Leatherneck F4U-D Corsair

We’d like to apologize in advance, if we have gotten our fans hopes up on a 2020 release. Quite honestly we were not happy with how the ole Whistling Death was looking. So after VFAT 2020, it was decided to completely remodel the external model and give it fresh textures; along with updating the cockpit as seen in previous news posts. Our research department made great strides in acquiring manufacture schematics that allowed our artist to model a more accurate airframe. We’re sure it’ll bring joy to those that love to get up and close while viewing in F2 mode.


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[FONT=&quot]Lighting has definitely been a mixed bag of bulbs as Eagle Dynamics improves their environment graphics code. But so far, our artist has found a nice balance that shouldn’t blind the pilot during the day.
The cockpit lighting is very unique compared to most modern aircraft. The precision instruments were doused with a radioluminescent paint, that when a fluorescent light or ultraviolet light shined on it, would cause the painted areas to glow.
The Corsair is equipped with four AN-3038-1 Ultraviolet lamps. The nomenclature is sort of misleading as the lamps actually have standard halogen bulbs. The lense of the lamps are able to rotate that switch between a indigo blue and clear filter. The “Ultraviolet” filter will cause the gauges to glow brighter, but when the light is switched off or changed to a clear filter, the instruments glow effect will gradually fade away!
Another unique system, is that formation lights during WW2 were usually blue. The Corsair has two of them with one on each of the top side of the wing. Recognition lights are also in working order allowing any type of communication protocols. Other than the approach light, all light have a steady and flashing mode.

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[FONT=&quot]The Tiny Tim rocket is what happens when resources are low and a weapon is needed to combat enemy ships’ heavy anti-aircraft batteries that stood in the way of bombers and attackers. The diameter of 11.75 inches came from using unused oil refinery field piping that engineers saw was perfect for fitting the 500 pounds semi-armour piercing bomb.
To fit the rocket onto the Corsair and not damage it, engineers attached the fin assembly on backwards to clear the flaps. A lanyard was also attached from the rocket’s motor to the wing. The rocket was released like a bomb, and as the lanyard broke from the tension, the motor would fire off.
Two liveries were created. Unfortunately at this time, we can only include one version. Help us make a decision by giving your vote on our strawpoll!

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Weekend News

[FONT=&quot]Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,
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[FONT=&quot]Our Summer Sale is in full swing and we are thrilled to announce that the Steam sale is also live and will run until the 8th of July. Enjoy up to 50% discount on most of our modules and campaigns. Check them out. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Leatherneck Simulations have been working hard on their next aircraft, the DCS: F4U-D Corsair. Their current efforts are focused mostly on finalising the cockpit. Take a look at their development screenshots below. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Our partners at Heatblur Simulations have made notable progress to DCS: F-14A/B Tomcat. The latest Open Beta includes improved aircraft arresting physics and new carrier burble effects, bringing this fabulous aircraft one step closer to its final version. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]We are pleased to announce that DCS: C-101 Aviojet by Aegres has moved to final release state. This module is feature complete and we encourage you to check out what Aegres Media has in store for you next. In Development Screenshots.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Thank you for your passion and support,[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Yours sincerely, [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Eagle Dynamics Team[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]DCS: F4U-D Corsair[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Development Report[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The F4U-1 is one of the few aircraft without sidewalls and a floor. Because of this, many of the Corsair’s vital components are exposed. Using manufacture drawings and original aircraft as references, the vast majority of panels, cables, pipes, and switches have been recreated to a high degree of detail. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Each area has been checked in VR to ensure that nothing a pilot would see is missing. Updates and texture adjustments to the cockpit model are in final development.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Systems development is also largely completed. Hydraulics, electrics, and basic weapon systems are operational, and Leatherneck Simulations will continue to tune them as tests proceed. The AN/ARC-5 Radio and navigation equipment tests were completed earlier this spring. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The decision to add the AN/ARC-1 radio set is still pending. Smaller items such as the oxygen equipment and the emergency landing gear extension system are also work in progress.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The full inventory of British and U.S. weaponry will be presented closer to release. A number of stunning new features will make the DCS: F4U-1D Corsair truly unique.[/FONT]
 

***Summer Update***
[h=2]Whistle While We Work[/h][h=1]Dear Pilots,[/h]Summer is right around the corner, and this seems to be the perfect opportunity to update you on our latest works and progress in module development. We have envisioned this to be a rather short update and as such it will primarily focus on the Corsair warbird, Essex class aircraft carrier and as cherry on top of the cake – a Crusader snippet. The scope of this update is dictated by the fact that the F4U-1D module occupies our attention almost exclusively.
We wish you a warm and pleasant summer and without further ado, lets have a look what we have prepared for you!






