authentic caged and uncaged fire control modes and symbology.

The systems and avionic modeling in this aircraft are authentic, extensive, and robust. The digital displays and Head-Up Display (HUD) are scalable to whatever resolution you're running, providing crisp vector graphics and clean update rates. The various functions for driving these displays are componentized and communicate by way of a simulated Multiplex Bus (MUX). The state of all systems can be monitored by way of a Built-in-Test (BIT) interface, and they are subject to battle damage, random failures, and Environmental Control System (ECS) overheating. HUD simulation in almost all previous MSFS aircraft simulations had been notoriously sup-par, with apparently no fundamental understanding of how symbology should be presented beyond what "looks good." The VRS F/A-18E HUD is a world-calibrated instrument with full optical collimation. The distance between elements such as pitch ladder bars exactly corresponds to the outside world rather than simply being scaled in range of movement so that the zenith is visible at 90 degrees and the nadir is visible at -90. Further, the velocity vector (flight path marker in non-naval circles), is carefully calibrated to correspond to the outside world. Where the velocity vector actually points where the aircraft is flying.

The virtual cockpit is simply state of the art. Almost every knob and every function present in the real aircraft is at your disposal. The layout and default eyepoints in the VRS F/A-18E are specifically designed to provide the optimum combination of avionic interaction and visual acuity at any aspect ratio.
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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2018, 03:57:57 PM »
Product DRM

All VRS products require internet-based activation.


Activation

Each product comes with a finite number of activations (5) at the time of purchase. If you subsequently change hardware or operating systems and fail to deactivate prior to the change(s), the activation count may be decreased by 1.

If you completely run out of activations, you will no longer be able to activate the software, and must contact VRS to have the activation count reset. This is easily avoided by following the procedures for deactivation

BEFORE making hardware changes. Please note that we do not "top off" activations. Please wait until you're out (error 300) before contacting us.


Deactivation

In order to avoid losing activations, the software may quickly be deactivated prior to making hardware or operating system changes. This is done from the Help menu under Registration Details in either the TacPack Manager (TacPack) or Aircraft Manager (Aircraft).


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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2018, 07:18:34 PM »
Documents (PDF) / Links



Actual F/A-18E (top) vs Superbug (bottom)



•   Virtual NATOPS Pocket checklist here

•   Emergency Procedures here

•   Keyboard reference here

•   Cockpit Systems here

•   Air-To-Air Systems here

•   Air-To-Ground Systems here

•   Navigation Systems here

•   Tactical Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems here
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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2018, 05:20:00 PM »
Tutorials

Navigation Tutorial Flight
The Navigation Tutorial Flight is designed to walk you through the basic procedures needed to get in the air, navigate to a destination, and fly a standard approach and landing. Please note that this section is in no way a comprehensive systems study of the Superbug/TacPack. The objective of this tutorial is just to get you in the air and comfortable with the aircraft. The Navigation Tutorial covers the following topics:


Air-To-Air Tutorial Flight
The A/A tutorial provides a basic introduction to the Air-to-Air (A/A) features of the Superbug/TacPack. As with the other tutorial flights, please note that this is in no way a comprehensive study of the air-to-air functionality of the Superbug/TacPack. The objective of this tutorial is to familiarize you with some of the basic A/A concepts and systems. Please do not rush through it. Expect to spend at least 45 minutes to complete it, and ideally more to repeat it until you are comfortable with the concepts and procedures it contains.


Air-To-Ground Tutorial Flight
The A/G tutorial will provide a basic introduction to some of the Air-to-Ground (A/G) features of the Superbug/TacPack. As with the other tutorial flights, please note that this is in no way a comprehensive study of the air-to-ground functionality of the Superbug/TacPack. The objective of this tutorial is to familiarize you with some of the basic A/G concepts and systems. Please do not rush through it. Expect to spend at least 1 hour to complete it, and ideally more to repeat it until you are comfortable with the concepts and procedures it contains.
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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #5 on: September 18, 2018, 01:29:32 PM »
Aircraft Configuration Manager (ACM)



The Aircraft Configuration Manager (ACM), is the heart of the VRS Superbug simulation. The ACM is used to arm and fuel the aircraft, provide an interface for failure arming, assigning keystrokes, and choosing simulation preferences. The ACM is also used to activate and register the Superbug. Last, but not least, the ACM is a gateway to Superbug product update announcements.













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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2018, 02:36:36 PM »
VRS F-18 work in progress. screenshots

















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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2018, 12:37:52 PM »
Reserved
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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2018, 12:37:59 PM »
Reserved
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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2018, 12:38:06 PM »
Reserved
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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #10 on: September 27, 2018, 12:38:50 PM »
I have reserved 3 posts to add extra info in the correct place. This thread is now open for discussion.

Regards
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Offline Asid

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #11 on: December 07, 2018, 12:06:17 AM »
P3D V4.4 update
Thu Dec 06, 2018 6:42 pm

by adiemus (dev)

"Just finished the first internal test builds for 4.4. Working a few issues. In short, we're making progress, but as always it'll be ready when it's ready."
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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #12 on: December 21, 2018, 12:33:34 AM »
Beta 1.5.0.5
20/12/18

NOTE: 1.5.0.5 is a public beta release. It is available from the official VRS forum but not your customer page.

This public beta release adds support for Prepar3D v4.4 and addresses the ACM/TPM InfoCheck errors during activation.

Changelog 1.5.0.5 (12/20/18 - public beta release for all platforms)

•   [NEW] Support for P3D v4.4 (4.4.16.27077)
•   [FIX] InfoCheck error when activating via ACM/TPM (for TacPack integrated products, still working on non-TacPack Superbug ACM)
•   [FIX] Installer doesn't correctly install 1.2.1.0 (Legacy, non-TacPack) Superbug

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #13 on: January 22, 2019, 02:27:57 PM »
Beta 1.5.0.6
22/01/19


TacPack/Superbug v1.5.0.6 | FSX/P3D (x86):
Supports Microsoft FSX SP2 (10.0.61472.0) through Acceleration (10.0.61637.0)
Supports FSX:Steam Edition (10.0.62615.0) or earlier
Update from the support forums

TacPack/Superbug v1.5.0.6 | P3D v1-v3 (x86):
Supports P3D Academic v1.4 through 3.4 hotfix 3 (3.4.22.19868)
Update from the support forums

TacPack/Superbug v1.5.0.6 | P3D v4 (x64):
Supports P3D Academic 4.1 (4.1.7.22841) through 4.4 (4.4.16.27077)
Update from the support forums

NOTE: 1.5.0.6 is a public beta release.
It is available from the forum links below but not your customer page.

This public beta release adds support for Prepar3D v4.4 and addresses the ACM/TPM InfoCheck errors during activation.

Changelog 1.5.0.6 (22/01/19 - public beta release for all platforms)

•   [FIX] InfoCheck error when activating legacy (non-TacPack-Powered) Superbug

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Re: VRS F/A-18E SUPERBUG
« Reply #14 on: May 31, 2019, 01:09:28 PM »
1.5.0.7 (5/30/19 - public release for all platforms)
30/05/19


Changelog 1.5.0.7

•    [NEW] Support for P3D v4.5 hotfix 1 (x64 versions).
•    [NEW] TacPack-Powered ACM facelift to DPI aware process with support for font scaling up to 150%.
   

Links

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