MILTECH SIMULATIONS Dev Update - April 21

Hello everyone,

Though not something I usually do, I've made the decision to start publically documenting parts of our development process I'm constantly getting the same questions. This should answer most of your doubts when it comes to future plans, and serve as development roadmap for the next few months.

1. RECENT RELEASES

I want to kick off this development update by expressing my gratitude to the FS Community for their feedback and reception of the Miltech Simulations CH47D, both on PC and Xbox platforms. The CH47D was a very ambitious project, involving the development of technologies "not natively supported by the simulator" - such as the support of tandem rotors before it was natively supported, and the development of our mission and sling loading systems. The latter continues being improved and expanded, and future iterations of the system will come to the CH47D, the MV22B, and future products that I will mention through this dev update. The CH47D is also the first aircraft product in MSFS to include 5 custom-made sceneries for no additional cost.

The result? CH47D is currently the best-reviewed aircraft product on the MS Marketplace. Thank you!

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I'd like to take the opportunity to announce the release of NAS Key West, developed by our partners at Skydesigners. This product is now available for MSFS (PC) at https://miltechsimulations.com/products/nas-key-west and coming soon to PC and Xbox on the MS Marketplace.

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2. CH47D UPDATES

We've been dedicatedly focusing on updates, enhancements, and introducing new features since the initial launch of CH47D, with a total of 5 updates rolled out within a month of its release. Next up for the Hook is V1.1.0, which is the first "Major" update planned in the dev lifecycle. Changes include:

• Support for complex GPS Systems (PMS50 GTN750)
• First iteration of our AFCS (Autopilot) System enabled. HDG Select, Alt Hold (Baro/Rad) supported.
• Dynamic cockpit vibrations based on speed.
• Various system bugfixes
• New native tandem and engine system: Now, this is a controversial one. Generally, people are incredibly critical regarding the accuracy of flight models. However, the vast majority of our customers are satisfied with the current flight model. Therefore, any adjustments made to the flight model must match or surpass the quality of our existing tandem rotor system implementation. While we made significant progress during SU15 Beta, resolving several issues related to rotor RPM/torque accuracy, fuel system precision, startup and shutdown procedures, VRS, and more, we're still striving for handling results that are on par with or superior to the current model. We continue making improvements and working towards a native Tandem flight model.

As usual, the full changelog is available here: MILTECH SIMULATIONS CH47D - RELEASE NOTES

There is NO DEFINITIVE RELEASE DATE for this update. Depending on how things progress next week, we may decide to release some features early, and proceed with the full FM update in a few weeks.

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3. CH47D FAQs

Wanted to take this opportunity to address some FAQs:

• Glass Cockpit/CH47F Variant: We would love to make a Glass Cockpit variant, and the demand for one most definitely exists. However, this is no straight-forward task. The Glass Cockpit instruments in nearly all modern military aircraft are classified, and as such we have very limited access to information. This most certainly does not stop us (As we have dealt with it in the past on the MV22, U2, and other ongoing projects), but does add a layer of complexity to the product, and will inevitably result in many "INOP" Pages. IF we were to make a glass cockpit variant, this would end up being a paid expansion - or perhaps even a completely separate product - and will not be released anytime soon.

• Passenger/Civilian Variant: Though I would personally love to create one, a civilian variant of the CH47D does not align with our product lineup, nor has sufficient demand. Very likely this won't be considered in the near future.

• MH47 Variant: Not planned.

• Livery Packs: There seems to be enough demand to consider a livery pack for the Xbox users, and as such we'll begin looking into it.

• More internal/external cargo options, more external accessories: Additional cargo options will not be included for the CH47D, nor will external accessories be added, except potentially for a fuel boom and side hoist.

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4. MILTECH MISSION SYSTEM

We are working on a prototype of a custom, on-demand Mission System that will allow users to create and share mission files that can be loaded onto Miltech Simulations aircraft. The idea would be for the mission system to be compatible across our entire line of "Mission-specific" aircraft, and support various tasks such as firefighting anywhere in the world, carrying loads, spawning library objects into the scenery, and more.

The first prototype is set to be released shortly, and will support firefighting with the CH47D Only.

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5. MILTECH SIMULATIONS SUPERCARRIER PRO/UK CARRIER STRIKE

Supercarrier Pro is set to receive an update in the next few weeks, addressing various minor flaws, as well as adding support for new features:

• FrenchCDG will receive new LSO Voice recordings in French
• Various Night lighting improvements across all ships
• FrenchCDG is receiving steam on both catapults.
• Several adjustments have been made to the toolbar application. Specifically, Supercarrier Pro will now utilize an "integrated universal application" to control all existing and upcoming Miltech Carriers.

The latter will therefore enable UK Carrier Strike Group to receive "Supercarrier Treatment" and join the Miltech Carrier Ecosystem with all new improved 3D models, moving elevators, accessible hangar bay, new locations and more.

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6. MILTECH SIMULATIONS MV22B

An update for MV22B is in the works, adding support for many of the new features developed for CH47D. This included new tablet EFB, Cargo Loading Capabilities, Mission System and more. No ETA.

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7. MILTECH SIMULATIONS U2 SPYPLANE

Next up on the Miltech Simulations release pipeline is... the U2 Spyplane! - a single-engine, high altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated from the 1950s, and still in operation today, by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

It was flown during the Cold War over the Soviet Union, China, Vietnam, and Cuba; and more recently has taken part in post-Cold War conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as supported several multinational NATO operations.

The U2 is famous (or perhaps, infamous) for being incredibly difficult to fly. Its design, combining the aerodynamics of a glider with a powerful jet engine, make U2s incredibly difficult to land (requiring assistance from a chase car), and cruise incredibly close to the coffin corner.

Miltech Simulations U2 Spyplane will feature:

• Two variants - U2R (analog cockpit) and U2S (glass cockpit). Each variant will feature an accurate Flight Model (challenging to fly) and a more relaxed "arcade Flight Model" for casual pilots.
• A mission system, inspired by real-life Cold War and modern events; including the missile crisis in Cuba and the Space Race; as well as modern events such as the Chinese Balloon incident.
• Chasecar with voice commands to guide you during landing.
• Various sceneries included!

Development is at an advanced stage - all modeling and texturing are complete, flight dynamics are advanced and system integration is ongoing. However, no release date for Xbox or PC has been announced.

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8. 2024 AND BEYOND...

Well, too early to announce all our plans. All I can say is: we are working on 5 (!!!) projects....

• CH53E is being developed, though this is a "Long-term project" and as such we are quite far from the release date. However, it will benefit from many of the mission tech developed for the CH47D.
• XXXXXX Fighter Aircraft
• XXXXXXXX Attack/Bomber
• XXXX Bomber
• XXXXXXXXX....
• Many interesting partnerships!