[h=1]Chance-Vought F4U-1D Corsair[/h][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
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Starting with F4U-1D Corsair, we are happy to report that the module is in its final stages of development. Most of the artwork and system programming is nearing completion, while the flight model and engine operation are in process of fine tuning and testing. A set of missions and a campaign are also planned and will be done in cooperation with the renowned and talented campaign creator Reflected Simulations!


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For the past few months following our Christmas update, our artists have shifted their efforts towards improving the cockpit. The F4U-1 is one of the few aircraft lacking sidewalls and a floor. Because of this many of the Corsair’s vital components are exposed. Though time consuming, we have given this special attention utilizing original manufacture drawings and unrestored aircraft as references to recreate most of the panels, cables, pipes and switches. Each area was then checked within VR to ensure that nothing what a strapped in pilot would see, will be missing.
Our team has settled on a modification designated MCR-600. This modification was a complete overhaul and simplification of the cockpit’s hydraulic system. Other changes not related to this MCR, include the following:

  • Separate rocket firing button
  • 4 switch armament box on the right side dash that is tailored for Tiny Tim use.
  • Removal of the M-8 flair gun to help reduce toxic fumes getting into the cockpit through the firing tube.
  • Removal of the vapor dilution system, since there are no wing fuel tanks.
  • Removal of the carburetor choke lever.
Thus the update of the cockpit model and adjustment of the textures to fit new cockpit constitute the final chapter of aircraft art development.
Items that will be modeled during Early Access include the armored glass and an adjustable Mk.8 gun sight.



 







System development is also largely complete as hydraulics, electrics and basic weapon systems are operational and we’ll continue to fine tune them as tests proceed. The AN/ARC-5 Radio and navigation equipment were also completed and tested earlier this spring. Decision to add the AN/ARC-1 radio set is still pending. Smaller things such as the oxygen equipment, anti-blackout suit, and particularly interesting (based on carbon-dioxide), the emergency landing gear extension system remain, due to the cockpit enhancements.



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Regarding the available ordnance and additional equipment, the full list of British and US bombs and rockets will be presented closer to the release. We hope to toss in a few features that would make our F4U-1D very unique in the DCS WW2 environment.








[h=1]Essex Class Aircraft Carrier[/h]Moving on, the carrier’s hangar bay is undergoing extensive development. It is our intention to make it possible for you to spawn inside the “belly” of the aircraft carrier, start-up the Corsair and bring it to the main deck with your very own efforts. We think that this feature would give you better understanding of aircraft carrier operations.
Don’t mind the sun roof, our ship-yard workers need fresh air.


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***2022 Update***

Starting the 2021 year off in April and all the way up until the late hours of December 31st, our artist have continued to diligently work on the Corsair’s cockpit. Our purpose was to bring it up to standards that DCS users have come to love from Eagle Dynamics and our fellow 3rd Party partners.


The whole cockpit had been remodeled for viewable accuracy. Textures were revamped for Physically Based Rendering technology, and animations were improved. This new year, in the current state it’s in, we are pleased to finally showcase the cockpit that took nearly 10 months time and feel it is ready for Early Access soon.


The cockpit features all new gauges that are part-numbered matched with the Dash 1 D variants, featuring the Munsell Blue-Green hue color profiles.
All gauge face plates and nameplates of ancillary equipment have been recreated in detail making reading easier.
Warning lights have also been period matched for late war Corsairs.
Hydraulic and Fuel piping have been meticulously placed

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More of update here.....
https://leatherneck-sim.com/2022/01/06/2022-new-years-update/
 
In the cockpit, we have developed a better approach of how the ultra-violet lighting reacts with the gauges and texts. Using a complex system of layered textures and volumetric lighting, we came up with a visually appealing setting; lights that reflect off of near by surfaces, light bloom from fatigued eyes, and faint glows from distant objects. A video below showcases the work.


 
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Dear Partners, fellow 3rd Party Devs, and Fans,

We hope you all let the Spirit of the holiday season warm your hearts with peace and prosperity!

Happy Holidays! - Mag 3 Team


 

Dear Partners, fellow 3rd Party Devs, and Fans,
May the New Year give everybody courage to triumph over vices and embrace the virtues!
Happy New Year! - Mag3 Team

 
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